Thursday, July 28, 2011

Anatomy of a dud blog post: What makes you comment?

Remember when you were dating and you were waiting for Him to call. Picking up the phone 20 times a day to just, you know, check that there was a dial tone. Hanging around the general area of the telephone just, you know, on the off chance it might ring. Staring intently at the telephone, willing it to ring. Wondering where it all went wrong. Wondering why He just. didn't. call.

That was me today. Only it wasn't a phone call I was awaiting. It was a comment. Or two. I'd written my post, pushed published and then woken up this morning to read my comments. Only there weren't any. Crickets. Actually, that's a lie. There was Gill from InkPaperPen (who now has my fervent devotion for life).

I admit that I actually checked to make sure Blogger was working. The desperation. I am laughing at myself in a way that I could never have laughed at myself while waiting for Him to call.

I've written before about the fact that one of the wonderful thing about blogging is that you know exactly when a post works - and precisely when it does not.

I've read over the post in question. It's a perfectly serviceable post. Which is probably the problem. I've said my piece, I've filled a post. But I've left no room for anyone to add their two cents worth. No question. No space. Just a 'here is what I think'. Which works well in a newspaper, but not so well in the blogosphere. And it means that I miss out on half the equation of blogging - the interaction.

Writing across different media is not easy. Finding the right approach is half the battle. As is realising that the blogosphere is a place of reciprocity, and that I have, perhaps, been keeping to myself lately. There are many reasons for it, most of them valid, but nonetheless I can't sit here and expect comment love if I'm not giving comment love. (The modern equivalent of 'why the hell don't YOU call HIM?')

Fortunately for me, I have Maxabella in my life. Who left not one, not two, but four comments on said post in an attempt to bolster my spirits. The blogging equivalent of 'of course he's into you'. Ya gotta love family. And thanks to Jennifer Smart, who responded to one of my sadder Tweets about my lack of love. See, I can name them all.

So now, in the spirit of education, I really want to know something. What makes you comment? What is it about a post that makes you put finger to keyboard and get involved?

[image: baileyology.tumblr]

53 comments:

  1. OMG what if you don't get any comments on this (admittedly excellent) post about commenting!? Curtains!!!! x

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  2. For me it's a certain vulnerability, a genuine honest request for company or for advice. Wanting advice though can be tricky as if I don't know I won't comment..will read and then move on. I guess I need to feel the love. If a person seems too independent, self reliant or cocky I guess then there is often no more to add or to comment on...except perhaps..oh, very good or have a nice day!

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  3. You are too funny, Bron. I thought you were meant to still be on holiday and off the air! J x

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  4. LOL ... yes I've been sucked in to commenting too. Basically I comment when I realise I can tell my own little story that's somehow vaguely relevant. And since I don't have any bizarrely cool magazine subscriptions I didn't/couldn't. Although now that I know it means so much to you I'll make more of an effort!!

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  5. PS The other thing that makes me leave more comments is not having to do that word verification thingy because (a) I inevitably get them wrong and (b) I can't physically do them from my iPad (which luckily for you I'm not using at the moment). I know it is supposed to prove I am human but apparently I am only human about 50% of the time.

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  6. Oh poor Allison, I know how you feel, although I am used to only a handful of comments or sometimes only one or two... and I appreciate every single one of them. As for commenting myself, I love to comment! I enjoy reading anything and everything people have to say. Whether it's light and fluffy or deeper and more meaningful, I just can't get enough of reading blogs. However, I am finding it quite difficult to read ALL of my favourite blogs every day. I really try, because being a sticky beak, I like to keep up with news, but sometimes life just has to take precedence. So I have been no help at all, because most of the posts I actually read, I do comment on. I'm sure it will be a long time before you hear crickets again xo

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  7. Please remove the word verification, you and Sarah and Lucy all have it. Limits my comments when using the pad and iPhone.

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  8. I'm still rather new to the world of blogging so I'm still finding my mojo... but often to comment or not to comment comes down to something as simple as time... and what Amanda said!

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  9. Combine a new iPad. And your word verification thingo alongside an early night and toothache... I was, for once, comment inhibited! Xx

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  10. I too am still so new to all of this that I try not to get hung up if there are no comments on a post. Notice that I said "try not to" because it is always nice to get at least one comment.

    Comments are what drive the blogging world. The interaction is what makes this whole thing so remarkable . . . at least in my opinion.
    Jenn

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  11. Oh dear...damn crickets.

    Obviously everyone forgot to comment in their rush to click over to your guest post. Right?

    In answer to your question, I commented on your post b/c I was pulled in by the cool quirky looking magazine cover. These days, I comment on most posts from my favorite blogs. I used to comment on a wider variety of blogs but I find I am preferring to stay loyal to just a few. I know this is not the way to "build your blog" but it just works better for me.

    x

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  12. I hate the crickets!!!!! Sometimes they're louder than others, right?? Why do I comment on blogs? Because funnily enough, there's a group of you I've come to think of as friends...is that sad?? And I want you to know I';m reading, and nodding and usually smiling. And when I'm crying after reading your words, I want you to know that too. Spreading the love, I guess. I'm sorry about your crickets. I have been juggling a new job and a parent with severe depression. But I never stopped reading you!!! xxxxxxx

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  13. If it's any consolation, lovely, I clicked through on the original post and read it from start to finish. So at least you can say you're still, in my eyes, the undisputed queen of the enticing tweet!

    Unfortunately, detective stories are my idea of hell. I am always ALWAYS the last one to figure out who did the crime. Often I'll still be scratching my head after the reveal, even. So I was never going to comment. But hey, look at that - I've written an essay on this post instead ;)

    Ax

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  14. You're all supposed to be laughing at what a dill I am, not being so lovely. Thanks so much for all the comments (poor Maxabella must be very tired after her big day). You're right -I didn't factor in life, and that's a massive oversight when it comes to blogging.

    But I think it's always a valuable exercise to have a close look at why posts work and why they don't. Am hoping all these fab comments will help others.

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  15. I prefer to comment from my laptop so if for some reason I'm not able to, I'll be busily catching up when I can.

    It's not you, it's me ;)

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  16. ah that post made me laugh, i am new to blogging but still i love the anticipation.. will anyone comment on my post?! what will they say?
    I comment when i feel a post is engaging and asking for my opinion, or sometimes i just want to say a quick hi and acknowledge the blogger. I am listening and care what they have to say.

    a great post, thank you. x jody

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  17. I published a post yesterday that I was certain would get a lot of comments. I didn't even get one email informing me that a gazzillion comments were left.

    People were retweeting it. Probably my most retweeted post, but still no email telling me my insecurities where wrong.

    People were responding on twitter with comments, but why didn't they leave a comment on the blog?

    11:30pm last night as I was drifting off to sleep I had a flash of genius of how utterly stupid I am.

    I had changed the template to my blog two days ago and forgot to reinstall the comment platform. I got out of bed and fixed the problem and awoke this morning to one comment!

    Just in case you want to check it out and leave some love on said post... http://www.super-daddy.net/2011/07/dear-facebook-its-over.html

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  18. I published a post yesterday that I was certain would get a lot of comments. I didn't even get one email informing me that a gazzillion comments were left.

    People were retweeting it. Probably my most retweeted post, but still no email telling me my insecurities where wrong.

    People were responding on twitter with comments, but why didn't they leave a comment on the blog?

    11:30pm last night as I was drifting off to sleep I had a flash of genius of how utterly stupid I am.

    I had changed the template to my blog two days ago and forgot to reinstall the comment platform. I got out of bed and fixed the problem and awoke this morning to one comment!

    Just in case you want to check it out and leave some love on said post... http://www.super-daddy.net/2011/07/dear-facebook-its-over.html

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  19. Actually, this is a great post. :D And of course, how can I not comment on a blog post about commenting. Lord knows I"ve made a few of those before!

    For me, it varies. My eyes are severely restricting the amount of time I can devote to blogging - reading, writing, commenting...it all has to happen in 5 minute bursts.

    And then there's a 3 year old who doesn't let me sit for long, and my attention span that is as long as that of a gnat.

    I am trying more though, to at least leave some response. Not always a comment on every blog post. But a 'like' or a retweet or a share on FB. Enough for the reader to know someone was there and reading.

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  20. I must admit that I comment on probably 95% of posts I read! I feel that if I read it, the person ought to know I was there....even if it's just along the lines of "I agree". However, I do try and add something to the discussion when I can. I'm hoping this will mean good karma for me and that one day people will be so kind as to do the same for me. I like to read comments, I like to interact with readers, I like to hear what others think! But unfortunately, I have a lot of posts with no comments or perhaps just one or two comments...still trying to build my readership!

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  21. i comment for acknowledgement if it's a blogger i have come to appreciate .. sometimes if something particularly rings true with me, or if it sounds like someone needs a lift. I'm not sure if there's one single thing that makes me leave a comment. I just know I like receiving them too - they make me realise that I do have an audience (!) and so as much as i can i try to return the favour. x

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  22. Now I have to comment even though I have nothing to say except you are so right about the comments. If I get one it makes my day. Can I share ths with you? "Waiting to Emmigrate" wrote a blog on my book. The Ultimate comment!!

    http://waitingtoemigrate.blogspot.com/2011/07/maybe-its-just-him.html

    The Cranky Old Man

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  23. Well I had to scroll a long way down so this post certainly isn't left without love. I completely, regularly and shamefully stalk my OWN blog waiting for a comments. I'm kind of new to the interaction aspect of blogging so have a lot to do firstly to share my existence, but found your tips on WHY commenter's don't comment very helpful. I'll try and work questions, space and involvement into some future posts. Thank you for enduring crickets to bring us wisdom! ;)

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  24. I love this post. Am just starting my own blog, so it always interests me what attracts comments and why. One thing that I find is I always seem to come to a post late - don't know if its the time zone, or that I tend to read at the end of the day, but when I see a post such as this one with 23 comments, I don't tend to write anything, feeling that I have missed the boat.

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  25. I have so done this! In fact, I removed my post from yesterday because I realized it wasn't comment worthy. Oi Vey!

    Anyway, I comment because something speaks to me. I can relate, and I have an opinion to share. Although sometimes I stay away when I see things like "24 comments" (which happens to be the number of comments before me) because I often think anything I have to say has already been said.

    So I may have just repeated the same thing everyone else told you, but I'm commenting anyway becasue my thought overrules my self-consciousness in this instance.

    Okay, rant done. Have a beautiful day!

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  26. Really good question, Allison! (As evidenced by the plethora of comments... ;-)

    I tend to comment on a post when I can relate to something the author said, they pose a question I feel I can offer my opinion on, and/or when I feel some sort of affinity with the writer. I particularly like it when bloggers respond to comments -- then it really becomes a conversation and I'm more encouraged to engage.

    I'm reading through your comments here, searching for answers for my own site, too. Stats say I have a lot of readers (well, relatively speaking!) but they're a quiet bunch. Is it me? Is it them? What can I do? I look forward to new notions of what to try...

    Thanks for the great post! You should know I think they're all great posts, I just don't always get around to telling you so in a comment. LOL.

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  27. I really enjoy reading other peoples blogs but I don't often comment as I don't feel confident enough in my opinions and my 'wordiness'. Most blogs I read are by actual or prospective writers and I'm sometimes a bit overwhemlmed by their ideas and the way they write. I guess I don't want to look dumb.
    Having said that, yours is one of the few blogs I have left comments on. Not because your blog isn't smart or wordy, I just feel comfortable with you.
    A question, or request for info or advice at the end of a blog does make it easier to comment on.
    I too regularly check for comments and get excited when someone has left one. x

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  28. I'm not laughing because I do it too. I think all bloggers do. We're needy like that. ;)
    Seriously, I usually comment on my favourites. Yesterday was a big day with housey/mummy things, so I didn't do much reading.
    I agree with Carol: I'm more prone to comment if someone seems vulnerable or needs to know someone is listening. I never pictured you in this camp? I guess blogging is like busking: everyone wants a few coins in their hat, even the pros. xx

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  29. I nearly commented on your mystery post as I read Ellery's short stories, but lack of time was a factor in not commenting, oh and thiking deeper I read the short stories not the magazine.

    Anyhow I comment when someone writes something that I click with, makes me think deeper, I relate, it resonates or they need emotional support.

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  30. It's funny, I very rarely comment on other's blogs but get bummed when no one comments on mine. Hmmmm! I think I'm reluctant to comment because the only things I can think of to say seem really mundane, like "Great post!" or "Me Too!"

    Anyway, I enjoyed reading this post (and all your other ones too!)...

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  31. hahah... you are the greatest Allison. :) my day if filled to the rim when I read comments on my blog. great post.

    love the picture of all the phones.

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  32. I try to comment if I like the post or severely disagree. But mostly I just comment so that the blogger in question knows that I'm here...that I like reading what they write. I rarely get comments so it truly makes my day when I get them...I figure others feel the same.

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  33. I usually comment if the post makes me go "Ah!" or "Yeah!" or "that gives me the shits too!" and then I start warbling on and discover I really should be contributing to my own blog which hardly ever receives any comments. But then I am a newby so ... here, I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine, OK? I'm checking for comments on my latest even as I'm typing this! And BTW, I do enjoy reading your posts even if I don't comment, sometimes others have said it already.

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  34. Oh shite... now I'm going to have to swoosh over to some of these lovely commenters above (the ones without comment-love, sob!). This could become my new full time job. x

    PS - You may ask yourself 'what is she doing back here again, for the love of sweet mary and all that is good in this life?', but of course you will already know the answer is 'just checking'.

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  35. Hi Allison! What a fab blog you have here! Just stopping by from my blog to say what a great post this is!

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  36. Allison

    I thought I'd wait for a day before commenting, just because I wanted to see how many comments this one generated. 35 so far!

    I wouldn't have a clue what makes a great blog post. Some posts I have written that I consider to be, well, fairly good, get nothing. Zip. Zilch. Zero.

    And other fairly banal efforts hit the spot. Complete mystery to me, the whole business.

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  37. Lol. Oh. I just found your blog today otherwise I would have commented.

    This is a good post and an important reminder that we are writing for our readers as well as ourselves!

    I think what makes me comment is the desire to connect with others and reach out after they've poured it all, or maybe just ranted, via keyboard.

    As my grandmother would say, "It's amazing that you're over there and I'm over here and you hit send and I get it." Gotta love a grandma!

    Looking forward to reading (and commenting) more!

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  38. Just so you know, I've been following your blog for awhile and I always enjoy it.

    That being said, I am generally not good at commenting on anyones blog.

    When I comment it is because, I relate to what was written and NEED them to know that I relate, I know the blogger in real life and want them to be aware that I stalk them in cyberworld as well, or when they ask the right sort of question.

    Okay, now to explain the "right sort" of question. I strongly dislike the ending your post with a question thing. Mostly because the questions are very open ended, philosophical or blah to me. When someone asks a question where I feel they are in need of my opinion or advice I hop right up to answer (such as your question today).

    Finally, I read the many blogs I follow almost exclusively through google reader which does not allow you to post comments. That means it's like 2 extra steps that take like 10 extra seconds and so the comments just don't happen.

    p.s. I know I said finally, but I forgot one thing. My blog gets almost zero comments but this summer as I ventured into the real world I discovered a large amount of people were secretly following my blog and knew all my nitty gritty details. I am trying to remember how popular that made me feel every time I get saddened by my few followers and fewer comments. Also, most of my friends comment via facebook instead of blogger so I am not totally without love.

    and now, you have been commented on by http://timeforb.blogspot.com

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  39. Hi Allison, I am laughing at your for being a dill, but also laughing apreciatively at your ability to laugh at yourself and be honest about it.

    But I reckon most readers were seduced off to click on the guest post really.

    I love a post that asks a question I can answer... I was the kid in class with their hand up in the air, of course.

    I'm adding my voice to those asking you to get rid of the word verification. It's anti-iPadist and a pain.

    Come to Wordpress, excellent antispam whatsits.

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  40. It comes down to time for me. This week I have been extremely short on time, and if i'm not regular and on top of my reading then I tend to get overwhelemed and skip posts that don't grab me in the first few sentances that pop up on my reader.
    The time thing is a waxing and waning thing with me. Some weeks it's not there, other weeks I have it in abundance and people aren't updating their blogs fast enough.
    Also timing of posts. I find in the mornings is when I have the most to read due to people posting overnight or first thing in the morning, and because there is more to read, there is less time to comment. People who update from lunchtime to 9pm usually get more of my time because it's usually small clusters that update so i'm only having to read 3-5 at a time, rather than 20 or more.

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  41. I don't comment on every post by every blogger. Sometimes what they've written has no relevence or meaning for me. Nothing wrong per se but I don't have anything to add.

    Also, if they've asked a question I'll often answer- it's nice to get a variety of opinions!

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  42. Great post Al. I don't really know why I comment. I don't comment on all blog posts and time is a major factor for me (which is a poor but valid excuse!) Seriously if I posted on every blog post I read it would take me all day. I wish I could though, but it doesn't really pay the bills.
    I also find when I comment I end up rambling on and on just like I am doing now.
    *end*

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  43. For me it's strong emotions, whether I've laughed myself to tears or I've been moved by someone's *insert emotion here*. Often I comment when there's a question at the end of a post that I can answer.

    Sorry you didn't feel much bloggy love, I'll try and pop over for a comment more often!

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  44. There's a lesson in that quote for MLSs that say, "We're member driven," and for MLS vendors too focused on the mantra,

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  45. Oh, I love comments so much, but I'm horrible at leaving them. I know I should fix this. After all, if I love comments, I'm sure all the bloggers of the blogs that I read would also love some comments. Share the love, right? Uh, am I going to have to enter a captcha code for that? Plus, I read most blog posts in my RSS reader, so that means I'd have to click on the blog page, open up a new window, scroll down to the bottom, click on "leave a comment"... Wow, I'm getting tired just thinking about it. Sharing the love is hard.

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  46. This has been really insightful. I've actually learnt quite a bit!
    Generally, I comment on every post I read and I try and read as many as I can. But, as some have already pointed out, life can get in the way!
    Now, off to see if I've had any comments today! hehe!! ;)

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  47. Woo hoo, 47 comments, look at you!! Clearly, asking a question works well. I discovered last night that posting about something controversial works, though I don't tend to enjoy doing that unless it's something I feel strongly about. I hate controversy for it's own sake -- just riles people up and accomplishes nothing. But yeah, make people feel like their opinion matters and they'll want to share. x

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  48. Blog posts that ask a simple, yet amazing, intelligent and relevant question, makes me comment. Great work, Allison! :)

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  49. Here's what's odd. The time and effort I put into a post doesn't equate to the feedback received. It always seems that the off the cuff posts that I write when I'm "in the zone' have the best feedback. But I still say blogging/writing is an art, not a science. Or else I'd probably be a lot more successful :)

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  50. I never comment. In fact, I have the comments locked on my own blog because of fear, fear someone will leave a negative or snarky comment that will not only ruin my day, but might tempt me to delete the blog, or my twitter account. Until I read this blog post, it never crossed my mind bloggers might actually welcome a comment...

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  51. A post that I connect with emotionally always makes me want to share the feelings it has conjured up. That takes a certain vulnerability and honesty, that hopefully lots of people can relate to. And obviously posts asking for my feedback like this one ironically! (but I can also relate about finding it hard to find the time to read & comment on as many posts as I would like - my read later list is overflowing as I've been so busy lately, don't know when I'll get more time with a 1 & 2 year old tho :( )

    Nicole x

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  52. Thanks for sharing this cause after one year of 'trying' to blog, I feel like the 'unloved blog' for now!
    Your blog has helped me to learn to open up, stop being so shy and sharing a little....this will be the new years challenge....and to share my heart, not my head!

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  53. Firstly, Thank you for well-written posts that inform (in a helpful way) and entertain.

    Secondly, that is what makes me comment, to say thanks, to say I agree or to answer the question asked.

    I wouldn't get over 50 comments if I blogged about a lack of comments! But I've turned my word verification thingy off just in case ;) (thanks to you asking a question that may affect all bloggers at one time or another.

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