Blogshpere is a strange and wonderful place, isn't it? I have yet to figure out what makes it tick. There are as many varied types of blogs as their are different personalities in the real world. I have met some of the most wonderful, and genuine people here in blog land. I have also been introduced to people and places that I would have never met or gotten to visit in my lifetime.
I have read blog post that inform me, teach me, inspire me and fascinate me. Sometimes I will see a post that will have one image and maybe a few words or maybe they just type,"Loving this right now." They will get multiple comments and accolades. And yet I will read some beautiful and thoughtfully written post with a lot of gorgeous images and they will only have three or four comments. It is so puzzling to me what makes this wonderful place we call blog land tick.
Now that I am a blog writer I look at blogs in a different light. I use to peruse blog land looking for inspiration pictures and information. Now, however I also look from the point of view of how much work and effort the blog author did to put up a post for my enjoyment. I don’t take it lightly anymore!! I am sure the rest of you blog authors know exactly what I mean.
I also feel more compelled to leaving a comment so they know that I was there and that I enjoyed what I just read. I am not sure what compels others to leave or not to leave a comment, but I, for one, try my hardest to leave a comment to let the author know I enjoyed my time on their blog and it inspired me.
I want you all too know that I appreciate all the time it takes to read one of my posts and also to leave a comment. It really does mean a lot to me. Because of some of the comments you all have left I feel like I have developed relationships with some of you. Even if it is a cyber –relationship it still means a lot to me. I love that blogging is an activity that is a creative outlet and it also brings like-minded people together to share our ideas and experience. It has also opened up a whole new world to design styles that I might not have explored before.
I am not sure how you all feel about commenting or not leaving a comment? I would love to hear your take on the subject. What compels you to leave a comment? How do you feel about a post with one picture and a few words vs. a well written post with many images? Of course you will have to leave a comment, won’t you? Boy was that a trick question!!
“Enjoy the Process” Of:
Connecting with others by leaving a comment on their blog.
Kathysue
61 comments:
i try to always comment to people's posts - b/c i know i LOVE when peopel comment on mine! .. it's sorta like if someone takes the time to create a post, then i shoudl take a lil time to respond - even if it's a quick response - just polite, ya know ..
old saying my dad ALWAYS reminds me :.. "do onto others as u would like done to u"
*kiss kiss*
Happy Weekend!
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~
I always try to comment too (although I'm certainly not perfect in that regard!). I hope you have a great weekend!
You're right, ever since I started my own blog, I look at blogging so much differently. I know how good it feels to get comments, so I try and comment on as many postings as I can. I only comment on postings I enjoy...which happens to be a lot! Keep up the good work Kathysue!
I admit, I don't always comment. I feel I comment when something really grabs me as interesting or if I really do like the item or room. And I completely agree - it's a little frustrating when I really search for the perfect images and topic to blog about and there are only a few comments left. But there are so many people with different interests and points of view that we can't always meet their commenting standards with every post. Good topic!
I will leave a comment if I like what I read, or inspired by their photos or subject. It takes an effort to leave a comment and sometimes I'm lazy, but I try anyway. I enjoy reading my comments! But, I too am puzzled by why some people receive tons of comments and others not. Some of my favorite posts that I worked hard on and am the most proud of received less comments than I anticipated. I have stopped trying to analyze it.
We do develop friendships with other bloggers though. You can count on my comments Kathysue! We're cyber friends now, but not for long! Let's put a date on the calendar and hang out and discuss this whole blog thing! haha. Have a great weekend my friend!
I have also wondered what makes certain blogs (or posts) wildly popular and others not. I'm not sure there is any one easy answer.
I have noticed there are certain times of the year that my blog comments seem low. (Going through a lull right now, as a matter of fact.) And even some days of the week seem slower than others.
As much as I love hearing from my readers, I try not to take it personally when they don't leave comments. When comments are down, I usually check my stat counter and that typically reinforces the fact that my blog traffic is growing and I'm not just here talking to myself. I also try to refocus on the reason why I started my blog...a visual journal for me.
Just a day or two ago I read that there are 100,000 new blogs being started every day! Don't know if that is really an accurate number or not but it wouldn't surprise me because it seems EVERYBODY has a blog these days. I know for certain the list of blogs I enjoy is growing longer and longer. As much as I would love to leave comments on all of them, I just simply don't have the time. When it comes to making a choice between quickly visiting 50 of my favorite blogs and maybe leaving 1 or 2 comments, or visiting 10 blogs and leaving 10 comments, the sad reality is I'm going to visit more and comment less. I suspect others are doing the same.
When I read a blog post, I also read all the comments. It is valuable insight to see others' point of view.
Please comment when possible, as you never know how your comment can start new thinking.
I agree with you, Kathysue. It's always lovely to get comments and see that people have enjoyed reading your blog. I love commenting on blogs because I get so excited (probably a little too much, but hey, that's just who I am!) about all the gorgeous things I see.
Have a wonderful weekend! Will xo
Hi Kathysue! This is a great and thought-provoking post. I always try to leave a comment when I visit a blog because I know how much it means to me to receive a comment! I also think it is just good manners. I always try to make it a point to visit the blogs of people who have taken the time to comment at my blog. Again, common courtesy. I have done both long and short posts, depends on the time I have and what I have to say. I think both options can be effective - sometimes there are beautiful images that I am in love with that need few words.
That is an interesting one! I think some of the posts getting tons of comments might be from people who also comment on tons of blogs. I have been to gorgeous blogs where there are only a few comments and followers. I know people who read mine but are not bloggers and never leave a comment, but they tell me things they liked, etc. Personally, I agree with Shari above, there are just too many to go to every day, so I kind of hop around. However, you have one of those blogs that I love, so just know there are people out here appreciating what you do!
We're all on the same page here. You can tell that Kim is a good Southern girl, because (and I agree) that it's just good manners to take a minute to let the author know you appreciate their work. I almost always leave a comment unless there is just nothing to say...I don't always comment on the fashion blogs although I read some. The feedback is one of the things that motivates me to do something better or different. It helps me grow as a blogger and as a designer. I know that there are many people who read my blog (they tell me so) but they never comment, so I guess we'll have to appreciate the ones we get and expect that we are having more of an impact than we thing we are.
I've LOVED meeting you through blogging, and I love your picture!!!!! Yeah!
www.divinedistractions.blogspot.com
Sometimes I leave comments and sometimes I don't. For example, when I am sick like today--I often don't feel like giving a comment! Sometimes I want to encourage the blogger. Sometimes when I see there is 25-40 comments I feel like they have so many they don't need encouragement! Sometimes I have to give an opinion. Sometimes I so like what they have said or done, that I must say something. Man, I just created a lot of non-sentences!!!
Kathysue, I love getting comments cf course, but understand that not everyone can comment all the time. We would never leave the computer if that were the case. I try to comment back to my comments that I received and I will comment on posts that inspire me. Also I try to keep up with the blogs posted on my sidebar. Those are a lot of the ones I have made a connection with. Of course yours is on that list, too. I have noticed that even some blogs that will post one copied picture from a decor site will get a lot of traffic and comments. I think a lot of those have been blogging for quite some time and have a huge following or a lot of daily readers. I am posting a lot at first until I get better established and then will cut back or I may run out of things to post. Gosh, I hope not.
I absolutely love comments from readers but have to admit I don't comment the way I used to!!
I'm reading more than I comment because I'm often reading with a kid in an arm and although I so want to leave a comment, just can't.
I feel terrible about it though!!!
I also have to tell you that your comments are some of the sweetest & most thoughtful out there.
thank you :)
xoxo,
lauren
I enjoy commenting and do you know why? I LOVE to talk. LOL! I do enjoy blogging and meeting new blog friends. That is the best part for me.
I adore your new profile photo Kathysue. You look so beautiful and happy!
*Smiles* to you sweet friend. ~Melissa :)
I will usually comment if I have something to say about a post. Many times, I'm in a hurry. I'll read, then not comment.
I have heard from other "seasoned" bloggers, who don't mind few comments. I believe the amount of comments recieved isn't necessarily an indication of the popularity of the blog. It took me awhile to come to that conclusion and relax when I don't get as many comments.:-)
If I get 20 comments or 100 comments, I read and appreciate all of them.
If a blogger participates in a party or event, they often get more comments than they would otherwise...I found that true for my blog. I have noticed my comments have fallen off in the past few months. I am also not on the computer as much as I once, was. I do about three posts per week and participate in fewer events. I was amazed the post I did about the new car got as many as it did...pleasantly surprised, I might add.
I do a lot of work on my posts. I always use and have used my own photos, since I began in March 2007. I know this is something else that isn't necessary, but it is something I enjoy. Sometimes I write more than other times, also.
I hope my blog is enjoyable. I feel like I put together at least three magazines articles every week!LOL
I enjoy coming here, Kathysue. I am here, whether you see a comment or not.
I will be pretty honest. I love reading comments, and always try to return the comment. Unfortunately, like Shari above, I try to read as many posts as I can while my son is asleep, which leaves very little time for commenting. Since I know what my traffic is, it doesn't bother me too much if people don't have time to comment everytime they come to my site. Maybe they also have a little one to tend to.
GREAT post!! I completely agree- now that I'm blogging I appreciate these posts so much more! But I also know I don't always have time to comment on every one (though I tend to on my favorites as YOU well know!) Great topic! And I LOVE your new pic!
xoxo Pattie
I love this post KathySue. First off, thanks for leaving a kind comment for me on my blog recently. :)
I didn't really read a lot of blogs before I started blogging. A couple here and there but I more or less just started and then discovered so many wonderful blogs afterwards.
I am a big commenter. I have a tendency to leave lengthly and detailed comments. I suppose that's just my personlity-I like people to know that what they wrote meant something to me and how I relate to it, vs. just saying g'reat post'.
The blog world eludes me sometimes too. I follow one blogger who writes her posts in one huge paragraph, no regard for sentence structure and does not add any photos on her blog-yet it's a huge success. Her wit and content is what keep so many followers coming back for more.
Me on the other hand, I'm too much of a perfectionist and a writer I guess to not properly structure and I love a great photo, so it's a must for my posts. It's neat when you can see how many people come to your site via analytics but kind of odd when about 1% leave a comment. I wonder what the others think or if they are just quickly skimming and hopping oto the next blog, or if they're just shy. ;)
This seems to be the topic of the week! I have had several conversations about this very issue...with varying opinions!
I try to comment as much as I can. It all depends on what is going on in the rest of my life...and like everyone else...that is constantly changing. I still have kids at home and of course a darling hubby and along with several other things...church, family, friends...etc...these things come first! I try to hold everyone to the same standard I hold myself...EASY GOING...at least about blogging;)! We all have times where it is impossible to find the time to comment! It doesn't bother me...comment later or on the next post or the next:)!
As for content of blogs...I agree with what you said in your first paragragh...there are as many different types of blogs as there are personalities! If there is something that speaks to me...it can speak to me in one word or one thousand...one pic or one thousand! I like what I like and I will come back again and again! One of my all time favorite blogs...Cherry Hill Cottage...often has only one or two photos...but believe me that is all she needs...her blog is perfection...at least to me! What's the old saying...a picture is worth a thousand words!
I hope this makes sense!
Have a wonderful day!
Cathy
Back again;)!
I buy my hummus. I usually get it at a place called Zoe's Kitchen...I think it's a chain...I don't know of they have one in your area...it's sooooo good!
Tell me your cucumber sandwich recipe...it sounds delicious!
Thanks for your sweet visit!
Cathy
Hi!
It's like you somehow sneaked into my head and posted about exactly what I was thinking. I'm new to the blogging thing and I'm kinda feeling that with out comments you don't really know if you have any proper readers. And lets face it with out readers, what is the point? Maybe for some there is a point but not for me. I need the direction and interaction. I've only read this one post of yours and I don't know how I found you but I'm so glad I did. Now I will read some more as I really enjoyed spending time on your blog. x
There are many different thoughts on comments but I think we can all agree that we love to get them if we have a blog. I am sometimes disheartened when I spent so much time on my blog posts and get very few comments but have over 400 followers! What's up with that? Then some of the more "popular" blogs get numerous comments and their post is not all that inspiring, kinda like high school to me. It is getting harder and harder to visit and leave comments on everyone's blog and i've lost some commenters b/c I don't visit their blog. However, I do enjoy blogging very much and seeing all the wonderful other blogs so whether or not I get comments doesn't bother me all that much.
That's my 2 cents worth!
Judy
Great post, KathySue. I try to leave comments when I have time and feel that I want the blogger to know I was there or I have something to add to the discussion. I do admit to reading more than I comment...a 2 year old and trying to run a business sometimes leave me with not enough time!
Like others, I often rely on my stats and my email subscriptions to reassure myself that people are reading. I am puzzled too when I'll spend hours on a post and get a comment or two, and then I'll slap up an image because I am too busy to post and I'll get a bunch of comments. Go figure.
Since my blog is on my business site I know a lot of my readers aren't the typical blog readers and are finding me in search engines...so I'll get a lot of offline emails vs. comments....which of course I respond to which takes time.
I have blogs on my sidebar that have never once commented on my blog....and I've thought about removing them as I do feel a bit snubbed but I still love their blogs (and comment on them when I can) so I leave them. I figure it is like life, you cannot please everyone so I just try to remind myself why I started blogging in the first place.
Have a great weekend.
I leave comments if the post in question appeals to my senses, if it does not, I usually do not comment.
I enjoy commenting on the posts I fancy because I'm in love with words which means I'm fond of writing but I will not comment just for the sake of doing so. Enjoy the weekend, dear!;-)
Kathysue~You never cease to amaze me with your posts!!! I LOVE to read comments on my blog and I always really try to leave a coment when I read someone's blog. But... My little ones are now big ones so that makes a huge differenceI can't wait to read all of the coments you get on this blog! have a pretty night,
Kristin
A great, thoughtful post Kathysue..I think it's lovely to leave a comment as appreciation of the blogger's time and effort in posting. I do think that comments should only be left if they are sincere though.. I also appreciate that I have readers that enjoy my blog regularly whilst being too shy to comment. I'm just thrilled they like it! I don't have much time at all for blogging at the moment so I admit there are some that I visit that I intend to leave a comment and don't quite get there! Have a lovely weekend..Rachaelxx
Ditto to EVERYTHING you said. How blogging has opened my eyes, my heart and my world. I try to leave comments too so the blogger will know her effort was appreciated and inspiration because I think at the end of the day most of us just want to know we affected someone in a positive way - -sort of paying forward the beauty so the world can be a more positive beautiful place for everybody.
I love the first picture on this post because it got my attention. Great question you put out there. Like you I have had experiences I would otherwise not of had without blogging.
Karyn x
Kathysue, as you know my life is a constant roller coaster ride, blogging for me is therapy. An escape to others homes who care that I've come to share their thoughts and dreams and yes pictures. Commenting for me comes from the heart. Something a particular blogger has written has touched my heart, or their picture has touched my soul.. Sometimes, due to time my comments are short and sweet, others are long and sometimes boring.. lol.. or maybe I'm just finding the place I'm at at the time, comfortable.. I feel love and understanding.. so comments I read along with those I leave are important to me.. hugs ~lynne~
I am guilty of reading and not commenting.
Sometimes it's because I'm short of time,
sometimes other commenters have already voiced my thoughts on the blog,
I do love reading the comments posted to my blog so I am aware that we bloggers do enjoy feedback.
Perhaps I'll begin taking more time to comment.
So, Kathysue, thank you for making time to think about your post today and prompting me to leave my thoughts so that you know that your posts are read and enjoyed.
Hugs,
Gerry
so so true! i always try to comment - however commenting back to everyone is now very time consuming x
Great subject, Kathysue! I try to always leave a comment as it means a great deal to me to receive them. I feel more comfortable with the bloggers that are very real and don't post a ton of magazine pics daily. I love to make new friends and this is a convenient way of doing so. I'm glad you raised this question.
Your photo is beautiful! Have a blessed weekend.
xoxo
Pat
Hi Kathysue,
Good point that you are making. I really try to leave comments because comments are important to me on my blog, so I try to be mindful of other bloggers who work hard to post something of interest.
There have been times when I just visit and don't leave comments, but it is usually if I am very tired or trying to visit too many.
I've learned it's better to visit a few and leave a comment than it is to try and visit too many.
hugs
Sissie
I enjoyed reading your post. Like you, I often marvel over the connections that are made between bloggers, and what makes people leave a comment.
I have a flag and visit counter on my site, so between that and the comments that are made on each post, I know that the majority of my readers do not post a comment. Too much trouble? Post not interesting? Post good but want to remain invisible? I just get so darn curious.
If I read a post and find something noteworthy in terms of words or pictures, I make a comment. I even make a comment sometimes just to say "I was here." Especially if it's a blogger that doesn't have any comments, or just started out, because I know how much it means to know that someone out there paid interest.
Kathysue, this is a very thoughtful post. I totally agree with you. I started my blog in August and had no idea of the time and effort it takes to put together a post. For me, blogging is definitely a creative outlet that gives me great pleasure. It's the only reason I do it. Of course I feel good when I get comments on a post, but also know how time consuming it is to leave those comments. I try my best to leave comments on each post I visit. It slows down my visiting time, but I think it's important to let the author know I was there and appreciate the time it took to put the post together for my pleasure. I've also found that commenting is the only way to really connect with others in Blogville. I've made some wonderful new friends over the past ten months.
Great post! ~ Sarah
Thank you for visiting me on Heart Choices. Now that I made you cry I have to confess something to you. I was editing my post when you commented and I lost your comment. I'm so sorry. You were just so quick. :)
But I'm glad I stopped by because you have a beautiful blog and I love this topic. I love comments! I love blogging and I've met so many good friends through it. I've had the opportunity to meet about a dozen bloggers in person so far. But I know that number will rise because every time one of them visits Arizona, they stop by to see me. And I love that.
Blessings,
Debbie
Hi Kathysue,
First I must say, I love reading your blogs. In some way, I feel we are friends and it's like chatting via blog land! I love reading comments to see how people think or feel about a particular topic, item, etc, but I don't concern myself with how many comments I get. I blog because I love it and not because I'm keeping track of numbers. I genuinely like reading what each person writes, whether it's many or few! Have a great weekend!
Kathysue,
I enjoy your blog, keep up the great and interesting posts!
Kathysue, so good to see the smiling face behind the name!!
Kathysue, I am packing madly for Savannah, but will come back over the weekend and comment on this after I've had a chance to read it again and also what your other readers had to say. GREAT idea for a post!!! I will have some me time starting Sunday night, so I'll pop back then. Hope you keep this post up over the weekend so that a lot of us can weigh in : ) Until then, have a great weekend! xx Suzanne
Dear Kathysue,
A well thought out and stated post. I agree that some blogs I just don't get the dozens of comments and others where you see the time and care that went into them get a handful.
I admit to having a very hard time keeping up with those who post every day and others several times a day consistently. I'm bad at whose name goes with what blog; I think I need a cheat sheet. Sometimes the content just doesn't appeal to me and other times I have to restrain myself from gushing.
I do always try to check in with the blogs I follow and let them know I am enjoying and appreciating their posts. Sometimes it's a quick, "Love That!" Every so often I come across a post that moves me and when that happens it's wonderful ~ usually when the blogger is talking about something personal and touching ~ those are the best posts! xo
I love to comment on blogs I stop by for a visit at. Sometimes, I must admit, I don't have time to comment. I have gained so much from reading blogs! Thank you for letting me stop by for a visit at yours!
Hi Kathysue! I am new to your blog but have seen your comments on many that I do read so I thought I would check you out! Your blog is beautiful and I am so glad I found you!
I try to comment when I read a blog. I tend to do it late at night when my daughter is in bed. I have a small group of followers so it is easy for me to reply to my comments and for me to comment on those I follow and enjoy. I just don't know how people do it when they have followers in the hundreds!
I started my blog to keep a journal of our life. It is mainly for me and my family, but I have been blessed to have met some wonderful women and make connections along the way. I have been inspired by so many and hope that I can do that even a little bit with my blog!
Great post and have a wonderful weekend!
Kathryn
Just stopping by and yes yes, I'll leave a comment!
I try to comment as much as possible because I enjoy receiving comments myself. I feel that turnabouts fair play as they say. Some days after working a 12 hour shift, I'm waaaay to tired to comment as much as I'd like to, but I try to make up for it later on.
I agree that blogland is baffling. So true that some posts get so many comments, yet thought provoking, heart warming posts almost go unnoticed.
Sometimes I do think the easier to read, the easier to comment. People are just too busy and if they're like me, often feel guilty about spending too much time on the computer! Sometimes we just want to speed read through our google reader/bloglines.
new reader saying hi~~ :)
I love comments, and always feel as though this is where the dialogue happens, inspired by the blog post. It's a great way to connect with people and amazing ideas too!
kathysue, you are golden when it comes to leaving comments. no one leaves more sincere, thoughtful comments than you do. YES! blogging does make us appreciate posts and leave more comments, doesn't it?
Your lovely and sincere nature shines thru your writing on your blog and in your commenting!
happy weekend to you, dear lady! Donna
Hello there beautiful girl!! I have to start out by saying how much I love your new avatar. It definitely fits with your writing and your comments. Seeing your face together with your sentiments is a match made in heaven.
Wow it seems you got a wonderful response on this subject. I know I am struggling with leaving enough comments myself. So often I feel sad that I haven't visited or commented enough. I would have to say that is the down side of blogging for me. It's challenging to spread the love as much as I'd like to. I've been struggling with balance since I've started blogging. I have to say that I'm blown away by the generosity of bloggers and commenters in blogland though and feel infinitely blessed when someone takes the time to leave me a comment.
So much love to you and your family on this Father's Day Weekend! Your Doug is one of the BEST!
Love you Kathysue
OKAY, first i am so happy to put a face with a name! you are so pretty!!
second, i totally agree with everything you said. before i had a blog i read a lot everyday, but was very shy to to comment. i never realized how much those comments mean until you start putting yourself out there and spilling your guts and to hear kind or inspiring words or even a "way to go"! how much that means! you said it much more eloquently though than i did. you always do. :)
Yes I try and leave comments as much as possible! Peopel should know when they do a great job! Happy weekend!
Great post Kathysue. I try to leave comments as much as possible, sometimes time constraints mean I have to do so a day or so later, but I always try. I do enjoy reading comments, it's a bit of validation that I'm not just "talking to myself"!
There are several bloggers who rarely leave a comment, but will e-mail me directly with their thoughts. It is hard sometimes, there are so many wonderful sites that I love to visit, but I do my best to keep up. Hugs, Kat
Comments are lovely as they let you know your work is being read! Have a lovely weekend! x
I agree with everything you are saying Kathysue, I feel just as you do. I really appreciate comments and make a point of returning the favour to bloggers that comment on my blog. It is strange to see how some blogs take off and will get 100 comments for 1 picture and two words, while others can't reach this. I've always appreciated your comments on my blog, thank you for always being so kind!
Nancy
If I look at a blog often, I don't comment every time. But I do comment if something in the post speaks to me. I'm one of those blogger's who does't get many comments.
Good questions and observations and I've some of these same thoughts myself!
I try to comment back within a week to everyone who has visited...sometimes I fail miserably. Personally, I would rather have 5 sincere and thoughtful comments about my post than 50 "love it"!!! Not including posts of just a picture or request of love it/hate it...then sometimes a word or two is all that's necessary.
I really enjoy getting comments but realize not everyone has time to do more than read on certain days, or perhaps they are just to spent to articulate what they are thinking...this I can relate to often!
I think it is all a choice of where we read and comment and if you're not enjoying a blog or it bothers you that the blogger never reciprocates a comment...move on! That's what I do mostly. But, there are a few blogs where I comment simply because I enjoy the content and they are so well written and yet the blogger has never commented on mine...and that's ok too.
I think you just have to decide what your prefer and abide only by your own blogging rules!
Hi Kathysue,
Great post. I think many readers use blogs as research and commenting honestly doesn't dawn on them. Other blogger's however know that it is confirming and/or nice to discover that you've gotten some comments/feedback.
I also think its impulse...sometimes an image or short post just strikes a nerve or hits home for someone and they can't resist commenting.
I have a ton of blogs in my reader and I do go through and scan. As much as I'd like to, there is no way I could comment on everything. I'm trying though and will continue to try to leave as much comments when I can.
Sarah
I know exactly what you mean and it makes me wonder too but I try to leave a comment whenever I visit and I try to visit whenever I can. If I don't, it usually means I have guests staying at home or I am away on a trip....Christine
I love receiving comments, so try and leave comments, but lately I've been preoccupied and just haven't had the energy or time (especially if I end up reading in google reader rather than on the actual blog).
But I'd prefer a well thought out comment, or it to become a discussion in some way too - so it's not just all one way communication.
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