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Tips & Importance of Commenting on Blogs - The Thankless "Thanking" Job.

After reading Maureen McCabe's post, "ActiveRain -- Saying Nothing At All" -- I became aware of the discussion revolving around leaving GPTFS (Great Post, Thanks For Sharing) comments on a post. Is there value for anyone in doing it? Personally, I believe there is value, but that is because I think compliments are gifts. However, it did make me think -- how can I write better comments? I came across some good, basic advice from Meredith Farkas --- 31 Day Comment Challenge. (Scroll down about 40% to her entry - June 3,2008.) She is Head of Instructional Initiatives at Norwich University (VT) and teaches a class on blogging.

Comments should be ---

1) Relevant to the post

2) Thoughtful and insightful

3) Use your unique voice

4) Keep it civil

5) Make it short and readable, but also meaningful.

Her own personal, reflective thoughts and commitment to commenting ---

1) Commenting is a critical component of community-building in the blogosphere.

2) I feel more connected to others when I comment.

3) I take commenting very seriously and that's ok.

4) Never comment when you're angry or frustrated.

5) I need to be better about responding to comments.

Good thoughts to remember. In the future, I will try to keep her points in mind, but if I should ever slip up and just pay you a simple compliment -- don't deduct points from me. :)

Posted by Kevin McGourty - Moving Help - nationwide on 07/16/2008 04:43 PM

Comments (40)

comments on blogging, writing a blog comment

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40 Comments on Tips & Importance of Commenting on Blogs - The Thankless "Thanking" Job.

JUL

2008

Kevin~ This is a great post! Thanks for sharing it with us! LOL Just kidding!

I really feel that you can get to know a person more from their comments than from their blogs! Also, leaving comments on others blogs is a great way to thank them for supporting YOUR blog. There are few things more disappointing than writting what you think is a meaningul blog, only to have no one notice it!

Kevin, Great post. Thanks for sharing. :-)

Pam & Ed - GPTFS? - You guys are killing me.

I never realized how difficult commenting really was. Sometimes it's hard to be creative and meaningful in every comment. I will have to work harder... :)

It takes some time to find posts to comment, but I try to make a contribution to the conversation. The "Thanks good post" comments seem to me to clutter the post.

And compliments are gifts but to give a compliment at least give evidence that you read the post. The GPTFS comments (I love that) strike me as get-the-easy-daily-250 work. But each has their own measure.

Those easy compliment comments seem to me to be much preferred over the "cut and paste" posts.

One member for whom I have great respect told me that she evaluates members on the quality of their comments moreso than the quality of their posts.

Comments can add so much to the conversation.

Richard

Debi - Don't knock yourself out ...unless you are paying compliments to my blogs. :) I still think there is value in GPTFS, but Meredith's thoughts have expanded my horizon.

Richard - Good points. Shoot, does that mean I can't use GPTFS on my comments to someone else's comments? Didn't think about that one. O.K. enough of that.

Kevin - I mean this most sincerely - thank you for posting these guidelines. I'm brand new at this and these are extremely helpful to keep in mind.

Pam's response regarding getting to know someone more from their comments than their blogs is eye-opening. I would have never thought of that!

Tina - Glad the tips were helpful. You can thank Meredith (wherever she is). Pam also gave me some insight into the blogging world. Stop by any time.

Kevin, A blog post on commenting should garner a lot of comments. Good job.

Hi Kevin - I appreciate all comments very much. I know that sometimes there is no time for long comments and someone might just want to let me know they were there reading my post. I do that, too. And sometimes that is all I have to say. But I don't gptfs unless I mean it. And I read a post and all comments before I comment. It is not for the points-I go way over 10 on most days.

Comments can be an introduction - I have subscribed to many people because I like their comment or it made me curious about them. I have also un subscribed to people because of rude comments on other's post or bad attitudes.

Comments should/could add to the post. But if not - 'thank you' is a relevant comment.

I am here reading your post, because I read your comment about commenting on another post!

Subscribed. Thanks for commenting.

Jimmy - Thanks. Funny how we feed off each other in blogosphere. Appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.

Virginia - I think you captured the spirit and intent of comments on a blog. Thank you for taking a moment to write.

JUL

2008

Great post and I agree - usually I read and enjoy and just always quickly thank the person - will try to do better!

Boomer Jack - GPTFS, but no points? People can't fault you now.

Norma - I say do what you can. If you can do more -- great. GPTFS still works for the majority of bloggers.

Morning Kevin,

Very good points. I feel commenting is a reward to the writer for their efforts. I do try to expound a little with relevant topical praise.

Hal - I think most bloggers feel the same way you do - which is good. Afterall, isn't a Social Network all about interacting - at any level.

JUL

2008

Kevin, Great post! Commenting can be short and sweet, but its always nice to get at least one comment, so I don't care what it says at that point, grin.

GREAT Help. I'm very new a was not sure about the rules for making comments; all I know is that I LOVE receiving them. I am trying to make good comments in hopes it will make someone's day a little brighter. :)

Brenda - You are going to be an asset to AR. Thanks for commenting.

Kevin: Thanks... like I said I am very new (2nd day) what is GPTFS? Thanks :)

JUL

2008

I agree with you Kevin. But I guess it does depend on the person. Truthfully, sometimes I want to comment on the post but cannot come up with anything better than GPTFS! I think as long as that is not always the comment I leave....why not. It should be taken as a compliment. So that is my two sense. Have a great weekend (Oh, I say that a lot as well).

Thanks for the post, nice job. That was going to be my reply but for this reply I wanted to also say I agree with that many of us could do better commenting, but something is better than nothing.

JUL

2008

Duane - I am with you. Heck, you can even say my dog is ugly.

Terri - I would give you two "half pieces" for that advice. (I think that is expression my dad used to use -- "half piece" = .50 cents.) I agree with you.

Robert - Well put --- Something is better than nothing. I think to feel ignored is an injustice against the human spirit. Don't get me started, because I can turn into an MLK Jr. when I get on an issue.

I do not comment unless I have something to say. I used to comment something like GPTFS but then I realized that a lot of people are annoyed by that - my motivation was to pat the blogger on the back, but when I truly had nothing to say - nothing, I'm talking serious blog brain death here, I would say GPTFS. Now I don't say anything unless something about it really strikes me and enables me to say something substantial...but if I can't think of anything creative then I say nothing. I don't want people thinking I'm just a point monger.

JUL

2008

Karen - Maybe I am not jaded enough or I have some insatiable insecurity issues that go back to my days in the crib -- but I like positive feedback. I also like to give positive feedback. This is the first time since the days with my dysfunctional ex that a compliment was not wanted (at least by some). Then again it could be that those who don't need it may be healthy than those that do. Or simply they just don't want to waste their time with little comments. :)

AUG

2008

It is even more frustrating to me when I read a comment that has absolutely nothing to do with my post at all. It is like they are reading someone else's post and then putting the comment on mine. I think I would rather have "Great post, thanks for posting it" or when they call me by the wrong name, I've had that happen 4 or 5 times.

AUG

2008

Todd - Well, I have to admit - if the comments don't relate to your post or can't get your name right - does make everything look suspect. Thanks for sharing, Bob.

Todd - Well, I have to admit - if the comments don't relate to your post or can't get your name right - does make everything look suspect. Bob, thanks for sharing.

I'm new at this, so this was useful info! Thanks! :)

Sarah - Thank you. Stop by any time. AR has a lot of great info.

AUG

2008

Kevin what a relief it has been to read your blog. I read Meredith Farkas blog about the challenge and it was so encouraging. I appreciate the positive and courteous approach to blogging but that is me. After reading SOME posts I feel like everything has to be a challenge about being RIGHT, or proving a point. I love AR for the education and the networking. I am asking myself why I was memerzied reading so much negativity. Decided tonight, it is not for me. Regular debating conversation is fine but when people are put down because they are not long time bloggers or know the Right desired thing to say. I'm out!!! Not out of AR because I enjoy it very much. I was put down harshly by someone that did not think that I read their post before I left a comment when it was very apparent I had read post. Don't need it.

BTW Thanks for the Great Post, I needed it right now......Hench the name of my company "Serenity"

Pam and Anthony - I swear sometimes we are like little kids on the playground. Not much changes when it comes to human nature. Sorry you were put down by a 2 year old veteran (that's how long AR has been around).

I am hoping that commenting will build relationships within AR, so I feel they are very important. I am trying to build a business so I can refer my clients to other agents when they move out of state. I am also looking for others who are able to help me with my business success. I am also looking to build a following for the blogs that I write. I think it is all relative.

Troy - You are absolutely right. After all, blogosphere is a SOCIAL network. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through and avoid the temptation to be too sterile. People buy from people they like.

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