TyphoonAndrew had a post the other day about comments.
Basically he doesn’t want stupid comments. If you don’t have anything useful to say, then put the keyboard away.
If you want to read the short version of this post, just check out his comments.
So this post is primarily directed at Bloggers, but I am interested in the views of non-Blogging readers as well.
I have this problem.
When I read a great blog post (or even guide), and I have absolutely nothing worthwhile to add to the discussion, I never know whether to comment.
I want to through in the odd “nice”, “gj”, “lol” etc but I am torn…
50/50.
I want to comment, but does the blogger really want an inane comment that adds nothing?
- If I do comment… I feel guilty. What a waste of pixels!
- If I don’t comment… I feel guilty. That poor blogger got no signal of my appreciation of there literary genius.
I want to comment, but I must admit another deterrent is the comment to contact info ratio. 3 character comment, 100 character identification process.
Anyway, throw your vote here. Two options with two options.
- If you are a blogger, vote for blogger inane comments Yes, inane comments No
- If you are a non-blogging reader, vote for non-blogger inane comments Yes, inane comments No
Speak to Me!
Now from the perspective of my blog, I want comments, no matter how monosyllabic. Sure, not offensive or trolling, but if you feel like throwing down the odd “lol”, then feel free.
You see I think it is often the lesser posts that gain the most comments, because they deserve some correction. The other posts may garner a headnod, but unfortunately I don’t see that.
So yeah… Feel free to comment. After all my most active mailbox is already my spam box, so I don’t need any new comment moderation skills!
Gnomer and Out!
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http://gnomeaggedon.net/2009/04/04/any-comment-is-a-good-comment/
Hmmm. I’m kinda torn. I voted yes, but it’s hard to say, really.
Personally, I don’t like posting things like “Awesome post!” myself, but I don’t mind getting such comments myself.
It’s kinda stupid, because I know that I’m glad to receive such simple comments, and thus, I should leave such comments because I expect other bloggers I read to feel the same, but at the same time I just don’t want to comment unless I feel I can contribute something.
Heya Gnome, I think its all about what they indicate with the post. Getting a “lol, good one” in a comment is great. If they write more that is great too.
I take exception to those guys who post negatively without offering a way of improving. Negative comments can be a great source of inspiration, but without the perspective of the commenter, you’re lost.
I’ll try to comment more everywhere too, I’ve been slack recently. Thanks for the linkage!
I will simply add: “nice”, “gj”, “lol.”
Just kidding, anyway blogs and comments of all quality are just the nature of the beast. If one doesn’t want bad, inane, dumb, or rude comments…might as well disable ‘em.
As both a blogger (sometimes…) and a frequent blog reader I welcome them all.
All comments add to the post, even the trolls. Comments are what get me to visit a post instead of just being in my reader.
Maybe it’s the fact that we’re newer on the WoW blog scene, but I love all comments. It’s great seeing some tangible proof that people are enjoying what I write.
Do I write -for- the comments, no. But the comments are appreciated.
For example, the “Capwn” post…. what really can be added for discussion? Not much… but the amount of comments was great because they let me know people enjoyed the post and found it funny (which is what I was going for!)… and of course, when people would quote their favorite parts.
As for commenting on other blogs, I tend to be a “commenter” but there are some blogs I don’t comment on frequently, even if I read them often… so sometimes, I’ll give a ‘nod’ comment, so they know I’m here and appreciating their writing… I like it better when I have something to add, but… I’m not all knowing (news, I know!), so I can’t always add something great.
I’ve been practicing all day.
*ahem*
LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWLZ!!!
/bow
/comment
<3
I fall in the middle on it too. I do try to read and comment on the blogs that I have in my feedreader, but I feel as if I couldn’t contribute something constructive or witty to each one, even though I did enjoy the post, so I usually end up not commenting.
Which, as a fellow blogger, I really ought not do, because of course I would like to see comments that do say “I enjoyed this post” so… but you already know how I feel about commenting from Twitter
I’m with Syrana on this one, I crave tangibility. Especially being brand spanking new at this, I’m just aching for my first comment as some sort of indication that what I have to say is somewhat worthwhile. Maybe as the blogosphere turns and you get older and better at it, comments become less important, but right now, I’d be happy with negative ones.
“Nice”
@Faulsey: Yes that’s the dilemma.. don’t think they are worthwhile, but would love to receive.
@typhoonandrew: Yeah, negative in the sense of “You suck”, well that sucks… “your post is inaccurate” comments on the other hand are great.
@xabbott: I knew there would be one…
Agreed to all points.
@Syrana: I don’t think its about how long you have been blogging. If you were at this for years without comments, then I think you would be dying a little inside.
Page hits just aren’t the same as the lurker coming out from behind the internet curtains.
And yeah.. there are those “throw away” posts which amaze you with the qty of comments.
BTW, your Capwned, I’m in Yer Blog, Takin’ Over Yer Posts was awesome
As for the stinkin’s Memeku….
@Klinderas: Where there’s one, there’s two.. but at least you made the registration worth while…
@Zupa… Right faction, wrong race my Forsaken friend.
@Anea: I get stuck with this. 99.9% of my reading occurs at work via feedreader. I do try to at least to a blogroll hit (I come to my blog roll and got to “your” site), so at least it isn’t an anonymous read.
I have been known to leave a post in my browser for a week or two trying to come up with something more intelligent and monosyllabic that “Nice”.. more often than not I realize I can’t and close the post.
@Drillpress: Welcome aboard.. Nice blog, great Cenarius post.
2 questions/comments… Subscribe to blog feed? I can see the post subscribe… and I tried to leave a comment, but it wouldn’t take me anywhere…
@AltoholicsRUs: lol… Nice indeed!
I’m really not picky about comments. But you know that, don’t you?
Even the smallest little “thanks” or “nice reading” means a lot and will often get a reply from me.
The comment section is a place for interaction, however briefly put.
@Larisa: Yes, you are right… the comments section is our little interaction window to the world
I think you need to take into consideration the blog that you’re commenting on. As a new blogger, I’m happy to get any comments, but more established blogs may be more selective. Gevlon, for instance, seems to be pretty picky about the contents of comments left on his blog.
For me it depends on the blog. If it’s a really big blog, like BRK, some of his posts reach 100+ comments. A simple lol wouldnt be notices in a sea of comments.
Also, they probably dont need it. I know all too well firsthand how much new, small blogs need comments. When someone posts on my blog, I know that I’m not writing all this for nothing. Some one really is out there. Even if it’s just a simple lol.
It varies for me as well. If it’s a major site like BRK or BBB, and I have nothing to add to the conversation, I usually keep quiet. However, if it’s a small blog, I’ll let the author know my appreciation for good article, even if I have nothing to add.
As a small blogger, myself, I truly do appreciate even inane comments.
@Gnomer – Glad you enjoyed the Capwn post ;P But doesn’t sound like you liked my Lockku’s
@Drillpress – I’m sorry to address you here, but I’m hopin’ you stop back by these comments. I went to check out your site, and did like the Cenarius post, but couldn’t leave you a comment. I tried, but nothing happened and I didn’t see a way to contact you to let ya know.
I know you mentioned waiting for your first comment, and maybe it’s not that no one wanted to, but couldn’t, which is why I’m trying to let ya know!
I used to only leave a comment if I really had something worth saying. However, since starting my own blog a couple of months ago, I now know the great joy that comes from opening my dashboard and seeing that I have a new comment. I can see how this might become annoying if you have, say, 1000 comments on one post like BRK’s farewell post. But as a small blogger just getting started, I treasure each one. So … what I am trying to say is … now I try to leave a comment whenever I can, even if all I have to say is “good post.”
BTW, getting a comment from you really made my day, Gnomeaggedon. Thanks again =)
[...] Is Any comment a good comment?: This is a question for the bloggers and the readers. It’s inspired by TyphoonAndrew. For me, I’ll try to comment if I think I have something to add. Even something simple as encouragement can go a long way. I know when I started blogging, it felt good to me when I read little comments like “nice post” or “good read”. If it’s something I enjoy, I’ll respond as well. If it’s a question that hasn’t been answered, I’ll do my best to provide one. [...]
I like getting comments.
If a commenter comes to my site.. and his comments -always- consist of “I agree, [commenter's name here], [link to commenter's blog here]” their linking information is longer than the information they added to my post. I start to doubt the sincerity of their comment.
I don’t mind sharing the link love.. and I recognize that one way to generate more traffic to your site is to post comments on others’ sites.. but I start to feel used when the only reason I think you commented is for the passive link love.
I -love- comments that argue with me.. or add information to my point.
Frankly, comments that add information have a higher chance of being clicked thru.
I don’t mind the occational inane comment.. but I really like the meatier comments better.
Well, I guess that may explain some things. Thanks for stopping by my blog and figuring out I’m quite poor at making sure things are operational. Hopefully it’s up and working now.
I never really comment. Only maybe randomly if i actually have something to add or am sure about my details. This will maybe make me comment more. You never know. Keep blogging all u bloggers
I’m with Nubica on this one. I love comments that bring something useful to the original post. Heck, I love all comments, but ones that make me think about what I posted are like gold.
@Jawn: Yeah, definitely, to a new blogger any overt show of attention is enough to pump out a new post.
To be honest, it isn’t just about being new either. I have been at this for about 9 months and the days where only one or two comments come through can make it hard to drag up another 500 words. Being reliant on pages views to “feel the love” can be a dangerous thing. You need to blog for yourself, 1st & foremost.. then treasure those that drop by.
@Drazmor: I agree and disagree. Yeah I think that the big ones may not miss your comment, but, they will treasure it, especially if you are a new or rare commenter. While I am not big, I get a real kick out of new commenters, or ones that I haven’t seen in a while. I know when I swing by Larisa’s blog, if she already has 10+ comments, and I have nothing to add, then I don’t. I am sure her blog stats show I have dropped by.
That said, I know that I get a thrill every time I get a comment from a regular.. no matter how brief.. it shows I am still hitting the mark with my regulars.
@Samodean: Yep when you are small, 1 comment can be a 100% increase on the previous day… but don’t underestimate the odd “lawl” on a big blog. I know I have gone through pages of comments, all of which pretty much amounting to “lol”… but if a reader laughs on the internet, does anyone hear the coke hitting the monitor?
@Syrana: Loving you Lockus… But have I got the stuff to prove some Gnomekus?
Drillpress’ comments now up and going folks… go show your appreciation!
@repgrind: Now that’s what I’m talking about. I read your blog response to CriticalQQ and it made me smile. I threw in a “throw away comment”, but I wanted you to know I appreciated your post… what I didn’t expect was your reaction… If I haven’t blogrolled you… remind me.. I have been in a frenzy lately, blogrolling, feedreadering, notepading… and I have sort of forgotten where I am up to (and that goes for anyone else reading too)
@Matticus: Thanks for the kink love… had to be there (twitter)!
@Nibuca: Arrgh… the free link me comment stinks… In posting a comment, you get to leave your URL.. if your comment is worthwhile, it will get followed.. I do this 99% of the time, and I watch the stats of others doing the same… The “Nice blog, come and see my blog @xyz.net” are a turn off.
Definitely agree that meatier the better… but that isn’t to say I will turn the inane away as well.
@Drillpress: Yep, probably does
I did a testing testing 1,2,3 and all looks good now. Wouldn’t be the worst mistake a new blogger made! But as Syrana mentioned, a contact form is a must! Take note new bloggers… if the 1st post you write is a “Contact me via these methods post”, it will be the best post you make.
@Frozencubez: Happy Happy Joy Joy… I love it when a lurker comes in from the cold! Welcome to the comment section… love your name too!
@PewPewLazerz: The gold can be elusively at the end of the rainbow, but when you catch those little Gnomes… I mean Leprechauns… you got to love the rewards!
I love comments. Comment! You could say, “Gee, Rhii, this is the stupidest post I’ve ever read” and Aurdon would (I think) come along and delete it, but not before I got a warm fuzzy feeling that at least you’d read enough of what I wrote to think it was dumb.
Maybe I exaggerate just a little… but short of outright meanness, I appreciate every comment.
[...] 1st being a poll I did yonks ago on you blog commenting preferences, [...]