Do your Comments and Replies attract or chase away readers?
If you are like me, you probably relish “Comments” from readers. And as we all know, comments are great morale boosters, aren’t they, and keep us fuelled.
For this reason, I try to leave behind well thought out comments on blog posts that touch me. Do unto others — (Note: “try” as I don’t always succeed). I also try to give thought to fashioning “Replies” to “Comments” left in my blog.
We all love positive feedback but negative feedback is more challenging and needs greater consideration.
Our “Comments” and “Replies” give us opportunities for building bridges and traffic across cyberspace – or destroying both.
If you are an aspiring (or even published) author, poet, editor, etc – your “Comments” and “Replies” provide a window to showcase your skills. Think of an “editor” who commits horrible grammatical errors in his comments or replies. Need I say more? The same applies to several other callings. At the very least, our comments and replies reflect on us as human beings.
As an aside, I have also acted as a bozo with some of my “Comments” and am constantly learning. Unlike “Replies” on my own blog, a comment posted on another’s blog can’t be retrieved. Since I started blogging about 16 months ago, I’m sure to have offended some with my “Comments”. I do apologise and shall continue to be more circumspect.
Carefully crafted “Comments” encourage bloggers to visit your posts and, hopefully, to start “following” you. And not only the bloggers, but their readers too might check you out. Similarly, the “Comments” left on your post, provide opportunities to add depth and scope to your post – via your “Replies”.
As my regular readers are aware, some who read my “Comments” section remarked that it is an added bonus. I am humbled and encouraged by such compliments. And a great big “Thank You” to all the people who leave their comments in my blog as their contributions trigger interaction and add vibrancy. Do check out my Comments section – take a recent example > The Fried Chicken Syndrome – or something more serious > Mammon, a haiku or any other post for that matter.
As mentioned in my page – Blog Tips – building traffic is fun when incorporated as part of our overall blogging experience.
In this post, I deliberately did not cover many aspects on Replies and Comments, as it is your voices my readers and I would love to hear. To trigger some thoughts:
1. What are your considerations when posting “Replies” and “Comments”?
2. How do you handle negative feedback to your comments and replies?
I would love to hear your views.
Related link > Blog Tips
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This was an interesting post. Once in a while, our comments may be interpreted in a negative light. This is probably due to the absence of direct communication or even cultural differences. Also, what we intend to say may not come out in the right manner. Of course, I dread grammatical errors. However, they just happen:) Thankfully, I’ve received motivating comments from kind readers(including you). intend to reciprocate:)
Hello Padmini,
That is a very valid point – cultural differences.
We all speak/write in English and that lulls us into thinking we all mean the same thing when we say the same thing.
Quick examples without going into details: In my business dealings with Japanese, I learned quickly that even when they mean “No”, they say “Yes”. The same in Indonesia – they are so reluctant to deny a request and one often walks away thinking it is a “GO” – when actually, for them, it is still very much at the “Discussion” stage.
Peace, Eric
P/s Grammatical errors – well, I too do my part to keep editors employed 🙂
I find that generally it’s best to mull over one’s comments as long as possible before posting – easier said than done, thanks to Twitter! 😀
Very true Max,
Better to let Time race away,
Our minds to travel a million miles
Before we allow our tongue free range
(In this case, our fingers on keyboard)
Brakes are required for all of us – including Max Granky’s bicycle 🙂
Precisely!
I reckon constructive criticism is acceptable especially if added with some better proposals – worth reviewing and we get to learn something new.
Comments or replies – keep it simple, voice your take – preferably with added humor, one that originates from the reader allows the writer to see a different view point and perspective. Like you usually say – each brings home a different read.
Your comment column from international feedback is itself an interesting site.
Negative feedback – if possible analyse the motive and see if there is any credit. Totally unruly response – thank God we have a “delete” button.
Wow! Jasey,
Point-by-point 😀
All valid, of course.
Yes, I’m blessed to have a wide readership from 132 countries. There are 193 UN member states – so, I still have a lot more work to do. Frankly, I didn’t realise there were so many countries with English speaking people. Amazing!
Cheers, Eric
Great post! I think most bloggers love comments (I know I do) and I do my best to respond, but sometimes it does take a day or two. If I miss one, it’s an accident and I hope it isn’t taken personally.
When I leave comments, I try to write more than :”I like it”. I prefer to have something specific that stuck with me, or my general reaction to the story line. If a part of it didn’t quite work, I might say so, but if I disliked the piece entirely, I won’t write that.
When I get negative responses, or suggestions, I always thank the person for sharing their opinion. Sometimes I find after a day or two I can see where they are coming from. It doesn’t mean I’ll change it, but I learn for next time.
Hello Janna,
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Like you, if I miss replying to a Comment, it is an oversight on my part. Recently, I “Replied” to a comment by someone in an earlier post I published a year ago – with suitable apologies. He was gracious enough to give a friendly wave-off.
We share the same approach when commenting – something unique and add value rather than a mere “beautiful” or something along those mono-thoughts.
With negatives, we all have a similar approach, I see – you, me and other contributors here – sit on it for a day or two to let the initial disappointment and even hurt wash off, and then we can appreciate better how best to respond.
Thank you Janna – very useful feedback.
Have a great weekend ahead,
Eric
I like making and receiving comments too, Eric. When I had a blogger comment about my blog being hard to navigate and read I was puzzled as I had not had anyone else complain. I decided to consider their words and after a couple of days made some changes that I love. Then someone else also pointed out something and this time I could not fix it unless I changed my blog theme. So I just left it until a regular visitor mentioned the same thing. Then after thinking about it for a few days I looked into other themes and found one I like better. My point is that even if someone is not gracious in their comment – we can still learn something from them and turn it into a good thing!
Blessings ~ Wendy
Hello Wendy,
It is true some themes are more challenging and require tweaks for easier navigation. But beyond a certain stage, the blogger has to do some trading off, I reckon.
We can learn from every comment – true. There are nice ways and less nice ways of saying something, especially about the less nice things.
I love your approach to criticism,
Eric 🙂
🙂 The one who was nice about it is a follower – the other two are not – but I was blessed none-the-less!
Me too, I love comments. Not only to I write for myself but I write for others to read and with comments I know that someone else is reading and hopefully likes what I write. Comments help me to become a better writer and more mindful of my readers.
As always, Eric you bring out the best in other writers.
Susan
That is something I failed to emphasize in my post, Susan – we also write for ourselves. Very true.
You are lovely with your compliment – it is an open and easy secret – love begets love, I reckon.
Eric 😀
Thoughtful and helpful information. Thank you.
Something I have noticed since I began using WordPress is that many people seem to be unaware of or do not notice the little “reply” link that is normally present somewhere in each comment that has been left.
As a result, they use the main reply or comment module, which posts a general comment directed to the blog’s author rather than to a person who placed a comment.
When replying to a specific comment, it is very helpful if that specific “reply” link is used. It notifies the original commenter, if they have requested email notification, that someone has responded directly to their comment.
Hello Richard,
Thank you and always welcome your input.
What you pointed out about “reply” link is right and many might be unaware.
For readers who stumble on my reply here > I say this in all seriousness. I “met” Richard in Blosgville not too long ago. He is a gentleman who welcomes views contrary to his and responds with maturity and intellect, and always treats his commenters with respect. I speak from my experience with him and hope I did not make him blush.
Cheers,
Eric
Thank you Eric. Such compliments tend to produce humility more than embarrassment, not to mention the challenge of living up to them.
I only thought that since these comment threads are a way for people to communicate, which is something we probably need to do a lot more of, it would be good for us to know when someone is attempting to do it.
Excellent advice.
Glad that you think so – we are all merely sharing what little we know.
Peace, Eric
Keep sharing. Always.
Well fancy this post Eric – I have not long ago put the finishing touches to my post for tomorrow – it’s like I read your first and then went and scribbled off my offering – nothing could be further from the truth – in fact I might just go ahead and publish it when I send this reply on second thoughts I think I’ll keep myself in suspense until tomorrow – I don’t believe “offend” is in your vocabulary.
Hello Chris,
This is not surprising and the reason why agents, publishing houses and film industry executives include a caveat before accepting drafts and scripts, that though a work might be copyright protected – it sometimes transpires that more than one person might have worked on and submitted a similar storyline.
In any event, we smart ones all think alike 😀 There goes the trumpet!
I look forward to reading your post. And, thank you for that compliment 🙂
Cheers, Eric
P/s I read your comeback to my rough verse – hmmm, should we continue, me thinks, but remain unsure.
Just posted my offering Eric.
Rough verse eh! I don’t think so.
Sure there’s nothing like a bit of banter once it does not get to the competitive stage it would then be time for me to bow out I believe you would have a lot more ammunition so to speak than I.
Hello Chris,
Totally agree with your take about
Banter > fun, Competitive > not fun.
Incidentally, that last one was a wrap for me – I’m done 🙂
Oh, if you are interested (and have the time) check out this haiku exchange I had with a great blogger friend – Jeannie > http://wp.me/p1YE83-th Unfortunately, she stopped blogging a few months ago. Look at the clock times and you’ll get an idea of how intense that was.
Cheers, Eric
P/s I’ll pop over to catch up with your posts later today.
I too comment often, I did learn that even when people say they want contrary opinion, they usually don’t.
Still I figure they can always delete it if they don’t care for it, as I will.
Sometimes a particularly good haiku inspires one in the comments. That’s the special fun of haiku. I always hope that doesn’t offend.
When I first started blogging, I was sucked into a couple of the “I really appreciate your candid views” invites. Of course, when I gave my “candid views” I received nothing but vitriol and venom. Did I learn? No! But after three lessons, the message got through and I am more careful.
But, not all is lost. I have had a couple of genuine invites and these bloggers are so refreshingly generous. I’ve built great relationships with them.
Like you, I also post haiku and even poems (all mine) as Comments – some bloggers love it and others see it as stealing thunder out of their works – so, we need to tread carefully, I reckon.
You are welcome to post your haiku and poems as Comments – as a matter of fact, I actively encourage them and actually showcase contributions in my “Gallery” format as you know.
Cheers, Eric
On a more serious note, nice job…. 🙂
Obviously, this was after you had a few cups of wake-me-up brews 🙂
Thanks Ned.
Duh, I don’t know…. 😳
😆
A great post. I can’t remember seeing a truly negative comment… a blog’s audience will have sought out the subject matter in the first place and therefore have at least a minimum resonance to it. In this light, a comment shows a real interest in a subject that the reader already finds interesting… so, yes, a comment really should be relished!
Best,
James.
Hello James,
What you say is right.
I once had a female reader who berated me for posting only “dark and gloomy stuff” – yes, “stuff”. She insisted – more like demanded – in haughty words that I should write more about love and light.
I politely directed her to the thousands of blogs out there – informed her that all she had to do was to search for “love” and “light” stuff!
She was not “following” my blog and never posted a comment and then, wham!
I recalled drinking extra strong tea before replying to her.
Cheers,
Eric
This is a great post and very eye opening one for me. I personally need to work on both my comments and replies. I don’t know whether it is due to shyness or embarrassment, but I feel myself many times to be far too generic. When I do say that I like a particular post, I honestly do like it, but I sometimes feel that I should say more (although maybe not as I don’t really know what other writers expect). When it comes to criticism, either fortunately or unfortunately, I only had this happen to me once. The comment that I received was rather aggressive, criticizing both my opinion and disparaging the poem as well, but not from a literary standpoint. Unfortunately, I responded in like-kind, which in retrospect I regret. In either case, this individual and I went back and forth a bit discussing the virtues of our views, ultimately ending with a more respectful tone toward each others points-of-view. When it comes to aggressive criticism, I think I need to view it from a more psychological point of view in an attempt to get to the root cause of the individuals comment. Constructive criticism on the other hand I try to take just as intended and with grace. Yes, it is hard to do, but ultimately it helps me grow. Thanks for the post Eric.
Hello Dominic,
I’m glad you found this post helpful.
Unfortunately, WP does not allow anything other than a “Like” but I suppose that’s where the “Comments” kick in.
Your reaction to what was obviously unwarranted criticism is only natural. Very happy indeed that both of you managed to iron out most of the differences and closed the gap graciously.
When confronted with nasties – and I’ve had a few – I usually sleep over it before deciding whether to “trash” or “publish” and “reply”. The time taken always helps with better quality decisions, for me.
Have a great one,
Eric
P/s Love your haiku – pardon me if I don’t always comment – only do so when I really want to share something.
Well, I am still relatively new to Bloglandia, and so I do not get many comments on my posts. I try to leave comments on others, but sometimes I am busy, and I feel that all I can get to is reading the post, and then hitting like, if I am so inclined.
I try to respond to something in the post that resonates with me. Sometimes, I simply say, “Nice post.” It all depends on the post itself.
Sometimes, I feel as though I have something to say, but there are already 100 comments, and so I don’t bother.
I have written a lot here (too much?), and so you can rest assured that this post provoked my thoughts.
Hello Joel,
“Bloglandia” – nice one. I’ve referred to it as “Blogsville” – and we don’t have any politicians here 🙂
No, you’ve not written too much. Write all you want as long as they are your thoughts and words and not quotes of something a dead guy said.
If I come across a hundred comments, it would not stop me from having my say. You’ll see that most comments tend to be similar – but all are valid comments and welcomed, if I might add.
Then you come along with something unique like >
In response to a poem, I wrote a short poem and followed it with this closure “Your verses, my triggers. A good poet writes great poems. A master of his craft – provokes others.”
I believe the blogger will truly remember my contribution. Incidentally, the blogger wrote a beautiful reply – we made each other’s day, I reckon.
So, with a bit of effort and creativity, we can add value all round. And this is good practise, no.
All good wishes,
Eric
Leaving comments are hard for me. I never leave critical comments. I don’t feel its my place to do so. If i do leave a comment it is short and sweet….and positive. 🙂
Hello Madie,
Replaced that “told” with “don’t” as I reckon that was what you meant.
Yes, leaving comments exposes us to replies and sometimes, one never knows what we attract – if anything at all.
I leave comments on posts that touch me and must confess that, when my effort and appreciation are ignored, I’m disappointed. There are some bloggers who routinely do not reply to comments – not surprisingly, I’ve seen their readership dwindle. And once people are tuned off, it is very difficult to get them to return.
Sweet positives are the way to go, I agree.
All good wishes,
Eric 🙂
I also think the “Like” button keeps many people from posting a comment. Sometimes it is easier to hit the like button.
Hello Madie,
I actually like the “Like” button as when I’m in a rush and/or unable to post a meaningful comment to something I like – I rather hit “Like” than simply ignore their effort.
But it is tough to hit the “Like” button when we read something sad/tragic — in which event a Comment would be more appropriate if we want to acknowledge.
Peace, Eric
also, thanks for that correction. I typed that reply with my phone. My fingers don’t always do what they are suppose to. I must have mispelled don’t and the phone corrected to “told”. 🙂
Absolutely! You wrote a fine piece on the topic. I don’t attract any traffic with my content, but when someone comments, even negatively, I am entirely grateful, feel like a lucky person that my writing is not lost in some black hole, and when we are as busy as we are, and when there are so many fine blogs to get to, someone taking the time to comment is a rich blessing. I love the Likes also.
Hello Carl and welcome aboard 🙂
I was just over at your blog and shall return to read your posts. Also ticked to receive your updates. I see that you already have a nice number “following” and this will only grow in time.
My sentiments are, at the least, negatives acknowledge our presence. When ignored, they ignore our existence.
You might want to check out this very short piece > Hope in Hate > http://wp.me/p1YE83-n4
Okay, hate is a strong word – if you replace it with derivatives of “negative” —
Peace, Eric
Thank you for your kind comments, and I like that there is hope in hate!
This is awesome, Eric, and so beneficial!
I try to comment as much as I can, simply because (with honesty) I love receiving comments. However, there are times when “liking” only is more realistic due to time constrictions. Therefore, I completely understand when other readers don’t have the time, but they enjoyed the post, so they “liked” and didn’t comment. I assume we’re all in the same boat…as we follow more people, it’s very tough to keep up.
I chuckled at your statement about not being able to retrieve our comments on other blogs. Oh, how I wish I could have edited many of mine. Thankfully, we can edit our own! 🙂
As to negative comments, I don’t really think they’re necessary, unless written with tact and consideration for the blogger and other readers on that post. If it’s constructive criticism, I’m fine with that. Such as, if I have a spelling error, please let me know, because I’m a grammar fanatic!
I haven’t received any horrible or mean comments, but if I did, I’d trash them. No need for them on our public blog, when obviously, we feel good about what we posted. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have posted it.
I hope this all makes sense and thanks so much for this helpful post, my friend!
Hugs and blessings to you!
Lauren 🙂
Ah Lauren my dear 😀
First and foremost – readers who love love-poems ought to read your love offerings.
Very right about burgeoning numbers of excellent blogs while our time remains inelastic. All the more reason, those who love receiving comments, “likes” and even visits, need to constantly step up their game. The alternative is to narrow to a handful of blogs and give them their due time and credit. Subconsciously, many of us would eventually gravitate to this.
You’re probably right about negatives – especially the mean or even clumsy ones – the trash bag is just a click away. What’s more, mean commenters do themselves a great disservice, I reckon.
I love your sharing Lauren – crystal 😀
Luv and hugz
Eric
My considerations when I post “Replies” and “Comments” are to compliment, encourage, and to probe more about the author’s writing as a way to get to know them better in their expression.
How I handle negative feedback to my comments and replies is to accept it and as a challenge to improve in expressing, taking note of my grammar and spelling, and even increase my vocabularies to express better.
Those are the reasons for me to enclose “Comments” and “Replies”.
Hope this clarifies 🙂
That is lovely, dear Yoshiko
Compliments and encouragements are like sun and rain for the sometimes shy and tentative shoots.
And so very right – words are windows to writers hearts and minds.
You are very receptive to negatives – this is laudable as not many can handle them. But for those who do – potential rewards await. But of course, we assume these negatives are crafted to help and not to demolish.
I hear you, loud and clear, dear 🙂
I think we all crave comments
if for to know someone read our thoughts and felt something
touching through words last longer to me for one can always
go back and touch again as they reread….
interesting post over my cup of coffee….
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Take Care…
)0(
ladyblue
Started the ball rolling with a verse
That is so very much like you, LadyBlueRose
What you say is very true
When I don’t see comments, it turns me blue
After yesterday’s post, many know I need my tea
Helps me relish it, with your entry
🙂 Eric 🙂