I had the honor of participating in BlogHer Biz '08. Part of my gig was to lead one of the round table 'experts' discussions. However, as what usually happens in a free flowing BlogHer conversation, I learned more from the fabulous women than I gave.

Our talk turned to etiquette in social media .. what is proper and politie in the digital world. Do we still need to remember our manners? The Divas round the table kindly agreed to share their thoughts.

• Lori Magno, Digital Hive Modadi Magno:
  Be Nice. Is it really that hard? disagree with me, tell me why - I'll
  respond. Can you phrase it in the form of a question? Are you "you" or
  are you hiding behind "anonymous?" Be. real. You will be rewarded.
• Yvonne DiVita, Lip-Sticking:
  Be open & honest. Respect the fact that its not all about 'you.'
  It's about the whole community - that's a group of people, not just one
  person. By the way be sure to check out the stylish new header on
  Lip-sticking.
• Sarah Levy, Mini-et-Moi: Respect and responsibility. Be respectful of the writer and the
  community and behave as though you are part of a long-term
  relationship. (If you're angry or want to rant and rave, wait a bit
  before you hit "send.") Take responsibility for what you say - even if
  you want to do so anonymously.
• Kristin Livermore: Respect the relationship you're developing
  and respect the community. Understand and learn about who you're
  talking to so you can have a real conversation.
• Amy Pagiutte Cisco:
  Be open to sharing and responding to information and contacts in a way
  that is always respectful, honest, transparent. Understand who you are
  communication with so that your commentary can be absorbed
  appropriately. Don't rant -> always be respectful.
• Jenna Woodul, Live World: Social media implies and requires civility.
• Jeanette Gibson Cisco: If you wouldn't say it to someone in person, don't say it online. Be respectful and transparent.
• CB Whittemore, Flooring The Consumer: Rules For Behavior Extended Into Social Media. Courtesy matters. More specifically: Being polite and relevant; Apologize for interruptions; Adding value throughout interaction; Active listening; Not bullying. Not too different from how you would expect your children to behave.
  So with technology that would mean silencing cell phones during
  meetings, and not distracting side conversations (or tweets).
• Toby Bloomberg (moi!), Diva Marketing: Remember what your mama taught you: Don't lie. Don't cheat. Don't bully. Play nicely together.

What does social media manners mean to you? Is this a topic that we should even consider?