The blog is our online dairy which contains news and updates in addition to staff and guest opinions on industry news, current events, and other business topics. Sign up to receive blog updates via e-mail or your RSS reader.
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WHY WE BLOG
Not everything will make it into the publication, and quite frankly some things simply can’t wait to be shared. Blogging allows us to communicate information quickly and creates an interactive community where readers can share their opinions and experiences through comments and replies.
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GET INVOLVED
We encourage readers to share their opinions, research, and experiences. But please exercise good taste and judgment. There is no secrecy on the blog, and your comments are available for the whole world to see. Comments disrespectful of consumers will be removed, as will any posts containing spam. Unless your comment is vulgar or in bad taste, it will remain unedited.
If you come across a great Web site, tool, news story, or other resource that you’d like to share with the collector mentor community, please submit your suggestion to the Editor. We also encourage you to submit your company’s good deed, volunteer initiatives, and other newsworthy events.
Also, feel free to take advantage of our “Ask the Mentor” feature. E-mail your tough call, unbearable situation, or question and we’ll try our best to help. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll try to find someone who does. If we come up short, we’ll at least make up something that sounds good. Be patient though–our emails pile up and a response may take time.
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AN INCOMPLETE GUIDE TO BLOGGING ETIQUETTE
1. NO PERSONAL ATTACKS
Respect that everyone is entitled to an opinion. You may occasionally read a blog post or comment that irks you. Be forewarned: Personal attack replies and comments will not be approved.
2. KEEP PRIVATE INFORMATION PRIVATE
Never, ever, ever, ever disclose a consumer’s name or otherprivate personal information on our blog. Do so and your comment will never see the light of day. In fact, you’ll also be banned from commenting.
3. STAY ON POINT
Don’t get off track with your comments and stick to the subject at hand. Absolutely no spamming!
4. CITE REFERENCES
If you are talking about “research” or a “study” cite references to add to your comment’s credibility. And, if you “borrow” from someone else, please give credit where credit is due. It’s only fair.
5. WRITE RIGHT
Try your best to use appropriate grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.
6. OWN MISTAKES
If you goof or stick your foot in your mouth, be sure to own it.
7. FORGET PRIVACY
What happens in the Blogosphere, stays in the Blogosphere. Understand that there is no privacy and that your comments can be viewed around the world–they go down in your permanent record.
8. PROTECT YOUR COMPANY AND PERSONAL BRAND
Think before you comment. How do your comments reflect on you and your company? You should never comment in the voice of your company without the appropriate authority or permission to do so.
9. BE YOURSELF
Don’t become a multiple personality commentor. Speak in your true voice and stick to one identity.
10. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK
Posts, comments, answers, and opinions are just that — opinions! They should not be used as legal, tax, or other professional advice. If you want professional advice you’ll have to pay for it. We take no responsibility for any actions that you take as a result of reading our blog and disclaim any and all liability.
