Many of you know that I started working on a Book Blog Meme Directory (see it here!) earlier this summer, and it’s growing and flourishing. I’m really excited about it, and have gotten some very nice words of feedback and encouragement. (Thank you!)
Here’s my dilemma:
Several people have given me suggestions and referred me to memes that they’d like me to include — but the people providing this information are participants, not the hosts. In some cases, when I’ve reached out to the meme hosts, I’ve gotten nice replies and enthusiastic “yes, include me!” emails. But in other cases, I’ve gotten no replies at all.
What to do?
Here’s my question, and I’d love some input: Do you think it’s okay for me to add book blog memes to my directory based on participants’ info, or should I wait until I manage to get in touch with the meme host? Should I even bother tracking down the meme host, or just go ahead and update the directory with whatever info I’ve already been sent? If I try to contact a meme host and get no reply, should I assume they’re not interested? Or perhaps their spam filters ate my email?
On the one hand, I don’t want to list someone if they’re not okay with it. On the other hand, it’s not for a nefarious purpose — in fact, they’ll probably get some fresh new visitors to their blogs! I’ve gotten different responses from the few people I’ve asked about this issue so far, so I’m throwing it out there to the blogging world! Tell me what you think, and why… and I’ll be ever so grateful!
Besides seeing your poll responses, I’d really love to hear more. Can you tell me why you feel the way you do? Are there issues or concerns that I may have missed? Or am I overthinking this completely? Please leave me a comment!
Bookshelf Fantasies 
My thought is this – a free link isn’t something anyone would complain about. The email probably got eaten by spam filters – mine’s been doing that to me 😦 You can also reach out and comment on their meme post letting them know about your directory and see if they respond that way. But I would say list it, and I’m sure they would enjoy getting extra traffic to their meme. 🙂
Thanks, Julia! That was pretty much what I was hoping someone would say. 🙂 People can get really touchy about blog etiquette, and I don’t want to cause offense, so I’m just trying to be cautious and here what others have to say. (I know I wouldn’t mind if someone listed me somewhere!!)
It is most definitely okay to add without contacting the host at all. Memes are posted publicly and there would be no reason to get permission first. I can’t think of a reason that a blogger would start a meme that they would like to keep secret. That would be the opposite of the very meaning of “meme”. List on!
Good points! I guess I was thinking in terms of the blog host “owning” the concept and content, but you’re right, it is meant for public sharing after all. This is so helpful! I was having a hard time figuring out if I’d be stepping on anyone’s toes… I really appreciate your input!
It would be nice to reach out to the meme host, just to let them know about the directory. However, there is no rule I know of against linking to other peoples’ websites, in any capacity. If you want, you could always include a disclaimer on the directory page that you’ll remove any links at the request of the meme host.
That’s a great idea, thank you!