- Start with a greeting and/or the person’s name
- Be positive, interested, and encouraging.
- If you disagree, be polite about it.
- Be on topic – connect with something in the post*** (see examples below digital footprint)
- Aim for correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Use a polite, conversational tone.
- No texting language like “lol”
- No “Hi! Visit my blog! Bye!” comments.
- End with a question that will help to keep the conversation going.
- Re-read your comment before you hit ‘submit’
- Keep your privacy: no personal or identifying information about you, your family, or your friends. Don’t give out last names, school name, phone numbers, user names, or places and dates you can be found.
- Remember, anyone in the whole world can read your posts and comments. Once it’s there it’s there forever, part of your digital footprint.
![digital-footprint](https://wollemidhs.edublogs.org/files/2016/10/digital-footprint-2ik888h.png)
Image source http://www.cybersmart.gov.au
***Examples of HOW to comment:
- Compliment the writer in a specific way eg. Hi Ben, you’ve described your cat so well I could see her clearly in my mind!
- Refer back to the content of the post eg. I didn’t know Manx cats don’t have tails.
- Add new information eg. Did you know that Sphinx cats don’t have hair?
- Make a connection. Maybe the post reminds you of something you’ve done or heard or have. Share that connection! eg. Our dog lost his tail in a car accident but it didn’t seem to bother him much.
- Try to end your comment with a relevant question so that an interesting conversation can develop. eg. Do you think cats and dogs without tails have more trouble keeping flies away or showing emotion?
Guidelines adapted from: http://huzzah.edublogs.org/commenting-guidelines/ and http://mcnallymumblings.edublogs.org/student-blog-guidelines/ with thanks