Over time, I’ve picked up a few things that seem to make the whole world of blogging a lot more fun, beneficial, and interactive.  Here they are:

1.  If you have your own blog, read other people’s blogs, too.  Readers make good writers.

2. Subscribe to blogs that you frequent by email or in a reader.  This way you don’t miss the updates, and you make the blog host feel good.  This keeps good bloggers blogging.  (By the way, you can subscribe to this blog in the right hand column.)

3. Leave content rich comments on other people’s blogs.  Don’t just “like” the post, or leave a comment that says “thanks” or “great job”.  If you relate to the experience, share how.  If someone’s story impacted you, tell them how it made you feel.  Offer constructive, encouraging feedback.  Recommend resources.  All of this increases the interaction on the blog and builds the online community.

4. Leave content rich comments, but remember to use brevity.  Keep it fairly short.  I cringe at comments longer than two or three short paragraphs and just skim.  Just sayin’.

5. Give options on your blog for people to share your posts on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, etc.  (Note that you can share this post via the links at the bottom.) Post your own entries on those sites that you use.

6. Share other people’s blogs that impact you.  Maybe someone else will also benefit from it or add to the discussion.  Use Twitter, Facebook, etc.

7. If you’re a blogger, connect with people who share your links or comment on your blog.  Responding to and acknowledging them helps build the community.

Update: I almost forgot this one!!!

8. If you leave a comment on someone’s blog, check the box under the comment box to receive follow up emails when someone else comments on that post.  This way, you see the discussion that develops (without having to go back to the blog) and you’ll know if someone responds to your comment and is waiting for another response from you. 

These are just a few things that I’ve learned.  What would you add to this list???