Comments on a blog serve more than one purpose. I’m so fortunate that Altitude has an active, engaged, and vocal community that uses the comments to express their thoughts on what they read here. That’s a good part of it.
David Armano crafted a post yesterday that discusses one challenge that comes with blog comments: scale. (Beth Harte had a lively discussion about scale on her blog a while back, too.) Scale is a very real issue in social media, simply because it’s a human-based mechanism in the first place that ultimately loses it’s unique impact the further removed it becomes from the people behind it.
I’m of the frame of mind that it’s my job as the blog author to say my piece and get out of the way unless a point is raised in the comments that will allow me to add further value to the discussion or respond to a direct question. I understand it’s important for me to be present in the comments and paying attention, but I think it defeats the purpose for me to blather on in the comments when there are so many smart people that have something to contribute. (Mack Collier has some interesting thoughts on this too.)
I think comments serve multiple purposes, many of them based squarely in the commenters’ camp. For example:
Uncovering New Layers
Not every post I write is intended to have a definitive answer. In fact, they’re meant to be discussion and thought starters, not destinations in and of themselves. Comments often find the readers raising new points and issues for consideration that build on or divert from the original idea but provide immense conversation fodder in themselves.
Reader Voice
Comments on blogs do something that the traditional media could never do very well: allow users to express their viewpoint openly and publicly and in real time. It used to be that you had to submit a letter to the editor and hope that it would get published. Blog comments allow readers to enjoy the satisfaction of adding their point of view to a discussion for all to read, and that’s not only valuable to the author, but it’s gratifying to the commenter (at least it is to me when I comment elsewhere).
Insight for Others
When I comment on a post, I often read through the comments others have left. Why? Not only does it give me a comprehensive view of the discussion at hand, but those other viewpoints often help me crystallize and articulate my own thoughts before I write them, or consider points that I might have otherwise missed.
A Barometer for Lurkers
For every commenter, there can be hundreds of readers that never utter a word. But reading through the comments can give them insight into the enthusiasm and engagement of a particular blog’s community, ideas for posts of their own, or just a sense of how blogs work in general and the value the comments can add. Just because someone isn’t talking, it doesn’t mean they aren’t paying very close attention.
For corporate blogs, I’d argue that the same things apply. Your commenters have multiple reasons for being there and for taking the time to leave you their thoughts, so I think it’s super important to keep their needs in mind when considering how you approach comments on your blog. (This is also why I’m not a fan of moderated comments, but this perhaps for a follow up post).
So what do you think? What purposes do comments serve on your blog or on the blogs you read? Is it important to you that the author be involved in the comments? How do you participate as a commenter and why? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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I relish blog comments – a lot of times they provide different perspectives and bring up really good points that I haven’t thought about. Likewise for comments on other blogs, I always read through the comments to see how people have reacted to the blog post, and they more often than not further expand my knowledge on the topic beyond what the blogger has written.
Belinda Leskiws last blog post..Comparing Apples to Apples?
I relish blog comments – a lot of times they provide different perspectives and bring up really good points that I haven’t thought about. Likewise for comments on other blogs, I always read through the comments to see how people have reacted to the blog post, and they more often than not further expand my knowledge on the topic beyond what the blogger has written.
Belinda Leskiws last blog post..Comparing Apples to Apples?
I like hearing from blog authors when I comment, because frequently I’m so paranoid that I don’t have anything original or valuable to add that I want to make sure I “get it right.”
Which is, I think, another way of saying “Do I conform?” Do I meet with approval of the group I am trying to join? Yes, I feel more comfortable commenting on blogs where I feel like I know what I’m talking about (for instance, parenting blogs). And I’m afraid of gaining a reputation as “that chick who doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
But if I’m to gain confidence in the world of social media/PR… I would like to think I can take the risk of sounding stupid, that as people get to know me, and as I learn more about the sphere, what I say will both be unique and have value.
I like hearing from blog authors when I comment, because frequently I’m so paranoid that I don’t have anything original or valuable to add that I want to make sure I “get it right.”
Which is, I think, another way of saying “Do I conform?” Do I meet with approval of the group I am trying to join? Yes, I feel more comfortable commenting on blogs where I feel like I know what I’m talking about (for instance, parenting blogs). And I’m afraid of gaining a reputation as “that chick who doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
But if I’m to gain confidence in the world of social media/PR… I would like to think I can take the risk of sounding stupid, that as people get to know me, and as I learn more about the sphere, what I say will both be unique and have value.
There are two reason that I comment on a blog. The first is because the post has provoked something that I would like to express. I do like to see author participation because then I feel like I have made a connection. The second reason I comment is simply to let the author know that I like their work and feel that it has value. After all, I think even the most successful blogger wants to hear that their work is appreciated.
Susan/Unique Business Opportunitys last blog post..Do Holidays Make Building Your Business More Difficult?
There are two reason that I comment on a blog. The first is because the post has provoked something that I would like to express. I do like to see author participation because then I feel like I have made a connection. The second reason I comment is simply to let the author know that I like their work and feel that it has value. After all, I think even the most successful blogger wants to hear that their work is appreciated.
Susan/Unique Business Opportunitys last blog post..Do Holidays Make Building Your Business More Difficult?
I prefer it when blog authors reply to comments. It’s not much of a discussion if they post and don’t comment any further. It’s understandable that authors of popular blogs can’t reply to everyone, but it looks odd if they reply to no one.
Polenths last blog post..How to Alienate People on Social Networks
I prefer it when blog authors reply to comments. It’s not much of a discussion if they post and don’t comment any further. It’s understandable that authors of popular blogs can’t reply to everyone, but it looks odd if they reply to no one.
Polenths last blog post..How to Alienate People on Social Networks
“Blog comments allow readers to enjoy the satisfaction of adding their point of view to a discussion for all to read, ”
Taking it a little further, I’d say whether it’s print or online, the goal of a letter to the editor was always primarily about responding directly to either another comment or the author of the column itself. If others get something from it too, then fine. (Not that the online space is perfect in this regard, but traditional print failed/fails in this regard because who ever hears back from an editor unless they were correcting a typo.) ;-p
More than that however, the person who comments wants to know they’ve been heard by their intended audience in some way. Of course, this is as long as the point made adds something to the discussion.
bgs last blog post..The Mallo Cup is your friend.
“Blog comments allow readers to enjoy the satisfaction of adding their point of view to a discussion for all to read, ”
Taking it a little further, I’d say whether it’s print or online, the goal of a letter to the editor was always primarily about responding directly to either another comment or the author of the column itself. If others get something from it too, then fine. (Not that the online space is perfect in this regard, but traditional print failed/fails in this regard because who ever hears back from an editor unless they were correcting a typo.) ;-p
More than that however, the person who comments wants to know they’ve been heard by their intended audience in some way. Of course, this is as long as the point made adds something to the discussion.
bgs last blog post..The Mallo Cup is your friend.
I think Reader Voice is the biggie and the other points are sub-categories of this. The enrichment that good comments bring to a Blog is fantastic and one of the things for me that makes the idea of ‘social media’ really come alive.
Paul Baiguerras last blog post..World Wide Rave – not a dance party.
I think Reader Voice is the biggie and the other points are sub-categories of this. The enrichment that good comments bring to a Blog is fantastic and one of the things for me that makes the idea of ‘social media’ really come alive.
Paul Baiguerras last blog post..World Wide Rave – not a dance party.
@Christa Being “right” is so subjective, and the idea that you’re “doing it wrong” just doesn’t apply in a space like this that makes its own rules as it goes along. 🙂 You’re probably your own worst critic! And I for one am always glad to have you here.
@bd I love this: “More than that however, the person who comments wants to know they’ve been heard by their intended audience in some way.” That’s an excellent point. But would you find it intrusive and overly chatty if the author responded just to acknowledge your comment? Or is it more valuable to you to be heard and responded to only if it furthers the discussion?
As a blogger, I’m always trying to figure out when I should be jumping in and saying something. I want everyone to feel heard and welcome. I read EVERY comment on this blog, without exception. But does that mean I should respond to each and every one? And sometimes I respond via backchannel like email, so it’s not public. Does that make a difference?
Amber, I think it makes a difference in how established your blog is. Cops 2.0 is brand new so I think it will be important for me to respond to every comment if only to say thanks for stopping by.
But once readers know me, they will (I hope) figure out that I don’t always “have an answer for everything.” (Heh!) My inclination is only to respond to something when it seems to need clarification.
And email totally makes a difference. Whether it’s responding to a critic or just something that takes a long time to say or needs to be more personal… it’s good to have that option too.
Amber, I think it makes a difference in how established your blog is. Cops 2.0 is brand new so I think it will be important for me to respond to every comment if only to say thanks for stopping by.
But once readers know me, they will (I hope) figure out that I don’t always “have an answer for everything.” (Heh!) My inclination is only to respond to something when it seems to need clarification.
And email totally makes a difference. Whether it’s responding to a critic or just something that takes a long time to say or needs to be more personal… it’s good to have that option too.
I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it:
The comments on my blog are what powers the juice. They often spark further debate, or ideas for future posts, or make me question my view on that given topic.
Basically, they’re the lifeblood of a blog (potentially more that reader numbers). It’s hard to write to an empty audience – comments drive the train forward.
Danny Browns last blog post..Conversation Is Good
I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it:
The comments on my blog are what powers the juice. They often spark further debate, or ideas for future posts, or make me question my view on that given topic.
Basically, they’re the lifeblood of a blog (potentially more that reader numbers). It’s hard to write to an empty audience – comments drive the train forward.
Danny Browns last blog post..Conversation Is Good
@amber – See, I’m the opposite that way. I think if the author isn’t responding, they don’t care. However, there’s still an onus on readers to not expect a reply for everything they say. If someone comes on my blog and says “Good post.” Then that’s enough. No further comment needed from either side.
To your second point, each person is different. I also try and respond to everyone in those cases where the discussion runs long so as not to only favor one POV, unless I’m going at it with someone to discuss out a point they made. And if it gets too intense, I’ll send the person an email offline and continue it there so as not to bring down the public discussion.
(On a separate note, I know a lot of people use the number of comments they get to gauge their blog’s success, but I never did. As long as they were reading, I figured they were connecting in some way.)
bgs last blog post..How to remain a 50-year old virgin.
@amber – See, I’m the opposite that way. I think if the author isn’t responding, they don’t care. However, there’s still an onus on readers to not expect a reply for everything they say. If someone comes on my blog and says “Good post.” Then that’s enough. No further comment needed from either side.
To your second point, each person is different. I also try and respond to everyone in those cases where the discussion runs long so as not to only favor one POV, unless I’m going at it with someone to discuss out a point they made. And if it gets too intense, I’ll send the person an email offline and continue it there so as not to bring down the public discussion.
(On a separate note, I know a lot of people use the number of comments they get to gauge their blog’s success, but I never did. As long as they were reading, I figured they were connecting in some way.)
bgs last blog post..How to remain a 50-year old virgin.
I enjoy reading comments, especially on a post that is controversial or creative, to get to see the back-and-forth between readers, the author, and each other.
It’s that discussion flavor that gives it much more immediacy than a letter to the editor.
hdbbstephens last blog post..hdbbstephen: @Tojosan Soup and Salad. I have lost 9 pounds in 3 weeks! Yay salad!!
I enjoy reading comments, especially on a post that is controversial or creative, to get to see the back-and-forth between readers, the author, and each other.
It’s that discussion flavor that gives it much more immediacy than a letter to the editor.
hdbbstephens last blog post..hdbbstephen: @Tojosan Soup and Salad. I have lost 9 pounds in 3 weeks! Yay salad!!
My blog is so new that I’m thrilled to get any comment at all, and feel as if I must reply back and thank them for taking the time. That being said, I don’t expect any reply from the blogs I comment on. I really enjoy the idea of having my voice heard. I feel that’s the true power of allowing comments, everybody wants to be heard. I do think you’re right though, it’s also a great way to monitor your brand; see what your readers are thinking about you and/or your product/service. Really in my opinion, comments are an invaluable marketing tool, and it’s also a great way to get to know your readers a little bit better.
Jennifer Larsons last blog post..Keying In To The Proper Keywords For Your Blog
My blog is so new that I’m thrilled to get any comment at all, and feel as if I must reply back and thank them for taking the time. That being said, I don’t expect any reply from the blogs I comment on. I really enjoy the idea of having my voice heard. I feel that’s the true power of allowing comments, everybody wants to be heard. I do think you’re right though, it’s also a great way to monitor your brand; see what your readers are thinking about you and/or your product/service. Really in my opinion, comments are an invaluable marketing tool, and it’s also a great way to get to know your readers a little bit better.
Jennifer Larsons last blog post..Keying In To The Proper Keywords For Your Blog
I think it’s interesting to see how many blogs have “Great Article” “awesome” and similar comments. I learned in marketing that normally people don’t leave feedback unless their unhappy about a product (which a blog certainly is) so it’s nice to see something that usually warrants a positive response on the web. 🙂
I think it’s interesting to see how many blogs have “Great Article” “awesome” and similar comments. I learned in marketing that normally people don’t leave feedback unless their unhappy about a product (which a blog certainly is) so it’s nice to see something that usually warrants a positive response on the web. 🙂
A post about comments? How can I not leave one then. My own experience has taught me that the discussion in the comments of a post often takes on new life, pushing the spirit and direction of the conversation into new territory, far beyond what the original author could have done on his/her own.
Comments also enable us to begin forging, or strengthening, relationships between one another in a way that other media channels don’t allow. In fact, I would venture to say that if I wasn’t actively commenting on other blogs, like Amber’s, I wouldn’t have met and gotten to know her like I do. And for that I am truly grateful. Comments are a key ingredient of the secret sauce to social media.
Ken Burbarys last blog post..Social Media’s Mount Everest, Helping Toxic Brands
A post about comments? How can I not leave one then. My own experience has taught me that the discussion in the comments of a post often takes on new life, pushing the spirit and direction of the conversation into new territory, far beyond what the original author could have done on his/her own.
Comments also enable us to begin forging, or strengthening, relationships between one another in a way that other media channels don’t allow. In fact, I would venture to say that if I wasn’t actively commenting on other blogs, like Amber’s, I wouldn’t have met and gotten to know her like I do. And for that I am truly grateful. Comments are a key ingredient of the secret sauce to social media.
Ken Burbarys last blog post..Social Media’s Mount Everest, Helping Toxic Brands
i and others on the web are probably more apt to comment (negative AND positive) than we will to a real life survey or questionnaire. somehow, particularly in blogs, there is a feeling that someone is really listening.
in terms of author comments, it always surprises me to see that in blogs. it startles my thinking a bit, from the mindset that comments are for others to make. it never hurts to have your tree rattled.
thanks for this blog post – i’ve found the perspectives expressed here to be interesting and useful.
i and others on the web are probably more apt to comment (negative AND positive) than we will to a real life survey or questionnaire. somehow, particularly in blogs, there is a feeling that someone is really listening.
in terms of author comments, it always surprises me to see that in blogs. it startles my thinking a bit, from the mindset that comments are for others to make. it never hurts to have your tree rattled.
thanks for this blog post – i’ve found the perspectives expressed here to be interesting and useful.
Nice article. I’ve struggled recently with the amount of comments I should be giving back. Should I reply to every comment? Should I comment as soon as I see the other persons or give it some time for others to chime in? and so on.
I like your insight on it and how you only comment when you have something of value to add. I think I’ll go with that from now on 🙂
Mike Smiths last blog post..Finding the right people to listen to
Nice article. I’ve struggled recently with the amount of comments I should be giving back. Should I reply to every comment? Should I comment as soon as I see the other persons or give it some time for others to chime in? and so on.
I like your insight on it and how you only comment when you have something of value to add. I think I’ll go with that from now on 🙂
Mike Smiths last blog post..Finding the right people to listen to
I try to participate as much as I can, but lately with work picking up I feel like I am seriously slacking. I feel comments are a good way to get some good honest feedback from your readers and I always like reading through them to see someone elses insights and POV on a subject.
Josh Peterss last blog post..Guerrilla Social Media Marketing
I try to participate as much as I can, but lately with work picking up I feel like I am seriously slacking. I feel comments are a good way to get some good honest feedback from your readers and I always like reading through them to see someone elses insights and POV on a subject.
Josh Peterss last blog post..Guerrilla Social Media Marketing
Since I just commented on another blog (Conversation Agent: http://twurl.cc/cma
) about the importance of blog comments to build community….
I like the way a conversation takes shape in the comment section, and will generally read most or all (as I did with this one). I learn from what others have added and decide whether my comment will add some additional perspective.
Personally, I’m put off by a blog author who jumps in after every single comment. It feels as if that prevents the conversation among readers to get some momentum, for some reason. After a few comments, if the author has something to add or clarify, I like that–it continues the conversational thread and I can’t see why the one who started the conversational ball rolling shouldn’t be able to participate :D.
And as an incredibly new blogger spilling my guts on the Web like thousands of others, I’m thrilled to see comments even if it’s just “nice post.” It’s a sign somebody took the time to read it, which is the ultimate compliment in our content-stuffed, multimedia-packed world.
@BarbChamberlain
Barb Chamberlains last blog post..Family Labels: Fifth Chinese Daughter, Uninteresting Middle Daughter, Favorite Second Daughter
Since I just commented on another blog (Conversation Agent: http://twurl.cc/cma
) about the importance of blog comments to build community….
I like the way a conversation takes shape in the comment section, and will generally read most or all (as I did with this one). I learn from what others have added and decide whether my comment will add some additional perspective.
Personally, I’m put off by a blog author who jumps in after every single comment. It feels as if that prevents the conversation among readers to get some momentum, for some reason. After a few comments, if the author has something to add or clarify, I like that–it continues the conversational thread and I can’t see why the one who started the conversational ball rolling shouldn’t be able to participate :D.
And as an incredibly new blogger spilling my guts on the Web like thousands of others, I’m thrilled to see comments even if it’s just “nice post.” It’s a sign somebody took the time to read it, which is the ultimate compliment in our content-stuffed, multimedia-packed world.
@BarbChamberlain
Barb Chamberlains last blog post..Family Labels: Fifth Chinese Daughter, Uninteresting Middle Daughter, Favorite Second Daughter
I think comments allow you to create the community and add additional thoughts to the topic. Often when I write a blog post I can’t think of every possible element, and often a commenter adds a unique angle.
Pinny Cohens last blog post..Recession-Proof Your Lifestyle
I think comments allow you to create the community and add additional thoughts to the topic. Often when I write a blog post I can’t think of every possible element, and often a commenter adds a unique angle.
Pinny Cohens last blog post..Recession-Proof Your Lifestyle
I love receiving comments on my blog postings, of course. Seeing that big fat goose egg (“0 Comments”) tells me that either no one is reading my blog or no one thought much of that particular posting.
As to whether I respond … I usually don’t unless a question comes up.
I do have 2 or 3 readers of my blog who like to carry on conversations through the comments, and that’s fine. Other than that, I don’t typically carry on Comment Conversations.
Joels last blog post..The Day Daddy Fell into the Pond
I love receiving comments on my blog postings, of course. Seeing that big fat goose egg (“0 Comments”) tells me that either no one is reading my blog or no one thought much of that particular posting.
As to whether I respond … I usually don’t unless a question comes up.
I do have 2 or 3 readers of my blog who like to carry on conversations through the comments, and that’s fine. Other than that, I don’t typically carry on Comment Conversations.
Joels last blog post..The Day Daddy Fell into the Pond
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Sweet blog. I never know what I am going to come across next. I think you should do more posting as you have some pretty intelligent stuff to say.
I’ll be watching you . 🙂
Sweet blog. I never know what I am going to come across next. I think you should do more posting as you have some pretty intelligent stuff to say.
I’ll be watching you . 🙂
Thanks for the post, i enjoyed reading it. blogging is not as easy as many think it is, it’s hardwork. any how thanks.
Thanks for the post, i enjoyed reading it. blogging is not as easy as many think it is, it’s hardwork. any how thanks.
It’s tricky – 25 comments & replying to each one just isn’t always possible, but I also think that if you don’t reply to any maybe you should re-think blogging…after all, being part of the community is what it is about.
I aim to reply to about half, and always to anyone who asks a question. LLG
It’s tricky – 25 comments & replying to each one just isn’t always possible, but I also think that if you don’t reply to any maybe you should re-think blogging…after all, being part of the community is what it is about.
I aim to reply to about half, and always to anyone who asks a question. LLG
I really enjoy the idea of having my voice heard.