There are things for and against all methods. I have a looooong list of links on my sidebar which still doesn't include all of the blogs I access on a fairly regular basis. I feel that I should add the ones who are nice enough to regularly read and comment on my postings, but my links list could become 'bigger than Ben Hur'.

Although they are on my list, I don't actually use them to gain access to their blogs - I do that through my Favourites list (which is in several categories, and longer still). I feel that the Links are there more to encourage others to visit them.

Since I'm very interested in what other regional gardeners are up to, I made a point of adding Great Lakes gardeners blogs to my blogroll. They have their own category, and make up most of my (not very big) blogroll. I have a couple who aren't regional, but whose blogs I enjoy a lot, so they are on there as well, under a separate heading.

I'm a little concerned about your comment that blogs with no blog roll go against community and acceptance. I've only been blogging for a few months and I don't know the etiquette for making a blog roll...maybe someone could explain this...do you just make a blog roll with blogs you enjoy or do you ask permission to include someone on your list?

I have 195 feeds across a dozen different categories. I don't put them all in my blog's blogroll. And I am being choosy. At this point, I don't have time to read any more, so if I add another, someone's got to go. Sorry!

I have two categories in my sidebar on the main page: Gardening, and Nature. These are in keeping with the character of my blog. I don't know how many feeds they have in them, but they're the two largest categories, so at least half of my feeds. I'm thinking of adding another category or two, but they don't have as many blogs in them.

When I post about something I heard about from someone else, I always provide a link back to my source for the info, regardless of whether they're in my blogroll or not.

Hi Leslie.

My comments weren't aimed at bloggers who are not aware of setting up blogrolls but were directed at bloggers who consciously make the decision not to link to anyone.

The etiquette is simple. Link to whichever blogs you like. I haven't found a blogger who has knocked back an offer of being on someone's blogroll, but if you prefer to ask first - ask away!!

All the best with your new blog.

I agree with Xris, if you don't want to link then don't! Let's hope internet bullys don't get into the blogosphere!