Since I started blogging, only a few months ago (even if it seems like ages ago) I’ve been wondering certain things…At the beginning I was more a lurker than a commenter. I would read random blogs and that was that. Then I came across one blog that caught my attention and just had to leave a comment. And then I got hooked… line and sinker.
I came across a comment where X was commenting on Y’s comment to Z’s post. That started a string of exchange from which I concluded that it was somewhat rude to comment on somebody else’s comment. Ok then, must remember that!
I don’t think I’m the only one who does that, but if I leave a comment somewhere I kind of expect a reply of some sort… I’m funny that way! Otherwise, it feels like it got lost in bloggospace or something…
I often wonder WTF (“why” and not “what” here!) would someone leave the comment option open if they never answer their readers? If you want more readers, I think one should recognize the ones he/she already has. Granted some comments are kind of hard to answer, but if a lurker becomes more than that, I feel that he/she should be acknowledged. Common courtesy!
Are there “really” rules or a code of conduct as such to this blogging thing? I know that basically a blogger should a) bare it all, b) update frequently and c) be interactive. But besides that I think it’s up to all of us to do it the way we please.
I’m not one for “bells & whistles”, some blogs are way too noisy for my taste, and yet, some others are way too plain. I'm not a big fan of having to turn off the music/video while I read the post of the day. Or flashing things, more annoying than anything. But that's my taste! I believe in the K.I.S.S. rule (Keep It Simple Stupid), or at least in the airy concept. Some blogs are so jammed pack that I feel that I need to come up for air after a while...
When you hit that “Next Blog” button you are “out there ”, and at times it’s nice, other times it’s scary, but mostly I find it somewhat boring… I prefer to follow a link from a blog I enjoy and take it from there. One thing I’ve realised there are A LOT of people very depressed and unhappy in the blogosphere, and what gets to me is that they do sweet nothing about it, except complain. Aaargh!
Some blog writers say not to tell people you know about your blog, to avoid auto-censorship. Oops! EVERYONE I ever sent an e-mail to, know about it, and so far, I never really refrained from posting something. Granted I haven’t been posting anything too deep, BUT still I know that what ever I put on my blog is out into the “Big Bad Internet World”, and I’m ok with that: I’m not afraid to stand up for what I believe in or to stay to your face what I said behind your back (if I was to say something behind your back – I tend to be more in your face kind of gal).
Like I commented on Maliavale’s (which prompted this line of thinking): “I believe that blogging is a personal thing, some like to do it daily, some at random, some by themselves, some like to live through others… it’s almost like sex in a way - you do it the way you feel comfortable doing it. And that’s that.”
What do you think?
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Photo: Rules of Use
14 comments:
Hmm...I generally don't comment to my comments. The blogs I frequent are kind of divided. Some always comment, some never comment, and some sometimes comment. I don't find any of the options to be "wrong". Generally the only time I comment is when a question is posed to me. It may speak a lot about all of our individual personalities: In real life, I am generally a "Reply if I have something to say to it, otherwise don't waste my breath or your time" sort of gal. Consider it a compliment that if I don't have a particular response to your comment, I don't waste your time by saying something silly like "Yeah, I know".
But I will certainly consider maybe commenting more to my comments...
I never really thought about there being rules per se. I try to comment back if it seems like the comment requires it. For instance, if someone asked a question, or if I can really relate to a particular comment. Hmmm. It also depends on how busy I've been. Sometimes I don't even read the comment for days and I'm not sure if the original commenter will even be checking again for a response.
I do really hate busy blogs too. Too much crap sometimes. And that loud music is annoying. Blogging seems like something that should be fairly quiet. If you want music, go to Myspace!
Hmmmm. . .
I rarely comment back to readers comments. Sometimes I do if something they say really compels me to, like a question to me or something that particularly challenges my thinking. I guess I had never really expected bloggers to comment back to my comments so never really thought of doing so with my own.
Hmmmmm. . .
I try to comment back to every comment... unless I'm away from blogging for a few days. Then it's too hard to catch up.
If anything, it makes people feel like they have a community, where you can feel the same way someone else feels about things... and get an affirmation as a bonus.
I'm with you on the "do it your own way" thing. My replies to comments are going up shortly. But on that note, sometimes I like to just let people talk to each other, without me having to validate each comment with things like "HA!" or "Good point" or what-have-you. I usually like to have something to add.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments! =)
WOW! I'm stunned, 5 comments... WOW!!
I'm also suprise to see that I may have made some of you "wonder" about your comment habits. That's ok, it's always good to ponder a little.
3c: I totally agree with the "reply if you have something to say", and that goes for both sides (as a reader who leaves a comment and as the author commenting on comments).
preppygirl: To answer questions is, I think, a minimum. And, yes commenter will go back to check ;-) Woohoo, Myspace, harsh my dear, harsh!
NIF: I'm not talking about having a conversation in the comment box (there's e-mail for that!), but at times, it happens! ;-)
dcmm: I agree about the community sense and I did notice that you do answer all your comments. Thank you!
maliavale: First welcome to S2T! "Commenting diarrhea" is often afflicting too many commenters (that was "my" something to add part!) ;-D
Aargh. I just tried to leave you a comment, and blogger took me to a screen that says your blog does not exist. Basically, I try to respond to comments but don't always do it. And sometimes I feel weird commenting on others' blogs.
AHEM! I happen to like MySpace...
Okay, I would be lying if I said I don't have a Myspace page - I do. But I really just use it to lurk... It's kinda cool though because some old friends have found me through it. That loud music though - it makes it hard to surf Myspace at work!
-r-: I've been getting that message too a few palces...The important thing is that you did manage to comment! And I agree about feeling weird, at times it's almost as if I'm an intruder or something... But if the post is good and I have something to say, I will post.
jason67: That's fine - I have no real opinion beside it being too "loud" - I also have an account because I wanted to read David Usher's blog, so...
pgirl: You lucker you! If that's a place where people can find you, I'll stay here! ;-)
I followed your link through to your Blog Rules post.
Personally I always respond to comments. I feel that if people are prepared to take the time to comment on my blog then they deserve the consideration and respect to be acknowledged.
I must admit that if I visit a blog a couple of times and don't get a response, I'll usually stop going.
I'm not bothered about being an observer of someone else's ego, I prefer interaction.
kim ayres: Thanks you! My sentiment exactly! A little acknowledgement, that is all I want. I think it is common courtesy to respond.
I try my best to comment on my own comments. I don't know when I started it, I just did. All the music and stuff gets to me too. My connection is fast, but sometimes too many things are too much for my slow-ish computer. I also try my best to visit any pop-in who makes a comment. To me, that's just common courtesy. That's usually what determines what I read, when I can. And also ones that I delurk and comment on that end up visiting me too. Some places just aren't comment-able. It makes you feel like you're crashing a party.... ;) Sheesh, I just hijacked your comments. :)
shopper: You didn't hijack anything! I like comments! And I make it a point to try to answer to all my commentors! I know what you mean about "crashing"... I hope you don't fel this way here! ;-)
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