family brings joy - Linky Party Etiquette

Since my announcement and involvement in the Roomspiration Blog Hop & Link Party, some readers have wanted to know more about what a Link Party is.

What is a linky or link party?

A link party is a platform to share ideas about a particular topic. You can add your topic relevant post to the party. Other party goers and blog followers can click on your post. This is a great way to network with other bloggers and give exposure for your blog. Other names for a Linky Party are: Blog Hop, Blog Carnival and Meme.

Are there certain rules or etiquette for a linky party?

I believe so. Just as etiquette is encouraged in real life, I feel it is just as important online. However, it really depends on the values of the person on whether they feel it is necessary. There aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to blogging ETIQUETTE where a law enforcer gives you a ticket if you violate those rules.

On the other hand, if you want to network and make friends, if you want to be polite, if you want to grow your blog, then etiquette is highly recommended.

Shan’s Blog Etiquette

Please read & abide by the host’s link party rules or guidelines. Usually the host or blog of the link party will list certain rules in order to participate in the linky party.
Link to the exact post. Please don’t link back to your blog url or website name.
Please don’t join the party {link up} if you have no intention of placing a link, website button or link party button {which includes a link to the host party’s post} on your post.
Please visit and comment on some of the other blogs who have linked up to the party you are participating in. {They will appreciate the feedback} If you don’t think you have the time to do this, then please don’t join the party.
If you host your own link party, please comment or leave an email for the participants who have linked up.
If you advertise you are holding a link party on a certain day, please don’t open the party the night before.

Personally, I highly value etiquette because it is part of practicing consideration. I have learned by way of experience this week how much TIME and EFFORT goes into hosting a link party. I will look at link parties in a whole new light now. It should be a requirement for all bloggers to host their own link party at some point in time, so they can understand what I’m talking about. I have a saying I repeat to my children over and over, “Where much is given, much is required.” The same holds true here. If you want to give your blog exposure and gain new readers or followers, you have to put in the effort. It doesn’t come easily.

I wanted to re-quote what I wrote on the day of my Link Party {via Roomspiration}

I love “partying” with all you wonderful & creative peeps…lol. Today is a very special day for my blog. {tears of JOY} A milestone I will never forget. I so appreciate you being a part of it. Thank you so much. Today you’ve made another dream come true. I hope we can continue to uplift and inspire one another. The internet medium CAN be used for good and we have proved that here today. Thank you…gratitude abounds!

It was a wonderful day! I sincerely hope many of the visitors I received on Wednesday will join Family Brings Joy’s readership on a journey of creating unity and joy in our families. If you did visit on Wednesday, WELCOME BACK!