November 21, 2007
A response to comments on How many are we
Posted by sharonb under Blogging, Have a Cuppa | Tags: , Blogging, comments, participatory media |
Grab a cuppa as I have been musing over a post I wrote last week. In it I posed a few questions about why people do comment on blogs. This train of thought was prompted when I spotted the high number of downloads of a needlework book on the Internet Archive site. The fact that there were so many downloads indicated to me that there was a huge number of internet users who were interested in needlework yet they were not really visible online. I was curious about this so I asked a few questions and got huge response. Thanks as it has given me brain food for the week!
Many people responded and since I was amazingly busy I thought I would just let the conversation play it self out as it became more interesting by the day. I thought I would break down the ‘conversation’ and see what I can tease out of it. Of course this is not a controlled study in any way, but I think a few hints to the answer can be suggested.
Many interpreted the question as me fishing for compliments about this blog which they happily dished out. Flattery will get you everywhere! But I was actually thinking on the broader view. Not just why people lurk here but why they lurk on all the blogs they read regularly.
The numbers in brackets are the number of responses to a particular issue. Many people sited multiple reasons for not commenting hence the math does not add up but still it is interesting.
Being Relevant (25)
Most people said that they wanted to say something particularly relevant. This convention I think comes out of the discussion lists where “me too” posts are discouraged. For creative people who like feedback on what they make a comment is not quite the same as “me too” the social exchange is different. In a face to face situation you can see if someone smiles but it is not so in the case of blogging. A blogger writes or puts up their work blind. If there are no comments or little feedback it is easy to feel that you are not reaching an audience. Imagine if you held a quilt up at a show and tell and nobody said a word - not a thing - no response. How would you feel? Bloggers who post images of their work or write about their work feel the same.
People also felt that perhaps what they had to say was not interesting. This of course is tied to confidence but usually if people stitch in any form they are interested in what others make.
Shyness (13)
Many responses said that they needed courage to comment, however lack of confidence was the main reason given for not commenting. Connected to this was a sort of hero worship. I would like to say that bloggers are just people sitting at a computer writing, we have our ups and downs and are very much like personalities in a quilting group.
Time (11)
Time or lack of it was also a reason given as to why comments were not left. Some said if they commented too often it meant that there was no time for stitching.
Also time spent reading lots of blogs means that comments are only left on a few. I must admit I am in this boat as I read lots of blogs but comment on a few. But I do rotate in a casual fashion and try to make a comment on blogs I read fairly regularly. Or if something is really good my form of thanks is to link to them and point readers their way.
Time to digest a post was another reason given which is fair enough as often you do need a day or so to ponder something.Generally if this is the case the comment is welcome because it is thought through.
Computer literacy (7)
Computer literacy was also a reason and understanding how the network functioned. One commenter saying she did not know you could leave comments on blogs, another had problems with the technology which was a deterrent and another not knowing if they were welcome. BIG hint here comments on most blogs are always welcome, including here.
This relates to a comment from Brendajane who asked
“Why you think people WOULD comment. It looks a bit as if you have assumed that commenting is the “accepted” behaviour? I have always assumed the opposite - that most people would NOT comment. Would you care to comment on why you think they would?”
This is a valid question because it is obvious that some people are not aware that in the blogging world usually comments are encouraged. Ever since the technology was developed to allow commenting on blogs the practice was actively encouraged because of the philosophy behind participatory media. This form of media sometimes also called citizen media is democratic in the sense that anyone who has access to the internet has a voice. They can set up a blog and as a reader anyone can comment on a blog.
I would argue that blogs are still an emerging genre. Many bloggers would disagree with me but as the comments reveal there are many people who are just discovering blogs and how to read them let alone fully understand the idea that this genre is about participation at various levels. For every new media we also need skills to interpret that media, a new literacy. To speak of web literate users infers that particular reading practices has been established. This infers a textual norm has developed among the users. If this is so, it also infers that a blog has become a genre. In the case of blogging I think the convention of leaving a comment when you have something to say is not yet established as the norm but it’s becoming so. As new web based genres such as blogs emerge, as people become more web literate new ways of thinking about communication will also develop and people will want to engage more and participate. We live in interesting times!
Comment Length or lack of writing skill (7)
Some said they worried over the length of a comment or poor writing skills. This is also tied to the idea that what is said might be boring and I think once again is because we are not talking face to face. In a live situation I can sense when I am talking too much - or at least I hope I can and I can shape what ever I am saying accordingly. It’s not possible to do this with this style of communication so you never know if you are going on too long. That said people are forgiving or if they choose they can just scan what you write in posts and comments. No one makes you read from start to finish.
English as a second language (4)
English as a second language I admit is a barrier and if you combine it with any of the other reasons I can see how it would deter a comment being made.
Connectivity (5)
Some said that a slow or poor internet connection or the fact that they read at work was the reason for not commenting
Consuming versus creating (5)
Some also noted that it was normal to consume media but creating content was a relatively recent cultural phenomenon which it is and one of the reasons that the question fascinates me particularly when we are talking about a demographic that creates in other areas ie needlework etc. The shift between passively accepting a media and participating in a media is a complex and interesting cultural issue but some people divided readers into producers and consumers. This links back to what I said above about participatory media above. If you are interested in this topic you will enjoy J.D. Lasica’s New Media Musings
Fear (4)
Fear of some “unknown consequence” as a result of a comment made was also a reason. The issue of spam was raised and the possibility of being misunderstood. This in part is due to the medium. Many people are still learning how to use it and what to do with it. I am sure this will change.
Fear that creative ideas may be stolen and worked before the original is completed was another reason given. I would love peoples responses to this as I respect this view, but I personally feel ideas grow the more they are bounced around.
No Follow Up (3)
It was felt that comments did not lend themselves to conversation as there was no follow up. In other words there was no feedback for the commenter. That said I have established some regular interactions with people who comment often the follow up is via email who I value as online friends. As you can see with this post I am trying to close the feedback loop. If it works I will do it more often.
I have noticed on blogger blogs you can check a box to have other comments emailed to you so you can follow the conversation. I think its a step in the right direction. Then people will not want “me too” comments for sure!
Coral-Seas of Threads Across The Web asked a question that relates to this “How should I respond to comments left on my blog? When someone has taken the trouble to comment, it seems rude not to reply, but I’m not sure if I should reply to each one individually, and how. What do other bloggers do?” For me I try and respond in the comments as this keeps the topic public and allows others to join in but other bloggers handle their comments differently. I sometimes email people too but not all the time as I assume like me their email box is too full for comfort. I do follow any links given and check out websites and blogs and often I will link to them if they are good sites. I would love to know how people handle this. As yet there is no real convention as to responding to comments. I think some response is warranted and I constantly feel guilty at my lack of response! So I am throwing out a question if you are a blogger how do you respond to comments ? If you are commenter how would you like to be responded to?
Reading was satisfaction enough (3)
Some said that reading alone engendered satisfaction and felt no need to comment. They simply wanted to read without obligation. This is possibly because the medium is not face to face. In a live situation if I said something it would be rude to not respond. Some felt that because there was no social contract to respond that this was the advantage of blogs. They could read, feel satisfied, and leave which is fair enough, since this medium is not face to face. Related to this was the idea that the internet is like a large library where you can source information and leave.
Low energy levels or health (3)
Some people read to relax and don’t have the energy to write a comment while another had a chronic illness prevents greater participation
Attitude of the blogger (1)
I am going to quote Leonie on this (comment 42 ) “… some people who blog have a “me me” attitude about them. Yes, they are extremely knowledgeable and we all know that a little self confidence is a plus but it is how they respond to comments etc. It is like they are the sole experts in their field and when they have been written to, they can only comment with a one upmanship type of attitude like their opinion is the only one. So people get tired of commenting.”
Yes I agree some have such a - let’s be mean - big head that there is no room for others but then I don’t think they really want to hear what other people have to say. On the other hand there are ways for blogger to open up conversations so that people can contribute. Developing a writing style that invites people to participate in conversation rather than just reading a post is a skill. Often questions that are directly asked will get answers.
Sign up a deterrent (1)
Blogs that required a sign up deterred commenting
Bloggers like comments and leave comments (10)
Bloggers however said that they like comments on their own blogs even if they had rarely commented on other blogs before they started blogging. Simply put bloggers like feedback otherwise they are tapping way on the keyboard without ever knowing if someone has actually noticed. I think comments from readers keeps the blogging blues at bay too. On a related note Lorelle of Lorelle on WordPress has written a good piece on bloggers depression in her Blog Struggles series. If you blog it is worth reading.
Finally thanks to Arlee I found out that Susan Sorrell has started a social network fiber arts and mixed media group over at Ning.com
As I have said as yet there is no real convention as to responding to comments. So I am asking if you are a blogger how do you respond to comments ? If you are commenter how would you like to be responded to?
Also how important are comments to you? As a blogger do you shape what you write for your readers? Or do you simply write and hope that someone notices?If you have a popular post with questions posed by readers on a particular topic does this influence you to write more about it?
Well that’s my little think for the morning it’s time to get some stitching done!
November 21, 2007 at 6:51 am
Thank you for that post Sharon, I found it really interesting. You inspired me to comment, usually I only comment when I feel I have something to say, but I do enjoy giving small comments on posts too. With those it’s random, and I’m not sure why I comment sometimes and not comment other times. I think it has to do with being inspired to comment.
As for responding to comments, as a reader I enjoy when responding comments are put in with the comments of the post I commented at and I come back to see their response. If they usually respond the more likely I come back to check and even comment more.
As a blogger I enjoy comments, any comments are fun but I do not expect them. I also have questions about responding to them. For example if it’s a “that’s beautiful” comment does it need a response? I don’t want to ignore readers, but I feel like I’m juggling whether to respond or not. Also I’m not sure if they will come back to see the response in the comment section.
If I leave a “that’s beautiful” comment on a blog I do not expect them to respond, usually I only expect responses for questions.
OH and also if comments or questions on a certain subject it will inspire me to post in that direction, because it’s feedback, otherwise I just keep blogging and sharing how I always do.
Melissa
November 21, 2007 at 7:23 am
Very interesting convo. Since you told me how to read blogs using Bloglines, I have almost 300 blogs on my list; it fluctuates as I move some off and others on.
Some of them are design blogs, and those I read mostly without commenting. I simply like to pick up ideas and trends.
As I join various groups, blogs of those members hit my list; as I leave groups, most of those blogs leave too, but not all.
I’ve never been shy of commenting, but I don’t expect a response to me unless I have asked a specific question. That is more the time for email, I think.
I’m amazed at the talent for writing that most bloggers have. I just don’t find that “me, me, me” very often; if I do, I strike them from my list.
What I really do love are the giveaways and contests that abound on blogs, both personal and links to merchandise that some of the design blogs have. I’ve won quite a few and have some interesting items now.
I also like to find someone who blogs and has an Etsy shop. I’ve been ordering small handmade items from around the world because of that.
I guess what I’m saying is that, apart from the lack of confidence responses you received, I fit into a lot of those categories.
42 weeks ago, I had no clue about blogs. *S*
November 21, 2007 at 9:53 am
Great post Sharon! I do try to respond to most comments but can’t always, especially if there is no way to contact the writer. It’s ok if they have given me their email addy, but many don’t. I’ve considered responding on ‘my’ comments, but do people go back and re-read them looking for a response or am I wasting my time? It is a dilema and I don’t know the answer.
November 21, 2007 at 10:31 am
Look, I’m commenting again! It’s practically interaction!
My blog is small and new, and so for the most part I’m in the “write and hope people notice” category, but I do check my stats and if I’m getting a lot of hits from people looking for “x”, and I know the answer to “x”, I will post about it on the theory that if they got down to me in their search and haven’t found anything yet, it must be needed!
As far as comments go, I tend to respond by email. I don’t know whether that’s “the accepted thing” or not, but I figure by doing that, I’m not expecting people to keep checking back to see if I have responded. Less work for them = more polite from me, was my thinking. Not that it comes up much, see note about new blog + this whole discussion about people not commenting!
If it looks like the comment or my response would provoke a discussion, or if it’s something several people might ask, then I will post a reply in the comments as well.
November 21, 2007 at 11:28 am
Wow, thank you SO much for this information! I’ve been away from blogs for a few weeks, so I missed the original post but am SO glad to read this!
Can I admit something? Sometimes I like the anonymity. But most times, like everyone else, I’m not sure of what to say and simple “me too!” makes me feel silly when everyone else is being so…intelligent?
Anyhow, thanks again, it’s very interesting food for thought!
November 21, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Thanks for the summary of reasons. Sometimes I just have nothing pertinent to add.
One thing I’ve discovered recently is that receiving the updates on Google Reader discourages one from actually going to the site to read and then comment. You don’t comment from GR - at least I’ve not seen a way to do it yet. That means an extra step in the process - click to go to the actual blog if you want to comment.
I suspect a lot of people on RSS readers may not take the step, because of time. If they are using IE, which has no tabs, it means more windows open, too, and that may be inconvenient or confusing to some.
November 21, 2007 at 3:39 pm
I commented earlier my thoughts on your original question. However, I did want to add that it makes me a little nervous that comments left on blogs almost immediately will show up on a Google search. When I make a comment on a blog, it is for those whose interests appear to me similar to mine… I’m a little uncomfortable to find my thoughts available to the “world” to peruse. I want to maintain some sort of anonimity in this world of strangers who sometimes know too much about me! FYI If you type your area code and phone number on Google, it will provide your name, address, and a map to your house, unless you request otherwise. Too much information!
November 21, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I dont seem to have a lot of traffic on my blog but if someone new comments I always go to see their blog and leave some sort of comment. Some blogs I look at daily, some once a week, some longer than that.
When people comment on my blog sometimes I reply and sometimes not depending on what has been said and if I feel a reply is warranted.I do know that I have quite a few real friends and family, as against cyber friends, who read my blog regularly to see what I am doing, some overseas, and they dont comment on the blog itself but by email
November 21, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Sharon, thank you for this very interesting post.
It inspired me for my own blog post because it was exactly what I was thinking about in the last time.
My reason for not commenting in English blogs is that I am not a native speaker. My English is not very good
In my own blog I respond to comments in the comments section.
If there was a question I often answer in the next post or in a new extra post if it was an interesting question. People often forget that they asked and do not look in the comments again but they read the new posts and don’t miss my answer in this way.
For me comments are important to measure my work and to be encouraged to go on.
November 21, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Thank you for making a synthesis of all the comments you have received.
There is another one: I ofter visit blogs very early in the morning, and my head is not yet ready to write anything…
Regarding answering comments on my blog, I have not yet found a good method. I’d like to email an answer, but not everybody has left an email address. Then it seems unfair to email to some persones and not to the other. Most comments on a given post says about the same. For these two reasons, I tend to start a new post by answering to the comments that have been left on a previous post. If one was special, then I send an email. I like the way Maggie Grey answers: she makes personnal answers but on her blog. I try to do the same, hopping it is OK for everyone (you know, different country, different etiquette…
Have a nice day
November 21, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I’m one of your long-time lurkers and found it really interesting to read about why people comment or not.
In my case, there are two reasons why I don’t comment.
1) My English is not the best (I am from Sweden) and it’s taken me about 15-20 minutes to write this short text.
2) I get much inspiration from your blog and website and feel that I have nothing to give back, since your designing and stitching expertise is way beyond mine. I usually don’t write “me to” or “wow, that’s pretty” unless I have something more substancial to say.
Instead I try to be generous in other ways and other places, helping out and inspiring others where I can. What goes around comes around.
But now I take my chance and say: Thank you for blogging and being such an inspiration to me. Your blog is the only one I always read.
November 21, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Hi Sharon
I am one blogger who loves to get comments on my blog and my feeling is that if someone has taken the time to leave a comment on my blog then I should take the time to respond.
Blogger sends the message to me via e-mail so I just click the reply button and send a message to them(except if it is a noreply message)
If someone said “I like what you have done with this sample” I will respond to them with “thank you for your comments” and add something like “I really enjoyed doing this stitch as it was a new one for me”
When I first started blogging I didn’t respond to comments left-but other people were responding to messages that I left on their blog and I thought that there must have been a protocol regarding commenting.
So I started responding and have been doing it ever since.
Regards Doreen
http://doreeng.blogspot.com/
November 21, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Well, I like comments on my blog. Then I know that others take a look now and then. My blog has brought me internet friends who are also important when you have a hobby and nobody in the neighbourhood to share with.
I think it is always nice to leave a comment when you see something interesting or nice. Most of the bloggers like feedback.
My English is not perfect but for many bloggers is it the second language, so I am not the only one with a few mistakes now and then
Usually I respond on a comment when there is an e-mail address. It takes not much time to say: thank you.
November 21, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Sharon, thanks for taking the time to detail your findings. This is such a fascinating subject with so many reasons for posting or not posting comments.
I tend only to comment if I can give a positive reaction to a post.
Sadly, commenting tends to limit the number of other blogs I get to read. (I work full-time and need time to stitch otherwise I would go completely mad.)
November 21, 2007 at 9:19 pm
A very good post. The 3 “i’s” – informative, interesting and inspirational….. especially to someone who has been blogging for only a short time.
Your blog came up in my Google search for Lisa Kokin’s mixed media work and altered books. While I’m not a needlework or fabric/fiber artist, the supplies and tools do cross over into my mixed media art quite frequently and I marvel at the intricately beautiful needlework I’ve come across on websites, blogs and photo-sharing sites.
Speaking of needles, I found one here in the haystack that is the Internet: your link to my (online) friend, Arlee Barr’s website. Reading through the comments in your posts, I see many other familiar names, too. Small http://www. isn’t it?
There are so many people online who have been helpful with my blogging and Etsy questions. Several of them are even ‘celebrities’ being that they are authors or have work published in magazines and I’m thankful for their time. I’m amazed at the friendliness of the art/craft/needlework related community, who seem to be a very caring and supportive bunch. I’m not sure what the etiquette is when you haven’t posted for a while, or know you won’t be (must find out), but I’ve been getting “Where aaaare yooooo?” and “Hope you aren’t sick, just busy” comments.
The most unexpected pleasure of discovering these communities is the friendships that have transpired with people worldwide. Because of the visual nature of art/craft/needlework blogs and websites like flickr.com (where comments are usually concise) communicating with non-English speakers is somewhat easier. An online translator helps a bit and even a ‘!!!’ or a smiley face can get the message across, in either direction.
A statcounter that shows the cities people are coming from can be very interesting, especially when you see that someone has methodically read through all your posts. I wish I knew who they all were.
Coming to blogging after joining Flickr, I was disappointed by the lack of comments in comparison. Perhaps it’s more intimidating for readers to comment on a blog if they don’t ‘know’ you or don’t have a blog themselves. Sometimes I feel like I’m crashing the party, as commenting readers often seem to know each other well. Blame that on my insecurity rather than on any fault of theirs. The “Would it Kill You to Comment?” graphic on one site, though, really scared me off, having the reverse effect the otherwise pleasant owner had intended!
re: Consuming versus Creating – As a person who has been learning and absorbing information through books, Internet and friends for many years, it’s my turn to give. Whether it’s through a blog with tutorials, through workshops in my community, helping a friend or just leaving a comment, it’s payback time.
I’ve bookmarked this page with thoughts of linking to it later as it’s certainly worth sharing. In the meantime, I’d better do a quick post to let ‘my people’ know I’m still alive.
*Are there really three “i’s”? Probably not, but there should be. ; )
November 21, 2007 at 9:38 pm
This has been a fascinating topic and it is great to see so many contributing to it. Sharon, thanks for addressing my question about responding.
In response to comments left on my blog, I don’t have any hard and fast rules but things I have done include occasionally writing a thank you post, or in a post, to general comments. If the comment asks a question, or generates further comment I will leave a comment if my response is short or write a new post to go into more detail. I think it is better to answer any questions on the blog so that anyone who has read the question can also find the answer. If the response calls for information that I don’t want to blog, I will email. If the comment comes from someone I haven’t come across before, I like to visit their blog (if there is a link) and I’ve started to leave comments for them to let them know I visited.
As a commenter, I don’t necessarily expect a response to every comment but am always pleased to get one. If I ask a question, I will check back to see if the blogger has answered. Also, if a post has an interesting conversation going on in the comments, like this one, I will check back regularly to read new comments and/or responses.
This network is growing like topsy, and it is difficult to find a balance between following all the blogs I find interesting and the amount of time I spend in cyberspace. Does one keep adding every blog you like to your RSS feed and write your own blog but keep commenting to a minimum, or do you pare down the feeds to the blogs you find most interesting so you have more time to interact with a few cyber friends?
In an ideal world, I would have time for both AND have all the stitching time I’d like. In the real world, I have a full time job and a family, both of which like some of my attention for at least part of the day!
CA
November 21, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Hi, Sharon -
Nice summary, thanks! I read a few blogs, and I comment fairly regularly. On the “compliment” comments that I leave (especially if they are just a short one-liner), I can understand the blogger not responding individually, especially if there are a lot of similar comments. If I don’t receive some acknowledgement after leaving a couple posts that would require at least a brief response, I admit that I write that blog off, especially if I notice the blogger doesn’t reply to anyone, or just to a select “clique” of online friends who use the blog as a chat base. I assume at that point that the blogger is using the blog as a “personal diary” to share with a few friends or family members, and has little interest in the extended viewing audience. In such cases, I figure I’m the intruder, so I leave the party! On comments that I put a little more time and thought into, and especially if I ask a question, I find it rather irritating if I don’t receive at least a brief acknowledgement, and this is what taught me my current approach on my website.
On my own website, I love to get comments, and I respond to them regularly. It took me a little while to get into the blogging nitch and get really comfortable with my “blogging presence” and with the whole commenting / replying thing. It didn’t take long, though, to learn that, if you want a conversation to continue or more people to join in, you have to participate! I reply consistently, and I think it’s really important to do so, even to the simple “compliment” posts. When life is busy, I moderate the comments as soon as I can, but I don’t delete my notification. Then, about every other day (unless I’m lucky enough to have the time immediately), I will set aside about an hour to sit down and reply to comments. If a string of comments has built up, I’ll address the general “complimentary” types with a general thank you. It’s only polite to say “thank you” when you receive a compliment, after all! The ones with specific questions, I’ll answer by addressing the individual who left the comment. If the comment was anonymous, I’ll briefly repeat the topic of the question and answer it. I do this in one comment post, not several, so that I know I’ve responded to everything above my reply. If any comments fall in after my reply, then I reply again.
For many comments, if the conversation turns to something specific that needs closer attention (for example, the reader wants me to look at something and give an opinion on it, etc.), we continue the conversation via e-mail.
Another thing - sincerity is important. When I first launched out on the web thing, I was “stiff” (just not comfy with it yet), but now, I’m all for the “be yourself” approach. Sincerity and kindness go along way!
Anyway, I think it’s important to reply to comments left by readers - if they take the time to leave a comment, they deserve at least an acknowledgement. We bloggers can say “Well, I don’t have time to reply to everyone, so they shouldn’t expect a reply” - but if we are serious about our websites, and if we want our websites to “make a mark,” and if we want to build a readership, then we have a responsibility to the reader. We can’t just ignore them - they’re a vital part of our work!
That’s the way I see it, anyway.
Thanks again for the interesting topic, Sharon.
November 21, 2007 at 11:13 pm
When reading your blog my mind wonders how much time you must spend putting all this together. I admire your stamina. How much time do you spend everyday putting all this together. How do you come up with all the wonderful items you find to talk about? Reading your blog is exciting. It is interesting. Kathy http://akinaustralia.wordpress.com/
November 22, 2007 at 2:04 am
I think Blogger’s “click here to get the comments sent to you” is a step toward creating interaction/conversation. But so far I’ve found that people either don’t leave the same type of feedback I do so I’m eavesdropping on someone else’s conversation or no one else comments. I think you’re on to something that we have to become more literate in the new media. Thanks.
November 22, 2007 at 2:13 am
Time - I skate through a lot of blogs (far too many really!). I comment sometimes but I’m quite often rushing and a comment of ‘nice’ doesnt seem adequate, so I don’t comment at all.
I don’t have a blog, but I am always touched if I get a reply to a question I’ve asked or a comment I have made on someone’s blog. If I just wrote ‘nice work’ or similar, I wouldnt expect anyone to reply to that, though.
November 22, 2007 at 3:06 am
This is such an interesting topic, isn’t it, with so many different thoughts and opinions.
I had always assumed, without giving it any thought really, that someone who had a blog just wanted to show the world what they were doing. This is me, this is my work. If they wanted to actually engage with other people, they would do so through the various Groups and message boards.
I saw no reason to leave a comment just for the sake of it, to show I had read the blog. I assumed that the blogger would know how many people subscribe to their blog, and would know therefore that their blog is being read, and obviously enjoyed otherwise why would people continue to subscribe? If they didn’t like it, they would unsubscribe. I guess I assumed the personal satisfaction of having people subscribe would be satisfaction enough for the blogger.
Speaking of subscribimg to blogs - doing so does not encourage leaving comments. Subscribing through Google Reader, we cannot leave comments from within the reader, and nor can we read others’ comments. It is so easy to simply go through the list presented in the reader, and not actually visit the blog. Bloglines has a link to the post’s comments but Google Reader does not.
November 22, 2007 at 3:17 am
For the bloggers for whom English is not your native language, let me say how much I admire your command of my language. I can barely read a little elementary French. No second language for me. Like lots of Americans. I’m ashamed of us. You should not be inhibited about your use of English.
I got into blogging thanks to the gentle nudging of Sharon and Elizabeth Marshall, both of whom encouraged me to blog. I had already been leaving lots of comments as I know how important feedback is for most of us.
I’m going to put the rest of my thoughts in response to Sharon’s excellent review of the comments she received on this topic on my blog. I hope you’ll visit me there.
http://www.jowynn.wordpress.com
November 22, 2007 at 3:25 am
Hi Sharon, you should have said, “grab the whole pot!” What an interesting post!
You asked how other bloggers respond to comments. Well, some of them I don’t respond to. Although I appreciate every comment I receive because quite honestly, except for my regulars, comments are few and far between.
Ones that are of a personal nature, I respond privately with an email and then when I’m asked a question, I usually include my answer in my post for the following day thinking that if one reader thought to ask that question, perhaps other readers may be wondering the same thing.
I noticed several responses to this post regarding comments saying that bloggers don’t expect comments for the most part. Quite honestly, I do and I don’t. When I post freebie designs, I do expect comments. “Thank you’s” actually. I expect them but I know I won’t get many. Again this goes back to my observation that the internet is like a library (lately, more like a free for all) and that most people don’t realize or don’t care that I had to take the time not only to design the pattern, but also to convert it to JPEG’s, then upload it to Flickr and then actually blog about it. For some people, it’s just about “what’s free today” forgetting that gratitude is the basic way of bringing more wonderful things into our lives.
In thinking about all this, I had to ask myself why I continue to offer complimentary patterns. Basically, I do it for my long-time followers and my faithful blog readers. The readers who truly enjoy my designs and seeing photos of my stitching. Many of my x stitch followers have no desire to do a CQ but love to watch my WIP photos. And on the other hand, many of my CQ readers enjoy seeing my x stitch designs but have no desire to do x stitch. Somehow in the end, it all comes together.
Thank you Sharon for your thought-provoking topics and of course, everything else you do! I’m eager to see some more of YOUR stitching! I could stare at it all day and never get anything else done!
Pam
November 22, 2007 at 3:26 am
Thank you so much for collecting and reviewing the comments on commenting. I was surprised, though, that “connectivity” was limited to modem speed and did not address the social bonds that arise between and among the blog writer and the blog readers. It seems to me that people who comment must feel a social bond, much like pen pals who have never met one another must feel. I would bet that if you surveyed those who comment regularly, you would find that they have developed social links that are equivalent to those in a face-to-face community. The problem with the Web-based community is, as you pointed out, the lack of normal social cues like body language. It would be interesting to investigate if there is a blog “body language” that is evolving in response to this relatively new medium.
November 22, 2007 at 6:24 am
Great topic! I often don’t comment because of:
a) lack of time (I can either stitch, comment or update my own blog - I can’t do 3 things at once, at least, not well.)
b) I only speak and write English, but I follow blogs in Spanish, Italian and French - they have inspiring pictures.
c) I look at the number of comments already written and often think - what else can I add that is original?
I don’t respond to comments on my own blog, sometimes I will e-mail a response or I will reply to a question in a next post. (I only have a few comments!) I blog for myself, as a record of my cross-stitching projects, I’m not an expert in any field.
At first I thought it was vanity publishing and thought really only ‘experts’ should do it, but I enjoy reading all types of blogs. I find inspiration in the small ‘Alan Bennett’ things, details of everyday life and how people deal with it.
November 22, 2007 at 6:40 am
That was quite interesting to see all the responses sorted out.
I’m a “hobby blogger” and just blog when I have something to say or something to share, rather than keeping a set schedule. But I do try to respond to the comments people leave. It’s nice to get comments, but not in the least bit expected or necessary.
Especially when I’m not posting something of an informative nature, but just sharing thoughts about my WIP or a needlework finish.
November 22, 2007 at 7:02 am
when I wrote my original comment about ‘gate-crashing’I hadnt meant to imply I didnt feel welcome (which I now realise is how it must of sounded). More that I feel reticent, rather than shy, (as I would in any new social situation) to start adding comments to an already established conversation. This, in part, a function of my ‘newness’ but also as Elaine Kerr said - ‘Sometimes I feel like I’m crashing the party, as commenting readers often seem to know each other well’. Also, (I was commenting on blogs generally rather than this one specifically), some blogs do feel like personal journals (as mentioned by Mary Corbett above) rather than a public forum - sometimes I felt more like an eavesdropper than participant. See - all it took was for two, more articulate, people to say what I’d meant to say originally - maybe this is why I hadnt commented before!
I am curious - do you write more about topics that receive a lot of comment, and less about topics that don’t appear to interest readers, or do you write about what interests you regardless of the comments?
November 22, 2007 at 7:21 am
A very interesting discussion which has made me think about commenting in a way I’ve never bothered before. I comment occasionally but generally lurk, but really that reflects my face-to-face behaviour too. I don’t speak much in groups unless I have a specific point to make and in one to one discussions I often don’t get much beyoned nodding and mmm-hmms. Listenng is a valued behaviour in the real world but tends not to translate well into the on-line community! Comments are nice both to make and to receive but I’m happy for them to be the exception rather than the rule.
November 22, 2007 at 11:28 am
Well, hasn’t this topic and your previous similar one generated a lot of comments from self-confessed “lurkers”, LOL. For me, comments are a way of communicating with my readers, a bit like “Letters to the Editor” in the newspaper. At first I was quite dissapointed I suppose at the small number of comments. I tend not to pose questions or leave things unsaid (you may have noticed that little “flaw” in my personality, lol) so comments are not needed from the gentle readers. But since I put a visitors map on my personal blogs, I’m a lot happier, if you can understand that, to see where people are visiting from, and some very regularly. I have a few groupies !! I tend to write things I think might be interesting, and recently received contacts from former school friends through another medium, and have referred them to my blog to see what I’ve been up to lately. I guess I look at my personal blogs as a kind of diary or journal. I waver between feeling guilty in not blogging everyday ( I REALLY don’t know how you manage it Sharon!) and only wanting to blog interesting subjects. Oh well, enough of this commenting here now, off to surf a few blogs, and then get into some actual “work”
Hooroo, Christine in lovely rainy Sydney
http://missmuffettwo.blogspot.com/
November 22, 2007 at 11:57 am
I’ve just posted “why I blog” on my personal blog, with a link back here. Let’s see if we get any comments!!
Hooroo,
Christine
http://missmuffettwo.blogspot.com/
November 22, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Oops, my comment for this post was put on the previous post. I’m sure you figured it out though. In blogger, the button to click for comments is at the bottom, and this format is at the top, so the comment section that was at the bottom of this post was really the top of the previous, yada yada yada creature of habit.
November 22, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Hi Sharon,
What an interesting topic, thanks for bringing it up. Comments are the lifeblood of a blogging community. For instance, I belong in the stitching/blogging community like the one you have mentioned here. Some people are so involved that they get a multitude of comments, others are more to themselves and get a few comments. This aspect can motivate involvement. No matter which group one is in, they prefer more comments than less. I am fortunate because it is rare that anyone ever leaves any kind of negative comments, the idea is like the old saying: “if you can’t say something nice…” I have a numerous amount of blogs in my google reader that I follow and when they have something in a post that inspires me to comment, this is when I comment. I don’t feel like I should be required to comment on issues that I am not feeling something about but it is a balancing act. This is because whenever people leave a comment on my blog, I truly want to return the kindness and I almost always do. If it is a new to me blog, I immediately add them to my reader and check out their blog. I have left many comments on other’s blogs and some have never returned the favor, I frown on this because it just seems inconsiderate. As for replying to comments left, I try not to leave them in the same post comments because the person who left it may not return to read the follow up. I will usually go to their blog and within the comment I am leaving for their post, I will add my thoughts on their comment that was left for me. If possible and I have a lengthy reply I will e-mail them, especially if it is something heartfelt. Whenever I have left a lengthy heartfelt comment for someone else they usually reply in kind (I have my e-mail available for anyone wanting to get in depth as well)but not always, those cases are somewhat disappointing. I have made some good blogging friends this way as we can e-mail back and forth after the initial ‘meet and greet’ and get to know one another on a more personal level. I hope this response helps in the research you are doing on this subject and again thanks for the interesting and well thought out topic.
November 22, 2007 at 12:15 pm
here is a copied and pasted post from my blog dated Oct. 1, 2007 that is no longer up on my blog. It relates to this topic and I thought you would appreciate reading it.:
I have just come from (the now reknown) Maryann’s blog for the first time. I do not know what the comment was that was left but the whole issue at hand has sparked a little chord. That is because it seems to be that this stitching community that has come together in a virtual reality has all of the makings of real life communities. That means that there are doers and watchers, leaders and followers, favorites and not so favorites, goodies and badies, meanies and green eyed monsters and everything in between. That is what makes this community so great, it is like we are all together from our own homes all over the world! You can’t have the good without the bad, unfortunately. Some of you are so talented and some of you are so generous that you are touching so many people’s lives in such a great way, sometimes without even realizing it, that is why some of you get a lot of notice and hence quite a lot of comments. That will inevitably leave some with envy. I, myself, get a little envious when I see your great pieces or your immense comment log. But, one thing I do know is you have to give to receive; not only comments but being involved in the exchanges and such, giving of your knowledge and talent and actually giving of the precious time that goes into making each carefully stitched piece that is gifted in one way or another. I fall into more of the watchers category but am going to be getting a little more involved (I already signed up for an exchange but only one at a time). I am much more of a secluded type and enjoy the simplicity of not taking on more contacts and responsibilities than I can handle. I really want to give you ladies Kudos, though, for going the extra mile and being an example (even in this predominantly anonymous setting) to this stitching community of all the great things that can be achieved. I, myself, appreciate you and the multitude of uplifting comments that you receive at times is the least this stitching community can do to show how much you are esteemed.
November 22, 2007 at 12:16 pm
What interesting comments have been made on this topic -
I will summarize them and see what can be gathered together and shaped into something useful for everyone to use and think about.
Thanks and keep them coming
November 22, 2007 at 8:05 pm
This was a really interesting post Sharon, and equally interesting comments! You little debate creator you.
I agree with those that use blogrolls and readers, we rarely go to the actual blog to leave comments. I often think I will go back….
When I first started blogging I used comments as a tool to get traffic to my blog. If you comment on someones blog, they will check you out, so all you newbies, get commenting!
The most frustarting thing for me is the “no-reply” bloggers. I would reply to many comments, if it was made a little easier. At times I want to offer personal replies to comments, but it is not appropriate to leave it in a comment box. It is like we want the feeling of a community, friendships and connections with like minded people, but not enough to invite people over.
November 23, 2007 at 1:49 am
Responding to comments on my blog: If it’s a common question/thought, I’ll respond on my blog in another post. If it’s a ‘personal’ issue, I’ll email the individual. I don’t answer every comment, either… no time!
I won’t answer comments in my own comment section because I know that I never re-visit the comment section on other people’s blogs… not to mention that when using Google Reader I don’t see the comments anyway! So, if you were to respond to me here in your comments section, I’d never know
November 23, 2007 at 3:02 am
I rarely comment on blogs, although I read several of them on a daily basis and feel quite bereft if the blogger doesn’t post for awhile. I feel I have taken them into my circle-family/friends-and I miss them. I hadn’t thought of how one sided this was before. Friendships, sharing, learning all work better with some real conversation and I guess this also applies to blogs. As much time as I spend reading must cost them equally in time to write-I really thought that the blogger wouldn’t have time to read all the comments, they don’t know me so why should they care what I think and if I comment, I find I feel hurt if not acknowledged. What a can of worms for me you opened with this topic.
I love reading your blog,there is always something interesting to learn, or think about or link to-would love to sit and have a ‘cuppa’ with you and just connect. Keep up the good work and just know how much you are appreciated. And I am really disappointed that you have had to cancel your US tour. Was looking forward to a chance to meet you.
I think you are an amazing woman.
November 23, 2007 at 5:42 am
Christine - yes I was sorry about the US tour too you might have noticed a couple of months back a bit of lull in this blog. I was getting over the disappointment, but now I am over it.
Thanks for the compliments
November 23, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Mmmmm. I think there is a lot of ambivalence about comments and commenting. Some blogs and blog posts seem to attract great volumes of insightful comments. Others receive very little or simply the “me too” variety. Some posts invite comments. Others seem quite self-sufficient.
For myself, I love the interaction of comments and do try to read and leave comments. However, using RSS services can mean that you reach a blog post soon after creation and, ironically, miss out on the follow up commentary. It is interesting that WordPress has a plug-in that allows readers to receive e-mail notification on individual posts and Blogger has recently introduced a similar feature.
Mostly I try to respond to comments on-blog so that everyone can share but I recognise that this is a little hit and miss…
November 24, 2007 at 12:06 pm
When I read the post “How many of us are there?”, I realized that was exactly my situation.
The only reason that I never made a
comment was because my English is poor. I can read and understand it but I cannot write well.
Today I request a friend to translate this comment.
November 25, 2007 at 4:47 am
Ah, commenting! I love comments on my blog, of course! I thrive on positive feedback, but enjoy any feedback. I try to reply with an email to most comments, even if I just send a thanks. I do this because I feel unheard if I leave feedback for other bloggers and they never respond… ever. I don’t think a blogger has to reply to every comment, but if someone is new to your blog, or doesn’t comment often, I think it is important to welcome them. After all, I am very grateful that they have visited and left a comment.
On leaving comments- I am much more likely to leave a comment on less popular blogs. If there are already loads of comments, I don’t feel like what I have to add is important… I should probably rethink that. I am also more likely to comment on blogs where I feel some kind of friendship- usually growing out of emails, swaps, reciprocal blog reading, etc. Then it does feel more like the across the table conversation.
Thanks so much for initiating another fascinating blog debate!
November 25, 2007 at 5:24 am
Oh, and another thing
I get a certain amount of hateful comments, I think mostly from teenagers, if I can generalize from their text messaging speech. Something about dolls brings out the worst in certain people, I guess. I feel no guilt in deleting these comments. I never let them onto the blog. Why encourage them?
November 28, 2007 at 8:53 pm
This topic has been very interesting in the feedback.
I am always surprised to get comments but love them. I have no idea who visits my blog unless a comment is left.
I reply by email, when there is an address. Lately I have been remiss in answering at all, as I have been away on and off and for that I apologise.
If there has been a question put to me on my blog I answer it there.
If there is something on another person’s blog that I fancy having/using for inspiration, I ask them if it’s okay to do so.
http://crazyqstitcher.wordpress.com/