Lyric Fire: It's All In The Comments, Or Not! - Part 2

A few posts ago I talked about my love of feedback and comments in blogging, but this time I want to focus on submitting meaningful comments and how to handle not receiving as many comments as you'd like on your blog posts. 

Whether you belong to a blogging community or several or none, there are countless numbers of blogs out there. Some will appeal to you because the subject matter is of interest or features information on a topic that you want to learn more about. Once you have a list of blogs that you regularly follow, it may become a chore just to keep up with them all. 

An easy way to stay connected is to follow bloggers on Facebook or Twitter so you can always be notified when they have new posts. Google Reader is also helpful, in that all of the blogs you follow are listed in one place and you can access them rather easily. You must follow the blogs through Google Connect though in order for them to be present in Google Reader. 

Another way to keep up with your favorite bloggers is to set up a block of time whether it's 15 minutes or an hour to do nothing but read blogs. I love to do this on Sunday mornings if I can, because it's the day that I'm most reflective. I find that people who post on Sunday usually have something inspirational to say and that helps me as I face my day. I can also then visit some of their other blog posts I may have missed during the week. 

When you comment on blogs you are really having a conversation. Read the other responses. If someone talks about something that sparks your thought process, refer to them in your comment as well. Sharing like this is a good way to network. That person could have a blog or website that you might be interested in. Scroll over the names of people who comment. Sometimes their blogs or websites will pop up. You can also click on their names and most likely be taken to their sites. 

Be mindful and respectful of the blogger's space that you're commenting on. If you don't agree with their point of view, say so in a way that can add to the conversation instead of just being negative. Ask for clarification if you don't understand something.

Also, bloggers can be very sensitive and intuitive beings. They can tell if you didn't read their post and just want to promote your own blog. If you don't have time to read the post, wait until you do and then comment. It's almost worse when you get a comment that has nothing to do with your post or illustrates that the person didn't read your work, than not getting a comment at all! Most importantly, when you do receive comments on your blog, RESPOND! People feel valued when they are acknowledged. They will return to your blog if you make them feel welcome. Ignore them and they will ignore you! 

Now, we all have those blogger friends that always seem to have scores and scores of comments on their blogs. Sometimes it can be disheartening to see a post have over 100 comments and then you go back to your blog and your average number of comments is four or five. There are many factors that can explain the discrepancy. The other bloggers may have had their blogs up longer and have had more time to build a following. Your posts may have been missed as no one is online all day. We do have to go to work and attend to our offline lives. Don't get discouraged! Remember that we blog not to get comments, but for the sheer pleasure of writing! It is amazing when we get a lot of comments, but the most important thing is to keep honing your craft and getting better. 

Sometimes people who read our blogs may not be commenting at all! I have a close friend who told me that she reads a lot of my posts. I was so shocked being that she never commented. But she just isn't into commenting. We had a lovely conversation about some of what I wrote about and it was evident that she was a regular reader! How about that! So it's best not to assume that since you didn't get 80 comments that no one reads your blog. It's not true! 

So keep writing and promoting your blog! Join as many blogging communities as you can through many of the social media sites. Go to networking events and give out business cards with your blog link. Visit and comment on the blogs that you are interested in and leave your blog link. 

SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES! - If you receive a lot of comments and are a whiz at getting new followers for your blog and want to share your best practices, please leave them in the comment section! What is the best comment you ever received on your blog?

Comments

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Andy, thanks for your in depth comments on commenting! I'm sad that you have experienced some overly critical responses, but always consider the source. Some people need to feel like they are in control. I'm sure you handled them with care as always. When we put our writing out into the world we have to be prepared for anything. Just stay true to your voice and you will be fine. Cheers!

[Andy]

Hello.
Interesting & informative post.

I'm a poet & have been writing since I was a child. I write for the sheer joy of writing. I post about once or twice a week, time & work permitting. I always visit/comment on those who take the time to visit/comment on my posts. I also like to follow those who follow me when I can (sometimes people follow & don't leave their link or blog & then you can't find them to return the kindness.) It is tough keeping up when you have a large following. There are some regular followers who comment every time I post & I tend to return to their sites more often than the others who follow but never comment.

I have had instances of people posting irrelevant comments or over-critiquing my work (which is not what I'm looking for). If it's too offensive, I just delete it. We can't write to please everyone, we must write to please ourselves.

I enjoy sharing and since I started blogging about 9 months now, I've "met" some really nice people whom I stay in contact with on a regular basis.

Thanks for sharing.

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Hi Sulekha, it's nice to see your voice added to this discussion. So it was you who called Jim a Writographer! Wonderful words from a beautiful blogger. Cheers!

[sulekha]

Tameka, I agree with you about not writing for comments but to feed the fire within our souls. I love writing and do enjoy reading comments from my fellow bloggers, but am not disheartened when I get only a handful but meaningful comments unlike great post or nice post :)
I am so happy to read that Jim liked my writographer comment :)
I adore your posts and look forward to your comments and all the other bloggers Rimly has mentioned. Rimly is a true poetess too and I love her posts, I love her :)

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Hi Jan! Thanks so much for stopping by. What I wrote were thoughts based on my experiences and by no means should serve as a guide or rule book on commenting. I want to hear as you have shared, what the challenges are in commenting and keeping up with blogs. We all have different ways of responding as Melissa shared and handle connecting with our readers in different ways. I love to respond to each comment when I can because I feel like I'm building a creative connection when I do. But, that doesn't mean everyone should or can be bothered with doing it this way. I just wanted to share my thoughts on the topic and want others to share theirs! Cheers and I look forward to seeing your photography!
:-)

[jan]

I agree with you on this, sometimes though, I find myself searching for the right words to comment with. I am quite shy by nature and it is difficult for me to get in the middle of a conversation, especially if I don't feel knowledgeable in the topic. I always try to respond to comments, and I love and appreciate the comments I do receive. Thank you for your post, I will be trying to be more responsive to the bloggers that I do read.

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Hey Jen! It's okay to disagree. Please share what works for you. What I write is never definitive. Just my opinion. Your thoughts are just as important. I always appreciate your presence on my page. Hugs!

[Forjenssake.wordpress.com]

I agree with some of these and some I don't do. Almost makes me want to write up my own views on comments. I'm sure that what you've said works for many bloggers. I also know from experience some doesn't work for me. I enjoyed your post nevertheless and as always I will be back.

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

You're quite welcome Ferdian! I appreciate you taking the time to visit. Cheers!

[ferdian]

Thanks for this wonderful thoughts and tips and ideas! I really appreciate your motives to help! Thanks!

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Linda, yes it does seem rather one-sided doesn't it? I know time is a factor and it can be time-consuming to respond to each and every person, but it think the benefits will stand if you take the time to do it. Even one general response is better than none at all. We are all busy beings, but if we don't make time to communicate, we lose in the long run.

[Dangerous Linda]

great post! i'm always surprised by bloggers who do not feel at all moved to read other people's blogs. seems sort of egocentric to me and i wonder if they understand that blogging is a dialogue rather than a monologue?

the best comment i've ever received is always the most recent one ;-)

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Hi Sharyn! Congrats on creating your blog! Cheers! Yes, commenting is a great way to connect with your readers and also network with other bloggers. I look forward to reading your blog. Keep in touch!

[Sharyn Dimmick]

I just started a blog yesterday (my first one) and all of the comments have been good, pleased me. I make a point of responding to any and all comments -- if readers take the time to read and say something I will take the time to read and respond.

[Tameka Mullins]

Hi David! Thanks a bunch for visiting today! So glad you enjoyed the post. Cheers!

[David Smith]

Enjoyed this post very much as it was informative and entertaining. There were lots of insightful info and I agree with everything that you said. One thing that I completely agree with is how folks leave some vague comment when it;s obvious they've never read the post and their link to their blog. People should at least make an effort if they desire a comment in return!! Responding to comments is another great tip and it's the proper thing to do as readers took their time to stop and comment. I've been doing good on this point as I try to respond to every comment. Thanks for an engaging post!! Take care :)

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

That is a great tip Sweepy! I'm very pleased when I see my posts have been shared on Facebook, Twitter or Stumbled. Happy Friday!

[Sweepy Jean]

I love this, Tameka. You gave great advice. I'd like to add that if you don't have time to comment on a blog post, or even if you do, Stumble it, tweet it, or share it on Facebook. This is a great way to show appreciation and helps the blogger gain exposure. I think generosity has a way of returning the blessings to you in a big way.

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Wise words Jimshu! Thanks for adding your voice to the discussion! Have a great day!

[Jimshu]

I agree with all the comments above, it is a conversation that can continue as you write and post another article and the commenter returns, pops up and adds another comment...an ongoing chat about everything with your reader, your friends.

It's also a way of adding links to your site, just as valuable as showing a bloglink in your blogroll, increasing your visibility to search engines.
So every valuable reader's comments benefit in more ways than just the cameradierie or online friendships built up.

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Becky! So nice to be connecting with you. I'm glad that you enjoyed reading my take on blog commenting. Isn't it wonderful to be a part of such a creative blogging community? I am getting a lot from it just as you are. Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to reading your blog as well. Cheers!

[Bec Owen]

I really enjoyed reading this post, Tameka. I agree that comments are really a conversation...I reply to every comment on my blog. When I visit other blogs, I like to have enough time to read the post, plus all the comments and author replies. I think you can learn even more about authors and readers alike, by reading the conversations that ensue.

I have also spoken to friends and family, who tell me they often visit the blog, but are just not into commenting online. I have recently joined a few blogging groups and have met (and continue to meet) so many truly wonderful people...all bloggers, who visit and leave comments and I love the relationships that are being built.

It's difficult for me to choose just one favorite comment...the best ones, for me, are the ones where the reader tells me they have been practicing some of the ideas I've shared, and noticed a difference in their life, and they feel uplifted from reading a post.

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Rimly, thanks so much for weighing in. It's always nice to hear different views. I agree that you shouldn't comment on posts that don't appeal to you. I too, look forward to your feedback. I feel value when I get a good comment and when I add something to the discussion when I comment. Being truly connected through writing is a beautiful thing!

[rimly]

Who doesnt like a good comment. It is so encouraging.When I give time to reading posts, I spend a good amount of hours reading and commenting. I follow some religiously and some I have added in my list as I have moved along the blogging world, bloggers whose posts have appealed to me. I dont like commenting if a post does not appeal to me. And yes you are right I too have a whole lot of friends who read my post regularly but do not comment. They call me up to tell me how much they liked my posts. There are some bloggers like you,Tameka, Jim B, Melissa, Sulekha, Larry, Corrine whose comments I really look forward to every time I post a poem or an article. Thank you for sharing some very interesting thoughts on blogging.

[Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)]

Melissa your comments are always fleshy like a good steak! You bring much to the table to discuss and reflect on. Thanks for being so open, generous and giving with your comments! Blessings to you!