Let’s examine the case of a person who finds BZ and thinks “What a great idea! I’m going to join up and get busy submitting my articles. Finally, a joint that doesn’t penalize me for putting in my own work.” Now, with several articles submitted, this new member is barely making any progress at all. “I don’t get it,” they cry out. “I thought this place was going to help me get more exposure.” As they look at how well other people’s posts are doing, they become enraged, grab a high powered rifle and climb the nearest watertower.

It doesn’t have to be this way. First of all, sitting on a tower can be pretty lonely and cold. And, second, there are things you can do to ensure your success. If you are too busy planning your shooting spree, I’ll leave you to it, but otherwise, lets crack a Blue Beaver Beer and come up with a more reasonable course of action.

You have to give before you can get! If I, or many other BZ users, see five of your articles all submitted at  nearly the same time, and I know darn well you haven’t bothered to read anyone else’ work, I probably won’t read yours and I won’t make you my friend.

It’s that simple.  Your profile will show what you have been up to, so don’t think you can hide it. It doesn’t matter how good your articles are if other people can tell you are being self serving.

On the other hand, if I am looking at various entries, and I notice that not only has a particular user zoomed these articles, but also commented on them and commented on the respective article’s blog, I am going to be predisposed to like that person by association. If I see their name on an entry, I’ll probably read it even if it’s not in my main interest area. I will try to like it. I will try to comment when I have to struggle for something to say. I will probably zoom it.

Another area that needs emphasizing is comments placed on a blog. It costs nothing, and takes such a small amount of time. All of you know how good it feels to know that someone out there is paying attention. There are times when a new blogger is wondering if it’s worth it, maybe ready to throw in the towel. Well, you need that new blogger. You need that person to read your articles! You can’t afford to let them quit. I know that most of you produce how-to and other helpful posts, to show others what you know. I love these articles, and all those new to blogging can really use your help.

And all you veteran bloggers with the scars to prove it, I know you appreciate the comments too. If you like your commentors, reply to them! If I go to a blog and I feel like maybe the writer doesn’t even read the comments, I will only leave a couple before I give up. If my comments get answered, I know that there is a two way street there. It isn’t all about them.

So there you have it. Share your toys, help others, play nice, and you too can get ahead in this world. And stay away from water towers. You never know who might be up there.