Etiquette and the Blog Environment
Posted on February 2nd, 2010
Here is the link to a recent exchange between me and another reviewer (Edward Champion) on the occasion of his Chicago newspaper review of a Gail Godwin book. (You may wish to access the review itself within Mr. Champion’s blog in order to understand more completely my initial comments and all that followed.)
Here is another link to a separate blog (hosted by Frank Wilson) where the exchange provoked more discussion.
There is, I think, much to ponder and criticize in our back-and-forth comments; as far as I am concerned, the unpleasantness of the comments reminds me that the blog environment can too often be unruly, unpleasant, and uncivil.
Therefore, beyond the example of the linked exchange, I think that a larger issue presents itself in the form of these questions:
Are there not (or should there not be) commonly agreed upon “rules of etiquette” for comments in the blog environment?Why do those who offer comments sometimes do so in such offensive ways?Perhaps–in the instant case–both parties (myself included) are culpable of offensive commentary; therefore, should I have remained silent or commented differently?What is the solution for communication breakdowns in the blog environment?
What do you say about all of this? Have you had similar experiences? Would you care to share your “lessons learned”? I encourage your feedback.
Postscript:
In spite of Mr. Champion’s advice, I have not considered throwing myself from the top of a skyscraper. However, I am giving serious consideration to trying his recipe for fudge.
Tags: Blog, Communication Breakdowns, Edward Champion, Environment, Experiences, Frank Wilson, Gail Godwin, Initial Comments, Occasion, Postscript, Presents, Rules Of Etiquette, Skyscraper, Spite
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