image via. how cute is this? you can get your print for $8 via the image link and they have a ton of others. i totally want like 5 of them! someone from fbff had “keep calm & eat a cupcake” last week…sorry i forgot who it was =(

This weeks fashion beauty friend friday topic:

“Rules of Engagement”  – A number of bloggers have reached out to me recently about how to deal with Tweets, emails, DMs etc… from people who seem to be only pushing their own blog. It got me thinking – for a new blogger the rules of engagement with others in the blogging world is uncharted territory. We learn a lot about how to do it from trial and error.  ~Katy of Modlychic

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot? i have never done a guest post nor have i asked someone to but it is something that i would like to do. i enjoy being introduced to new bloggers via my fave blogs. if they like them, then more than likely so will i. i am also diggin how this blogger does a weekly roundup of the blogs she currently likes.

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’? i expect people to promote themselves. i’ve even seen a signature that had their email, twitter handle and web address. i thought it was a great idea, but i can see how some people would get offended. what REALLY irks me is a blogger who wants you to promote them (i.e. participate in MY link up, put MY badge on your blog, leave ME comments)….but DON’T promote yourself. and when i see that as the precursor in the little comment box section right before i am about to leave a comment, i am a little turned off. i have seen MANY successful bloggers leave comments with links to their blogs (and even a link back to their giveaway-gasp!). if you have a good blog, no comment is going to steal your readers…in my opinion.

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd? no one wants to feel like they aren’t special. emails should ALWAYS be personalized to the individual that you are requesting the exchange with.

4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure? it’s a two way street. this is where twitter comes in handy again. interacting often with your fave bloggers is a great way to build relationships. it really is such an awesome & giving community. it’s amazing how many bloggers can’t wait to offer support & advice. i have found that most bloggers are happy to spread the love.

5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that? i am hoping to learn what NOT to do from all of the other fbff bloggers answers! =)

stop by modlychic to see what other fbff bloggers had to say!

categories: fashion beauty friend friday11 comments

11 Comments ( Reply )

  1. Sarah
    Mar 31, 2011 @ 11:27 pm

    I like to take time when I write a comment and have something meaningful to add to the existing conversation. In return for having put thought and genuine effort into what I wrote, I stick a link at the end for ease. If people like what I say and who I seem to be, then they can check me out, end of story. I don’t think in a comment is the place for tons and tons of your own stuff, a line is sufficient. Comments should primarily be about the place where you are and the person who owns it.

    I am also hoping to learn some more what not to do tidbits from other bloggers’ answers this week. I haven’t been around or out long enough to have committed too many errors and I hope to keep the error count down at, ohh, 0, haha.

  2. Mode
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 2:35 am

    Hello fellow FBFF,
    Today I’m expanding my reading adventures, so that is why I’m visiting your blogpost. I agree that the connecting part is all about the relationship. Genuine bond is much more important than blog traffic, amount of followers and so on.
    I too rather have a true connection that evolves in a long term relationship, than short term “I like you, follow me” types. To everyone their taste.

  3. Kristen
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 6:41 am

    Interesting…definitely some things to think about. I just found your blog through another blog I read and I really like it. 🙂

  4. Fabienne Jach
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 7:22 am

    You’re very right, most bloggers are very happy to share the love. I’ve received and given, it’s not too different from my non-blogging life. Self-promo is part of the game but I’m a big believer in making it easy for others to find me on social media without pressuring them. It’s like leaving your business card with someone. Don’t need to call every day just to make sure they still have it! Yikes! I’m never sure why people use high-pressure tactics, I haven’t actually seen them work.

    So I randomly clicked on a another post just to explore your blog and I loved your messy bun tutorial. I’m going to have to try it. And the gold and coral nail polish, too. (Wow!) I want to try that too!
    🙂 f
    The House in the Clouds

  5. Teri
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 8:00 am

    Blogging has gotten so big and things have changed since some of the most famous bloggers began their blogs. I was told by a successful blogger who does RX seminars, that it’s okay to leave your site address in the “name” section as long as you leave your name first, but don’t just leave your url only. So that’s what I do but I’m questioning that a lot. Things have to happen organically. If you have a great blog with original content, good pictures, good grammar, and you post often, you will be successful. What is everyone’s intention with their blogs is the question that each blogger needs to answer. If you are hoping to get a deal w/Coach handbags, it’s a slim chance. Those days may be over, but what is the next new wave of blogging fame and what recognition will come with it? The good blogs with good intentions, originality and a clear theme, will rise to the top.

  6. Joy
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 12:18 pm

    I wanted to mention something similar to what you say in question 2. What I also don’t understand is when I leave a comment on a blog and then the blogger visits my blog and leaves a comment, “thanks for visiting my blog.” That is something that strikes me as a bit peculiar. But yes, I too expect others to promote themselves – you’re absolutely right!

    Indeed, it’s a “two-way street” – I like your attitude and approach! 🙂

  7. Daphne
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 3:12 pm

    Very similar views. I do occacisonally answer a question they asked in their comment to my post on a comment to their post only cause I don’t have their email to responde back in any other way.
    I also always try to remember to add my link at the end of the comment for ease but I never never ask someone to follow me. The most I will do is if they are very similar to me in style and life (SAHM with kids my kids’ age) I will simply write ‘check out my blog if you like’ after I have told them we are similar etc…

  8. Laura
    Apr 01, 2011 @ 11:38 pm

    I totally agree with you that twitter is a great place to seek support/help from other bloggers without sounding too needy!

  9. Mattie
    Apr 02, 2011 @ 6:52 pm

    You had me at “no one wants to feel like they aren’t special.” Such a simple yet profound statement. When we’re first starting out as bloggers, at times, it’s easy to become self absorbed. I’m taking that statement alone and applying it whenever I leave comments. I recently read a quote on Twitter that applies here: “When you make other people’s dreams come true, that’s when your dream comes true.” Great read, lady!

  10. Bree @ The Blog Stylist
    Apr 04, 2011 @ 12:41 am

    How cute is your blog! I have just discovered it. In love with your header 🙂 Also agree with you re: twitter – such a good tool for reaching out. If someone shares a link to my blog with their readers, I’m more likely to want to interact with them – they have shown me support, and I’m happy to show it back!

  11. Kate
    Apr 04, 2011 @ 5:43 pm

    First, thank you for the linkage. It made me smile. Second, I 100% agree with you on all of your answers. I especially like you answer about Twitter. It is definitely a GREAT tool for getting to know other bloggers and for reaching out. I used to not use it too often, but I have started now and love it. Plus a lot of bloggers put their latest posts up there so I use it as an RSS feed as well!