National Blog Posting Month

Do you think it's rude not to leave comments behind?

I need to get perspective on this one. Now that I'm checking my site meter every hour (ok, more like every ten minutes) I see people coming for a visit and traipsing around, but on some days, the ratio of comments is less than 1 in 50! Is it me or should people take the time to at least post a short note when they've seen or read something they enjoyed? If you're in the "yes, should comment" category, of course you can say so here, but feel free to go over here http://fromsmilerwithlove.blogspot.com/ to let me know as well. If you're in the "no, why should we leave comments?" category, I just want to know: but why?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anitra on November 17, 2007 at 10:04am: I agree with everything here... I only comment when I feel like I have something to add to the discussion, or something clever to say. Sometimes I try too hard in my comments, though, and it doesn't come out quite right. I'm always fearful that I might offend someone... so if it takes me longer than a minute to say something real quick and along these lines: "hi, I read your post and think you're totally awesome", then I just delete everything I typed and hit the back button. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Smiler on November 17, 2007 at 5:53pm: I think a lot of people are too worried about "leaving a good comment" when really, whatever you say, everybody is happy getting them. When I'm not feeling particularly inspired, I think about one item that I found touched me in the post and I just mention I liked this or that in particular and thanks for putting it out there. Sometimes it's also okay just to say "I was just passing by, thought I'd say I enjoy your blog". Of course you say that only if you do enjoy said blog because let's face it, not every single one in the millions out there is necessary brilliant. Writing gets to be a lonely thing and it's always such a boon when people take the time to show appreciation. Truly.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by kperfetto on November 17, 2007 at 10:51am: I leave comments, usually. Sometimes I don't have anything to add other than "you go girl," and I don't know how some bloggers feel about comments that don't really say much, then I opt out.

The repeat customers who never leave comments? Yeah, it bothers me, especially when the referring link is my profile from a message board I frequently post on. It's sort of like, you know me; I'm not going to bite. Go ahead and say hello.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Smiler on November 17, 2007 at 5:56pm: Repeat customers who never leave a comment behind would be the equivalent of the neighbor who walks into your house, helps himself to something in your fridge, then walks out without saying a word. Like Kramer, for example. Lol; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Manisha on November 17, 2007 at 12:00pm: I like comments that lead to conversations and further interaction. Those are the kind of comments I like to think I leave. I don't comment on every blog since I don't always have something to say. Then there is that thing called time, that I seem to not have much of!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by PearLady on November 17, 2007 at 1:56pm: I find myself wishing for more comments often, for unless I'm involved in some activity, the comments are few. It's kind of depressing at times, like when I see that I am getting visitors. As for commenting elsewhere, if I don't, it may be to include their link in a future blog. Then, when the person does a vanity check on their blog /url, they'll get a pleasant surprise (at least I hope he/she gets a good one). Anyway, point is remaining friendly and keep plugging away. You never know what may be around the next corner. :-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stella Devine on November 17, 2007 at 5:32pm: I struggle to leave pithy, concise, insightful, witty comments. Anyone who's read one of my posts knows that I tend to run off at the mouth. Often I start writing a comment, only to find that I have blathered on for four paragraphs and I'm yawning myself, let alone whoever's reading. And I figure I have my own blog for that. I think it is good etiquette to leave a one-liner to let the writer know that they've inspired me, so I try to comment at least once on each blog I read.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Smiler on November 17, 2007 at 5:58pm: I'm guilty of leaving long comments sometimes too. But it's just like a real conversation: sometimes you don't have much to say, and sometimes you do!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Shelby on November 17, 2007 at 5:35pm: Regarding this conversation about comments, has anyone else seen the buttons you can add to your site that say "YOU COMMENT, I FOLLOW" ? This might be a useful way of telling your readers that if they leave a comment, you will pay them a visit and/or do the same for them. What does everyone think about that? (Sooo sorry I cannot remember where I saw those buttons at the moment.)

The only other thing I wanted to add here was that a few sites I check daily get like 100 comments on one post every single day. Drives me crazy with jealousy but then I try to remember that a good blog takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work!!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Smiler on November 17, 2007 at 6:01pm: Yes I have seen those buttons a couple of times. Geggie, one of my NaBlo friends has one, I'll ask her about it. Re: sites with 100's of comments... it can be too much of a good thing too. Especially if you're like me and you like to reply whenever possible. Sometimes I wonder how some of them have time to maintain their blogs when they're busy reading comments all the time. But that could just be jealously speaking too.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by kperfetto on November 18, 2007 at 9:44am: The "I Follow" movement just means if you leave a web address when you fill out your profile info, you'll get credited for that link. (Check your Technorati profile and you'll see it in your incoming links.) Adding a "don't follow" tag to the commenters links was initially a way to dissuade spammers, but with askimet and other span filters, it's not needed. The only downside is that it could encourage useless "non-comments} just for the link.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mel Bergen on November 19, 2007 at 6:46am: I was going to say that, as well. I don't have a button, but I have turned off the "no follow" tags. I like to think that readers who like my work enough to comment are pleased to discover that they've gotten a backlink from me automatically. If you're willing to take the time to read and respond to me then I'm happy to give a little link love back. I haven't had spam comments for months, so I've not had to spend much time on comments except for responding to them.; ▶ Reply to This