It has come to my attention that many new Steemit users seem to have no idea about the unwritten rules of forum etiquette, so I will endeavor to write them down here.
1. Be relevant
Don't just say, "Nice post!"
Say what you liked about the post, support the position presented, or offer a polite and coherent rebuttal to points with which you disagree.
2. Be civil
Don't call names, make threats, wallow in fallacious nonsense, or try to stalk or troll other users. Differing opinions don't need to lead to vitriolic arguments. Keep it simple. State your argument, cite your evidence, and be prepared to offer supporting arguments. Or just ignore the post altogether and get on with your life.
3. Don't beg
Don't request upvotes, follows, resteems, or clicks on your embedded links to your own posts. Quid-pro-quo upvote exchange demands are simply rude.
4. Embed links to your own work wisely
In fact, I advise against linking your own posts at all unless they are especially relevant to the conversation, and then ideally only when it's something past payout anyway so it's clear you're not trying to game the system. For example,
I really liked your article on photography in New England.
[I went to the same area last September,](URL link to blog post)
and wondered whether you saw any of these same places?
This is relevant, civil, and offers the option to click the link only as clarification while stating it is not a vote-begging scheme.
5. Reply!
Respond when others comment on your posts, reply to comments on other posts, and engage with others who reply to your comments on other posts. This is where Steemit relationships are created.
A note on comments and upvotes
You can upvote comments just like you upvote posts. Upvoting people who make good comments as well as conversing with them encourages more good comments, and can count as good curation too.
I personally try to avoid upvoting contentless flattery comments, and have considered flagging some of them as spam, but I remain unsure whether that is the best course of action.
Input on comment etiquette, upvote/flag opinions, and other relevant matters are welcomed below. If you have written something on the subject, embedded links are also welcome.
If you like this post, please comment, follow, and resteem!
If you like this post, please comment, follow, and resteem!