When people around the world think about Canadians, one word usually comes to mind: polite. For the most part our SmartCanuckers display that in spades. With that in mind, I thought it might be fun to take a peek at LifeHacker’s guide to commenting on blogs.
The original post is a little old, but courtesy and common sense never go out of style. Topic highlights include “Remember that nobody likes a know-it-all,” “Be succinct” and “Be courteous.” It’s a very well written piece and even seasoned bloggers like me can learn a thing or two.
Remember kiddies — a smart Canuck is a polite Canuck.
Thanks for the post!
Well said. It’s not nice to call people names, as I have experienced here.
While I agree it’s important to be polite, a blog is absolutely nothing like a living room (a living room has four walls [at least] protecting it from the public, a blog is meant to be read by anyone). A blog is a public display of the author’s musings. As a result, they must be willing to receive criticism. Again, I think this is a vacuous post.
Hey Jim, I see the angry loose canon is at it again. I enjoyed your blog, along with others and that is what matters!!
“Remember that nobody likes a know-it-all.
The best kind of comments come from thoughtful, knowledgeable people who add more information about a topic. However, tongue-lashings from condescending smartypants will go over as well on someone’s blog as they would in that someone’s living room. Expect to get shown the door in the form of the delete button. When fact-checking, pointing out a typo or dead link or asserting a dissenting opinion, do it in a respectful, friendly way.”
I do believe the point made there was that there is nothing wrong with leaving criticism in the form of a comment on someone’s blog. However, there is a way to do it that is still respectful, friendly, and polite.
Oooh and I love this point
“Do not feed or tease the trolls.
No matter how many articles like this get written, there will always be people who surf around the Internet and inject pointless vindictiveness into any available textarea. Don’t let the terrorists win. Do NOT acknowledge these people with refutations, disagreements or even a mention of their screen name. “
That’s a fair point Amanda (the last one); however, it is also easy to simply view every opposing view in this manner. There is absolutely nothing wrong saying something is bad … We all need that. It is depressing society has become so fixated on political correctness that we are unable to criticize anything without being labeled a cynic or a blatantly mean person. The problem is that there is no ‘polite’ way of saying someone is bad at something and that’s sad.
I would also point out Jim’s very obvious vested interest in this piece, of perpetuating this view that we all must either be obsequious or, at worst, vanilla when commenting on blogs.
My suggestion is that if bloggers don’t want criticism they should keep a traditional diary.
Lastly, where does the quote below come from?
“Remember kiddies — a smart Canuck is a polite Canuck.”
I would like to know when has intelligence implied politeness (NB: in symbols intelligence ==> politeness [i.e., not an iff statement]).
I think that I will be chocolate.
…and the troll has spoken again….tee hee
Nice post Jim, I think there has been an abundance of rudeness lately and it’s quite refreshing to see this post.
I too get carried away at some things but I do try my best… I think we all do at times.
Contrary to Trolls belief, my husband isn’t whipped in fact if you think i’m bad for arging my point my husband is about 1000 times worse then me 🙂 Makes for some fun conversations, thats for sure!! Some days I wish he was whipped though, my kitchen sink drain is leaking. He’s the most amazing man i’ve ever met, even if he won’t fix the drain.
What got me hooked on this blog is your posts Jim. I found your pieces to be interesting, funny, light hearted, and well just sheer entertainment.
Unfortunately once in a while people who aren’t generally happy in life make there way over here, to try and make everyone as miserable as they are.
Anyways I just thought I’d make a post because I haven’t really talked to you before but keep up the good work! I absolutely love your blog posts!
I believe that if you are intelligent you will act politely because you would be smart enough to know that “you attract a lot more bees with honey than with vinegar.” Therefore intelligence implies politeness. That being said, dissenting opinions can be stated but it can always be done politely and with respect.
Very true Sarah!