Blog ettiquette

[doradoo]

Hi all - just a quick question / straw poll for those more experienced Bloggers out there....

Should one ask a Blogger before linking to them in a post? I have a blog list of blogs I follow on my blog, but was spurred on to do something after reading another blog and wanted to link back my new post to their blog.

Do I ask first?

Email to say I've done it?
Just get on with it and not worry about it?

It's fraught with social danger this Blogging lark.....

If someone posts a link to my blog, it comes up in my unmoderated comments list as a trackback (I think).

I don't care if people link to my blog personally, as long as they aren't pretending my content is theirs. Just my view.

I don't see why anyone would mind but it does very much depend on the type of post the link will be contained in. Maybe shoot them a mail and explain that you'd like to add them to the post and see what they say. Checking never hurt and would probably open up a dialogue between you and the other blogger :)

I reckon anyone can link to anyone, the important thing is to not make it look as if you're claiming any of their content as your own. Most bloggers will be delighted to have a link to them, and really popular bloggers probably get linked to all the time!
Although no one would like a post linking to them to be a 'have you seen THIS load of old rubbish?' kind, really there is nothing you can do about it. Publishing stuff online obviously brings the risk of attracting opinions other than admiration. ;)

In fact, just re-reading your original post, if you were inspired by another blogger, I would go so far as to say it's polite and good blogging etiquette generally to link back and show your inspiration!
I linked to some inspiration in my very first post, and had a lovely comment from the author I'd linked to, saying she liked what I'd done, and wishing me all the best with the blog. ::slightly star-struck::

Thanks all - I mailed the blogger and they're pleased for me to do so.... watch this space.