Twittequette, Blogstyle, n WackComments

I notice that there are certain types of “etiquette” in online communities and certain stylistic elements of this genre of writing that can be intimidating at first.

Twittequette

• I heard in a recent workshop that if someone follows you on Twitter, it’s a good idea to follow back. Ohhhhhh!
•  Polite ways to end a conversation on Twitter?  I just stop replying.  That seems to be common practice, but it still seems like there should be an easing-off or a closing. ( Something like "@suzemuse  Well, I better go do my laundry now. Thanks for the updates on new video blogging tools. Over and out.")

Blogstyle:

•  Twitter content seems to be better if it's about interesting things you’ve seen, done or learned.
• Blogging seems to be better if it's about what you can share to help other people interested in that same topic understand it better (instructional sharing slant seems to work well).   
• According to those-who-know the top blog writing tips mention that having opinions and lots of  links are good.

WackComments

•  (OK, I stole the heading from SisterSalad—but keep reading). Posting comments even requires understanding stylistic conventions.  
• Some comments are “better” than others. I’m still analyzing why. Clever is good. Thoughtful and insightful is good.  Personal is not always good (i.e., who cares?)  Asking more questions seems to be safe.
• SisterSalad did this hilarious youtube vid “Yo Comments Are Wack”  on what NOT to do and how bad grammer ain’t good.

This is a new style, a new genre. It’s kind of like writing in a second language—there are conventions that are at first baffling and take some time to acquire.  And like a second language, it will come eventually.