Whether it's for entertainment, enlightenment, or intrigue, most Bloggers and those who "consume" them, can attest that these popular "online journals" provide a certain value and enhancement to our online experiences. True?
In fact, if you're like I am, you check back regularly throughout the week to see what's up in the world of your favorite Blog hosts to gain wisdom from their words, support through their experiences, or perhaps even ideas to address in future posts.
In fact it can be a bit addictive like the soap operas. :-)
And with all that activity and enjoyment, it only stands to reason that you might want to give something back.
Why?
Because most bloggers share their time, talents and resources with us without charge or obligation. And you've gotta' admit that that's pretty cool!
Sure, time can sometimes be a factor, depending upon how many sites you visit on the regular. But a brief "pat on the back" will take less time than a commercial break. :-) Word!
With this in mind, here are 5 reasons to minimally leave comments at your "favorite" sites.
1. Because it's free! That's right it won't cost you nada, nilch, nuthin'.
2. Because it creates good karma! Really. Quite often I find that if I leave a thoughtful comment at some one else's site, they in turn leave one at mine. And so on and so on...
3. Because you can get "discovered"! I kid you not. Some of my favorite blogs that I enjoy today, I actually began "following" as a result of comments left at other sites. So make some noise!
4. Because it helps bloggers to decide the direction of their blogs. Yep. Comments help us to assess our most popular posts and topics, they help us to determine the best days and frequency of posts, and also the types of audiences we are attracting. So help us to help you by expressing your thoughts and preferences.
5. Because comments can help create traffic to your own site! Which provides a win-win situation for all!
And as an added bonus, you just might make someone's day!
Here's a case in point. Some time ago, I got a comment on one of my Blog posts that left me tickled pink! Of course I am ever-so-grateful for my growing list of followers, and related comments. But this was different...
"Your thoughts are amazing! I find what you write is inspiring."
It seems that a young lady by the name of "Katie", who is just a freshman in high school was reading regularly. Turns out that this cool kid wants to some day become a journalist, and she just wanted to let me know how much insight she was getting from my Blog! She even thanked me.
Get outta' here! I was so touched.
And I've read her Blog; she's pretty darn good already!
My point? We never know just who we might be influencing or elevating through our words.
Are you with me here?
Well, that's my "public service message" for today.
Do you agree or disagree with this position?
Leave a comment. Stand up and be counted! :-)
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I'm so glad you posted this! I feel the exact same way! And I am guilty of checking my blog along with others on a daily basis for feedback. I chose to follow your blog because of the name of your blog caught my attention and after I read a few entries, I loved it! You give great tips and advice and for that, I'm grateful.
ReplyDeleteOh Yvonne, how very lovely! Thanks so much for your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly "grateful" for readers like you. :-)
I think those are all good reasons to comment out of the blue.
ReplyDeleteI belonged to a book tour group and we were all supposed to comment at a few of the participants. I did that because they said to, but it was not reciprocated.
But when I just randomly comment on someone's blog, especially if I enjoyed what I read, I found that I got more feedback and enjoyed relationships.
This was an excellent article, as always!
chrisd,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have you here! I greatly appreciate your thoughts today.
B/T/W I love the image of rocks and the beautiful layout and design of your site! And thanks for listing me under "writers help."
chrisd,
ReplyDeleteP.S. I left a comment at your blog, but I didn't see that it registered.
Word! I honestly don’t like to write, and have avoided it since middle school; I am attempting to get over my writing anxiety by facing it head on. LOL! I look to you to keep me on track so keep it up! *smile*
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post and just what I needed. I've been lacking on my blog comments lately and I know how it is when you post something and it doesn't get commented on a lot if at all!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate my blog comments. Love the blog. :)
Sunday,
ReplyDeleteNo doubt! I am here for you girl! Like many folks I find, early exposure to tough English classes or "abstract" concepts can leave you with "writing anxiety."
...Just know that we're all still learning--even us "professionals".
It's good to hear from you today; don't be a stranger. :-)
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteLove your Blog too! I just took a sneak peak; it reminded me that I need to put exercise on my "to-do" list. :-)
Yep---comments are cool to receive. Here's wishing more to all by Blog connections!
Thanks for "weighing" in!
You're right, Jennifer--although I'm still trying to find my niche in the blogging world. My writing niche is agricultural trade magazines, but I'm passionate about being a wife and mom before career---I know that I sound old-fashioned with that one, and I'm in the process of writing a novel about the Dust Bowl from a kid's point of view. How do I enhance my professional blog (http://wendykomancheckswriting.wordpress.com/) with my passions? Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteMrs. Brooks,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts, and for stopping by.
There's nothing wrong with being "passionate" about being a wife and mom, (before a career) old-fashioned or not. :-)
Your approach to your Blog depends upon your goals, your target audience, and your creative strengths. Once you can idetify the answers to these issues, you'll be on the "write path".
Much success to you!
Thanks for this! I used to think twice about commenting until I realized that there are really no negatives to it.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and your articles!
gargimehra,
ReplyDeleteYou're right; there are really no negatives to leaving comments.
And thanks for making my day more "positive" by leaving yours! :-)
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteOOps! That should say "sneak peek". :-)
I agree. It's a must to build relationships among bloggers/writers. The perks are many! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteYep! There's no doubt about it. Thanks for the thought...
Sorry folks; I see where I made a small typo.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Mrs. Brooks, the word should be "identify." I tried to revise it--but Blogger only gave me the option to delete the comment, which I didn't want to do.
Now...back to your regularly scheduled "program." :-)
Jennifer:
ReplyDeleteI am so with you and couldn't agree more. I think commenting is such an opprotunity to connect and discuss with so many great people in the blogosohere. I know I so appreciate all the comments on my blog and hearing people's perspectives and insights about topics I write about. You particularly have always made me think with your conments because you let me know when you are honestly vibing with my conclusions and when you may not be on the same page. It is such a great way to live and learn and I appreciate all the insights and thinking you share. I think this post needs to be stumbled so we can have more and more people leaving comments :) What a great message.
Sibyl,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! And may I take this opportunity to say that I enjoy the way you engage your readers through both your comments and your commentary!
Rock on!
I also appreciate the fact that you allow diverse perspectives, and you're not just looking for folks to echoe your sentiments.
I'm learning to be more strategic in this endeavor because it is so time consuming. I've decided to read a few blogs regularly so that I can not only give back, but so I can also learn from the blogs that I read. Sometimes I read another blog and it inspires my creativity so, yes! I agree that is an excellent post and will prove to be very valuable as I continue working on my own blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see that you're on the BLOG "ball" Steph! There is much to be learned, but sounds like you've got a good plan. Thanks for sharing. :-)
ReplyDelete