And it's something that I have noticed too.
A few of us ended up having an interesting Twitter convo about the nature of blog comments (Well, as much as a convo you can actually have in 140 characters.)
I love comments. They are crack to this addicted blogger.
If you are a regular commenter of mine (and you know who you are....) I thank you, very much.
So tell me......what makes YOU comment?
What makes your fingers fly and itch to leave a witty response?
Do you love comments on your own blog? Do you see them as validations?
Do you get less comments that you used to from "old regulars"?
Do you worry about the volume of comments you do or don't get?
Do blog comments build a community? Or a clique?
Is Twitter a comment distraction? Replacement, perhaps?
Do you feel an affinity to other "regular" commenters?
Are there blogs you ALWAYS comment on, regardless?
Do you ever suffer from blog comment apathy? The can't be bothereds?
What turns you OFF - what kind of post DON'T you comment on, and why?
Do you have a favourite commenter?
Do you reply within comments or via email, back to a commenter?
Do you have a preference on commenting systems? (Plain standard Blogger? Discus? I actually am one of the few that uses Echo - do you love it or hate it?)
What kind of posts inspires you to comment?
Tell me? Share? Let me know your thoughts?
_________________________________________________________________
Total calories inhaled - 1451 ~ Exercise calories burned - 0 - too effing busy today ~ Glasses of water sculled -3 ~ Amount of times I drove round in circles with the kids - felt like 10 ~ Hours of glorious sleep - 5
Man, that's a lot of questions! Um ... I'm just a chatterbox ... I comment because I like to talk ...and I like to tell the people that I've been there. Kinda like a calling card I guess.
ReplyDeleteHey, that was me! :) So I can totally relate to this post. And all of those questions, I was nodding along to a lot of them.
ReplyDeleteI was saying how I missed my old commenters because, you hit the nail, I feel an affinity with them.
But I'm guilty of getting the can't be bothereds so when I fall behind in commenting I notice my comments drop off. And that's fair.
And yes, there are blogs I want to comment on religiously, if not every post, at least every week, because I feel a connection with the bloggers.
This, of course, is one! xx
I live receiving comments and do find I have regulars I can rely on who have also become good friends :). Having them comment is like having a friend drop in unexpectedly and it makes me especially happy :). I like your comment system as you can reply to the individual comments, I use the normal blogger one though. I'm guilty of not commenting as much as I should, I read blogs via my phone in short blocks of time and usually get dragged away on a kid emergency before being able to comment, or something shiny distracts me and I forget ;). I do like leaving comments though, especially if something really speaks to me :). I think comments are important to me as a blogger, they are validation that someone out there is actually reading ;).
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed you Thea. It ended up really being interesting. If I could figure out how to do it, I would have cobbled together all of the tweets into a logistical discussion and pasted it into the above post!
ReplyDeletexx
A calling card. I like that. Specially from you. Off to yours now! xx
ReplyDeleteOo interesting. I think twitter and perhaps Facebook are killing blog comments a bit - at least I've seen a lot of people saying that and I think it's true. I prefer to have comments on my blog rather than on twitter but I appreciate that some people are reading on phones and that makes it hard. When I'm on my phone, i find it really hard to leave a comment and try and make a mental note to go back and comment later, but I rarely remember or have time.
ReplyDeleteI am slightly put off by Disqus and anything you have to register for but on the other hand I like the threaded comments and being able to respond individually which is tricky on blogger. I have a lot of email correspondence going on with a lot of people which I love and has grown out of comments and that sense of community. I will comment if I'm moved, or entertained or feel empathy or laugh or want to support. I rarely read and don't leave a comment.
I try and reciprocate as much as possible but I also don't think the whole obligation thing works either. I love the commenters I have and it is a lovely little group.
i'm going to admit something here that probably makes me a saddo but what the hell. YOU Lucy commented on my blog yesterday, you also became a follower. I felt like i'd won the comment lottery. why? well that's easy - you're part of the "popular crowd" and yes there is one in the blogosphere and twitter and i see you as part of it. you have a big blog following, you know all the "cool kids" and when i saw that you had left me a comment yesterday AND decided to follow i got all excited - Guv looked at me like i'd gone loopy but hey that's how i roll.
ReplyDeletecomments, for me, feed my blogging soul - yes i write for me but reading that other people sometimes agree with me, disagree with me or just think i write well makes me want to write even better and KEEP writing. i KNOW what it's like to write and receive hardly any comments and so because of that i make sure i spread the comment love around - i try to comment on as many blogs as i can from my reader and the reason why i'm happy to do this is because i only follow blogs that i enjoy reading, so if i enjoy reading them i want the blogger to know :-)
i like what Langdowns said about it being a calling card. i know that sometimes you want to leave a comment, a mark to say you've been there but you really have nothing to say, which is why i have written in my sidebar about leaving me a pebble [o], without even typing a word it says you've read the post, you wanted to let me know you've been and you've left your mark - your calling card.
great post.
~x~
I used to be SO much better about commenting. With so much going on in my "real" life, I usually read blogs via my reader at work. Most often, company firewalls prohibit me from going to the actual blogs to comment, so I don't.
ReplyDeleteI feel like a heel, but I'm totally still reading along over here!
As far as comments on my own blog, well, of course I welcome (and love!) them, but I usually only get one or two and that's totally cool. (Especially since I very infrequently comment myself.) I try to respond to the comments, but am consistently surprised that most people have that turned off and I get a big fat "noreply" address with the comment.
I am only commenting here because you asked so many damn questions! I confess that I used to comment a lot more, but I have so many writing projects on the go these days that I don't always do so now. Feels like more work. I'm still out here, reading the blogs, but commenting less.
ReplyDeleteI comment if a post invites me to do so. Or it moves me so much that I want the writer to know I was there. Or it makes me laugh. Or... lots of different reasons really. I don't respond to comments on my own blog - I try to visit the blog of the commenter and leave a comment there. Though I confess that I'm not as diligent about that as I used to be. Maybe I've become complacent and need a good smack. It's possible.
I hope you'll be taking the research from your twitter chat and this post and writing us a definitive post on the state of commenting in the blogosphere today...
You know me. I love comments. To me, it's stats, schmats. I like the idea of a blogging community. When I went through a "blog crisis" last year I got some great advice that the best way to build a blog community is to be part of it. That means interacting and leaving comments. However during holidays I don't comment or read as much because I'm soaking up time with my family.
ReplyDeleteWhen and why do I comment? It depends. Some posts beg to be answered but alot of the time it's because I want to share my experience or say what I've learned from reading it. Like Al I don't usually respond to comments on my blog but I usually click over to read the blogs of those who've been kind enough to leave comments.
I am officially ending my essay here x
That is a whole lot of questions to think about! Definite food for thought.
ReplyDeleteI adore getting comments on my own blog, as I see them as a sign that my readers are relating to and connecting with what I'm writing. It's this exact reason that drives me to comment on other people's posts - I comment because I connect with what they have written.
I don't think Twitter is a replacement for blog comments. To me, I find that Twitter complements blogging nicely. I use it as a place to promote my own new posts, respond to individual commenters, as well as a place to find new blogs and hear about new posts on the blogs that I regularly read.
While I don't really base my feelings towards my blog purely on the number of comments I receive, it's always nice to receive feedback, and it's nice to know that people have taken the time to share their own thoughts by writing a comment. It makes me happy. Comments make the blog world go round xxx
If it makes me smile or I get a feeling that I see myself in the post somehow, then I'll comment to show that person that I was there and I felt something too
ReplyDeleteFunny, I am quite a new blogger and even newer to twitter. I guess I comment when i really love a post or feel like i have something to say (so I comment a lot really). I also do not subscribe to many blogs so i like those I read regularly to know I do love 'em and read 'em and follow 'em in my own way.
ReplyDeleteI relish in my own comments recieved (oohhh especially those ones that say something like "great content, I will looking forward to seeing more of same great stuff") Actually I am on the lookout for a great plug in that allows me to say something witty to encourage people to leave comments, something that filters spam but is not annoying to everyone.
I get particularly excited when i get a comment from a blogger I admire - I am always so chuffed that they took time out to see what li'l ole me is up to !
I tend to blog first thing in the morning and then snatch time here and there reading posts and commenting throughout the day. I am probably guilty of just commenting on my blog roll blogs but they are more often the ones who have struck a chord with me. I do FYBF and do spend time checking out new blogs to me.
ReplyDeleteI comment on regulars quite frequently but sometimes I just press a like button if I have nothing really to add but I like the post. I probably do not comment on recipes or craft stuff because it is a mystery to me.
I get comments from regulars a lot and sometimes they fall away, like I probably to do others. There is only so much time in the day. If a new commentor leaves a message, I always go and check out their blog. xx
Lots of times I never comment, if Disqus is being used then pretty much never, except for Mrs Woog, as I just get such a laugh from her.
ReplyDeleteI read pretty much every post in my reader some weeks but comment on very few.
I'm similar to Miss Ruby (whom I'm about to go and checkout) I LOVE comments on my Blog, but having said that I've changed it twice in the last 6 months so it might be hard to track me down...
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I usually lurk for a while before I feel comfortable commenting (I've been reading you for about 12 months, Lucy) - I really need to get the feel of the person before I can make the leap...and it is really nice when the Blog owner replies to your comment - you don't feel like you're being ignored.
Some days/weeks are busier than others, though, so the regularity of my posts and comments varies depending on time availability.
Great post!
I guess I just love the sound of my own keystrokes... ha!
ReplyDeleteBut, really, for me blogging is all about the conversation. I don't particularly enjoy talking to myself (but I'll do it in a pinch), so I like to talk to others when they have put something out there. Many times I read and don't comment, but that's just because I do a lot of my reading via my crackberry and I hate using the comment system on my little phone.
Blogging = engagement = validation = meaningful = purpose. x
This is adorable. x
ReplyDeleteJust thought of something else.... I hate hate hate comments on my blog that are of no relevance to my post, but are simply a plug for the commenter's own blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm talking about comments along the lines of "Come and follow my blog! [link inserted]", and that's it. Major turn off. xxx
i've been seeing alot of those around lately....and i tend to agree with your thoughts on them.
ReplyDeletety xx
ReplyDeleteWhat is that!?!?! I delete them if I find them. Spam. x
ReplyDeleteOh yes me too! Grrrrr. Pet peeve of mine.
ReplyDeleteYou need Echofon then! ;) I have that convo as a perfect timeline.
ReplyDeleteI comment whenever I read on the actual blog. Sometimes (like lately) I get in a real rut. A funk, if you will. I grow despondent about not getting as much feedback on my own blog and realise that sometimes, even when I get that feedback, the commenter has done a skim read at best. So then I start getting paranoid that I blah blah blah too much on my posts on my own blog and ramble and that's why people have to skim read and I end up must blaming myself and ..... I am such a middle-child aren't I?
ReplyDeleteUpshot is this: I comment because I love comments. But I want *connection* I want a conversation. I want familiarity. I want to belong. So that leaves me with not wanting to comment unless I really feel genuinely moved to do so. Rarely do I leave a blog without commenting on something. I haven't answered any of your questions have I?
My views on comments has changed. I am now happy to have someone comment on my blog, on the blog's facebook page, even on twitter. I like comments that continue the conversation I guess, but even someone telling me via twitter they liked it, and making some small comment is ok in my books.
ReplyDeleteI use a plugin on wordpress that means I can reply to a persons comment within their comment - I really like that, I feel like the conversation flows better that way.
As for me commenting, I try to comment often, but sometimes life just gets busy! I am starting to at least try and let the blogger know I have commented by acknowledging them on facebook, twitter etc, but I hope they don't see that as a cop out on my part.
It does kind of irk me when someone only comments on my blog when I comment on theirs... I just can't always get to comment on all posts, and I really don't want to - actually I refuse - to get caught up in the follow me I'll follow back, comment and I'll comment back thing, because I want a dynamic conversation.
At the blog coon someone said don't just leave a comment like "great post" or "xxx" but sometimes, at least the blogger knows you have ben there, as long as it's not all you do to comment all the time, I think that's ok too...
Hmmm, rambling now!
Oh, and one more thing... I usually end comments with xxx because that's what I do! If I was saying goodbye to you in real life, no doubt I'd at least hug if not kiss you goodbye!
I find this really easy to comment on because of your commenting system. But I like coming to your blog and want to show you my love. Although I could be more consistent.
ReplyDeleteSorry, late to the party as always.
ReplyDeleteActually, this is my biggest problem with commenting on blogs now. I usually don't get a chance to jump onto the computer until late at night, and by that stage if a post has been up for ages, I feel like my comment is irrelevant, or it looks like I haven't cared enough to reply to it sooner. Silly I know, because anybody that knows anything about me or my blog knows that's just how it is with my working hours and stuff. And as I said in my weekend post about warm fuzzies, I love love love comments, especially leaving them with lots of love for my favourite bloggers. Mwah. xxx
Such a conversation starter. I comment when something touches me, makes me laugh, or is thought provoking. But sometimes I just comment because I feel like the blogger needs to know that someone is listening.
ReplyDeleteI don't comment if I can't think of something interesting or encouraging to say. I rarely email because I think of the blog as the main discussion point. Although i must say, I just added my email address to my blog and have since had lovely email conversations with a few bloggers. It was a nice surprise.
I comment only when I have something to say or share, if it somehow adds to the knowledge of the thread. otherwise I just read them and pick up the knowledge I can from what the blogger has shared. I hate confusing comment boxes especially when I want to really say something!
ReplyDeleteI am VERY partial to comments; its as if your words aren't just floating out in the ether... You have instead made a profound impact on someone's world and made a difference, no matter how small. I am certainly guilty of not commenting on every blog I read, as I dont like saying something just for the sake of it. But I also like to share the blog love and think, if I enjoy getting comments, this too wil make someone elses day :)
ReplyDeleteSomething shiny.....oh, I hear you! xx
ReplyDeleteThat obligation and reciprocation thing - it's such a tricky balance.
ReplyDeleteAnd the juggle between all the other avenues of communication - between Farcebook, Twitter and email and blog comments - sometimes I yearn for the days of snail mail and a rotary dial phone!
Miss Ruby Stinkbomb - you have been one of my most loyal commenters for ages - thank you, so much. I feell slack that it has taken me this long to get to your blog, which is utterly delightful and beautifully written by the way, and so lovely to look at. And clever too. I need to know how you do your cool font! xx
ReplyDeleteJill! You have reminded me about the "no-reply" thing. I am going to do an idiots guide to that!
ReplyDeleteAnd I hear you - real life gets so bloody busy - comments are the first thing to get neglected...
I am not so sure it'll be definitive Al commentary on comments, but it'll no dount will be all encompassing....
ReplyDeleteAnd you're right - sometimes it can feel like "work", and for me, that's when its time for me to have a break for a while, from online "work", until it feels like play again...
xx
I ♥ your essays. Sharing of experiences. Me too. But I guess you'd guessed that?! xx
ReplyDeleteI view Twitter in the same way Jane - complimentary rather than a replacement for comments - but many followers follow both and use Twitter as a comment forum.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are right - comments make the blog world go round.
Jane - you have always been one of my most loyal blog commenters - thank you so much. xx
Same. It's such a nice way to connect, isn't it? x
ReplyDeleteOff to stalk you right now!
ReplyDelete"There is only so much time in the day" oh baby, I hear ya.
ReplyDeletexx
Disqus seems univerally disliked...and reading over commenting seems so common.....
ReplyDeleteSandra, how did you go with your Ticker attempts?! Let me know if you want any more help? (I keep trying to click through to you Journey to Fabulous blog, but it doesn't let me? Let me know the new blog address?) xx
ReplyDeleteSandra, how did you go with your Ticker attempts?! Let me know if you want any more help? (I keep trying to click through to you Journey to Fabulous blog, but it doesn't let me? Let me know the new blog address?) xx
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of your keystrokes too Bronnie, really, I do. And I love your little bloggy equation. xx
ReplyDeleteOh me too. Those, and the "I am forward looking to more of the same content greatness that I found here." GO AWAY spambottomers.
ReplyDeleteYou haven't, but I love you anyway. From one middle child to another, I hear you.
ReplyDeletexx
I never have anyone moan about my commenting system Echo. I love it. (It played up for a little while and I nearly dumped it, but I am glad I have stuck with it. It now seems to work perfectly for me all the time.) Consistency is hard Bern, when life if just bloody busy. I love it when you pop by. xxx
ReplyDeleteConversation. Key. And the calling card or the pebbles or the xxx sometimes can say a lot.
ReplyDelete(When your blog posts make me cry, like they often do Nay, I sometimes just do the xxx. Because I want you to know I am moved. And that I ♥ you.)
Comes as late as you like lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, because I often leave YOUR blog until last, as I know you get to it late at night - so I know you won't mind.
I am giggling that we all begin to know our favourite bloggers habits so well!
xx
"Someone is listening..." is so true, and so kind that you comment to demonstrate that.
ReplyDeleteThe email thing - its nice. I am torn. I want it all contained on the blog (OCD, much, me?!) BUT I love the deepening of relationships that email can nurture.
xx
Cate, you comment as you do in real life - with exuberance and enthusiasm and I love it! You are so consistant with your comment love - it blows me away, so THANK YOU.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting here then - I agree with the confusing commenting box thing - its a constant nightmare!
ReplyDeleteAnd it does make their day. Especially your comments Donna - they are lovely. And it does make a difference. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy, Thanks for asking...I battled with the Ticker and finally managed to cut and paste it into my last post...might just do that weekly for updates. I was hoping I could add it to the top of my Blog but I keep getting a message about it containing "illegal characters" or it being "broken"...
ReplyDeleteThe new blog address is sandrasjourneytofabulous.blogspot.com
xxx
Are you using the HTML code? Or the BB code? It looks good where it is bTW!
ReplyDeleteThe irony with leaving a comment here about comments is it's not a post I commonly leave a comment on. Why? Because I'm slack. I don't like that I'm slack, I'm trying hard to reform myself! Secondly there's too much to answer and my brain hurts. As a commenter I'm most likely to leave a comment where:
ReplyDelete- I don't need to overthink it - it just flows
- It's simple to do so (commenting system and something relevant to say)
As far as social media being a 'replacement' for comments - perhaps but it doesn't me - any engagement with a post is positive to me - so retweeting/sharing/commenting on twitter/facebook/blog is all good in my opinion.
Whilst comments are fabulous and I would be absolutely talking out of my arse if I said I didn't value them/love them there are a lot of bloggers who only comment to get comments. I don't find this genuine or 'real'.
Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteAs for my font - it's just one of the new fonts that's available on the new Blogger templates - was sooo glad to find upgraded "fancy" fonts on blogger finally!
using the HTML code "for Blogs etc"...
ReplyDeleteIf you prefer to email me - sdennis@smartline.com.au, it's my business address so I check it all day long :)
xoxox
Wise words Liss, wise words. I agree, so much, the the idea that comments need to flow, and be real. xx
ReplyDeleteSee? Shows how long it is since I went and had a look around all the new options! I have done it. Fingers crossed it hasn't broken anything else... Thank you!
ReplyDelete