Monday, March 24, 2014

Blogging (and Commenting) Guidelines

Commenting Guidelines
As a blogger, you will be commenting on other people’s work regularly.
Good comments:
  • are constructive, but not hurtful;
  • consider the author and the purpose of the post;
  • are always related to the content of the post;
  • include personal connections to what the author wrote;
  • answer a question, or add meaningful information to the content topic;
  • follow the writing process. 
 
As a student blogger representing Prince Rupert Middle School, you are expected to follow these blogging guidelines.  Use the questions in italics to help you decide what is appropriate to post on the blog.

1. Only post things that you would want everyone (in school, at home, in other countries) to know.
Ask yourself: Is this something I want everyone to see? Is there anything in my post that should be private? Is this my story to tell?
 
2. Do not share personal information.
Ask yourself: Could someone find where I live based on this information?
 
3. Think before you post.
Ask yourself: What could be the consequences of this post? Is anyone harmed in any way by this post?
 
4. Know who you’re communicating with - (people all over the world).
Ask yourself: Who is going to look at this, and how will they interpret my words?
 
5. Consider your audience and that you’re representing PRMS.
Ask yourself: Do I have a good reason/purpose to write this?
 
6. Know how to give constructive feedback.
Ask yourself: What will I cause by writing this comment? Is my comment helpful, or just criticism?
 
7. Treat other people the way you want to be treated.
Ask yourself: Would I want someone to say this to me?
 
8. Use appropriate language and proper grammar and spelling.
note: style for blogging is more familiar, conversational, narrative, etc.; less formal than academic writing, but you should still use correct spelling and grammar.
Ask yourself: Would I want this post to be graded for grammar and spelling?
 
9. Only post information that you can verify is true (no gossiping).
Ask yourself: Is this inappropriate, immature or bullying?
 
10. Anytime you use media from another source, properly cite the creator of the original work.
Ask yourself: Who is the original creator of this work? Can my reader tell who should get credit?