Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Blogging: The Value of Comments


We all want more comments on our blog.  But why?  Is it just a matter of boosting our egos, showing our popularity, or just making us feel good about ourselves?   Let's take a look at how valuable comments really are to both the reader and the author.

Validating the Author


Every time you read another writer's post and leave a comment, you are validating the writer.  You are saying - I have read and enjoyed your work, and found it to be entertaining, informative, or helpful.  This encourages us to continue writing and to put forth our best efforts.  So when you read something you really enjoyed, that made you laugh or even cry, please let the writer know.

Feedback

Not only are we validated by comments, but the feedback will help us with future posts.  As we build a relationship with our readers, we gain insight into what they relate to, or connect with the most.  With this knowledge, we can write more effectively to our audience, and our posts will have greater meaning than if we just write 'hit or miss' and hope someone finds it interesting.

Forming Friendships

As you receive and respond to comments, conversations spring up, and friendships are formed.  Although we may never actually meet our "blogging friends" face to face, the friendships are real, encouraging and supportive.

Promote your Blog

Here's where we get to the "me" part.  It's the old give to get concept.  Commenting on others' blogs will likely get you more comments on your own blog.  If you leave a sincere comment on someone's post, along with your "return address", they will probably come visit your blog, and hopefully leave you a comment in return.  The more active you are with reading and commenting, the greater the opportunity for others to discover you.

The Results

Whether given or received, comments provide helpful feedback, insight into your audience, new friends and, ultimately, more comments.  So next time you read something you like, give the writer a heads up.


13 comments:

  1. Hi Linda.
    I couldn't agree more. Bloggers love to get comments. What I don't understand are those who complain that they don't get enough comments but aren't willing to spend the time to support other bloggers in the same way they would like to be supported. I think there's an element of give and take here and that is just the way of the blogosphere.

    Plus, as you say, by leaving your footprint around, it gives others a chance to find you. I believe there are a handful of readers that will comment on certain blogs no matter what, but the more effort a blogger puts out, the more feedback they will get.

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  2. I agree, Linda. Comments are so important, and we all enjoy receiving them. It'a confirmation that what we're writing is being listened to and appreciated. But, of course, commenting is a two way process, and the effort must be put in :)

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  3. Great post, Linda. Yeah, comments are nice and very much appreciated. And it's great getting to know people from all over the world - that's been one of the most interesting parts of blogging for me.

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  4. This is so true. I think one of the biggest benefits is that it helps make the writer a better writer. Nothing like positive feedback to keep motivated.

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  5. I think the building of relationships is the best part of receiving comments. I just wish everyone would hook their URL up to Disqus so I could just click on their comment and be taken to their blog. NGIP has an excellent tutorial on this. It's easy and it will get you more readers and, of course, comments. Good post.

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  6. I've taken to leaving non sequitar comments - I want my friends to know I was there and reading but all too often I have not one constructive thing to say about what they wrote - I don't relate to a lot of what my friends say but I just love the people they appear to be, and since most of my favorites are artists and photographers, how many times can you say "Great shot!" - (And did this comment have anything to do with your post LOL)

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  7. I never believe the (few) people who say they blog just for themselves. I like to hear myself talk -- via my blog -- and I want the social interaction. Who doesn't?

    I also find it interesting to hear other people's opinions of the topic. Most of my social interaction occurs online -- I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing but it works for me.

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  8. Davina- We are on the same page. I do understand how hard it is sometimes, with other demands on one's time. I am constantly playing catch up, and finding new blogs to read.

    I enjoyed the writing challenge, and read that you will be posting each story. Thank you.

    Sam Liu- It is true that we all like to know we are being listened to.

    Talon- Thank you. That is the great thing about the internet. You can travel and meet people without ever leaving home. Although, leaving home now and then is nice, too.

    Jen- Absolutely! I am definitely more motivated when I see a good response to something I've written.

    injaynesworld- I agree that building relationships is one of the highlights of blogging. I always give my url on comments when I have that option.

    Grace- There are occasions where I read and enjoy a post, but have nothing to contribute to the conversation. I hope that they can tell I've been there reading even when I don't comment.

    Cardiogirl- Yeah, I agree, the social interaction makes it fun and interesting. You meet people from all over with different thoughts, ideas and cultures.

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  9. I love leaving comments, as well as getting them, especially if the post I leave a comment on is really insightful. In the end it all boils down to the fact that we blog/write to specifically reach out and connect with others. When you blog something really important to you, and no one responds, it makes you feel a little sad. Personally, I don't like to feel sad, or to make others feel sad, so I love to leave my thoughts behind for the writer to stew over and others to chime in and converse about too.

    Great blog, Linda.

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  10. Linda,

    This is a great post. "I have read and enjoyed your work"...and will continue to so. You have to come back and visit the talented ones:~)

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  11. Jenny H- Thank you for your comment. Wow, was I really late on this one-thought I was caught up. Anyway, I agree that when you put your all into a post that has great meaning to you and it gets little attention, it is a tad depressing. Thanks for coming by.

    Sara- As always, thank you for your kind comment. I am glad you enjoy what you read here, as I enjoy all the cool challenges you come up with.

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  12. You posted this entry a while ago, but I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed this one. You do a great job here of articulating the value of comments for every blogger.

    I also wanted to let you know that I linked this entry in my latest blog post. I hope you don't mind. Keep writing. :)

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  13. KZ- Thanks for visiting. I am glad you found my post to be valuable and well written. I popped over to your site and liked what I saw. Looks like you've got a great cat too. We have 3, and they can be most "helpful". It's true, writing is not always easy".

    Also, thanks for the link! :)

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