The issue of how to handle comments seems to be getting explored quite often now, Barbara.

It is interesting to read Darren’s views on how he deals with them.

As in most cases, I think it depends on what your blog’s readers expect. For example, it would seem unusual if a blogger who responded to comments suddenly stopped- unless they communicate it beforehand.

As I’ve mentioned before, building a vibrant blog community is a great goal to have. Though, as Darren suggests, a community can interact with each other without the blogger necesarily having to be involved.

While the blogger provides the content, the readers can build on this within the comments section and develop it between each other.

However, I don’t see much interaction between readers in comments sections. This usually takes place in forums.

I also think that whether comments need to be a feature of a blog depends on the aim of the particular blog or the specific post.

For example, a blog that presents information or advice that doesn’t need input from readers (positive or negative), could decide not to have comments.

Also, sometimes the nature of a post mean that comments aren’t relevant.

So… my personal view is that the readers’ needs and expectations should guide any decision on how a blogger deals with their comments.

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I am getting just a handful of comments at each of my posts, so most of the time I can handle them well.

Should each and every one comment be answered? I believe that in as much as you are able, yes you should. A blog is neither a magazine nor a book, but a social experience.

What to do if the comments rise up? A good question, maybe I would “hire” somebody to help me. But I don’t anticipate that to happen any time soon.

Miguel de Luis´s last blog post..Mastermind group: choose your own personal government

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Should a blogger respond to EVERY comment? Surely not. I mean seriously. I respond to comments when there is something left unsaid. Some comments don’t make sense - but aren’t spam. I leave them and will not respond to them. Some comments are merely congratulations. Should I say thanks? Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.
Some comments are so great they force me to update my post. I will obviously do that AND respond.

Right now any comment I get, I treasure. It shows someone is actually reading what I write. But I can well imagine a day when there are too many comments for me to respond to. I would consider that a blessing.

katinka - spirituality´s last blog post..On being our best self - letting in the Higher Self

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Hi Barbara,

Until I saw you handled comments I didn’t think too much of it. I really liked how you addressed each commenter by his or her name (or online name.) I like how you took the time to answer every comment. So I started doing this too.

It just seems like a nice thing to do. I appreciate it here, so I’m sure it would be appreciated in every blog.

I have seen blogs that have a lot of comments where a discussion does arouse where the community members interact with each other. If a good community is built, readers know not to expect a personal reply to every comment.

I plan to keep replying personally to comments for as long as I have the time. That’s my short answer.

Chase March´s last blog post..Kids Aren’t China Dolls

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I think the blogger has to go with their gut on this one. If you have over 50 comments on one post. It might do your audience injustice if you answer each one when you could be working on another blog post that will give your readers a new angle on a fresh idea.

Then again the blogger might want to create a community and it’s more important to forward the conversation.

So it really depends on the goals of the blogger. They have to decide what will bring the most value to their readers.

Karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters´s last blog post..How to Retire From the Grind and Not Get Bored

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This is a great question Barbara! And reading the comments so far, there are really many different angles to look at this.

I try to answer all the comments I get. It takes time, it cuts away from me doing other things, but it also helps me to really feel connected to my readers. And for me, that is important. Could that change in the future? Sure. But for now, I’m happy with they way I’m doing things. For now, what is most important for me is the connection I feel with others.

From another angle, I always feel more connected to others, too - when they comment on comments I’ve left on their blogs. However, just because a writer doesn’t comment back - doesn’t mean I won’t visit anymore. Great content is what brings me back…and comments really add a dimension to the presented content.

Lance´s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day

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I think if you answer all of the comments until it is tooooo much is the right approach. I think the goal of every blogger is to have traffic that is just too much to answer. Then advise the readers that questions may or may not be answered and then select some but keep in contact with your readers….

Linda´s last blog post..Wood Recycling

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For now yes - I comment on every comment. I also belief it’s essential to the dialog. I blog to get the word out about my coaching but that word only travels from human being to human being. If I didn’t deliver such a personal service perhaps I’d feel differently. Darren I believe makes most of his revenue from ads so perhaps it’s not as necessary as for those of us who connect more deeply.

No slight intended to him though. I probably only read about 20% of his posts and I still feel very connected because of the quality of his content.

One thing that puzzles the heck out of me. Why doesn’t everyone use the subscribe to comments post plug-in? The lack of it is a real detriment to an ongoing conversation.

Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..Got It?

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Right now I do my best to respond to every comment. I do respond to them in batches as I don’t always get back to my own blog more then once or twice a day because I am working on other writing projects or visiting other blogs. By the time I get back, comments have gathered. I am starting to see the beginnings of commenters chatting with each other and I love that the community is talking with themselves a bit and hope that continues to grow the way that happens here and at Problogger. My last post, one commenter left a poem for one of my other commenters and that warmed my heart like nothing else. It was such a gift to see that, I could hardly express my gratitude.

Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations´s last blog post..Speaking From the Heart

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Barb,

I answer every single comment - and will continue to do so. Where I have a problem is that many times I read a blog, and do NOT write a comment, as I have nothing to add - and I’d rather take the time to read more blogs!
What tends to upset me is the attitude of “you didn’t comment on my blog, so I won’t read yours.” The point is, I AM reading the blogs, and adding a comment when and if it is something that will add to the “comment thread.” Otherwise, I’d rather take my time reading more blogs and being exposed to more ideas than writing a “lame” comment that essentially says “Killroy was here.”

Rita

Rita´s last blog post..Average Children, Mean Parents

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For me it depends on the post. Rarely do I leave a comment for each response…sometimes it’s one general comment. Mostly, I just visit the blogger that left me a comment and leave a comment on their blog. It’s all about sharing the luv
Caroline´s last blog post..Trying too hard…

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I wish I had the perfect answer. I came up with my own solution though - and plan to publish a post about it on Wednesday.

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Hi Barbara. I would love to have so many people comment on my blog that I would have a hard time keeping up! lol I started the blog as a creative outlet, but have found that comments are really important to me. I think that it is all a part of blogging and putting yourself out there. If I did not want to reply to comments, then I would not expect someone to leave one. And if someone did not leave a comment, then I feel it would be more of a diary than a public blog.

Jennifer´s last blog post..I am a Lane Blocker

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Hi Barbara: When someone leaves a comment on my blog I feel like they’re talking to me, so I feel like the polite thing to do is to respond. I guess a lot of people who comment on the bigger blogs are talking to the community as a whole (and trying to get people to click on their link) and not necessarily engaging in conversation with the blog owner.

Marelisa´s last blog post..Eradicating Poverty Through Human Ingenuity - Blog Action Day 2008

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Hi Barbara - I tried to comment earlier and when I hit publish - I got that stupid bluehost suspended message that I get on my own site, so I’m guessing you had a traffic spike.

Replying to commenters can sometimes be really time consuming. As you know, I seriously thought about switching off comments altogether on Saturday.

I don’t mind responding to genuine commenters. But with the type of person I banned at the weekend, or the folk who don’t read the post and leave a brief comment, as they wiz round a hundred blogs - I just feel as though I’m wasting my time.

Cath Lawson´s last blog post..YOU Have Never Been More Powerful

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Hi Scott - You’ve brought up some great points. One is, some blogs don’t warrant comments. The author has presented the facts, the reader reads it and move on. This is especially true of blogs that are provided data that answers research questions.

And yes, blog authors do need to inform their readers of their intent if they change their response policy

Hi Dr. Cason - Great question. When time is of the essence, and we have to pick between answering each and every comment (on our site) OR visiting our favorite blogs, that can be a tough decision. In your situation I would say, answer with one comment for everyone, and then try to make the rounds. It’s in that reciprocation of commenting where we see our communities get strong.

Hi Miguel - That’s what Darren has had to do. He hired someone to monitor his comments. Sometimes they will show up and address a specific comment, but not always.

Hi Betsy - Thank you for your kind words. For me, answering my comments is second to writing my posts (after my paying job, of course). Third is visiting others, and that’s where I often run out of time.

Hi Katinka - Welcome to the BWAB community. I agree, some bloggers couldn’t feasibly answer each and every comment, especially if a blog received hundred of comments each day. However, if time permits, our commenters love to be acknowledged, so often a “thank you” is plenty.

Hi Sal - Yes, all we can do is take it a day at a time.

Hi Chase - Thank you. I agree, if two bloggers are “talking” to each other in our comment section, we don’t necessarily have to address the conversation. In fact, I like to see that where bloggers willingly take the time to help each other.

Hi Stephen - Like you, I have Comment Ninja installed, however, it only lets you answer one comment at a time. When I answer, as I’m doing now, I use a split screen and have my blog open on both screens. For me, it’s a time saver.

Hi Karl - You’re right. What works for some will not work for others. That’s what makes blogging so incredible. There’s not always one correct answer.

Hi Kim - Yes, batching comments does save time. Mine build up when I’m sleeping (due to time changes) or working, so answering many at once makes it more efficient.

Hi Lance - I hear you. Like you, I’ll visit blogs even if my comment isn’t answered. Sometimes we can add to the discussion and that helps other readers as well.

Hi Writer Dad - Exactly! We set our priorities and like you said, we have less time to comment on other blogs. None of us can do it all, so we do the best we can.

Hi Linda - That’s a great point. If we get so busy we can’t handle answering ALL of the comments, it’s only right we let our readers know we will be changing our procedures.

Hi Stacey - The time issue is a big one, isn’t it? I agree, it’s a good problem to have if we’re answering our comments.

Hi Tom - Yes, I’m sure Darren has a lot on his plate. In order for him to stay on the cutting edge of blogging he must be involved in all aspects, including social media/networking sites. Undoubtedly all of the other stuff he does (including his other blogs), uses up the rest of his time.

Re: Subscribe to comments post plugin. I used to use the one for email replies on a lot of blogs. Unfortunately my inbox got so full, I couldn’t keep up. Now I look for “subscribe to comments via a reader” on blogs and if I want to follow the thread, I can.

Hi NaTuRal - Publishing less to give us time to answer comments is one idea. And like you said, notifying your readers that you won’t be answering comments on a specific post is another one.

We also have to be careful to not look like we’re playing favorites if we don’t answer all comments. In that case, it’s best to address all comments as a group (if there’s a lot), and say “thank you, blah, blah, blah…” to the whole group, but make sure we answer any questions that arise.

Hi Wendi - Isn’t that great to see? Bloggers helping others on our blogs. THAT is what community really is.

Hi Ari - Your comment reminds me of what I saw happen on Steve Pavlina’s blog. He took his community to a forum. Having read it, the readers interact politely with each other and Steve drops in occasionally. It has served his problem (of too many comments) very well.

Hi Rita - I totally agree, especially recently. I’m landing on more and more blogs that are discussing political issues. Although I enjoy reading other points of view, I prefer to keep my likes and dislikes (on politics) private. Hence, I read and leave.

Hi John - You’re right. If we can’t handle our comment counts, cutting back somewhere else may be necessary. I would probably do what you suggested and publish less often.

Hi Caroline - Yes, sharing the love is important. Even if we can’t visit a commenter every time them comment (on our blog), having them in our reader and visiting them as often as possible would be the right thing to do.

Hi Bamboo - Oh, your kind words are good for the ego. You’re right. If the readers remain happy even if we don’t respond to their comments, and our content is top notch, than we have nothing to worry about.

Hi Vered - I’ll be watching for your Wednesday post.

Hi Vintage Mommy - Thank you! When I look at what all Darren is involved in, I can see why he doesn’t have time to comment. I also think if he did answer each comment, he would get even more. Talk about snowballing.

Hi Jennifer - That’s a great point. If we don’t want to deal with comments, what we have might start looking like a (public) diary. And in some instances, having a static website might be a better choice.

Hi Chris - That’s right, it is about choices when our time is limited. I’m happy you picked the “former” as I always enjoy seeing you here.

Hi Marelisa - There’s probably a lot of truth in what you said, “[commenters on big blogs]…are talking to the community as a whole (and trying to get people to click on their link)”.

Hi Patricia - I agree, comments are a great way for us to gain clarity and wisdom from others. I know, for me, you all get me thinking even more than I already do.

Hi Catherine - Yes, my server was down for a short period of time due to a Stumble.

I remember reading your post about turning off your blog comments. I would hate to see that happen on your blog as I always enjoy reading what your commenters contribute to your “spicy” newsworthy posts, and your replies.

Hi again Natural - That’s actually a good idea. By using the “what would Seth Godin do” plugin you could let your readers know you’re available for a response, if need be.

To everyone - I’m looking at all of these comments and thinking, there’s a lot of great ideas here. In the future when we all have so many comments and we’re left scratching our heads, saying “What should I do”, the comments here offer a variety of answers.

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Hi Barbara,

I always try to acknowledge all of my commenters, but sometimes life gets so busy it’s hard to get to everyone, everytime.

All of the comments do get read, however. I don’t “need” to be acknowledged when I leave comments on other blogs, because I understand the blogger is busy like me.

Mark - Creative Journey Cafe´s last blog post..Interview with Diana Spechler

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I’m very curious about Vered’s post now, because I was wondering how her strategy was working.

I generally respond to every comment, but there have been a couple of times when I gave a single response to all the comments. But I know at some point I won’t be able to respond to every one.

At some point I’ll probably only reply to comments if someone asks a question, or if I really have something useful to say in response (sometimes I can’t think of much to say other than thanks for your comment).

The tricky part is in the transition period, where you can reply to every comment, but it takes lots of time. If I had a lot of comments, I think people would understand if I didn’t reply to all of them. For now though, I’ll try to continue replying to each one.

Hunter Nuttall´s last blog post..MBTI Trial Week 2: Sensing (Recap)

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I think it depends on the user experience and ambiance you want to cultivate.

J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Training Mindset and Trusting Mindset

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I’m really glad that most people here seem to feel that each blog is unique, and strategies may differ. Too many times I’ve read the advice that you *must* reply to every comment. It’s pretty intimidating, and I hate thinking that some folks will consider me rude or ungrateful if I don’t reply.

Sometimes it’s just an issue of general life bandwidth, not just blog success, and I hope my readers understand that when I’m not able to address every commenter individually.

Sara at On Simplicity´s last blog post..Weekly Links: Stinky Couch Edition

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Hi Davina - Don’t worry. The party never ends at BWAB. Those are more great ideas. I’ll bet if someone knew an author was only accepting “x” number of comments, everyone would be rushing to be included.

Hi Mark - You’re right. Anyone who has been blogging for any length of time learns how time consuming blogging plus answering comments can be. It teaches us to have empathy for others.

Hi Amy - Yes, the comment section of a blog can take on that small classroom affect. Many commenters what to know they’re being heard, and if they don’t, they move on.

Hi Hunter - Definitely. When a blogger needs to transition from answering comments to not, I’m sure it’s scary to write a post and let your readers know you’re not going to be as active in the comment section. Yikes!!!

Hi Glee Girl - Isn’t it funny how we get so addicted to blogging that we will keep posting and posting, even if no one shows up. The comments end up being the icing on the cake.

Hi J.D. - Yes, those are two very important aspects. If you can give users what they want, plus create an ambiance that’s conducive to all concerned, you’ll have it made. Darren has apparently accomplished that.

Hi Evelyn - Encouraging our commenters to communicate amongst themselves would be helpful to keep our communities alive. If they know we (the blog author) are busy on something of importance, they would be less apt to move on.

Hi Sara - That’s right. There is no ONE correct way to handle comments, no matter how many we get. Although I do try to answer all that I get, when I showcase a new blogger, I often let them handle the comments and I drop in only periodically. I don’t see the need to be redundant. Plus, life often gets in the way, but I’m guessing most bloggers understand that.

Hi Robin - Smart girl. Cross the bridge when you get to it.

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if you really want to explore your blog then it really works. Reply on comment its a unique work for every blogger. If you do this on your web blog then you will get a huge connection with your readers.

Dev´s last blog post..Twitter makes me happy

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Great question, something I struggle with at times.

Most posts, I respond to each comment, even if they just said “Great post!” though it is harder (coz then I have to be creative and check out their site so I can compliment them on something). Maybe they won’t ever check back, but if they did, then they would know I read what they had to say and that I cared! I know, coz I’m one of those people who check back to see if the blogger replies to my comment

Sometimes, I think, “I’ll just write one little witty comment back” but then the comment gets bigger, and someone else’s is crying out for another personal comment, and before long…

So it’s both rewarding but very time-consuming.

Few posts, I just give a general “Thanks everyone!” because either the day is too busy or the comments are more along the lines of suggestions for a specific question or problem.

Barbara, I AM amazed that you take time to write such thoughtful replies to the comments here. Thank you (though I think your readers would understand if you couldn’t due to time constraints…well, I would :-).

Pink Ink´s last blog post..Favorite Writing Spot

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Haha. I still can afford to reply to almost all comments and responses. Sure love to be involved in the conversations and receiving encouragements every now and then.
Daniel Richard´s last blog post..11 Traits You Need To Getting Things Done With a BIGGER SMILE!

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I’m like a lot of other people here, in that, for now, I respond to almost every comment I get. Sometimes you have to know when to let someone else have the last work, otherwise some conversations could go on forever.

Mitch´s last blog post..What Makes Twitter Interesting

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It’s funny, how there is SO MUCH advice out there telling us how to apply SEO, maximize our traffic, market ourselves, and try to snag as many readers as we can.

And we try to make our blog grow. But then, if we become TOO popular, we complain about not being able to deal with all the comments.

Well, boo hoo. For crying out loud. What’s it gonna be? We can’t have it both ways.

I dont’ expect a blogger to answer each and every comment. It would be nice…but it’s not mandatory.

But there should be SOME kind of 2-way communication, even one general comment at the end.

Otherwise, it’s not a blog, it’s just a column.

And if that’s the case, I might as well go to the bookstore or library, and read a book or pick up the newspaper.

Friar´s last blog post..Perfesser Friar’s Favorite Science Facts.

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Hi Friar - I love that boo-hoo

It’s true. We do build our blogs and then when they get to be too much to handle we want to find ways to cut back on our time. I guess that goes with the saying, “be careful what you ask for because you might get it”.

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Hi Debbie - I hear you. Most of us blog as a hobby, but our real lives need to come first. Although by cutting back our comments and/or rankings may fall, they’re just numbers. Family and friends should definitely be our number one concern/priority.

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Hi Tammy - ***smiles*** I like how you put that, “you find yourself writing a post and thinking about what your readers are going to say”. Sometimes I try to guess what specific blogger’s answers will be to my questions.

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Reaching out to readers is good and in a sense very essential because our blog is there just for them.

It’s not that each comment requires the author’s response but once in a while getting back to readers is what would keep the readers feel connected with the blog.

It keeps the ‘feel good’ feeling high!!!

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