Why Ask Before Linking?

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

 

Several times--on this forum and on book blogs--I've read people counseling bloggers to ask another blogger's permission before linking to his post, even if you're linking to it because you really love it and want to send some traffic his way. I'm wondering what the reason for this point of etiquette is.

 

I have a blog that belongs in another corner of the blogosphere where it's perfectly all right to link to other people's posts without notifying them first. For instance, Blogger A might not only link to, but also quote from Blogger B's post (sometimes extensively!) in order to build his own argument. It's not stealing or plariarising because attributions are made and links are provided.

 

So let's say that Blogger C touched on something in a review that Blogger D agreed with and wanted to expand on in his own review, why would Blogger D have to wait for "permission" to link to and quote from Blogger C?

 

Also related: what's wrong with publishing first and then saying, "Hi! I loved your review so much that I couldn't help quoting it when I was writing my own! I hope it brings you traffic . . ." etc.?

[KJ Kron]

Totally agree

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

 

Thanks, KJ! =)

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

 

LOL! "I wish not to be associated with you." The ultimate snub, aye? ;-) But given how many people link in tweets without asking first, I think we all have the sense to see that unilateral linking is hardly association!

 

But I'll also keep an eye out for "Don't link to or quote from my posts without permission" rules from now on. I really wouldn't want to offend someone when my intention is to call more attention to work of theirs I admire.

[Michelle Hodge]

I'm really not sure. I'm just starting out with my book review blog, so it's an interesting topic for me too. I'd like to know what others think. 

 

Personally, I think that I'd ask for permission just in fear of offending someone, but I also don't see anything wrong with quoting someone else's review. In my case, I wouldn't mind if someone quoted my review, especially since I also post my reviews to Goodreads, Amazon & Barnes & Noble sites as well as on my own blog. I'm sure sometime part or all of my review is wound to wind up somewhere else on the web. My only hope is that if it's used elsewhere, I'm told about it so it's not just flying out there somewhere without my knowledge - but then again, I know that's possible with posting things publicly on the Internet. 

 

Another thing is that I think if someone seriously wants to be contacted before someone quotes them, then it should be clearly stated on their site that way. I know sometimes people don't look everywhere on a site first, but if it's clearly stated what the blogger's wishes are, then it's more likely to be followed that way. When people don't know what's expected, they can't be expected to follow the rule.

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

 

I agree with you, Michelle. Given that we already link to lots of other stuff without permission (from news stories to author Web sites), the "default" status is that it is all right to link and quote without asking first. But when individual bloggers make their contrary preference clear, we have to respect that, too.

[Michelle Hodge]

Yeah. I know sometimes some people don't even respect the "do not quote me" requests, but I think most of us - who are actively blogging - do try to respect that as long as it's clearly stated on the blog. I've known some blogs where that request is kind of hidden though too, which makes things difficult! I would just like to actually know when someone quotes me.

[Katy Walters]

Hi,  I am just starting out.  I have a  free website which is hosted so  I am turning into a Blog for reviews.  Any tips would  be welcome.  

I have had some reviews on my book and did wonder if it was okay to quote from them without having to go through the lengthy process of contacting etc. But of course I would write and tell them. So this thread is really interesting. :))

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

 

As long as the quote isn't too lengthy and the link back to the reviewer's blog is easy to find, I'm sure it will be all right! =)

 

Good luck with your blog, Katy!

[Katy Walters]

Thank you. One point - if I could  ask your opinion. Is it okay to use a website for a blog?  It's just that Serif offred me a bargain website and free hositng for a few months so I thought I'd take advantage of the free offer. I will of course have to pay a very low monthly rate after that. 

[Enbrethiliel]

+JMJ+

 

I don't see why not! =) I wouldn't know what technical issues would arise from that, though.

[Katy Walters]

Thanks for that.  I shall have to see how I can put archives and things on. I expect I will create a side panel.  :))

[Michelle Hodge]

After I wrote a minute ago, I went ahead & added a little thing to my side bar stating...........

Note To Other Book Bloggers, Authors, Publishers, etc.  Please feel free to quote part or all of one of our reviews on your site or other sites online. However, please be kind enough to let us know that you shared our thoughts with others online. Whether you agree with us or not is not important. We would just like to know when our thoughts are shared elsewhere. Please use the "Contact Us" page to do so. Thank you!

I think that clearly states where I stand. I realize we won't always hear about it, but at least it's on there now. Again, I don't see a problem with it, but I know some people do.