I read dozens of blog posts every week and subscribe to more than 50 different blogs on my Feedly account. However, I can say with confidence that I don’t comment on as many posts as I should, and I also know that I’m not the only one.
It’s not enough to be a blogger, you have to also be a commenter. Remember when you first started your blog? How nerve-wracking it can be to put your opinions, experiences and knowledge out for the world to see (and judge)? Now, think back to some of your first commenters.
Too often, we get caught up in our online networks and rarely stray outside of those contacts and engage with others. Comments give the blogger the confidence and encouragement necessary to put up the next post, possibly that extra push to try something new or post about something out of their comfort zone.
Whether it’s a comment about one particular post, a question to ponder or simple words that acknowledge the effort it took to click “submit,” the act of commenting can make all the difference to the author.
I’ve started to make a conscious effort to comment on the blog posts that I read each day. I encourage other bloggers to add “commenter” to their online activity as well.
#1 by Bob Stanke on June 2, 2010 - 11:26 am
I comment on AT LEAST 10 different blogs each day. Sure, it takes some time over lunch or at night, but it is important for bloggers to know you were there. I subscribe to 267 blogs right now, so sometimes my comments are a day (or week) behind, but what is important is leaving them.
Some bloggers got it all wrong. You can’t just blog and not visit other blogs. And while your there, just take a minute to leave a comment. I know when people comment on my blog, it makes me smile a bit, even if it is a negative one!
Bob Stanke
#2 by Kristin on June 2, 2010 - 11:41 am
Thanks for the comment (and showing me up on blog subscriptions), Bob. It’s amazing how an extra 2 minutes to comment can really make a difference. I read each comment I get and most often will comment right back. Little effort, large reward.
#3 by Kasey Skala on June 2, 2010 - 11:49 am
I guess after reading this, I’m kind of obligated to leave a comment
I’m a 20%-30% commenter. For a lot of people, I think it comes down to simply wanting to read and learn. When people are just starting, or if you’re reading a mainstream blog, some people may feel intimidated. They may feel that their thoughts and opinions either aren’t on the level of the blogger and readers, or don’t matter.
I agree, though. We share the love in one form (by passing it on), but what about the other form of love (comments)? I would also add in that I think it’s important to leave comments that add value. All to often I think we’re quick to leave a “Good job” or “great post” comment and that’s all. I think we’d learn more and grow by leaving comments that advance the discussions and not simply leaving “cheerleader” comments.
P.S. Thanks for changing the header away from the snowy pic!
#4 by Kristin on June 2, 2010 - 1:15 pm
You totally figured out my game, Kasey. Damn.
I definitely agree that a lot of people feel intimidated to comment. I’ve had friends say they would comment, but feel they shouldn’t since they are not bloggers themselves. I think that attitude is unfortunate. Hopefully the blog authors do their best to foster a comment-friendly environment. Especially those comments that challenge or question a post.
#5 by Nicole on June 2, 2010 - 9:32 pm
Thanks for the encouragement to comment! I read quite a few blogs but I have yet to figure out how to balance reading, writing my own (as can be seen by the lack of posts) and commenting.
How do you keep a balance?
#6 by Kristin on June 5, 2010 - 7:26 pm
I find myself commenting on a lot of blogs, because I read much more often than I work on my own – which definitely isn’t a balance
I try to devote a one or two days a week where I sit down and hammer out a bunch of posts for both of my blogs, and then spend the rest of the week reading others and commenting.
Not sure if that helps, but good luck! I don’t think there’s one right way to do any of this….