7 things I like to see (New) UAE bloggers do more

I was asked once to give my thoughts on the UAE 'social media' scene -as someone who's been doing this for some time now- and does NOT blatantly yell over roof tops claiming to be the first, the best or a self-claimed-blog-twitter-guru after doing it for a couple of months.

After a long though, here are a few tips i'd like to share with those who have just 'hopped on' the band wagon. That includes anyone who's been doing this no longer than 1 year.

1. Stop whining

Almost every new blog i visited this year is PACKED with complaints, rants and raves.

I was no exception, to be honest. When i started this blog in 2005, I started with a lot of ranting and complaining. I complained about anything and almost every inconvenience I run into in life, no matter how trivial it may be, could end up on my blog.

Thankfully now, i don't do that anymore ... not as much at least :)

Its easy to fall for the temptation. Almost everyone thrives on spitting out negative criticism. It gives you room to unleash ur hidden sarcastic-self, and opens doors for cynical beings to jump out of the closet.

Not only that, it brings in more comments - aren't we all there for the comments?

However, it takes much more creativity and energy to highlight whats good, healthy and useful. And if there is a negative experience you want to share, do so but be fair and give people the benefit of the doubt before you unleash your wrath.

2. Acknowledge comments

I do my best to reply to every comment I get here; whether for or in disagreement with the post. Reply individually to these comments. Especially ones that you haven't seen before in your blog.

It may sound cumbersome to individually reply to 50 comments (if you are that lucky), but its about being courteous to those who spared a minute of their lives, to share their thoughts with you. You owe it back to them.

3. Get to know your first timers

I can always tell who's been here for the first time and who is a returning visitor. Many new blogs I comment on, don't even acknowledge my first-time visit, comment or interaction. I rarely go back to these blogs.

4. Be respectful, not repulsive

Some people believe they can make a stronger counter-point by adding personal insults to the blogger - just because they (1) think they are anonymous and they can get away with it and (2) they think it makes their point stronger.

Well, for (1) no you are never anonymous and you can always be tracked back and (2) No, as a matter of fact, profanity makes your argument much weaker - I usuelly delete any comment that has profanity.

5. Visit back

Its simple really - i'll scratch yours if you scratch mine. Always return the favor with a return visit. And if the blog you are visiting back doesn't genuinely interest you, that shouldn't stop you from leaving a 'courtesy I-woz-'ere comment' every once in a while.

Also, link to whoever links for you. There are tools that show who is linking to you. (if you are linking to my blog and i missed it, do let me know - happy to link back ;) )

6. Stick to something

Blogging in the earlier years, basically when this whole blogging business started in the UAE, most blogs blogged about anything and everything. Very few were specialist blogs - maybe no more 5 or 6.

I see an upcoming evolution and I'd love it if the new kids on the block can play a role to define more genre-blogs: Autos, tech blogs (i know of a couple already), celeb, crafts, environmental and maybe -gasp- a few political ones. Though i still think personal blogs will always prevail as the majority, but i believe we will see more specialists coming our way.

7. Use technology to become a better blogger

Though comment moderation may discourage people from engaging with you, but it protects fending off spam, lamers and abusive language hurlers. Also, use RSS feeds to effortlessly keep track of your favorite blogs. Email and/or SMS notifications, can help you to stay up to date on who is doing what and visitor stat trackers to know what/who is biting and what/who isn't.

Now, while I try to stick to these tips myself, I admit I can do better at it and will do better enshallah. Nonetheless, I am quite thrilled to see that blogging has gone a long way and looking forward for more blogs to follow.