It seems like lately it’s all been doom and gloom and twisted darkness over here. So let’s talk about something a little more trivial. (Except I want you to read it seriously, because I am deadly serious.) Here goes…
My top five reasons readers should comment on blogs, rather than just read and leave, or read and tweet a nod of approval, or read and email, or any variation of the above.
These are my top five reasons readers should comment ON the actual post they have read. (In no particular order.)
Discussion.
One of the best things about the interweb is the ability to discuss all topics with all kinds of different people. And whilst there are plenty of platforms for this, I find comment streams to be the most interesting. Writing spawns ideas, and ideas spawn discussion. So get involved! And I encourage this even on my fiction. If you want to critique or draw out ideas, I’d be only too pleased.
Promotion.
When I was trying to gather readers and break into the erotic writers’ circle (as I like to think of it), the inimitable Roger Steiner told me to go and comment on other blogs. And sure enough, it does work spectacularly well as self-promotion. It may not be true of everyone, but it seems that many blog readers are also writers themselves. Or at least tweeters, or the like. Commenting on blogs is an excellent way to get your name out there.
Inspiration.
I cannot count the number of times a comment has inspired me to write! Horny comments push me to smut, and insightful comments make me ponder things and write more articles. If you’re enjoying a blog, you should comment in order to inspire more writing. Furthermore, many bloggers are open to suggestion – particularly bloggers whose writing is of an erotic nature – so actually commenting significantly ups your chances of getting what you want.
Promotion.
Again. Except this time I’m talking about promoting the work you’re reading. Whilst I try to give each blog I come across a fair try when I discover it, blogs that are regularly commented on especially pique my interest, for the obvious reasons: if others are reading and commenting, the writer must have something to say. And so I might be more willing to spend longer looking for the angle than I would with a blog that was never read. This might seem a little short sighted (which, incidentally, I am) but there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to read every blog I come across. There has to be some method of weeding out the weak.
Appreciation.
Most bloggers are writers who can’t live off their writing, even though they might like to. While the vast majority of us would continue writing regardless of whether anyone was reading or not – it’s like an obsessive disorder; I live to write – there is something to be said for the fact that we provide a lot of writing you consider worth reading, and thus, a little nod of approval, a few words, a thumbs up, would sure be appreciated. Like everyone else, we just want to be loved!
Of course, I’ll look like a real fool if no one comments on this. But then, maybe I’ll take it as a sign that I should step up my game.
I have to admit, I have been thinking along very similar lines of late. I am one for reading blogs, but not very often taking the time to leave a comment. This is something I plan to change, starting now. I think its the least we as readers can do to show some appreciation for the efforts we as writers/photographers go to, in making our blogs something worthwhile.
Yours is definitely a worthwhile read! I promise, I will stop by more often.
Yay! My plan is working. *taps fingertips together conspiratorially* Excellent…
Great post! I must admit I am guilty of this from time to time (ok, fine…a lot). I’m sure we all are for various reasons: its a pain to comment from your phone, it a pain to comment from the Reader, short on time, someone already said “nice post”, etc…
I try to always comment, but sometimes I really am short for time, or mean to do it from the laptop later and forget. Sometimes (often) I feel like I have nothing to contribute; either what I wanted to say has already been said (and probably better) by someone else or I just don’t really have anything constructive to add to the conversation. But you’re absolutely dead on about why we should comment. It would make the blogosphere a better place, so I’ll try to do better. Ohh…maybe it will be my New Year’s resolution: always comment on a blog post, even if it just to say “nice”
I like your thinking! It had never occurred to me that if someone else has already made my point, I shouldn’t comment! But reading that I can’t believe I’ve never thought of that. I guess I just love to get stuck in.
But you did make me think of something else too: there was a time when I was reading everything and obsessively commenting on everything. Like a mark that I’d read it. Not sure if that’s better, but I bet the authors of those blogs appreciated it.
I don’t think you have to comment on everything; but I do think people underestimate how much writers appreciate them. It’s great to know you’ve been read – so even two “nice”s are… well, nice.
Absolutely, even as a blogger (I won’t call myself a writer) I forget that other people want to be acknowledged for what they wrote. You’re right that even a nice is nice.
And its always disappointing when you post something you’re really proud of and you only get 3 or 4 comments, even though you saw that you got at least 8 page hits! :)
Wow, if you’re getting 3 or 4 comments for every 8 hits you’re doing well! I get 1 or 2 for every 100! Haha. But yes, I see your point. We need more support and encouragement!
I’ve already paid this forward and commented on a few new blogs, so I hope I make new friends through it! Thanks for pointing this out, LGS. I’m ashamed that I don’t do it enough, and will solve this in the new year.
x
I hope it serves you as much as it pleases the people you comment on! Love, x
I always think it says “Somebody out there loves me.” Even more than blog posts, I always try to comment on writing (Flash Fiction, Wank Wednesday, etc). Someone really bared their creative soul to being their work out to the rest of us. Even if it’s not very good, at least recognizing the effort is worthwhile.
Your post is a good one – it helps to know that there are real people behind the analytics that say a bunch of people read your stuff.
XO
Erika
It’s interesting that you draw a distinction between ‘blog posts’ and ‘writing’. To me, ‘blog posts’ are everything. BUT… I’m just being pedantic, haha. I’m so pleased people are thinking about this; I think it’s really important to support each other.
I love these ideas!
Our blog is in its budding stages, started less than a month ago. While we have a few, much appreciated, loyal readers who comment on every post, we do so desire for more, if only for the feedback and knowing that our thoughts and feelings and adventures aren’t sitting out there in limbo, not being enjoyed by anyone. We always comment back, like I see that you do – I think it’s equally important to let the commenters know you appreciate their time in visiting, reading and commenting on your blog. I know it takes time to build a following and we must be patient, and we will take your words of wisdom to try to spread the word that we exist.
Thank you for the insights!
Yes! I should have put that in this article as well, except I’m not sure where it fits; if bloggers want comments, they should take the time to reply to the comments they get. It’s definitely a back and forth thing.
We’re new to the blogging world and trying to comment consistently as we can on fellow blogs. As an owner of a vanilla blog for over 7 years now, I know that building a camaraderie with fellow bloggers is the only way to bring attention to your own blog and if you do it long enough, you can meet some really great people.
Excellent! So you already know, haha. I can stop pretending I’m trying to help others and admit that this is an utterly selfish pursuit; I’m just trying to guilt trip my own readers into commenting, haha. Not really, but you know.
I read lots of blogs and I do my best to comment on them all, but realistically it’s not possible. I read on my phone, and it’s far too difficult to write out a well-thought out and coherent comment on my phone and not resort to abbreviations and wholesale mangling of the English language. I try to give myself a reminder to comment when I’m at a computer, but there are far too many diversions including writing in my own blog, tending to my often rambunctious child, sex, and least common of the four, sleep. Therefore some blog posts aren’t going to get a comment. I often find myself wishing I could let every single blogger I read know that while I may not comment every single time, it’s not because I am a bad person.
Incidentally, I love this article overall. You make excellent points and any blogger should be able to relate. While I love knowing that my writing sparks discussion amongst those who read it, I can identify more with your final reason, appreciation. While we blog largely for ourselves, we do get a thrill from knowing that someone half the world away, someone we may never meet – or for that matter someone relatively close – has read and appreciated our work. While we can see how many times a given post has been viewed, we know nothing about the reaction that these viewers had. For all we know, they clicked the link by accident.
You know, conversely to this article, I also make a point of NOT commenting on things I don’t think are good. I have a real aversion to lying in that context, and most of the time I don’t want to bring down confidence by leaving a negative comment. I don’t comment on everything I read, but I try to comment on everything that sparks my imagination and thoughts. It’s a tricky balance.
Great post LGS. I think you have summed it up perfectly. I agree whole heartedly that comment on other blogs increases your own readership and on top of that it has also brought me some amazing friendships as I have got to know the other blogger. On quite a few occasions it has even lead to collaborative work which have been a great creative experience as well as a lot of fun. (You and me next LGS with regards to collaboration)
For me writing can sometimes be a lonely experience and along with my photography I am often baring very deep and personal aspects of my life. To hear some ones thoughts in return, that I have moved someone, turned someone on, made them think or even challenged them is the icing on the cake for me. In many aspects it spurs me on to produce more. For a writer/blogger who suffers from terrible self doubt about her own work one comment can make all the difference.
Oh and then of course I admit to being an attention whore…. comment = attention in my mind ;)
Mollyxxx
Oh God! Yes! I Should have put that down: attention whoredom, haha. You know, even though I don’t really write about myself that much, I completely understand that feeling of baring your soul. Writing is difficult. I just want to know someone’s listening. And YES… collaboration!
As someone who has their work read on a near daily basis, I should have been well aware of how important it is to hear feedback on one’s work. Now while I often provided that in a social media respect, it certainly makes sense to post my thoughts to the actual article. A habit I will now get myself into.
You’ve actually been making me smile with comments for the past few days, since I told you to praise me here, haha. Love.
I don’t claim to be any kind of writer as such as you clearly are, but as a blogger, comments thrill me and this post sums up exactly my thoughts! They raise so much confidence that I try not to get too disheartened when the odd post receives no comments, but as soon as that alert goes off that I have a comment *gasp!* awaiting moderation *double gasp!*, my little smutty heart leaps in delight.
LP (also guilty of not commenting enough. New Year’s resolution, I think!) x
I would LOVE for this to be more people’s new year’s resolution. I think the whole blogging world would appreciate that.
Add me to your list of grateful readers…yes, some of us DO pay attention to the insight so keenly provided through blog posts!
Awesome! Thank you!
I try to comment frequently on blogs I follow, but some of the tech issues mentioned earlier slow me down. But as a new blogger I totally get the rush of getting a great comment and engaging with a reader. I respond to all. Thanks for the food for thought.
You’re very welcome! Hope the blogging goes well, and that you continue to enjoy the commenting community.
I do try to comment when I can and feel I have something to add, although I often have to read on my phone which makes it more difficult.
I also love getting comments, and sometimes find it disheartening when something I’ve spent a long time writing gets no response. I’d rather have constructive criticism than silence so at least I can try to improve my writing in the future.
Faile x
This pretty much sums up my entire article, haha. Wow; I could have done it much quicker. Glad you agree!
Your very thoughtful article is making me admit that I’ve been lurking for awhile. I’m new to blogging, tweeting, etc. and I often feel like I don’t have anything witty or clever to add. But I do know how eternally grateful I am when someone comments on something I post. I think you may be spurring me on to a new years resolution…,
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that everyone is going to take this on as a New Year’s resolution. Thanks for commenting! I love it when the lurkers speak up… happens from time to time.
I enjoy the more unusual and thought-provoking pieces I read in blogs as well as those I don’t necessarily enjoy; or don’t THINK I’ll enjoy (I love a good surprise). I find inspiration in all sorts of writing, as well as entertainment, intellectual stimulation or simply plain old time out.
Reading, I find, is a most valuable tool in producing good writing myself. I am a sponge.
As a reader I enjoy diversity in what I choose; subject matter, language, style and so much more. As a writer I strive to inform and entertain but most of all, transport the reader to a place where all the senses are imbued in the words as the words imbue the senses.
And of course what is the purpose of writing if not to exorcise your thoughts and/or have them published for others to enjoy? So to Lady Grinning Soul and all bloggers; thank you for the opportunity to enjoy YOUR work. And I offer the opportunity to enjoy mine as well. After all, that’s what blogging is all about!
xxCatherine
Miss Catherine Gail
ProDomme, artisan and my Master’s private Muse
http://mistressj.blog.com/posts/
Now THAT is a true and proper comment. Wow. Merci Miss Catherine! I completely agree with your way of thinking.
I discovered your blog through Os & HNT. Been reading on and off for a few days and really dig each post.
The five reasons to comment are great. My main one, like yours, is discussion. I miss the days of heated debate in the comment box.
Yes! Heated debate sparked by interesting writing is fantastic. And by the by, I love discovering quiet readers! Thank you for coming out of hiding to comment. Happy New Year!
I do do do agree! But I am very guilty of not commenting :-( I find it hard to find time to write, there is little time for reading though I try hard, usually from my phone which is a mega bitch from hell to comment from! I often just surf my favourite wordpress blogs as I can click the ‘like’ button easier… I know, it’s bad…
Can I have a few more hours each day please? Or a housekeeper? Or a nubile young personal assistant of the male persuasion to tend to my every desire? (Fair cop, I’d never read anything then!)
Haha! A LOT of people have the phone-reading thing as a problem. It’s fantastic that we can read from our phones – and I think it has made the readership much larger, which is fantastic.
Because it is particularly important to me, I do make time to read and comment from my laptop; but I understand that it’s not everyone’s priority. Tricky though.
And if you ever discover a way to add hours to your day, PLEASE tell me. I tried insomnia but it has really bad side-effects; who knew?
Thanks for the tips Harper!
Do you have any tips on how to encourage more comments? I really want my blog to be interactive, but I’m pretty new to it all and not sure if what I’m doing is the best approach.
Here’s today’s example if you have some time to check it out and tell me what you think. I’d really appreciate advice from someone who clearly knows what she’s doing!
http://matildabloggs.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/when-the-music-hits-you-feel-no-pain/
Basically, the best way to get comments is to comment on other blogs, and to interact. Blogging is actually quite a social activity, so if you use twitter/facebook, or read lots of other blogs you’re more likely to get traffic. Of course, it depends largely on finding your audience. It took me a long time to get into the right niche for my writing, and getting comments is still very hit and miss. (Recently I’ve been less attentive which means I’m getting fewer comments.) But it really just takes time.
Don’t be afraid to be publicise your work. A lot.