The great thing about blogs are the opportunity for dialogue they create. Blogs aren't intended to just be ramblings from the author, instead, they offer the reader the ability to comment and create a back and forth of conversation.

With blog commenting; however, there are some rules of etiquette to keep in mind:

• Use correct grammar and spelling. Most blogs will not only display your comment, but your name and email address as well so be sure that your comment is intelligent and grammatically correct.
• Provide insightful commentary. Don't comment unless you really have something thoughtful to say. "Right on" or "great" doesn't really provide much to the conversation.
• Stick to the topic at hand. Don't comment solely for the opportunity to produce a diatribe on something totally unrelated. Add to the conversation in a meaningful way.
• Don't attack the author. Certainly, you can disagree but be sure to do it a respectful manner.
• Don't ramble on forever. Be brief, and again, intelligent with your comments. No one wants to read a comment longer than the original post.
• Links - while it could be beneficial to link back to your own site in a comment when appropriate, do not spam blogs with only a link back to your site. If your site happens to provide more information on the subject at hand, and can be a source of further reference in combination with your comment, I say it's a "do". But, if your only intention is to try and drive traffic to your site from the link with no good frame of reference, it's definitely a "don't".

Bloggers post with intention of reaching out to the online audience so post when and where appropriate and be sincere and personal with your comments. Bloggers are looking to make connections and friendships with their posts and commenting is an easy way to get there. Hopefully you will have learned something from their post and in turn, are able to provide something of your own through your thoughtful comment.

Happy blogging and commenting!