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This week’s MM, hosted by BFF Becca of Just one more page asks...How do you respond to the comments on your blog? Do you try to email individually or comment on the post yourself, answering the comments above? What do you think is the best way to respond to comments and do you respond to all of them? Do you feel slighted if you don't receive a response back from the blog owner?
I’ve only ever commented on the posts – don’t know anything about emailing responses yet. I’m not sure of the best way to respond to comments but I love reading them and am very excited when someone comments on my posts. This is the best thing about blogging, if you ask me, it’s a validation of the very nicest kind when like-minded people from all over the world take the time to leave a comment. Plus I love seeing the many different sides of the same coin as the discussion develops. I can’t tell you how often I’ve said to myself ‘good point I‘d never have thought of that’!
Take my recent Friday First experience for example, I went over to Under the boardwalk to respond to Nise’s comment on my Friday First post and while I was there I read the comments on her Friday First post... Staci’s comment reminded me of a long lost treasure AND gave me an idea for next week’s Friday First. I commented on this I hope that's okay, I'm not sure if it's polite to respond to the comments left on someone else's blog.
As you can see this week's MM is a timely question (courtesy of Jenny) because, as I don’t really know what the etiquette for blog comments is, I’ve have been reading up on it whilst lurking and learning. One really informative blogger I’ve discovered, who all probably know, is Kim at Sophisticated Dorkiness (don’t you just love that blog name!).
Kim’s BIP (Blog Improvement Project) is really helpful to a new blogger, I’ve been catching up on old posts too but April’s project is perfect for me...it’s all about comments. I’m going to try out a few of the suggestions found here and in some of the links Kim suggests. I like the sound of hoisting, well actually it sounds a tad uncomfortable (wedgies come to mind). More to the point I like the sound of community building which it promotes. Don’t really understand it yet, will let you know when I do.
I find it easy to respond to the comments on my blog as I don’t get that many (I don’t know how you’d manage comments in double figures) and they are always interesting, conversation sparking ones. I hope I'm responding properly - I'd hate to offend and am more than willing to be instructed if you ever feel slighted!
I’ve popped out of the shadows where I lurk a couple of times to leave a few gushy comments on other blogs. Hopefully people (who don’t know me) don't worry about the crazy lady stalking their blog.
While I’ve visited my follower’s blogs I haven’t ‘talked’ to them all yet – this is my project for this week. I don't mind if I don't receive a comment back from the blog owner, I figure I'm here for the experience not for sweating the small stuff (enough of that to do IRL).
So much to lurking/learning to do... so little time. The irony that blogging about reading does actually cut into my reading time has NOT escaped me. How do you deal with that?!!
11 comments:
I relate to much of what you wrote. When I first started blogging, it was easy to comment to everyone and I probably could have recited each and every comment I got! But as my blogs grew, it became harder and harder and more time-consuming. And I've come to the conclusion that there is no "right and wrong" in blogging -- just follow basic courtesy and you'll be OK!
I agree with Jenners above (see, you're encouraging discussion!); you may be feeling your way along, but you're too polite a person to ever actually offend anyone, you'll find a balance eventually.
BTW, I only sorta forgot to respond to your FF, I can't think of a good first line yet, but it's my challenge for today,
I agree with Jenners, too! That is an excellent way to look at it. I know I've often wondered what the right thing to do, as far as comments go, but there's only so much time in a day.
I agree there is no 'right and wrong' to it. Different people, all blogs that I like, handle comments different ways.
Personally, I am just thrilled that ANYONE is reading my blog and takes a minute to say ANYTHING...lol
Yep: No right or wrong but what works for you!
I'm so happy to learn that most bloggers feel the same way I do! I must be doing it right! lol
Great post, wendy. There isn't any right way or wrong way. It makes me happy when folks comment on something I said or just say hi. I've been following kim's project along with probloggers and learning much which is helping me come up with a consistent comment plan. Blogging is a great learning experience. My post is up here
As my fellow commenters have said, there really is no right or wrong way. I like to respond personally if I am asked a direct question and most have appreciated it.
This has been such a great musing. So many rich and varied responses, and you're right, there's no right or wrong way to do this!
When I first started blogging, I would visit and comment everywhere because if I did that, people then came to mine and it was like this buzz when I'd have posts with tons of comments! Now, I've realized that it's ok that I've simply got some favorite blogs that I go back to again again, and I only comment when I feel moved to do so.
After reading so many other responses today, I think I need to be a lot better at visiting those who are first timers at my blog. But, I always get annoyed when someone asks a question in their comment, but then their email is hidden and you can't respond that way. I wish every blogger would have their email listed in their profile. It's so much easier to respond to someone personally.
I pondered at this question a lot when I was an inchoate blogger. I wish to be able to reply to all the comments, given that the comments are open-ended. I also want to acknowledge all my readers and not to make them feel they are ignored. The etiquette of dealing with comments also lead to a bigger question of when and how to link a blog. Anyway, I appreciate your taking time to share your thoughts on my blog. :)
Like you, I love getting comments on my blog and when I see one pop up in my mailbox, I get all excited. Even on those posts I receive quite a number of comments--each one is special to me and I appreciate the effort and time it took the person to drop in and say hi.
Like Matt, I try and respond to each of the comments left on my blog although sometimes I will do a general thank you when necessary. It just think it's common courtesy. I do understand though that not everyone has the inclination to do that though and that's okay. It sure is nice though to be acknowledged.
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