The great things about blogs is that it's a conversation between the blogger and its readers. I often see people use it as a place to tell others about something interesting or helpful they've found - an article, another blog, a website, etc. - but all they really do is post a link to it without much else.

I mean, it's great to be helpful (unless they're just hiding a referral link in there), but instead of just posting a link with a short, "Hey check out this site" sort of deal, I think it's more "bloggish" (did I just make up a new word?) to write a review, an experience, something about it, too.

Remember, while each blog entry is an entity in itself, your blog as a whole is the place your actual readership will be going to, and an empty blog with just a link is, well, boring.

Writing a blog instead of a comment, or Writing a blog as a comment

While blogs are conversations between a blogger and a reader, it can also be a conversation between a blogger and a blogger.

When coming across a blog that interests you and you have a lot to say on the subject in response, instead of leaving a comment, write a blog about it. Point to the blog that inspired you. Not only is this blogging etiquette, but it could get you a link in return.

Trackbacks

A trackback is a way of letting another blog know that you are referencing them on your own blog. These are different than regular links in that they ping the other blog and it will say on the blog you are referencing that your blog is trackbacking to it, if it supports it.

This is a great way to link blogs that reference each other, plus it's a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. I'll go into this in more detail in another blog.

Blogger Party doesn't currently do trackbacks, but when it does, this is another great way to link to other blogs and articles.

The point is, though, that while a blog is usually just one person talking while others listen and throw in comments here and there, it can still be a community effort, even if you don't blog at a community blogging site like this one. Link to other blogs, talk about other blogs, blog about other blogs - it's fun, it's nice, and networking is a great way of expanding your audience, growing your revenue, and, well, making friends.