Okay, so I'm rehashing another one of my pet peeves here in the Rain.
So you're sitting there late at night, or perhaps it's early in the morning. Either way, it's your valuable time, time you could be doing something else. Like 'sleeping!' But you've chosen to be here - at your computer, logged onto your favorite on-line addiction "ActiveCoCain."
And like any dedicated 'Rainer,' you're sitting there busily engaged in making your daily comments. You know, that aspect of conversational blogging where you, 'The Reader,' can actually contribute to the dialogue initiated by the post author. It's also one of those glorious opportunities the Rain gods have designed which enable you to garner those much coveted 'points!' That's right, 25 points per comment, 10 comments per day, 1750 points per week, and about 7500 points per month. If you did nothing else but comment, you could easily achieve 50,000 points within your first 6 months of membership!
Well, maybe you're that rare ODD bird that doesn't much concern yourself with the whole 'point' thingie. That's right, you're above such childish gamery. You're here for the substance, the stimulating exchange of thought, the healthy debate of opposing views. Your well-crafted comments read like a cross between a best-selling novel and a Masters Thesis. You've taken time to carefully digest the author's article in it's entirety. You've read through the chain of prior comments. And now, your literary masterpiece lies proudly enshrined within the comment box, awaiting those final editing steps.
At the very bottom of the comments section, you find the familiar - "Notify me of new comments" box, which you always 'click' on, and enter the infamous 'graphics' code which seems to defy any logic of rhyme or reason. Now your comment resides within the blog, a testament to your valued opinions! 
And then, you wait. The minutes ticking by slowly. Another comment appears, and then, yet another. Minutes turn into hours. The stream of comments continues, but the originating author remains silent, unresponsive.
The day passes into the next. The tide of comments subsides. And still, the blog author has yet to return and acknowledge any of the string of commentators.
My wife often complains that trying to hold a conversation with me is "like talking to a brick wall." This is especially true if I'm attempting to watch some sporting event on TV (Why is it that women always insist on asking us something right during that crucial 3rd down situation?)
After 25 years of married bliss, I'm learning that my lack of attentive listening or response communicates that I don't value my wife or her opinions. It takes discipline and effort, but if I truly value her, I will listen carefully to what she says, and respond accordingly.
Responding back to those who have commented on your blog article conveys that you value their readership. Out of the 57,000 members of ActiveRain, these people have taken the time out of their busy day to read YOUR post, and contribute THEIR thoughts.
Now granted, some comments may not necessarily warrant a response. The greedy point-grabbers who litter your post with "Nice Job!"...or "Great Post!"..obviously don't necessitate your considerations. But certainly those who have clearly grasped the gist of your article, and have contributed meaningful dialogue should be acknowledged.
Taking time to respond back to those who have left substantive comments on your blog articles will serve to reward/build their readership and communicate that you value their opinions.
For further consideration:
"Beware of Strafing Run Bloggers"
"One-Way Traffic Jams on the ActiveRain Blogway"
"Givers and Takers among the Rain"
"Frequent Comment Rewards Program"
"Just when You thought" - No More Talk about Comments by Faina Sechzer
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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
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