"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

What's Your "Connection" Style? This Inquring Mind Wants to Know!

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of doing a guest post at FeelGooder.com, and it was a groovy experience.
The piece was entitled, "Why a good relationship should be on your "to-do" list."
If you have an opportunity, and are so inclined, stop by and tell me what you think.

Anyhow...

That post got me to thinking.
The reason?
What I find is that when it comes to blog interaction, most people have a certain "connection" style.

In other words, some folks think it's sweet to Tweet. Others like to engage in conversation by posting a comment, while some are likely to show love through FaceBook sharing.

No style is right or wrong, or categorically good or bad.
But there are a few advantages and disadvantages as I see it.

Here's my 4-1-1- on the pros and cons of certain response styles.

COMMENTING---Given my druthers, I prefer commenting on most blog posts that I read and enjoy. Why? Call me old school, but I still dig a good conversation and the exchange of diverse ideas.

The Pros- Commenting leaves a "virtual trail" back to your site. It also is more personal, in my opinion. Not to mention, the number of comments is a metric by which many judge blog success.

The Con- It typically takes more time.

TWEETING
The Pros- Tweeting is fast and furious! It allows work to be read and tapped into by broader audiences, and builds fan bases.

The Con- It's less personal, and it really doesn't allow for individualized input. And to be honest, people have even admitted "Tweeting" posts that they've never actually read, just because it was the quick and popular thing to do.

FACEBOOK POSTING
The Pros- FaceBook is one of the most popular social media forums, which means that info posted can be seen by many eyes, and folks can become familiar with you and your work.

The Con- Not everybody is on FaceBook. And those that are, don't necessarily read it every day or every week. I myself am guilty. :-)

So, what about you? What's your blog response preference and why?

Image Danilo Rizutti

15 comments:

  1. I prefer commenting for the same reasons. It is a visible trail that the writer can see, knowing that someone took the time to stop by and offer their two cents. Ninety nine percent of the time, when I stop to read a post, I will comment. The other one percent is when I don't agree and can't find something nice to say, or am super pressed for time.:)

    I, like you, also love when a good conversation is generated. It's sort of like a mini writer's group meeting. Sometimes I'll share or like a post on FB, but I try and use my time to actually comment.

    Good food for thought! Have a good week!

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  2. Karen,

    Thanks so much for starting the discussion off today. And I can attest that you practice what you preach, as I often see your comments posted at many great sites across the blogosphere.

    You are a loyal fan to many! Thanks so much for your support, time and friendship. ;-)

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  3. I vote comments as well. I guess that makes me old school too :) I think though the more communication and connections you can make with other people is the better.

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  4. Jennifer Brown BanksMay 17, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Hi Sibyl,

    Good feedback. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Jennifer Brown BanksMay 17, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    ATTENTION FOLKS AND FANS!

    PLEASE EXCUSE THIS INTERRUPTION--just wanted to let you know that I am experiencing some technical glitches with my Blog that may affect the appearance and formatting. I hope to have it corrected within the next day or two.

    Sorry--I hope it does not negatively impact your experience here. :-)

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  6. I try to do all three, but mostly blog and respond to others as often as I can. I repost to Twitter what I want folks to read on my blog, don't know if that drives traffic or not.

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  7. Jennifer Brown BanksMay 17, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Thanks, Linda. I'm curious to know which method seems to get you the best results...

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  8. I comment on blogs as well as post on FB. Commenting takes more time but is more personal and thoughtful. It allows for more of a discussion.

    On the other hand, I feel FB lets me post blurbs that show my mood for the day or what is consuming my thoughts at the moment, or that allow me to share a joyous day with my FB peeps, such as my recent status update mentioning my and my husband's wedding anniversary.

    For me, it's all about how much I have to say about a topic, I guess. Like you said, there is no wrong connection style.

    Happy connecting, all!

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  9. Jennifer Brown BanksMay 17, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Janette,

    This is cool to hear. An anniversary? How great!!! Happy belated. May you have many more. Thanks for taking time to weigh in. Always appreciated.

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  10. I prefer comments both here and on FB. I don't tweet. And I agree, leaving a comment also leaves a trail back to your own blog or FB page, etc.

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  11. Blogger gets consistent results and is predictable. FB gets unexpected results. People have said, "I read about this/that on your blog." They are not followers but my FB posts directed them to my blog. So FB is effective. I don't like wading through other's FB nonsense though.

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  12. Jennifer Brown BanksMay 18, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    Yvonne,

    Interesting habits. Any particular reason you don't Tweet? I don't do it often, but try when I can, and feeled moved to do so.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  13. Jennifer Brown BanksMay 18, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Linda,

    I get it now. Thanks!

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  14. Hi Jennifer,

    I prefer to comment. I'm old school too. :) But I also Tweet and Facebook.

    I try to make it a practice not to Tweet or share Facebook links that I have not read. Most of the time, if anyone clicks the link to read the article they will see that I have also commented on the post.

    I find commenting more personal.

    Take care,

    Evelyn

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  15. Jennifer Brown BanksMay 18, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Evelyn,

    Thanks much for your thoughts today!
    Be well. ;-)

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