If you like what you read, comment
(This is a guest author article.)
I've just been on the phone (ok. kidding, I've been in touch by e-mail 
) with RT who agrees with me that comments on blogs can be a great motivation for blog authors. Nothing new about it, but I'm amazed that some of my best articles (from my viewpoint) haven't received much attention. They've been buried over a period of time receiving very little attention and I've always been bothered about it. Feels like a lot of wasted effort… I talked about blogs dying out recently and I feel that this is one of the reasons for it.
Sometimes, we need comments just to keep us inspired to write better. I know that I can never write in a vacuum (otherwise I'd just keep a personal notebook or diary) and I need people to respond to what I write. I cannot just "talk" to myself that way. But I have a feeling that increasingly the reciprocity of commenting that was once a norm among bloggers has now slowly disappeared. It's just that when I comment on another person's blog more than once and acknowledge it, it feels deflating if the other person doesn't respond. It's like spurning an invitation to dinner or lunch in the real world. Even a polite "no" would be better than no response at all.
As a writer, I know that I write some of my best articles/essays when I feel that people are responsive to it. It might be one person who inspires the writing or it might be a whole community. In my case, even half-a-dozen readers are enough to keep me at it all the time. I feel extremely grateful whenever somebody else takes their time to read, understand and more importantly respond.
I know it's not always possible, but if you do like something you read on any blog, please comment and especially if you are a blog author yourself. Many of the popular bloggers seem to take their readers for granted, but for whatever reason they seem to get more and more popular. I don't want to emulate those people. Like RT I value even a single reader and if that can inspire me to write another good piece, I appreciate the contribution which led to it.
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^5 on that one! I've just had a series of comments on a recent post and it really brings the social-networking thing to life, I also like alternative views, provided they are well expressed, as they add colour and interest. I have to admit that I sometimes don't comment on posts, and your post got me wondering why I did this. My conclusion so far is that I refrain from posting if prior postees have said what I would have said, of simply that (strange but true) the post is really good and I don't think I can add anything.
The writing funk I have been in lately has spilled over into commenting, too. I'm still reading (though almost exclusively though rss reader), but I've just not been very good about commenting. I wonder sometimes if I am the only one in this funk.
I take my eyes off of things for a couple of hours and Hari comes in and shows me up (as usual).
I have had an extremely good reason for not commenting. Actually, I've had two reasons, but I'm not going to whine (or whinge) about them. I'm just going to make it a habit to start commenting more often on other blogs. Heck, I might ditch the feedreader and use a bookmark list instead. At least that way, I'm already there when I want to comment.
The increased use of feedreaders might be one of the major reasons for the decline in actual visitors and corresponding comments.
Oh, RT, I was feeling a bit wicked as usual.
Actually you comment on blogs more than some others do. I was talking about some bloggers who never seem to respond in any way to communication, either through their blog or by e-mail. That's just demoralizing… I usually stop dealing with such people.
I kind of agree with reasonable, in that sometimes the best posts, which are probably most comment-worthy, receive the fewest because you simply feel there is nothing to add.
Comments don't always have to add something to the discussion.
Even a simple word of appreciation can mean a lot. I know I would prefer any kind of commentary (appreciation or criticism) to none at all.
I always had the same problem at my knitting blog. The "how to" articles get the most traffic. But only "conversational" articles get comments. So, many blogs with little traffic get quite a few comments– while those with a fair amount of traffic get none!
Right on the money Hari!
When working (blogging I mean), I think I spend at least 40% of my time reading and commenting. I love to get comments so the least I can do is comment back, I,m not a huge fan of "nice post" comments, but still those are always nice to read
I agree. Comments are what helps give a writer direction. Without feedback, how can one improve their art? It also feels great to get recognition for something you've poured your heart into.
I think the problem also stems from the fact that many bloggers don't take the time to respond to their comments which has jaded a lot of people. In any case, best of luck to you with your blog!
Ironically, I didn't consider this a very inspirational post at all, but it seems to have drawn in some commentary.
I guess that asking direct questions of readers tend to draw in more responses than articles with a neutral tone of voice.
I agree completely. Just a couple readers that comment are worth more to me than the 50 or more random google searchers that end up at our site every day. I also feel that those who never respond or acknowledge, after multiple comments, usually lose my interest. Even if they have a kick-butt blog.
That whole feed reader thing: I just can't seem to get into using it. Right now I'm just using it like a bookmark folder
Some quick reasons why people may not comment:
Commenting means
Extra effort-in additional mouse clicks, typing etc and Extra time. Not everyone will be willing to spend that. Further, some people may not have anything specific to contribute, other than saying "I agree" or "its a Good article"… Such people also may not choose to comment due to earlier reason.
If possible blog authors should give a rating widget, so that reader can reate the post with one mouse click to register his/her opinion.
Also most of the comments come from regular readers and fellow bloggers. Readers coming from search engines usually do not care to comment, even if they got what they wanted, like the content and feel good about the site.
Loved the post. I tend to spend more time visiting other blogs and commenting rather than writing. That's the way it's supposed to be, at least in my opinion.
Thanks Shrinidhi. Interesting thoughts there.
Brown Baron, thanks for your views.
I hate it too when people don't comment my posts
http://www.allinoneforum.com/