Hi Barbara. What a cool idea ASK is. Love it!

I hope I have left the door open for commenting. I share my personal experience and ideas, and invite readers to share their own perspectives. Comments are a gift that I appreciate receiving.

As for coming down off the podium, my take on that is as follows. It’s similar to life coaching. Life coaches are trained to see their clients as creative, resourceful and whole. The coach (or blogger, if I may) does not have all the answers. It’s their job to listen, share and ask powerful questions to encourage the client or reader to learn or find their own answers.

Davina’s last blog post..I Dreamt I Died

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It’s great to hear from Liz here, Barbara.

Like yourself, I believe that Liz works hard to develop a vibrant blog community. This is a feature of blogging that I admire greatly.

To me, the interaction between blogger and reader is one of the most exciting elements of a blog.

By providing thought provoking content that allows the audience to participate in the conversation means they help shape the conversation.

In my last guest post with Liz, I mentioned that the comments section is one of the best bits of blog.

I think that, if a blogger can create a lively sharing of views there, things really come alive

It’ll be great to hear how your readers encourage comments on their own blogs.

It’s an area that I am particularly interested in.

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First off - I love this new series Barbara! I’m always learning something new when I stop over here.

Comments are, for me, what really makes blogging come alive. I will occasionally ask questions in my posts as a way to engage readers. I also find that answering comments is powerful to keeping the conversation going. And that’s a skill I learned here - you do this so well. And I think that’s one of the reasons I feel comfortable commenting here. There’s always (always) a reply from you. And that makes me know you’re listening. I’ve taken that back to my blog. And it has been powerful in keeping the comments section feel alive and connected.

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One of the refreshing things I find about blogging is that I don’t have to cover all my bases - and that it is often better not too, so that there’s something left for other people to say.

I often see a gap in my reasoning but don’t fill it in so other people can.

Love the new series!

Robin’s last blog post..Reincarnation… A Scenario

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Sometimes as a blogger I get too caught up in trying to write something that will give great value to readers. Every blogger wants to deliver great value, but it has to be accessible. The readers want to relate to the material, feel that connection and add to it. Some of the best value that I can give other readers has been given by other commenters. That’s what a good blog is all about.

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hmmmm…. blogs are like ping pong! You write something interesting, comments start, readers come and go. Sometimes you get lucky and a zillion folks come by to comment. That is the ultimate goal, is it not?

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I’ve got to admit that creating blog conversation is a skill that I’ve yet to to perfect. I’ve got a question. You said “When we have a conversation, we never get a chance to ‘present’ an entire idea fully and complete.” But what happens if I really do have plenty to say about a topic? Do I hold back and ask readers what they think? I have this burst of energy to want to educate and share, that it’s hard for me to wait for a response. Any suggestions?

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I just went back to some of my posts and most of them do not give readers the opportunity to speak. I tend to tie everything up. I guess this is due to my academic training; making sure that I conclude everything.

I’m going to try to do an experiment. I’ll leave some loose ends at the end of my posts and see if my comments increase.

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Hmm… I’m a little at odds with this one.

I’ll be the first to admit I don’t get many comments - and that may just be because I tie things up too nicely. I do ask questions, but I don’t think that always gets someone to comment.

My posts at times are a bit longer and like Natural said, at the end people may be exhausted - or maybe they have other things to do other than spend 20 minutes on my blog.

But writing on a topic I know about and want to share my views with and purposely leaving out some information in hopes that it will generate some comments, that seems odd to me.

What if no one comments? Or no one picks up on what you left out? And what if that area you left out should be addressed at some point?

Then you have a post sitting there you know needs a little tying up and when people come to it for the first time might think you’re missing something. I suppose that might make them comment and “teach you” a little more.

But then aren’t you losing some of your “Authority” status? Not that you have to strive for that, though it can help, but people may not think you know as much as you really do.

However, this is why I’m here - to learn. I’ve only been blogging for a few months less than you Barbara and maybe I just need a little more clarification on this. Anyone?

Thanks
John Hoff - eVentureBiz’s last blog post..Welcoming Theresa Hoff - Director of Incorporation and Living Trust Services by eVentureBiz

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Commenting is a wonderful feature of blogs, no doubt about it. And I enjoy the comment section here at BWAB very much.

Sometimes I’ll ask a question at the end, which is very effective to getting comments. But mostly, I just try to write interesting and thought provoking content and believe that will adequately influence comments when necessary.

Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..How to Live a Life of Freedom

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Hello Barbara,

I am looking forward to this series very much. Building up the comment section is something I do want to improve on my blog. A lot of us visit the same blogs together and we chat on Brett’s blog or other blogs and I do notice we don’t keep a lively banter going on in the same fashion on mine as much. I know I need to look in the mirror and take responsability for that, but don’t really know how. So…I am looking to learn more. I don’t always ask questions but I have found that often when I do, the question isn’t answered or people will just chat as if it wasn’t there. ( Which I don’t mind at all) It’s interesting.

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In my former blog I always wrapped things up and people’s comments were definitely comments on the wrapped-up package.

In the regenerated blog, I’m still providing the lessons at the end of each post as I did before, but I’m including others in the posts themselves, creating a conversation (I hope) even before people get to the comments section.

I’m also asking directly for input, although in the last incarnation next to no one ever responded to direct input requests.

We’ll see how it goes, but within a week of posting (with 7 posts, I have over 100 comments - as opposed to 876 comments to 426 posts on old blog).

But great topic - one that I’m very interested in and I look forward to other questions in the ASK series.

Cheers,
Alex

Alex Fayle’s last blog post..Pursuing Happiness: Gretchen Rubin Interview

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I agree with Scott: the comments section is one of the best things about blogging.

I like to ask questions. I am genuinely interested in my readers’ thoughts. They sense it, and respond.

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Hi Lance,

Thank you.

Yes, listening to what your commenters say, is very important. It’s part of two-way communication, just like in real life.

Hi Natural,

Good Morning to you, too - or should I say “afternoon”?

Leaving out pieces of the “puzzle” often leads to conversation. How exciting it is for a reader to say, “hey, and there’s THIS, too”

Hi Robin,

Thank you.

That’s correct! You don’t have to cover all of the bases in order to publish a value based post. In the event your readers don’t fill in all of the blanks, that makes great material for a new post on the same topic.

Hi Dr. Cason,

Although you may not ask a lot of questions, your readers are often inspired to comment based on your content, whether it be your beautiful photography, a yummy looking recipe, or your posts on medicine.

Hi Karl,

I’m nodding as I read your comment. You’re right. Depending on the subject matter, often the comment section holds more value than the post itself.

Hi Liz,

Welcome to the BWAB community, and again thank you for sharing this answer with us.

I love how you just added, “talk “across” and not “down””. That’s another great point, as we certainly don’t want to put our readers on the defensive.

Hi Linda,

What a great analogy - ping pong. Exactly! Doesn’t that make it fun? A zillion comments? Oh yeah!

Hi Linda Abbit,

Thank you.

You bring up a great point. Why do some posts get more comments than others? One thing I’ve found as I’ve analyzed my comment activity is that there are many factors. It could be the day of the week, the topic, the time of year (holidays often cause a drop in comment activity) and some will say it’s the time of day we publish. This sounds like something we need to explore a little closer. I’ll add this subject to my “post ideas” list. Thanks for the inspiration.

I just read your post. I’m sure you’ll get an “A”. I’ll be back later to leave a comment.

Hi Evelyn,

Great question. Food for thought. Break your topic into smaller parts. Ask your readers if they have something to add. Sometimes they will take you in the direction you were heading, but oftentimes they’ll address a part of the topic you hadn’t thought of.

As an example, last Monday I was headed in a particular direction for the rest of the week. Based on the comments I received, my readers “told me” how they wanted to talk more about other aspects of our online presence. I changed direction and gave them what they wanted.

Hi Marelisa,

I’ll be over later to read your post and answer the question. Asking for your readers input, is just like asking a friend for their opinion. We may not agree, but we will listen.

Hi Chris,

That sounds like a great experiment. I’ll be watching to see what happens.
Hi Maya,

Welcome to the BWAB community.

Yes, readers do like to be invited to have their say. If the opportunity isn’t there, chances of having comments lessens.

Hi John,

Great questions! I think we have to remember that all blog posts are not conducive to comments. For example, Dr. Cason recently shared a recipe. It didn’t need to have comments. She was just sharing the recipe. I left a comment. One to let her know I was there, and two, to thank her because she reminded to try an ingredient I haven’t used recently. Most people would grab the recipe and leave.

What if no one comments? Ah, I remember those months too well. What did I do? I kept writing to my imaginary audience. Soon I realized I was “home” by myself because I hadn’t invited anyone over. I ventured out and started visiting other blogs. Soon, people were knocking on my door. Until then, it was me and the blog.

If no one picks up on what your left out, you can always write another blog post and reference back to the previous article.

When we write “reference” or “tutorial” type posts, we shouldn’t necessarily expect comments because we’re not writing for conversation. People may find the posts via search engines and only want the information that’s provided. Plus, if they don’t understand the concept of commenting, they won’t. You may receive a few thank yous, but not conversation.

Don’t you just love all of the choices blogging gives us?

Hi Rita,

I saw that post of yours, and it was generating tons of comments. That final sentence did it.

Re: Responding to comments. I won’t go into that too deeply as Liz has another “answer” for us, but I will say, comments will often blossom into a conversation of its own.

My comments get stacked up for two reasons. 1) I’m on the west coast and with the time change, I’m either sleeping or working on my paying job, when you’re all commenting, and 2) sometimes if we’re TOO aggressive on answering our comments, based on what we say, we can actually shut the conversation down.

Hi Bamboo,

Thank you, and I enjoy you being part of the conversation.

You’re right. A thought provoking post may not have a question at the end, but your readers will be so moved by it, they are inspired to share.

Hi Al,

Thank you.

I agree. For bloggers, it’s the conversation a lot of us are looking for. If I’m doing research on a specific topic, give me an expert and I’ll listen/read the lecture.

Hi Wendi,

Isn’t that funny how that works? We ask a question, but our readers want to talk about something else. Apparently something in our post resonated with them and they want to share.

Yes, some blogs do keep a lively conversation going, almost like a forum. I’ve been on blogs where I’ve seen an extremely active comment section, and based on the conversation (which seemed SO personal), I felt like I was eavesdropping, so I would leave, not commenting, even if the post was excellent.

Hi Tom,

Being confrontational could discourage readers from commenting. With you being such a great coach, it surprises me that you would be confrontational as coaches are known for their great listening skills.

The hidden value? Catherine found it. ” Think about how we have conversations in real life”.

Hi Alex,

I was just rereading your stats. What a difference. 7 posts = 100 comments vs 426 posts and 876 comments. Whatever you’ve changed, you’re on the right track.

Hi Catherine,

Another great point, readers often can’t answer that fast to some questions.

Hi Vered,

Yes, you do ask questions and by your answers, we know you’ve read our response.
Hi Mark,

You’re welcome.

Actually 10 comments isn’t bad at all. To get more, also entails working on building our community. Hey, that sounds like another great blog post.

I’ll come over to your blog later and take a look at your “add a comment” + read your post. (and, comment, of course).

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Great topic Barbara! I just love it when readers take off with the subject of your posts and are able to further develop the subject. I need to learn how to get the ball rolling but to let the readers play the game!

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I only recently learned to ASK. And I was stunned to discover… it works!

I also find that sometimes there is a need to briefly intervene/moderate because my commenters get into discussions with each other and occasionally it gets heated. So then I get to play peacemaker. But, I suppose that people having conversations with each other on my blog is not a bad thing, either.

Nice post!

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First of all I just wanted to say thanks. I’m starting to see the first groups of comments on my new blog and I noticed that some of the commenters were coming from here. I appreciate your support!
Back to the subject at hand. I definitely had the same questions as John Hoff. I was thinking about the negative affects of leaving out parts of info and having commenters “correct you” by informing you that you left those things out. Then you can’t really back pedal at that point. You would just look like less of an authority.
But then I thought that maybe I’m taking it a little bit to literal. You don’t have to leave out vital information, it’s just the idea of leaving room for input and added content. In other words, you’re kind of “Starting the conversation” more than laying it all down and saying “This is how it is”.
Either way, thanks for the post; great insight and info. Eric.

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I try to find a balance between providing insight and opening up the floor to questions. Sometimes it depends on who I have in mind when I write it.

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Hi Patricia,

Ugh! Nasty comments? That must take the joy out of blogging when you have to moderate them. Some people are so cruel, I can’t imagine what you must have gone through having garbage, etc, thrown in your front yard.

I did love how you said you are exciting about writing as you had to be silent for so long. It must feel like a dam breaking and you’re the water rushing out.

Thank you for your kind words. I’ll be over later to check out your latest post. I promise, I won’t leave a nasty comment.

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