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Blogger Problems #2
Blogger Problems #2
Blogger Problems - Do we have them?
Yes, we all do.
I am nowhere near or even in the vicinity of being perfect. I totally wish I was but I am not. Ok, back to the subject at hand - commenting. I have heard it all before and have said it myself - plenty of times and in many ways. We have all had this problem of not commenting because we didn't have a chance or not getting those comments back that we may need to our blog.
We have all been there and will be there again. We are not some superhuman robots that can do everything, all the time, without a break. It's hard sometimes to comment back to someone. NOT always but sometimes. Commenting is a whole level of determination and commitment. It's exciting to read that new post and put some of our own ideas in the comment at hand. There are other times that we briefly read the content and leave a meaningless comment just to have something up there. I can't be the only one out there that does this.
I strive to read the post (all of it) and leave a comment. It might have even been something I have said before but really I mean it. If I am leaving it on a review, you can bet your butt I have read the whole thing. But, there are times where I am just trying to get back to people to let them know that I haven't forgotten about them. I want to let them know I am still around. There are times that I don't even leave a comment. Doesn't mean I didn't read the post, just that I felt I have had nothing nice to say about the post or that it was redundant what I had to say.
Point is we have done this.
What to do about it - that is really the question!
1. Always try to be as consistent as possible.
If you take part in a blog hop meme then comment back as soon as you can.
If you see that someone is leaving you messages on your blog then be courteous and leave one on there's. Try to find a post that interests you on their blog to leave your comment.
2. Try to comment back as soon as you can.
This lets the blogger know that you care about their material too.
3. Don't nitpick the post.
Always be and give constructive answers to their post or a question they ask.
4. You don't have to comment on every single thing in the post.
Try to pick one or two thing about the post that inspires you to write a comment on it.
5. Be as nice as possible.
Never leave a nasty comment on anyone's post - EVER.
6. Try leaving a comment on a few blogs.
This gives different people a chance to comment back to you and builds your online relationships with them. There are some really great people out there to find and learn from.
7. Don't be disappointed if you don't get a comment back.
It happens life is busy and blogs take a lot of time. Sometimes people just don't bother or care. Sometimes they just don't have the time.
8. Don't give up hope.
You will find bloggers that will always comment back. Even if this takes some time, they do. Be thankful for them, comment back and forth. You can learn from them and they can learn from you. Everyone writes different types of posts. There is always something you can learn.
9. We all had to start from the beginning and learn our way through.
You will have to also. Commenting is a part of this blogging world. Take part in it and have fun with it. I usually do.
10. Blogging is not easy.
It is a full-time job, consistent worry, constant checking, commenting, writing posts, writing content, reading, reviewing, etc. It's hard work and not for everyone. It's long hours and doesn't pay. But, it's worth it, for the other people you meet, and the connections you make. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Is there something about commenting I should say?
Leave me a comment - I love them!
Mary
I never expect a reply back on my comments, it's good to know you made a post acknowledging all commentators though. Managing a blog is tough. You do a great job, keep it up
ReplyDeleteYes, I don't expect it either. If it happens that is awesome!
DeleteGreat post, Mary! Commenting can really be a balancing act - should you comment on something even if you don't really have anything of great substance to add to show support, or only on those posts where your comment may be more meaningful? Comments are such a huge part of blogging.
ReplyDeleteThey are Angela, I love them but even I can't get to everyone. I try my best and hope they know that I am there and care.
DeleteI leave a comment if I feel I have something to add to the discussion, if I've read the book or plan to read it, or if I have something semi constructive to say! Some types of posts like blog tours and things are ones I basically avoid as they are mostly genres I don't read or books that don't interest me-I will comment on a horror one if it sounds good though!
ReplyDeleteI love reading book reviews as it can bring a book into my scope and if I see a bunch of good reviews I usually pick the book up. So I almost always comment on those.
DeleteGood post! I just started working more than fulltime and whereas I usually had to time to comment back easily, I now even struggle to find time to write posts. This means I'm incredibly behind on commenting back but I do keep track of the comments I need to reply to and will do so during the Christmas holidays when I will finally have the time to go through every thing. This does make me feel awful though.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with it too. As I am in college and don't always have the time to comment back.
DeleteBlogging is not easy, but I agree with a lot of things you mentioned in your post about commenting. I would rather not comment than leave a throw away comment, but I will look through older posts and find something I can comment on, because I do think it's important to comment back, if I want to create/maintain a relationship with that person.
ReplyDeleteI do that too, sometimes, I will try another post to comment on. Yes, I would say commenting back is really important.
DeleteAppreciate the shared feeling of 'I know what you mean'.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally fine if someone doesn't comment back or merely says 'Hello or Happy Tuesday' or whatever. I want people to feel they can relax and say what they want without worrying if their comment is worthy. Sometimes I'm frazzled and can't think of something great to say so I at least say thanks for sharing your thoughts so they know I read their post.
Thanks, Mary!
That's a great idea. Just saying thanks for sharing their thoughts. Lets them know you have read the post and makes them feel that their work is appreciated. I might make that a comment for when I don't really care for the post.
DeleteI always suffer guilt if I don't comment back. It is horrible, but this year family, health and issues pertaining to those I love have made things difficult. Rather than step down because I love blogging so much, I have been seriously hit and miss on the visiting and commenting back to the Sunday Post. After almost eight years of blogging I hope people know me enough to realize I am there when I can be.
ReplyDeleteOh no Kim, Don't suffer guilt you do the best you can and we all know you are busy. We love you if you comment back or don't. You are a great blogger and I am happy to hear you didn't give it up. You are like my blogger hero!
DeleteSo many great points here, Mary! I go through spurts of commenting back all the time and then life gets in the way sometimes. It really is a hard balance. I totally agree with Kimberly. I hope that most people know that I will come back to the comments when I can. :)
ReplyDeleteIt might be a unwritten rule. We all do the best we can. I am glad to see someone comment back. Just that they were able to take a time to do it makes me happy!
DeleteMary how did I miss this post this week???? Easy: I was having a hard time to blog hop LOL. Seriously I am so happy Kimberly linked it in her Sunday post because yes I totally identify with what you've said!This is one of the best posts around this topic that I have read so far! I will save it for my next week's Sunday post because everyone should read it!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sophie! I really appreciate that. I try hard to come up with some things that a bloggers can use. I try my best like everyone else and I am happy in anyway if it helps someone. =)
DeleteWonderful discussion Mary. I do read all those blog posts that are in my feed. As of now, I'm having a difficult time managing my time and I wouldn't be able to comment as often. I do always comment back, it may take awhile. I enjoy blogging, but it's very time consuming.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. It is not easy and takes a lot of time. I have a time management problem and have to be more diligent with what I am doing and how long it takes me.
Delete