Blog Etiquettes: GMRC of the Blogosphere

The “blogosphere” is a term used to describe the online world of blogging. It is, therefore, another world where we humans interact with each other wherever, whenever we are, as long as an internet connection exists. Since blogosphere is another world, it has, like our real world, its own rules for blogging netizens (netizens=internet citizens).

As a blogging netizen myself, I think the unwritten and unpublished GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct) of blogosphere should include the following points:

a) Bare it all. Expose yourself. It’s not really about leaking your secrets, but, a blogger, for me, should try to as much as possible express her feelings, thoughts, and insights. Write, tell your story and be heard.

b) Check and check your page. This does not only mean the way your blog is designed and dress but also the way you write and how often you update your site. Correct grammar errors. Mind the blog language you use. Never offend people with vulgar lingoes. Write regularly.

c) Interact. Be sociable. Listen as much as you write. Allow and encourage visitors to comment on what you have written. If a reader has taken the time to share their thoughts, you might just learn something from them.

These are just some of what should a blogger follow online. Please take note that these are based from my own views and are just for a special homework on Effective Writing! =D

FROM MY MENTAL PHOTO BOOK

“Kiwi!”

 

Whenever this word pops out of my mind, it is usually painted either as an egg-sized brown fruit or as a popular brand of shoe polish. One could say I have a very mediocre mental photo book. But really, seldom would the word “kiwi” be a picture of a small, flightless bird in my mind’s eye.

 

As I was waiting for the “Kiwi!” video to load, I scrolled down the page to view the comments. Almost all viewers stated that unknowingly tears rolled down their cheeks, that the animation and the story were good, and that what happened to the kiwi was very touching. Filled up with curiosity, I hastily played the video though the loading bar was not yet full. Moments later, I found my self with watery eyes. Yes, I agree with the viewers: that what happened to the kiwi is very heartrending. He would work persistently and tirelessly on hammering and affixing the trees to the side of the cliff, so that when he jumps off, he could experience a little time of flying, an action he never did all his life.

 

For me, the kiwi represents how one should behave toward his or her dreams. The kiwi is very determined to create his own path going to his ultimate dream of flying – even if pursuing the dream means taking big risks, making efforts, and a lot of courage. He reminds me of a few lines from a popular song: “to dream the impossible dream… to fight the unbeatable foe… to run where the brave dare not go…to try when your arms are too weary to reach the unreachable star”.  In my own understanding, both the kiwi and the song are driving out the same message: one can achieve his dreams, reach his stars, if he could only be determined to follow it, to do anything to grasp it.

 

An experience where I can relate myself to the kiwi was when I was changing my research topic last summer. Every night until early morning of almost everyday, I would be surfing the net for new ideas, theories that could support my proposal, and possible results of my study. Fortunately, my hard work was greatly paid off when Sir Mosura accepted my topic and when I was able to conduct my experiment. I felt like a million during those times!

 

I was thankful I was able to add new pictures for the word “kiwi” in my mental photo book. It is not only the picture of a small, flightless bird native to New Zealand but also the special picture of reaching one’s star with enduring determination and courage. It would be defined as going after one’s ultimate dream, even if it takes a lot of sacrifices, making a great deal of effort and even, just like the kiwi, risking your very own life.