The blogging industry can be filled with drama and competition. .  “can be” .

Or it can be a supportive environment to learn your craft and build a successful business.

Here are 5 ways to be a nice blogger:

1. Don’t talk trash

Don’t talk trash about brands or other bloggers, especially online.  Whatever we put out there on the internet is alive FOREVER.  Look at all those topless (or bottomless) pics our celeb friends are always trying to hide and you will see that nothing ever goes away.  If you are getting all hot under the collar about something (or somebody) step back, go outside or sweat it off on the treadmill, and know that no good will come of you jumping into a smack down on the internet.

2. Don’t JUST ask for help, give it to.

It frustrates me when they only things coming out of a bloggers mouth are “me, me, me”  If you have a tonne of questions, find the right place to ask them, or look for mentorship or educational opportunities to learn more about the industry.  Don’t be that person who stalks the groups and takes all the good tidbits of advice without sharing any of your own.

3. Know when you aren’t the right fit

Not all paid opportunities are the right ones for every blogger. Learn when to walk away from an opp, or even better, when to share it to the right blogger.  I recently passed on a “gold mine” of a contact to another blogger that I knew LOVED the brand in a way I never could. She was the right fit, and even tho the brand reached out to me, I knew they could get what they wanted elsewhere.

4. Support, show up and help out when you can

You are not a big deal. I repeat, “You are NOT a big deal”

In fact, you are never too big to help out a friend or a contact, or support a program that needs support.  Look at it as a charitable act, a kindness. Share the love, retweet, participate and don’t get all wound up in the competition

Uhho- that is only 4 reasons. Maybe #5 should be “admit your mistakes”

Good thing top 5′s are so last season and Top 4 lists ALL the RAGE right now anyway!

Just remember one last thing though, karma’s a bitch . . so play nice in the sandbox.