Ask Emily
By Jeremy Fogt on Mar. 06, 2008
Dear Emily: Is there such a thing as blogging etiquette? I am fairly new to the whole blogging thing, but I recently started writing my own and reading others. When I read someone’s blog the other day, I found it pretty ridiculous. So where there was a place to comment, I wrote my thoughts and suggested people read my blog instead. Then someone else responded, “You can’t post comments solely for the sake of promoting your own blog or site.” Really? I didn’t know there were rules! Is this a commonly accepted, unspoken blogging rule, or is someone just bitter about what I wrote?
— Bothered by blog
Dear Bothered by blog: Just as e-mail etiquette and cell phone decorum have taken shape in society, blogging protocol is certainly beginning to materialize. People have many different reasons for blogging, ranging from a simple love of writing to more economically motivated reasons. Many blogging sites are searchable by search engines, which means that people surfing the Web can and are funneled to blogs effectively. In turn, blogs often link to services provided. So it quickly becomes clear that attempts to divert traffic from a blog are sometimes considered unwanted. It should be the prerogative of a blogger to direct traffic away from their site or not. After all, for whatever reason they are blogging, they put it on the Internet to attract people to them.
Dear Emily: I want to take my girlfriend away for a romantic weekend, but I am tight on money. She can really use a vacation because she works so hard at her job. Where can I take her that won’t break the bank?
— Reluctant RetreatDear Reluctant retreat: Look for a reasonably priced bed and breakfast for a weekend getaway. They usually are located in scenic areas where you can go hiking and save money on entertainment. Another option is to impose on your friends and ask about renting (at a discount) any summer homes, winter cabins or such. Also consider getting a cheap hotel by a vineyard. Wine tastings are usually free (or inexpensive), and vineyards are typically picturesque and fun to visit. If going away proves to be too expensive, consider getting your girlfriend a spa gift certificate. A massage followed by a facial or manicure is certainly a wonderful way to relax.
Dear Emily: Everyone at work is always talking about American Idol, and I hate reality TV. I feel left out of the conversations, but I won’t stoop to watch that show. How should I go about becoming better friends with my co-workers if I don’t have anything in common with them?
— Reason versus realityDear Reason versus reality: First do the obvious: try changing the subject and finding something you do have in common with your co-workers. When they talk about TV, segue into something else you’ve watched recently, like the news (current events can always get a conversation going). If they refuse to deviate from American Idol, well, remember that saying, “If you can’t beat them, join them?” Give it a try. You don’t even have to watch the show to know something about it. Read a recap after it airs and find something interesting to talk about. For example, did you know that Brad Pitt and Reese Witherspoon will be participating in the show’s second fundraiser to help children in extreme poverty in the U.S. and in Africa?
Have a question on love, life, or etiquette? Don’t be shy — Ask Emily at AskEmilyAdvice@gmai
l.com or write in care of The Burg, P.O. Box 10129, Lynchburg, VA 24506. Then go to http://www.the-burg.com, where you can leave a comment.
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