Comments
I don’t know why I’ve been thinking about comments lately…it’s something I’ve meant to post about for oh, ages now.
I like comments, I like receiving them and I like giving them. The comments aspects of a blog to me is a way to build relationships with other people, to really get to know the people that read your site and are interested in you or your ideas.
I tend not to comment on blogs with high traffic and lots of comments, I feel invisible and that no relationship is being formed. I figure what’s the point of leaving a comment when the blog publisher is probably not going to sift through 40+ comments?
I don’t get heavy traffic on my site, nor do I get an overload of comments which I am completely ok with. I try very hard to respond to each comment that I get, I want people to feel heard- that they are not just wasting their typing skills. And…honestly….I think blogs without comments are the ultimate in narcissism (please don’t hate me for saying that). I realize there are exceptions to this philosophy (like if your blog receives hundreds of comments a day and managing that would take all of your time and well, you have a real life).
Let’s face it, blogging really is a form of egocentric behavior anyway, it’s me writing about me. However, if comments are allowed I think it turns it into more of a discussion, a shared conversation about ideas, projects or experiences. At least that’s what I tell myself.
So, if you are a regular here but have been hesitant to leave a comment, please do. I really do love to hear from you, I like discussions and have been known to play the devils advocate just to get a good discussion going!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, i have a full day of school prep (HOORAY!) ahead of me today. Shoes, hair cuts, new crayons etc!
August 6th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Comments really did change the blogging game… When I very first started a blog (in 2001) there were no comments. Comments came along a little later, before it was almost like being a secret voyeur into other’s lives! But I agree, I do like the back-and-forth that receiving comments and commenting on other people’s sites can bring.
August 6th, 2009 at 11:32 am
I also like leaving and receiving comments. I especially like when I am the first commenter then I can say write what first came to my mind as I was reading the blog instead of making sure I don’t copy what the person/people ahead of me put. Generally on your blog I don’t have the problem of “copying” other’s comments (which is very nice).
August 6th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Delurking just to say hi! Since you asked so nicely
August 6th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I feel the same way you do about leaving a message on the blogs that always get hundreds of comments. I start to write something, but end up just deleting it because seriously, are my words going to be any different than the six pages of comments written before mine? But at the same time, I really only write when I have something meaningful to say or add to the discussion, or if I just want to talk to a friend. It’s a way to build a relationship with someone you feel some kind of kinship to, does that make sense?
Still waiting for the picture of the goldfish pencil sharpener… (tap, tap, ahem!) :0)
August 6th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Comments always make my day but sometimes I spend too much time checking to see if I have any new ones and putting too much weight into how important they make me feel or how excited people are about what I’ve posted.
Your blog is great!
August 6th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I shall be sure to comment more often in the future. I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and I completely agree about the comments helping build a relationship. On my own blog, I have several people who regularly comment, and it’s almost like having a conversation with them. I often want to address their comments in follow up posts.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:32 am
How can I not leave a comment now
I regularly read your blog, but often tend to be a bit shy about leaving comments unless I really feel that I have something to say..
August 7th, 2009 at 8:38 am
I’m a regular and love your blog! Sorry I haven’t commented before now.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:41 am
I check you blog almost daily and love doing so. I do not always comment – guess I am the shy type also!! Keep up the good work.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:37 am
OK I confess to checking here pretty regularly since finding your fabulous recipe. I love your posts and fun projects you are up to.
August 7th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
i regularly read your blog and find it delightful.
September 5th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
This is my first time visiting…found you on flickr! Your blog is lovely and interesting. I’m glad I found it!
I don’t get too many comments on my blog(s) either, but it is always fun to hear what people think and “see” who is visiting! So, “Hi!”.