Comments from readers are the best part of blogging. Readers response gives me an expanded perspective of what I've written. Needless to say, I appreciate comments.
Today I want to consider comments I make. I have to ask a few questions about my comments and analyze what I am doing. Do I make meaningful comments?
I make a number of different types of comments. Many times I pick one narrow aspect of a blog and make my comment. It's not that I haven't read the whole blog. I feel the one point is what I would like to consider.
Too many times I make a comment that refers to me. Comments should be on the writer's post.
Are the complements I make genuine and sincere? I hope so. Are my comments supportive and positive. Bloggers put something out in public and they should be rewarded and encouraged .
I sometimes use humor in a comment. I try to use humor with bloggers I think I know well and who get my sense of humor.
Sometimes my comments are fairly shallow. I'm not saying much. There's little substance in the comment. I try to avoid the fluff comments.
Sometimes I misunderstand something and make a ridiculous comment and embarrass myself. That'll teach me for not reading the post carefully.
I hope that my comments are polite. Being careful about comments elevates the whole blogging experience.
I follow many blogs. Too many blogs for me to make comments on every post. I admit that I have to rank things. Some blogs I find interesting to read but do not make comments. Some blogs I comment on from time to time . Some blogs I comment on every post.
I hope that my comments are never offensive. If I do offend I hope you'll tell me so that I can apologize and make things right.
How about you? What do you try to do with comments?
My comments can vary a great deal depending upon the post I'm commenting on. Many times the post will be a simple photo with few words, and I'll try to say something relevant to the photo. Other blogs, such as yours, tell stories. I like it when commenters on my blog make the comment about themselves - it feels conversational, as though they can relate to something I said. I also enjoy humor and tend to use it myself - but I understand what you mean about needing to be careful when using it. I never intend to be insulting.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that the particular blog really influences the comment
DeleteI think you made a nice summary of how I try to answer the blogs as well.I have nothing to add to your research. I think it is the right way.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the comments coming from you.
DeleteI usually try to let the writer know that I've read the read, firstly. Then, if it is meaningful to me, respond in that way. I admire many amateur photographers, too. Especially photos of birds I will never see! I don't usually joke, as these can be misconstrued!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's important that we get across the idea that we've read the post. And I appreciate your sense of humor.
DeleteI always like your comments Red! They are always sincere and genuine. And yes you most definitely sometimes have to prioritize. I follow a lot of blogs as well and it's impossible to comment on every post.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think we have to prioritize to do justice to commenting.
DeleteYou can make any type of comment you want on my posts, if you decide to leave one. Comments are great but I do not worry if I do not receive any. I have always enjoyed your comments, even several that made me laugh - I, for one, like your sense of humour and your honesty. When I am asked a question by anyone, I like to reply in an email for I find that more personal - you will probably not see replies to comments on my posts, as my answers are sometimes personal and I like to keep it personal. Keep commenting, keep posting - I likes yer stuff Red. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteThat first sentence rally leaves a lot of leeway!! Yes, I do answer the more personal things by email.
DeleteOh, Red, I love your comments. I think they are always quite to the point and show what interested you. I just read a wonderful post by Kay at Musings and realized after I made a comment that I should have said more about the statues and almost made a second one, but I didn't.
ReplyDeleteI also follow a lot of blogs and comment on some each time, others now and then. I think if I cannot think of what to say, my comment is going to be pretty useless. This is a good post, making me think. You do that to me quite often. :-)
Thanks. Yes, many times I publish the post and then say, Oh, I forgot ...." Sometimes I do make a second comment. I also appreciate your comments as I know you comment on many blogs so you're making a huge effort.
DeleteI try to be positive with my comments too. I think people like to be encouraged, not criticized.
ReplyDeleteFor me, there's no room to criticize people.
DeleteI am EXACTLY like you in my comments, except I can get a bit snarky at times thinking I am being funny. I have yet to have a nasty or critical comment that I could take personally. If they disagree, it on the subject matter.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that bloggers are a special kind of people and they have a good sense when it comes to comments. I've always been able to look at a comment and see where they are coming from.
DeleteI enjoy your comments. I have very few followers and I also feel like I I am a horrible blogger. I blog because I like to write out what I am feeling and I am trying to get better at writing. Thanks for you your comments.
ReplyDeleteI started blogging because I thought it was important to keep up some writing skills. As you write you gain confidence.
DeleteI just say Yes. Seriously if I find a post boring then I don't comment but I tend to comment on the feel of the post as i understood it.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a good term "feel" It's on another level.
Deletei could not imagine you being offensive to anyone. i always appreciate your visits!
ReplyDeletei, too, follow too many blogs. i often pick up on one piece of their post and comment about that. i also often relate to something they relayed and end up making the comment about myself. but that's what sharing is about, i think. :)
Personally I think I do too much of the personal stuff. I should stay on the topic more. I know what you mean when you say some personal remarks are okay.
DeleteI always enjoy and appreciate your comments, Red. And I like it when commenters bring themselves into the comment. Then it's like a conversation.
ReplyDeleteI feel I bring myself into the comment too much. I think I should stick to the topic.
DeleteI think your comments are just fine, and I've never found you offensive in any way. It's hard to always know what to say, even when you do feel like commenting.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do erase comments and start over because the first try doesn't feel right.
DeleteI always enjoy your comments. I work hard at crafting my posts and it's nice when people seem to appreciate them. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteYou have a set pattern to your posts. That makes them well written.
DeleteI think you've pretty much nailed it for most of us who follow quite a few blogs. We can't be on top of our commenting game every time but we do try to acknowledge the thought that someone put into their posts. You do just fine, Red. I always enjoy what you have to say - whether in your posts or in comments.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Keep playin' with words!
DeleteI always want to leave meaningful comments, but sometimes I just don't have the time. Most of the time I try to leave something just to let people know I was there. When I have time I like to say something that hasn't already been said. That takes work, but I like the challenge.
ReplyDeleteThis post interests me very much. I hadn't thought it was incorrect to say something about myself in a comment. I like making connections and I find those kinds of comments interesting when others leave them on my posts. Many bloggers ask thought provoking questions, as you often do. The comments can generate interesting discussions.
I appreciate any comments I get. I never get rude ones. Thank you, Red, for all of your comments.
I don't think it's incorrect to refer to yourself in posts. I think I do it too much!
DeleteI see this as a communication with individuals who have similar interests. I often talk more on my computer some days than with the public
ReplyDeleteHow true. I wonder how many people are in this situation?
DeleteI agree! You've covered most of the bases. Some posters like myself are expressed more in images than words. I leave it to the visitors to interpret the subject matter from their perspective. I do try to use clever titles to illicit a response. lol
ReplyDeleteYou're right. there are very different posts so you have to comment appropriately.
DeleteYour comments are always welcome Red. I like it when someone shares something similar in a comment..weather...grands..dogs..flowers..whatever it is all good:)
ReplyDeleteI just thought that I may be centering on myself rather than the post.
DeleteOh my gosh, Red, you make the best comments. I love it when people write comments that tie their own experiences with something I've written about. I know then that I must have written something that struck a chord with that commenter. I agree with Daniel that you've covered all the bases about commenting. I love every comment I get, even when they just say something like, "Have a nice Sunday."
ReplyDeleteI'm wishing you a happy Sunday, Red. Thank you for visiting me when you can. I appreciate everything you say.
Comments are what keeps us going. You've been a real trooper to work and comment on all my blogs that you missed. I really appreciate your efforts and dedication.
DeleteBeing the non introspective type, I find these questions way to difficult to answer. On the other hand I like dialogue so comments are an opportunity for that and a wonderful reward for hard work....;)
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling about rewards.
DeleteGosh! What are fluff comments? That sounds like something I might do! :) I am always glad when I see that you have left a comment on my blog. I feel honored. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteFluff would be a comment that doesn't say much sort of like a generic comment.
DeleteI feel honored also if you comment to me. If You never. I also wonder if I have turned you off for my comment to you as I am a talker. I enjoy your blogs.
ReplyDeleteHello Red,
ReplyDeleteCame to visit via dear Friko - and I couldn't have penned my thoughts and feelings on 'comments' any better!
Thanks for dropping by to visit Hiawatha House. Comments are the best part of blogging.
DeleteI love reading comments on my blog, so I try to leave comments on everyone else's blogs, but sometimes it's hard to keep up. Just so you know, I am always really happy to get a comment from you, Red. You always have something interesting to say!!
ReplyDelete