Friend Friday: Rules of Engagement

Hi all, come and join us on Friend Friday, brainchild of Katy  at ModlyChic.. go check out her site for more info on how to join us!!

Rules of Engagement
A number of bloggers have reached out  about how to deal with Tweets, emails, DMs etc… from  people who seem to be only pushing their own blog. It us thinking about  the rules of engagement with others in the blogging world is uncharted territory. We learn a lot about how to do it from trial and error.

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?
I haven't pursued doing guest posts, rather, someone has asked me.  I have asked someone to do a guest post on my blog as well.  I am not out to do anything on my blog other than have fun, show some outfits, make friends and get better at my photography.  Heck, not even sure what I would say is so  great about me that I should do a guest post for someone else anyway! Other than be a dork, that is :)

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’?
OH! PUL_LEASE don't leave a message like that on my blog. That is a SURE way for me to NOT follow you. At least add a comment about my outfit or photo!! Sheesh.  I only follow and comment on blogs that I think are somehow interesting to me, where they have great outfits, or photos, style, ideas.  When I do leave a comment I do my best to forward what they are up to. What I mean by this is that I provide some feedback (compliment) on outfits or photos and I also share a little about myself to help connect. If they are interested in following me too thats great, if not, not biggie!

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work.  How do you make your email stand out from the crowd?
To be honest, the only emails I send are to connect with the person (another blogger) and comment on something in more detail, or ask a question, or share about something. The purpose is to connect, not to sell myself.  And to be honest, I have gotten numerous emails from others doing the same thing.  I had someone email me saying they had been following my blog from the  beginning and they told me how much of a difference my blog made, etc etc and we have been emailing back and forth for months now! cool!!

4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure?
I have no exposure to seek.  I am not trying to GET anywhere with my blog. Its a hobby. Just for fun. If people are interested they will follow and will share it with others. If it is helpful and a resource people will like it.  I am not trying to get some kind of sponsorship or freebies or anything by building my numbers.  Of course, some free stuff is always good but was never really the intention of my blog. Also, I like to reply to comments and if I had a million I wouldn't be able to keep up!!

5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that?
My goal is to reply to people who comment on my blog. I also have a list of FAV GALS in google reader and those are my regulars. I mean, they are the ones I visit daily if possible. I like to comment regularly on those blogs that I really like and with those I really connect with.  I also make a point to connect with new bloggers I have connected with to provide support.  Colette (Statements in Fashion) was one of my first followers (Thanks Colette.. me loves you xoxox)  and she provided ongoing support and encouragement and has made such a big difference for me, I try to do this for others as well. We are a community, why not reach out and have some fun, make some friends while we are all dressing Fabulous!!!

I look forward to reading everyone elses answers... off I go into my weekend, chat next week Lovelies!! MWAH xoxo Jodi