Food Blogging Etiquette

This picture doesnt have anything to do with the post, I am just physically incapable of posting here without a picture.

Something that amazes me is the number of new food blogs.  Every single day 100's of people join the food blogging community and begin this fantastic journey of documenting the one thing that we all share... a love for food.

I thought maybe I could share a few tips for creating a successful, but more importantly, friendly food blog. 

Why is "friendly" more important then successful?  It is my opinion that you cannot attain great success unless you first choose to do it the right way.

1. Do not post someone else's recipe verbatim.  Do post the directions in your voice.

You can certainly post ingredients exactly, but the directions should always be in your own words.  How did you prepare the food?  That is how your directions should read.  Even if you followed another recipes directions precisely, you should still share your experience in your words.  

2. Do not use someone else's pictures without permission. Do take your own pictures.

In some instances you really just want to showcase someone else's work. (if you are using their pictures, try to limit it to one) This is a wonderful aspect of the food blogging community and one that is encouraged!  However, always always always provide proper links back to the original blog.  If you really want to use someone else's pictures, simply ask them for permission.  Most bloggers have a disclosure preference on their blog if you are unsure.  When in doubt, ask!

Even if you are not an expert photographer, people still want to see how you prepared the food.  It is your blog!

There is always opportunity to learn more about taking better picture of food. (Here is a quick tutorial)

3. Do not take credit for someone else's work.  Do provide proper links and accreditation.

 

If you chose to make someone else's recipe (which is not only common but expected) you make sure you are very clear with your readers about who provided your inspiration.  This involves clearly explaining where the recipe source originated.  If possible, try to include a link back to the creators website.  

If ever in doubt, just ask yourself the food bloggers Golden Rule, "How would I want to be credited if someone was using my recipe?"

I hope that these little tips can help you to not enjoy enjoy the food blogging experience, but help you to develop strong and long lasting relationships with other food bloggers!

 

Comments

[Laura Madere (@SmartMomsSave)]

Great informative post! Thank you for adding the link to the photo tutorial. I'll use that site for many things I am sure, besides food too!

[Nourhan @ Miss Anthropist's Kitchen]

I honestly never knew it was etiquette to change directions into your own words...thanks for sharing!

[Michelle Jaffee]

Thank you for this! Being respectful, giving credit, asking permission - all so important. Bravo!!

[Stephanie]

This is a great post. As someone who is new to the food blogging world, I do my part to make sure that if I use another recipe to link back to the original person.
Thanks for the link to food photography. I always need help with that.

[Abby]

Very true and very good advice. I think we should give people the benefit of the doubt whenever possible, as many new bloggers simply don't know. There's also confusion, I think, to at what point a recipe becomes your own. But, when in doubt, link back!

[Jen]

I started my own food blog a couple weeks ago. These are great tips. Thanks, also, for posting the link to the Food Photography tips. It's very helpful. I just have a four year old Canon PowerShot SD600 Elph that takes decent vacation photos but has been a pain when it comes to close up detail shots of my food - but I can't afford a $500+ camera!

[give peas a chance]

great post

[Kristen]

You know how I feel about this - great job putting this together and out there!

[Charcoal and crayons]

Although I'm not a food blogger, I do post recipes... thank you for the great tips!

[Eliana]

Could not have said it better myself. These here are the golden rules of food blogging.

[Kimberlee]

This was so helpful for me to read. I need to know this kind of stuff!
I have used a picture of yours and did credit you as the source of inspiration with a link...but I didn't ask you. I didn't quite get every step, there. I'm sorry.

As always, I love your blog and the things you bake!

[Terri @ Terri's Table]

Thank you for taking the time to remind us all of how important good blogging etiquette really is, whether its a food, personal, political blog or otherwise. Proper accreditation is imperative.

[Keene in The Kitchen]

Thank you for this post which is quick and right to the point. I am one of those 100's of new bloggers as of last week, and I appreciate all helpful advice! I should also tell you that I made some cakes for my parents' 40th anniversary this past weekend, and I used your rose cake design, and it turned out gorgeous! Thank you so much for so many tutorials and easy, yet elegant decorating ideas. You are awesome! I posted pictures on my FB page and tagged you.

[Kirsten]

I was just curious if the same applies to blogging about a recipe from a cookbook? I've got a ton of great cookbooks that I'd love to post recipes of......can the same etiquette apply there?