I don’t know that a comment policy is necessary on all blogs. Like you said, we can just let the comments evolve and address those that may need our individual attention so as not to let the comments go off topic.

Thank you for raising this issue – I had never thought out a ‘policy’ for comments, just let it evolve to the habit of annswering questions asked, and replying to any ‘contra’ points raised.

I have found real value from points raised by commentators, they often expand the subject and add interest and understanding. It is a good opportunity to enlarge on the central point too. See above discussion…..

I see no real value in answering ‘every comment’ – only those that seem to need it.

Regards – Rhys
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That’s a concept I’ve not heard of; commenting to get points. Is there more behind that? Do they get paid for the points? Or does it have other benefits?

Like you, I enjoy getting real comments from other bloggers who are sharing from their heart. To me, one comment like that means a lot more than 50 “great posts”.

People cut and paste in the same generic comment on just enough posts to get their daily points.

Maddening. I try NOT to comment back to the comments that are just people commenting for points and instead say “thanks for the comments” in a general way and write back to those who are discussing the topic in the post… or not talking back to the topic in the post but carrying on a real conversation.

I had been blogging before becoming involved in that network, at first I was thrilled with any comments but soon came to believe it is better to not comment if you have nothing to say.

I am thrilled on my WordPress stand alone blog if I get real comments from real people. I would be thrilled with 50 well thought out comments there but will not hold my breath because it is a small blog.

If on the network where a featured post gets 100+ comments in about 12 hours sometimes if 50 comments are well thought out I would respond to them. If I was busy with something else, I would make apologies, show my appreciation in general and come back and read and respond to each and every one of the well thought out comments.
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That’s a good point. When we find the other commenters are contributing more than just “good post”, we’re more apt to do that, too. And then when they see the blog author gets involved, commenters will want to be part of that community (and the communities of the other commenters, as well)