As you already know, I've converted from a letter-writer to a
blogger. I love both writing my blog and reading others'
blogs. I'm surprised that I've been seduced by this technology since I'm really not much of a technology person. But seduced I am! Along with this new-found passion, however, comes questions. Anything new that impacts our culture is bound to change the rules, and I think
blogging has done this. I read several
blogs almost daily. A lot of them have some sort of connection with France; almost all are illustrated with a photo or two...or more! Here's
question #1: is it polite to read someone's
blog and NOT make a comment? I comment only occasionally if an entry really 'speaks' to me on some level. There are
blogs that I read and enjoy every day where I've never left a comment. Is this rude?
Question #2: Is it okay to use photos on my blog that I DIDN'T take myself? I try to credit Google when I swipe one from there, but when it's obvious that it's not my photo, i.e. I'm telling you about a place I'd like to visit someday, do I have to disclaim that the picture isn't mine? Just an fyi...most of the photos are mine.
Question #3: Is it okay to read
blogs at work? My hospital has blocked
blogs so you can't get to any through their server. So I take my mini-laptop to work and log onto the wireless network if I want to check any. I feel a bit guilty; doesn't stop me from doing it, though!
Question #4: If you 'meet' someone by trading remarks in the
blog's comment section, are they an acquaintance? How about if you establish an email correspondence with the
blog author...are they, then, a friend? I'm sure folks who have friends on Facebook or MySpace could answer this question, but it puzzles me a bit. I always feel like I have to explain how I can have a friend who lives in
Belgium or
France, or
Norway.
Question #5: And what if you want to actually
meet one of these friends in person,
have coffee, share a meal...is this just plain weird? Please let me know if you have answers to any of these questions...I'm trying desperately to get this new technology and its rules right!