It’s in the comments where the value lies is this blog. For everyone who reads this blog and/or has shared your thoughts, thank you.
Comment sections are where bloggers are found. Where bloggers meet up. Where readers can interact with one another. Where community is born and where sometimes conflict arises.
That said, many bloggers and blog readers don’t comment.
Why not? Only they know, but sometimes it’s because they don’t understand the process.
Today’s Lesson
Note: For those of you who are comfortable with the commenting process, please feel free to go directly to the assignment.
I still remember when I wrote my first comment. I was nervous and worried I wasn’t doing it right. After I hit the “submit” button and saw my comment went into moderation, I kept clicking back on the site to 1) see if it was approved and 2) see what it looked like. For me those were a few tense hours.
Leaving a comment is a simple process, however the comment form can be confusing.
Let’s take a look at the one you’ll find here:
Name – What name to use is a decision only you can make.
When I started commenting, I just used “Barbara”, however as time passed, I began to see more commenters by the name of Barbara, so to distinguish myself from the others, I added my last name.
That said, you do not have to use your real name. Some bloggers/readers choose to remain anonymous and use a fictitious name (pseudonym) instead.
In this box, enter a valid email address.
The email address I use for commenting is not my personal email address nor is it an email account I check due to the amount of spam it receives. (I use an auto responder on that account to redirect those who want to reach me by telling them to use my contact form.)
Having an email address to use specifically for commenting may be advantageous.
URL
Adding your URL is optional. If you do not have a blog, leave this box blank. If you have a blog and want others to find you, it’s important your blog URL address is included.
Also, by adding the URL to your blog, your “name” becomes a clickable link. Anyone who clicks on your name will automatically be redirected to your blog. (See it in action by clicking on the name someone who has commented on this blog.)
How you enter the URL is very important. If you’re in doubt what your blog URL is, go to the homepage of your blog and look in the address bar. (You can also use the URL from a specific post or page if you wish.)
Use the URL EXACTLY as it shows in the address bar. To avoid typos, you can copy and paste it into the contact form.
Comment box
Note: Some comment sections have the comment box located above the Name/Email/URL information.
Here’s where you type your response/message. The more value you can add to a blog post with your comment, the bigger chance you have of someone clicking on your link(s).
Until you hit the “submit” button, your comment remains unpublished, therefore, if you want to delete your comment completely, just don’t hit the “submit” button. (Click off the site or refresh the page.)
If, for some reason you hit the “submit” button prematurely or change your mind and don’t want the comment published, you can always contact the blog author and ask them to remove your comment.
So there you have it.
Although it can feel a little intimidating to leave a comment, the process quickly becomes easier and soon you may find you like commenting as much as blogging.
If you have never commented on a blog before, why not try it now?
Today’s Assignment
Do you still remember the first time you left a comment?
Do you have any advice for new commenters?
If you’ve never commented on a blog, what’s your biggest fear?
Care to share?
~Barbara
Oh good lord, the first time I commented I was terrified. Why? The usual: Will I sound stupid, will I have typos, do I really know what I’m talking about?
Barb knows I used to be “the quiet one” and it wasn’t purely to be mysterious.
Although I’ve gotten over many of those fears, I still rarely comment. The number one reason is, if I don’t have anything to say, I’m not going to clutter up the interwebs just to get drunk on my own words.
The second reason is, too many blogs have too many hoops to jump through in order to comment. On Barb’s blog and my own, the process is very simple. You leave your name, your email and an optional website.
Anything beyond that is sheer frustration. Sign in? Why? I can’t remember any of my log ins for Facebook or Twitter. So don’t make me do it over and over again just to comment. I don’t want to have to register either.
Keep it simple and I’ll stick around for some conversation.
Your second reason is also something that can tick me off!
Although I have to admit i also use a plugin to keep the spam comment as low a possible, but beside the checkbox I don’t use anything.
But my number one reason, is if a site has some stupid ad that pops up when I enter the site. I can’t see why any blog owner, on purposes will use this kind of pop up advertising.
Hi Deb,
That’s true, isn’t it? When we’re new to commenting or even if we comment outside of our area of expertise, we do worry if what we say might sound stupid.
Yes. I know you’re “the quiet one”, but what I like is when you do comment, you always add value to the post and give readers more to think about.
Yup! Keeping the commenting process simple is VERY important.
Barbara:
I don’t remember when I wrote my first comment. But I must say that being a gregarious person in real life, I wasn’t terrified or confused about commenting. It was as if I had been doing it all the time. I love getting and giving comments. Sometimes, the post does not leave anything to be said except for “Good post,” which I seldom do. During times as the one mentioned above, I never refrain from commenting. I get quite confused when I want to comment on poems and stories. I wonder how to phrase my comments. I am comfortable commenting on subjects that are of common interest like music, reading, blogging, people-watching and the like.
I always like to read what other commenters have written on the post of someone’s blog where I have commented. For some it is quite mechanical, for instance, some reader don’t pause to read what the other commenters have written. They are satisfied writing their own comments and pressing the submit button.
In some sites, the commenting option is not very user-friendly. If I see that it is difficult to write a comment, I immediately leave without commenting. I stay away from that site as well. I also get a bit peeved when one’s comment goes unacknowledged. I have blogger friends who don’t comment on my comment but do return the visit by coming over to my blog, or, writing an email, or connecting via Facebook.
Last, I love comments because I get to know the blogger’s personality through the tone of their words.
Barbara, did I write a bit too much?
Joy always,
Susan
Hi Susan,
No. You didn’t write too much. In fact, I enjoy how you covered all of the bases of commenting.
You mentioned how some will comment without reading the other comments. I’m guilty of that from time to time; especially if I’m under a time crunch. That said, we can learn a lot by reading what the other commenters have shared.
I’ve seen that too, where a comment or two don’t get acknowledged. I’ve found that happenes here from time to time, especially when I’m going through my spam folder and find legitimate comments. I’ll approve them and then forget which post they commented on. Although I will search my comment section for missing responses, unfortunately I know I miss some. 🙁
The first time I’ve commented, I’ve used pseudo name because I felt ashamed that someone would actually dislike what I’ve said but now… I’m pretty much comfortable using my nickname and unlike you Barbara, I haven’t seen any blogger with the same name as mine (not yet?) lol! You have great insights on what are the parts of the commentaries section and it’s quite the place for people to interact with. Nowadays, comment box are not just for conversation. Blog commenting is now known as an effective technique in link building. Well, I love to read and learn.It took you a week to post another interesting topic. Thanks for the article =)
You’re welcome Vhien,
I hear you. When we first start commenting it’s tempting to use a fictitious name in case what we shared is misconstrued.
I can see why you haven’t found anyone else with the same nickname as you. Vhien is very unique.
Good point. Commenting is a great way to build links, as well. It’s like a win-win. 🙂
It is only when I started blogging, and learning about blogging, that I began commenting on others as well. However, we do not need to be a blogger to comment on something.
I read a book called “Trust Agents” that helped take the mystique out of the online world, and in similar fashion to your comments above it is in the commenting and interacting that a community is born, and that is one of the objectives of blogging (at least some of it).
I now try to leave a comment if I can add something to the post – a story, an example, a thought tangent that might be interesting to think about or pursue, or a reference to another source of confirmation for a point, argument, or statement.
Sometimes there will be a lot of comments on a blog already and then there is the urge to not comment, under the “it’s all been said already” theory. I know this is not always true (people tell me I take a unique angle on things!)
The one time I will avoid commenting is when there are some very opinionated, rigid, dogmatic commenters populating the blog – I do not believe I have the magic to change closed minds, and don’t really feel like fighting about it, so I will end up finding a friendlier place.
Part of this is the fact that our comments, once “out there”, will remain so, thus we need to be careful that the comments we make we can live with…forever!
As a blogger, it is always great when we get comments, so don’t be shy!
Hi David,
Yes. Comments should add to the value of the post. It fact, if we read a post and the comments, it’s like a continuing story, often filled with tons of value.
Thank you for bringing that up – about how on some blogs the comment section is populated with overly opinionated messages. It’s can be tough to insert a neutral comment, so oftentimes it’s best to remain silent and just click off.
You also brought up comment counts and that’s an issue which can also turn potential commenters from sharing their thoughts. I know for me, even if one of my posts has a lot of comments, I still enjoy hearing another point of view.
Hi Barbara – Those of us who’ve been around a while forget that everyone comes to this knowledge and experience at different times and in different ways. Smart of you to recognize this and create this informative post!
I’ll echo what Deb said above regarding making things so difficult with captchas and registration. A good spam filter like Akismet takes care of most of the security issues pertaining to comments, if you’re self-hosting with WordPress (and if you’re not as a blogger, then why not? different issue). When I see those hoops to jump through when I want to comment, most of the time I’d just rather not.
The other thing we’ve all noticed is comments made directly on blogs can go down when there is engagement and conversation in social media, etc. I used to assume that no comments on a post was indicative of lesser quality. And you know what “they” say about when you assume something! 🙂
Thank you Betsy,
You’re right. When bloggers discuss their blog topics on social networking sites, their “friends” will often comment there and not even visit the blog. I agree. Just because a post does not receive a lot of comments, doesn’t mean what’s shared isn’t important.
Great post!
(*snicker*) 🙂
Thank you Friar. 8)
I’ve never hesitated to comment, but I always wish more people would comment on my blog. Still the readership is apparently increasing so I guess I should be satisfied. I have never had problems commenting until recently.
My problem right now is that I can only comment from my laptop and not my desktop I get an error message from Blogger “Cookie value is null for FormRestoration” does anyone have any idea what this means? I have cleaned out my cookies etc. and checked compatibility view but still no joy.
Hi Jo,
If your readership is growing, that’s a good sign. Even though you are not receiving a proportional amount of comments, it appears what you’re sharing is attracting a larger base. Keep doing what you’re doing.
As for your error problem, I’m not familiar with that message. Maybe someone else who’s reading has the answer.
I used to see comments as a positive addition to blogs. I now view them as potentially very negative. Online anonymity is a big problem. I envision (and hope for) a future where you *can’t* be anonymous online. That should solve it.
Hi Vered,
I know you’ve chosen to close comments due to the large number of verbal attacks you were receiving and as you mentioned online anonymity could be part of the problem. It makes me wonder if commenters would be less apt to attack blog authors if their real names were attached to the words.
I’ve never had a fear of leaving comments, although I do love when bloggers comment back. It gives you the feeling that someone is actually paying attention and starts up discussions. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy leaving comments on new blogs – they tend to get much more attention. Still, I’m often amazed that some bloggers don’t respond at all, especially on sites where very little commenting occurs. Perhaps it’s the bloggers themselves who are sometimes nervous to respond?
Hi Chris,
That’s true. When a blog author interacts with those who comment, it does show they’re interested not only in what others have to say, but possibly embracing other points of view.
As for new bloggers who don’t answer their comments, I know when I first started receiving comments, I didn’t know what I was suppose to do so I didn’t answer them (which was the same thing I saw on a big name blog). After I started visiting smaller blogs I noticed the blog authors were acknowledging the commenters and from then on, I knew I would do that, too.
Commenting is a great tool to find friends and traffic to your website. When I was blogging for the first time I used to find blogs related to my website and I gained a lot of friends. I don’t any fear commenting on blogs because I know this will help me building my traffic. As long as you’re sticking on the topic.
Hi James,
Good point. When we do comment on blogs, we should stay on topic.
That said, I don’t mind if a blogger has a question and asks it in the comment section.
I can’t remember the first comment I ever submitted on a blog post. I think maybe it also goes back to ye olde Livejournal days for me, so that could have something to do with why I don’t remember.
Hi Annie,
Wow! That sounds like a long time ago. 🙂
Hi Barbara .. it’s terrible now!! Before we could easily comment – but Blogger is playing up and comments just disappear into the ether .. “I’m clever! … I now copy those before I post” .. so the comment doesn’t disappear – it can be emailed for uploading by the blogger.
Embedded comment boxes are the worst .. and so it goes on ..
Other sites just don’t take the comment sometime .. one bit of poetry I’d written for Sara – went awol .. I sort of rewrote it as that I hadn’t saved .. but then her site took the 2nd post .. frustrating to say the least.
Getting to know our way round is the key and realising we’re in a flexible world at the moment ..
Having said all of that!!!! Why does Comment Luv work on Betsy’s blog .. and not here or on other blogs?
Having said all of that .. again … commenting is just wonderful – and people are so kind, so thoughtful .. I have a lovely time commenting around really building relationships ..
Some blogs I don’t comment, but I read and learn from .. and I don’t comment on each and every post .. but I keep up a regular, cheerful, informed and useful posting around amongst a real mix of blogging friends ..
It’s so personal .. I love intelligent, thoughtful bloggers – with a lightness of touch to their blogging world and I try and support a few others by being there, encouraging and cheering up ..
It’s up to us to make our blogs successful .. not anyone else .. and spot where we can utilise them within our market place ..
Cheers and I’m so grateful I found you early on in my blogging life .. I was on the way .. but I’m sure my tentacles spread from here .. and look what wonderful buddies we’ve all found .. – Hilary
Hi Hilary,
How frustrating – when comments just disappear. That’s especially maddening when we’ve left a long, value packed comment.
I don’t know what’s happening with CommentLuv. I see it works for some bloggers as well as on my comments, but can’t figure out why it’s not working on yours. Granted, some bloggers may not want, or don’t have a blog post to link to, but as long as you’re ticking the CommentLuv box, it should work.
You’ve raised a good point. It is up to us to make our blog successful. No amount of comments can do that for us.
I’m glad we found each other, too. 🙂
Hi Barbara .. I’ve just put back word verification – to stop anonymous commenters (which were irritating me in my blog and email – I had 14 one day!) .. there’s no other way with Blogger that I can work out – particularly now ..
And I see my Comment Luv didn’t work above .. as it did on Betsy’s blog .. strange .. cheers Hilary
http://www.positiveletters.com
Hi Hilary – Sometimes an upgrade to a new version of CommentLuv will do hinky things. I know Andy’s been doing quite a bit of work on the plug-in, and may have already released the premium version he had planned. I had similar issues with certain blogs at one point, so I re-registered over at CommentLuv and that seemed to take care of the problem. Other times when a blogger doesn’t upgrade the plug-in on their blog things can go haywire, too. You might want to head over to Andy’s site and make sure you’re all toggled together on that end. 🙂
Hi Betsy .. it’s interesting it works on some WP blogs – I’m not registered with Andy, and obviously therefore haven’t taken up the premium account – nor has Barbara ..
But I have a printed-out post about it here – which I need to look into .. it’s just one of those odd things .. and I’m on Blogger ..
Cheers for now .. H
When I discovered I could leave a comment on these things called a “blog”, I was thrilled. However, they asked for my email address and I backed away.
Besides, I was not sophisticated enough to have a “URL”.
Next time, I couldn’t resist. After complying with each step, I hit the “post comment” button and the comment flew off to never-never land. I checked throughout the existing comments. Gone! There were nearly 200 comments already so I thought they just didn’t collect every one.
I didn’t realize the comment was awaiting approval.
Finally, on another attempt on another blog, I saw 2 comments from one person who was as confused as me. Suddenly, the process began to become clear.
If I had read the fine print, I would have known, but there is a lot of fine print around!
Now, commenting on blogs is my way of expressing appreciation for the work that someone has put into the blog. Besides enjoying the topic, I enjoy learning something from everyone – from both content and process.
I’ve had some bloggers contact me through email with a helpful suggestion for my blog that I also appreciated. I think my comments on their blog confirmed that I was approachable and would be grateful.
And that’s how I see you, Barbara. Thank you, again!
You’re welcome Amy,
That’s a weird feeling, isn’t it – when we hit the “submit” button and our comment disappears. If we don’t know it went into moderation, our head could fill up with all kinds of wild thoughts.
I know what you’re saying about leaving our email address. At first it’s like “why do they need that?”, but when we see the request on every comment section, we realize it’s important.
Yes. The more we’re seen around the blogosphere, the more approachable we appear. That’s another great reason to get “out there” and share our thoughts.
Hi, Barbara!
I enjoy reading posts and leaving comments. I feel it is a great way to get involved in a discussion or even open it, to share opinions and learn something new.
Answering to your question…hmm…the first time when I left a comment? Well, it was just the way you described it. My comment was awaiting moderation, so I was checking it out every few hours to see if it will be posted. And, oh, so happy I was when it was finally published! Joy, joy :)…getting excited about small things in life such as commenting is can have its advantages, as it motivates you to be loyal to certain bloggers, build friendship online and exchange ideas.
As for the newbies here, I would not have anything more to add or to advise regarding commenting-you already covered it all thoroughly. Now it is just left for them to write something down and add value to the post.
Hi Kristina,
That’s a good feeling, isn’t it? To see our comment published. Which raises another point which is, after we’ve had our comment(s) approved on a blog, the next time it might not go into moderation, but will be published instantly.
Yes. Adding value to a post is important – even if it’s just our thoughts on a specific topic or a story about our own experience, others enjoy hearing it.
I can’t remember my first comment but I do get nervous every time I leave a comment on a new blog. Once I’ve been commenting on a blog for a while, I get more relaxed about commenting there. It feels more like visiting a friends house. I still try to mind my manners though no matter how comfortable I get.
Hi Maddie,
Isn’t that funny how even though we’re comfortable commenting, those nervous feelings can resurface when we visit a blog for the first time. I find that especially when those who have commented before me appear to be regulars.
Barbara, I began leaving comments on other blogs right after I began my blog in January 2010. The reply that thrilled me the most was when I found Susan Gunelius’s blog at Ask.com. I had learned, while reading in her book, “Blogging for Dummies,” that mine is a “niche” blog and I thanked her in my comment for explaining what niche blogs are. I was thrilled to see her reply a short time later. She thanked me for reading in her book and told me she loved my niche blog.
Hi Barbara,
How kind of Susan to not only reply to your comment, but to have checked out your blog, too. That’s a good feeling, isn’t it? It’s like even though they probably have a plate full, they take time out to welcome new(er) bloggers to the blogosphere.
I can still remember the first comment I made. It was a wedding site.I enjoyed commenting because I learned a lot, it’s like studying unconsciously. One tip in commenting, if your are tired in reading a very long article just qoute one important thought from the article and comment on it. Thanks Barbara for writing this.
You’re welcome Teyona,
That’s a great tip. When posts are long and our time is short, if we want to leave a comment, it’s easy to zone in to a specific part of the post and just elaborate on that.
I myself do the same thing, and with no hesitation, I will admit that I enjoy blog commenting. For me, it is one way of sharing ones’ idea in public.Yes! its undeniable that sometimes most of the comments aren’t supposed to be part of the issue but that thing depends in the hands of moderator already. Anyway, thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome Chesapeake Virginia Homes,
You’re right. When we moderate comments, we have the choice to either keep or delete each one. Although some comments may link to a spammy site, if what they’re sharing adds value to the post, we can always remove the link(s) and keep the comment.
When you write your first comment it is natural to feel nervous but soon you enjoy it and you feel really great to see your comment published. Well Barbara you have shared very beautifully commenting know how in your post. All freshers will be benefited by it. Thanks a lot.
You’re welcome Shailja,
I’m with you. Nerves can definitely come into play when we start commenting, but like you said, commenting can also become very enjoyable.
Commenting on a blog is a great way to start a conversation.Not everybody is going to agree with your comments but sometimes to hear a different viewpoint is a good thing.It’s all part of lifes rich tapestry
Hi David,
So true. Not everyone will agree with us, but that’s how we grow and expand our knowledge base, and as you mentioned, start a conversation.
This is such a lovely post Barbara. I remember I used to be scared to comment on blogs, because I didn’t know what to say, or I was worried of what people would think.
Thank you Jade,
I think a lot of bloggers feel the same way. Being new to commenting can awaken our insecurities, but we soon find out, many have felt the same way as we do and have gone on to enjoy the whole process (of commenting).
Oh yes I still remember my first comment, it actually wasn’t approved I don’t know why. But it made me take a look on how I should write a comment from that point on, and it helped. 😉
As an advice I would say, don’t use a keyword instead of your name. It will 9 times out of 10 get your comment deleted.
The only time I use a keyword in the name box, is when the blog is using keywordluv.
Hi Jimmy,
That’s true. When we use keywords instead of a name, our comments often go directly to the spam filter. Although some bloggers check their spam filter for legitimate comments, many bloggers don’t. Great tip!
I do check mine also, but unless the comment is good it stays.
When I write a comment I always, turn it around and think would I approve this comment or do I need to take it up a notch.
This also means that you would never see a post from me, with “Great post”, “nice share” and so on.
Have a great weekend. 🙂
There is an art to commenting and you have it nailed.
You always manage to connect, share, and contribute value, and I think that’s what comments are all about.
Thank you for your kind words J.D.,
Connecting, sharing and adding value are definitely key to the commenting process.
I started searching for blogs to write on right away because that is what IT Girl said to do to build my community – The first blog I wrote on was Zen Habits and that is where I found Vered and then you….but it took a long time before I got comments on PW.
After almost 4 years, I get still almost no comments on Biking Architect – those guys just never comment…and all the blogs I wrote on for BA have now gotten huge and have closed their comments sections…
My first comments were like being the teacher and writing about how I enjoyed the words. Now I write just exactly what I want to say and I think as though I am answering a letter…
On many blogs I am wide open….on about 1/3 of the blogs I write on, I am working on short to the point responses…and on about 1/2 of the blogs I read – I just randomly write comments
I think we are rapidly losing our ability to think and to listen and I see evidence of this almost weekly as I read blogs and FB etc.
Good post Thanks for always sharing such good topics…and you can see I am still wordy!
Thank you Patricia,
I like how you brought up how commenting is like answering a letter (or personal email). If we write like we talk, not only does our online voice remain consistent, but the blog author and those who read our comments get a feel for who we are.
Social networking sites appear (to me) to be a “faster” form of communicating. It’s so easy to “like” a post or leave a short comment and then just skim through the entries. Although there may be advantages, I prefer the blog format.
I still find it awkward posting sometimes. Although the communities I tend to hang around in have a vocal majority (which I’m not in) so can feel like you are interrupting or treading on toes if you comment there.
Hi Brian,
I hear you. Some comment sections resemble forums where it “feels” like strangers are not welcome. On sites like that, I might read the comments but like you, don’t engage.
I don’t remember the first comment I left on a blog, possibly because I had communicated online in a number of different venues before I started blogging and reading other blogs plus my first comments were likely over 7 years ago.
My advice for commenters: “Play nice.”
Criticism and/or disagreeing with a blog author and other commenters is perfectly acceptable as far as I’m concerned, but it should be done in a civilized and respectful manner.
Hi Mike,
“Play nice” is great advice. As you mentioned, it’s one thing if we disagree with the message, but that doesn’t mean we should attack the blog author.
Instead of avoiding posts which we disagree with, I think that’s where we can learn how to be diplomatic via the words we choose. (Which can also help us in the real world.)
The first time I posted a comment was roughly ten years ago. I was also worried just like you. I was not very comfortable with my computer then. That sure bring back memory. My comment was approved after a hour. I checked that site 30 times in that one hour. When I first saw that I had a feeling that at last I have left my footprint on the internet.
Hi Jennifer,
I like that. How by leaving our first comment, we’re beginning to leave a footprint on the internet. That’s true. It’s a good feeling, isn’t it? I think it’s also a good reminder of how what we’re sharing will define who we are for a long time to come.
All the more reason to leave value based comments we can be proud of. 🙂
I wrote my first comment about two months ago on another travel blog. Up to that time, I was a bit shy to share my thoughts, but since I’ve been reading about how beneficial it is to leave comments on other people’s blogs, especially those that are very similar to yours, I decided to give it a go. Now, I keep in constant communication with the owner of that blog, and we’ve been helping each other out promoting each other’s blog.
One important tip: be nice when you blog, even if the comment may be on the negative side. Being arrogant and smart may get you the attention, but it won’t be the kind you’d want on either yourself or your blog.
Hi Adeline,
Isn’t that great how that works? Even though at first glance a blogger might appear to be our competition, as you pointed out, after communicating you’ve become “friends” and in turn promote each others work.
Good point. When those who are reading the comments on a blog, if someone is being rude or arrogant, chances are their links won’t be clicked on.
That’s true, Barbara. Not to mention they will be earning more ‘enemies’ and may even be blocked from the blog from commenting altogether.
I usually enjoy much on reading blogs and giving comments. And my enjoyment doubles especially when the blog owner pay attention and left reply for my comment. Its a good tool to share the thoughts and to get instant feedback.
Hi Hogward,
Yes. Comment sections are a great place to not only share what we think/feel, but to engage with other blog authors, as well.
I remember the first time I comment a blog. I just feel my saying will view by all people in this world. Since the site can access by anyone, I just got this feeling. But actually, not everyone in this world will visit that site:-).
Hi Shelley,
I hear you. It’s not like EVERYONE will be reading our words, however a lot of people might be. It makes us think twice before hitting the “submit” button, doesn’t it?
My greatest fear is that when my comment does not seem to appear immediately after commenting into a blog, I have read that my comment could be marked as spam or flagged by other blogs I’ve commented on.
Hi Vinson,
On most blogs the first time we comment our comment goes into moderation for the blog author to approve. After that, depending on the level of security set by the blog author, our comment will either appear instantly or go to moderation (again). Unfortunately some comments are marked as spam by the spam filter, and it’s up to the blog author to check their spam folder, or not.
Hey there Barb! I’ve been w/o internet for two weeks at my house and finally have made peace with going to the library (where I am now) and surrendering to the AT&T chaos. This lesson in surrendering did not come about smoothly or without hysteria, believe me.
I remember commenting the first time – and got no response or acknowlegement from the blogger at all. I was crushed. Come to realize she never replies to comments – ever – so it wasn’t just me. I’ve since discovered I really only enjoy commenting on blogs when there IS some back and forth – also I tend to comment on blogs where the blogger comes to mine as well. It tends to build more of a “relationship”.
Hope to be back to “normal” w/internet very soon. It has been life-altering!
hugs
susan
Hi SuZen,
I know what you’re saying. If we take the time to visit other blogs and leave comments and the blog author doesn’t acknowledge our comment, it an be disheartening.
Personally I understand why that happens on blogs which receive hundreds of comments, but on small ones we’re left with a feeling that our input is unappreciated.
I hope you get your internet back real soon. 🙂
Thanks barbara for your nice sharing about your experience commenting on blog. I’m visiting you first and it has impressed me your article. I love commenting and though I’m new and I am sure your experience will help me lot. But some times like Vinson I get fear that will my comment be published or not when I see that my comments awaiting for moderation, I be feared very. Anyway, I will bookmark your awesome decorated blog (It been really splendid design). I hope I will receive your nice experience in many different issues next days.
Blog Comments
You’re welcome Joymamun, and thank you for your kind words.
It can be tough for a new commenter, especially if we don’t realize our comment goes into moderation before it gets published. I think as long as we can add value to a blog post, chances are the blog author will approve it and not mark it as spam.
It also help if the site we’re linking to isn’t spammy either.
I’m not pretty sure when did I 1st comment on any blog post or what name did I use. But just like Barbra, I use to be little worried about my comments in start but then things started to settle down gradually. Thanks Barbra for sharing your experience.
You’re welcome Web Based Accounting System,
Yes. Those first few comments we leave can be nerve racking, but with time and practice, it becomes easier. 🙂
I don’t actually remember my first “real” comment on a blog. I am a member of many forums and I used to visit LiveJournal regularly, so the fear was already long gone before I started commenting as I do now.
I live to give a personal touch in my comments and to share my own experience and thoughts. If I have, I will gladly offer an illustration from my own life as a part of comment. I think that this is what makes us more human and gives blogging the flavor it has.
Hi Ana,
You’re right. When we add a personal touch to a comment, not only are we adding value to the post, but others can benefit from what we said, as well.
I think what you’re doing can also help drive traffic to your site. Others will want to learn more about you and what you do.
Hello Barbara –
Commenting on blogs is a great way to interact with other bloggers, start a debate and maybe even make some new friends. The fact that it also helps to promote your own blog and maybe get you a little extra traffic is a very nice bonus indeed.
I really can’t remember what my first blog comment would have been – or where it was made. Quite some time ago though I suspect!
Hi Hamish,
Commenting has many benefits, doesn’t it? Like you said, not only can we make new friends, but can comments can lead to more traffic to our sites, as well.
I was reading you description about how you left your comment for the first time and was just smiling) Because I was exactly the same as you) More over I visited this post for millions of times and was absolutely happy when one woman even replied on my comment))) Time passed and now it is a usual thing for me. But I still remember how it was for the first time) Thanks a lot for this post
You’re welcome Jeanie,
Those first comments can be nerve racking, hey? In some ways, I think how our comments are received can also affect our commenting habits in the future. If our comments are replied to, we’re more apt to leave more, but if our comments just sit there or if we’re attacked, we could end up being more hesitant to comment again.
Today is the first time I have visited this blog, and your more recent post makes me giggle. I came to this post because, well, I’m pretty new at commenting- I’ve always pretty much just been a reader.
I think, your tip of making a new email just for my comments is a GREAT idea, Thank you kindly! I will be implementing that immediately!
Now I am going to follow your directions, todays assignment (well, the 23rds assignment lol) and go visit some other nifty bloggers 🙂
I will be back though, this is a unique, helpful site, and I am glad I stumbled upon it 🙂
Jenny!
Welcome to my blog, Jenny,
Going from a reader of blogs to a commenter can feel intimidating, but with just a little bit of practice, those fears can be overcome.
I’m happy to hear you’re doing the assignment and will be visiting other blogs. I’ll bet you’ll find lots of gems in your travels.
See you again soon. 🙂
Thanks for the advice Barbara. Just one question, is it generally acceptable to leave the URL of an inner page when commenting or does it always need to be the homepage?
You’re welcome Thomas,
You can do either one, but it’s usually suggested to use your “main” URL. That said, since I use CommentLuv, you’ll have a chance to link to either your current post or an earlier one when you comment here.
I was afraid when I first commented on a blog also. This is a good article to help people that might not leave comments otherwise. I use CommentLuv also but it has not really helped.
It’s always very scared to do something for the first time. I was afraid to write comments on different blogs within 2 weeks probably, but now I feel free)