I recently asked the following question on Twitter.
And I got great answers back.
- Suzanne at Life At No. 22 replied
- Bree at 3 Sisters Abroad replied
- Caroline at BellesMots200DotCom replied
- Debbie at Deb’s World replied
- Liesbet at Roaming About replied
- James at Perfect Manifesto replied
I love James’ reply because he refers to something called a lazy response. We’ll look at those further on in this post.
- Chris at BoomingOn replied
- D at ShiftnShake replied
- Gilda said
I’ve been involved in some great discussions on Twitter. This one inspired this post.
How did all this start?
It all started when I came across a tweet from an indie author advertising one of his books.
While checking out his Twitter profile, I noticed that one of the right things he’d done was to include a link to his blog. His books looked interesting, so I decided to check out his blog and engage with him.
However, several weeks later, he had not acknowledged or responded to any comments or questions left on his blog posts. Yet he remained active by publishing new blog posts a couple of times a week.
This got me thinking not only about bloggers who do not respond to comments, but some of the responses I often see – those lazy responses that James referred to.
Now I know it’s up to each blogger how they handle comments left on their posts, but am I the only blogger who finds that not responding to comments is a strange occurrence?
After all, leaving good meaningful comments does seem to work. Take a look at Marsha’s response to some comments I’d left on one of her blog posts.
Short comments – do you like them?
What do you think about comments such as Great Post, Nice Story, or Lovely photos? Have you left comments like those or asked yourself ‘why don’t they tell us what made it a great post, nice story, or what it was that made those photos lovely ?
How to respond to short comments
Reader – “Great post.”
Me – “Thanks!”
Reader – “You’re welcome.”
Are those comments beneficial or should they be deleted?
Why do readers’ leave ‘Great post’ comments?
- Is it because they’re trying to read and leave comments on too many blog posts in too little time?
- Do they feel guilty if not leaving any kind of comment on a post they read so short ones will do?
- Is it because they haven’t really read the post?
- Is it because they don’t have the time to get into any discussion about the topic of the post?
- Is it because what they were going to say has already been said by somebody else?
What are lazy responses?
For me, they’re the types of responses that let all the air out of your blogging balloon. You’ve left a great comment that opens up for a discussion about the post you’ve just read, but all you get back is a ‘Thank you for your comment.’
How deflated does that kind of response make you feel when you left a comment that asks questions and opens up a discussion?
I believe this is what James was referring to in his answer to my question on Twitter. But is a lazy response any better than no response at all?
- Maybe you’re somebody who doesn’t mind getting and leaving short comments. Are there any reasons why you leave them?
- What are the benefits of leaving short comments?
- Maybe you’re somebody who doesn’t like getting into discussions on your blog posts?
- Are there any benefits to leaving lazy responses?
- If I told you that I delete any comments that only include emojis or words such as ‘Great post‘, would you think I was being too harsh?
Finally, this reply to my question on Twitter really got my attention.
What do you think about Lydia’s answer? Do people really care whether you respond to their comments or not?
How would you respond to the question I asked on Twitter? Do you like getting into discussions when replying to comments on your blog posts? Let’s cary on the discussion here. Join the conversation by leaving me a comment.
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Hugh's Views & News 
I reply to every comment left on my blog, and to follow up comments. I love it when a conversation develops, not only between me and a reader but between my blog followers who like and comment on each other’s comments. I don’t mind short comments as I know not everyone feels able to write a long one, especially if what they want to say has been said by everyone else. That’s partly why I’m not a book blogger – I never feel what I have to say about a book is half as good as what’s already been said!
What I do wonder about is the people who click like the moment a new post is published – when they can’t possibly have read it!
Thanks, Mary. Yes, when readers who have left comments chat between themselves about the post’s subject, I believe it shows that what you’ve written about has a winning formula. I see it happening a lot on some blogs where the host has obviously got the gift of striking up conversation and discussion.
Personally, I don’t mind leaving a comment that has already been said, as I believe I may say it differently, so it could have a different perspective. I see that happening a lot on my blog posts. And I wouldn’t feel you shouldn’t leave a comment because somebody else may have said it better. The best thing about you is that you are you. So your comments will be as unique as the next person. I think comments bring out the voice of those who leave them, and good comments can sink in with readers, even more, when they’ve been written uniquely.
Yes, I get people pressing ‘like’ on most of my posts as soon as they are published. What I’ve found is that they are usually the same people. I’ve also discovered that none of them has ever left a comment on any of my posts.
Thanks so much for joining the discussion.
I reply to all comments (those that appear genuine anyway) on my blog, Hugh, be they short or long. I leave a mix of short and long comments on other’s blogs, depending on whether I feel I have something of value to add or whether I just want to acknowledge that I’ve read (heard). I don’t always have time for an indepth conversation or wish to become engaged in one but like the writer to know their words have been read. I generally try to visit the blogs of those who read and comment on mine. I kept a record so I know. 🙂
Thanks, Norah.
I don’t always have the time to leave comments, so I tend to come back later (when I do have time) and leave my comment then. If I really have enjoyed reading a post, I think it deserves a comment from me that adds value. And if what I want to say has already been said, I’ll still leave it anyway because it may come over differently. However, if I have nothing of value to add, I press ‘like’ and may share the post on social media to show I’ve enjoyed the post.
Thank you for sharing with us how you handle comments and responses. We’ve a great discussion going on here.
It is a good discussion, Hugh.
It is definitely the quality of the response against the quality of the original comment.
When you have comments saying ‘great post’, responding ‘thanks’ is fine because you’ve not been given anything to work with.
I do take exception with no/lazy responses when you’ve taken time for a detailed response to a post. Getting just “yup” is just lazy – as long as your not responding like that your doing okay!
I agree, James. I believe the quality of a response to a comment that adds value, is vitally important because it shows how a blogger comes over to those reading the response. That’s why I always want people reading the comments I leave and respond to show that I’m engaging.
Thanks for sharing my comment – as I’ve become more invested in my blog I’ve felt the need for an agreed list of rules on blogging for what is and isn’t okay – comments would be the top of my list!
Firstly to clarify the ‘lazy comment’ for me this means you make a well thought comment showing you’ve read the post and you get a one/two word response:
“Yup”
An example I got from a fitness blogger. This just made me think why bother commenting on future posts.
I find Lydia’s take on it quite interesting – personally when I comment I’m not doing it for this to be reciprocated but rather because I’m genuinely interested in the content and want to contribute.
I acknowledge someone checking out your work and commenting at least shows they have taken interest in you, but I really dislike the ‘I’ll comment on your post if you comment on mine’ culture as this is when you see the rise of insincere ‘great post’s comments.
I thought that’s what you meant by ‘lazy responses’, James. I’ve had the same experience where I’ve left comments that I believe adds value to a post, and where all I get back is a ‘thanks for your comment.’ And I then find myself asking ‘Is that it? And why didn’t you answer the question I asked in the comment?’
The ‘I’ll comment on your post if you comment on mine’ culture is like the ‘I’ll follow your blog if you follow my blog’ culture. Shouldn’t people only follow a blog if they’re genuinely interested in the content of that blog? And should people only leave comments when they have something genuine to say? Seeing post after post with the same people leaving comments like ‘great post’ doesn’t entice me to add to the conversation because I’d feel all I would probably get back is a lazy response.
Thank you for leaving your response on my Twitter discussion, and for adding more here too.
It can be underwhelming when that happens. I understand people have busy lives but a bit more effort can be put in. Its amazing how many times I’ve seen same people comment on Twitter ‘how do I grow my blog, can I have a #writerslift?’
Comment from comment and follow for follow is exactly what I mean – you just end up having to scroll through a load of posts that don’t interest you.
The exception to ‘great post’s is long time readers who I’ve had a long relationship with and know they aren’t just wanted me to check out their work. For someone new it doesn’t exactly set the best first impression.
Anytime, I’m finding I’m getting really passionate talking about the whole workings of blogging!
I used to participate in some of those #writerlifts tweets, but most of the people who hosted them never replied to any of the tweets. I found that very odd, so I took it that all they were doing was trying to grow their following without really engaging with anyone. However, I still believe that the best method to grow a following is to engage with other people.
Blogging is a great subject to talk about because most bloggers want to talk about it, James. I find the same thing happens when I talk about social media.
Great post..
Oh, was that wrong?
I’m guilty of short/lazy/thoughtless comments. I’m equally capable of the engaged response. Why the mix? I guess I’m inherently lazy with a gnawing guilt that tells me to be better. I do love an engaged correspondence via comments but I’m not that concerned if people respond with nice post etc. I’m just grateful they’ve visited, probably read and commented.
If the blogger never responds to comments, i might stop commenting but that doesn’t affect my decision to follow. I follow because of the content, not for the engagement. If i get some engagement too then that’s a bonus.
It’s great to hear views from the other side of the coin, Geoff.
I don’t get why some people visit a post, don’t read it, but still click ‘like’ and leave a comment like ‘great post.’ What a total waste of 30 seconds that could have been put to better use. However, if somebody is grateful that they’ve visited, I guess it’s not a waste of their time.
And I agree with you on not unfollowing a post if the content is interesting. Besides, isn’t that the reason why we follow a blog in the first place – because of it’s content?
Thanks for joining the discussion.
Thanks for stimulating it Hugh.
You’re welcome. I love a good conversation.
Of course, I was just kidding in my previous comment. Many fantastic points you make here, Hugh. I remember you blogging about the importance of comments before, but with a different approach.
Based on the responses to your tweet (mine included), most people and most bloggers I know would reply to comments left below their posts. Except, maybe, like someone tweeted, if that person is famous and doesn’t have time to reply to hundreds (or thousands) of reactions.
Regarding deleting “lazy comments,” I don’t really see a reason to do this. Someone is still getting involved and why not “accept” the short sentence instead of “delete” it. It’s the same effort. Plus, I do like the fact that a post gathers lots of comments. 🙂 Personally, I keep those short replies. I sometimes leave them myself as well, when I don’t have anything to add to the story/discussion (or don’t have time to get into a deeper discussion) and I want to show the blogger that I actually read their post. A short comment shows that I care more than a “like.”
I know, I know, Liesebet. It’s only because I know you that I’ve allowed that comment to show. However, you’d be surprised in how many of those comments I do delete or send to spam when the post’s subject has been about those comments that add no value. I usually see the same bloggers leaving the same comments all over the place. They seem to lock themselves into a community, and leave the same ‘great post’ comment all over that community. And even though I delete the comment, they still keep coming back and attempt to leave the same comment (probably wondering why their original comment did not appear).
I always thought that famous people hired staff to reply to most of their mail and social media messages. I could be wrong, but I occasionally hear of a news story where the famous person does make contact (to the surprise of the person who left the message).
It’s interesting what you say about a short comment being better than leaving just a ‘like.’ If I have nothing of value to add, I much rather press the ‘like’ button than leave a comment that adds no value. If I don’t have time to leave a comment, I bookmark the post and come back to it when I have time. Personally, I see no value in short comments such as ‘great post’ or ‘nice photos.’ I’d come back later and say why I thought it was a great post or why they were great photos. But that’s me. As I’ve said so many times before, we’re all different, but it great to read opinions from the other side of the coin.
Thanks for joining that discussion on Twitter, and for adding to it here, too.
Hi Hugh!
I also believe famous people hire staff to reply to emails and deal with social media. In fact, I do know of a couple who do. 🙂
You seem to have a good understanding of the “lazy commenters” and what they are after. In these cases, I agree with you. I think part of the reason of these comments you are dealing with is because you have a hugely popular blog that attracts lots of new readers. The readership of Roaming About is quite stagnant at the moment. So, I “know” basically all the readers who leave comments. This leads to few or none “lazy comments.”
Yes, pushing the “like” button does the trick. And, I always do after reading a post. But, adding a few words in the comments anyway (and, mind you, my comments are rarely just a few words), makes me feel like I do just a little bit more effort to encourage the blogger to keep doing what they’re doing. Of course, most bloggers I follow know me, so my rare short comments are all but hollow. 🙂
You know a couple of famous people? Why didn’t I already know this, Liesbet? I don’t think I know anyone famous, apart from maybe somebody who was part of a pop group with a number one hit in the 1970s.
I love your explanation of why you leave meaningful comments, even on the blogs of those you consider friends. Those types of comments defiantly encourage me to carry on blogging, so thank you for all the comments you’ve left me. As you have probably already worked out, I love to strike up a conversation with anybody, even though I’m somebody who panics when walking into a room full of strangers.
Great post, Hugh!
On a related topic, why do people follow a blog but never like or comment? Ever.
If I read a post, I ‘like’, but don’t always comment – time is precious, but I appreciate what they wrote and let them know I’ve dropped by, and I comment occasionally, smile often, enjoy the walk through the reader.
I guess because they never come back. I call them ‘ghost followers.’ However, some do read your posts but are too shy or not confident enough to leave a comment. I only know this because I have some followers who have contacted me via my ‘contact Hugh’ button to let me know how much they’ve enjoyed reading a post. Those who simply follow in the hope you will follow back are not worth being concerned about. My recommendation to everyone is that you should only follow a blog if you are genuinely interested in the content that is being published. Not because you hope they will follow you back.
Thank you for joining the discussion.
I always try Hugh, I like to be friendly and chat .. I love my blogging friends and value them old and new 💜💜💜💜
And if somebody does not respond to comments, isn’t that not coming over as being friendly and welcoming, Willow? I don’t understand why some bloggers don’t respond to comments. They’d be better off closing comments altogether. But then they’d probably complain that nobody was visiting their blog.
Lol there’s no winning, what I can’t understand, too, are the bloggers that we leave comments on, and they are followers but the very rarely respond or even leave a word on your blog…. Perhaps it’s me that is wrong 💜💜💜
I think it’s down to the content, Willow. Not all my followers will find all my content interesting. I write about a variety of stuff, some stuff more than other stuff. When I write about something they’re interested in, they may leave a ‘like’, but some have told me (via email), that they’re too shy and not confident enough to leave comments. However, I don’t believe there is any excuse for not responding to comments. I’m firmly in the camp of ‘comments must be replied to.’
Yes me too 😳
I always reply to comments and try to be as thoughtful as possible in my responses. I really appreciate hearing from people with their ideas on what I’ve written. I learn a lot from these comments. I feel it would be rude not to respond.
Thanks, Michelle. I agree with you in that the comments I get have also helped me understand a lot. They also give me inspiration and ideas for new blog posts.
I try to respond to every comment I receive, but sometimes it may be nothing more than, “Thank you for stopping by and commenting”. That’s not a lazy attempt on my part. I’m a quiet person by nature and the words don’t always flow easily for me, and quite often I find myself not knowing how to respond or what to say. I’m much more of a visual person and find writing to be a challenge. The same holds true when I use the like button. I use the like button to let a blogger know I stopped by and liked what they had to say but may not leave a comment. My reasons vary; lack of time but usually a loss for words.
This post was timely and thought-provoking. And BTW … thank you for all your ‘Gutenberg’ how-to posts.
Somebody else turned my attention to those who find it difficult to write a response to a comment, Ingrid. It’s something I’d not considered, so it’s good to understand and hear how you react to comments.
And you use the ‘like’ button exactly for the reasons it is there. Likewise, I use it for those reasons.
Thank you for the feedback on my ‘How To – Gutenberg’ posts. I’m glad they have helped. It’s good to see so many people now using the block editor and getting used to how it works.
Thanks for the mention and link to my blog in your post Hugh, it’s always good to read the responses from others and this is no exception. You are great at sharing ideas and knowledge, with much to be gained from reading the comments left by others as you point out.
In the beginning I was a bit overwhelmed at how to structure my comments and a WP course I did, helped me gain confidence in responding. I remember writing a post as part of Blogging 201(?) that I’d finally drummed up the courage to leave my first comments on someone else’s blog, how different I am these days! I love comments and I read and try to respond to them all. My day starts with me checking for comments, deleting spam comments and working my way through the real comments. The sense of engagement is palpable when it works and I am now ‘friends’ with many bloggers around the world and come to anticipate their comments as they make me smile and show they ‘get me’. I am still a bit in two minds about ‘lazy’ comments they can serve a purpose when all has been said or nothing of any consequence has been said, and I feel some sort of response is required. Hope that make sense 🙂
Reading the comments, others have left has always been a great source of inspiration and ideas for me, Debbie. Of course, I’m referring to comments that add value to the post and not those short comments that add nothing. I’ve written many a post from reading the comments on my own posts and other blogs. For me, it’s what blogging is about – getting into a discussion about what’s been written, published and read, and engaging with the audience that is also there.
Likewise, my day always starts with checking comments and responding to them. Sometimes, it can take a whole morning, but I don’t mind. The fact that people have left comments makes that morning very worthwhile.
It’s more ‘lazy’ responses rather than comments I was getting at in this post. Getting a ‘thanks for your comment’ in response to a comment I’ve left which goes into depth about the subject of a post and asking questions, can make me feel very deflated. Maybe they don’t have the time to respond, but wouldn’t it be better to come back and respond when we do have time? The lesson I have learned from those who give lazy responses is not to bother leaving comments on their posts.
Thanks for getting the discussion on this subject going on Twitter, and for continuing with it here.
It’s great to read your thoughts Hugh and I completely understand the point your were making about ‘lazy’ responses. I sometimes find it hard to know what to say to such responses as there’s nothing to get your teeth into and it adds nothing to the post to just say a generic ‘thanks’. It was a great discussion to get involved in as I always enjoy hearing how others deal with these types of issues. It is part of the blogging community to learn and help each other and you are a fabulous example of this, so many thanks.
It’s a great ongoing discussion, Debbie. And I’m glad that just about all have said they would never ignore comments. There is a bit of a debate about ‘lazy responses’, and I can see both parts of the argument. However, I’ll be staying firmly in the camp of not leaving lazy responses to comments which add value to a post.
I’ve linked to your posts in my #ShoutoutSaturday posts today Hugh – great discussion.
Thank you, Debbie. That’s so kind of you. I’ve just approved the pingbacks. I’ll be over to read your post later.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
I try to answer every comment left on my blog – it’s common courtesy to me that if someone takes the time to make a comment, the least I can do is to acknowledge that. If someone passes you on the street, and calls out to you, would you just ignore them and walk on? I doubt it, yet if you ignore a comment that’s exactly what you’re doing.
It does annoy me when I find blog sites where the blogger hasn’t responded to comments. I know it must be hard if they get scores of comments for each post but they’re missing the point that blogging is a form of social media. And if you don’t interact, then how are you being social???
You give some excellent examples of what being sociable is all about, Karen. I always compare not responding to comments like inviting somebody around for coffee and completely ignoring what they have to say. And if somebody is getting an overwhelming amount of comments, they can always switch comments off and turn them on again when they’ve caught up. It’s not something I recommend (because, for me, closing comments off is like shutting the door on a reader), but it’s an option we available if we need it.
Thanks so much for joining the discussion on this subject.
Love that analogy of the coffee invite. There are a few sites I’ve found which don’t have any ability to leave a comment – if the person wants to just have a personal journal of reading that’s fine but I don’t understand why they would make it public.
I came across a blog where comments were closed off on all posts. I thought it may have been something to do with the 21 days setting of closing comments off 21 days after publication of the post. However, a new post was published yesterday, and there is no ability to leave a comment. That’s what I call a one-sided conversation. I can’t imagine why anybody would follow a blog that never opens up comments (unless for the reason you stated). For me, that’s not what blogging is about. They’d be better setting up a website rather than a blog or being a guest columnist on another blog.
I must have missed this twitter feed. Sometimes WordPress doesn’t notify me when someone leaves a comment so I try to go into the admin and respond there. It all depends on the comment. For something like “great post” I just say “Thanks!” I’ve left comments and then heard from the blogger weeks afterward and have no idea what I wrote! It’s a wild wild world!
Since having the same problem with notifications in the notification centre, I always check for comments in my blog’s main admin area. I also check the spam folder at least once a day. I’m always surprised by how many genuine comments end up in there.
Perhaps I should give the author I mentioned some more time to respond to my comments? However, because he continues to publish blog posts, I can’t understand why he’s not responding to the comments already left if he’s writing posts.
I hadn’t thought of looking in the spam. I think what happens is first time “likers” are told to check out your older posts and so sometimes people (and I probably have too!) leave comments on posts that are months old! It’s all good … just another oddity.
It’s one reason why I leave comments open on all my posts and don’t close them off after 21 days. I know some people close comments off on posts that get hit with tons and tons of spam, but I have a workaround for that. For me, closing comments off old posts is like slamming the door on any new readers.
I’m that guy who always writes far too much in my responses, but I figure better too much than too little. If someone leaves a substantive comment on my blog, I always respond in kind. Getting a bunch of “followers” is not a priority to me. I look for people who have insightful thoughts. I’d much rather have far fewer followers with plenty of healthy interaction from those who do respond. Blogging, for me, is about connecting with other people. You can’t do that if it’s a one-sided relationship.
As far as lazy responses, I typically thank them with a short response in kind. I understand that there will always be people who like something without reading it and others who sign up for blogs with no intention of ever reading anything. That doesn’t bother me as much as two other things: 1. Those people who sign up and like five previous posts in the same minute. I find that insulting to the spirit of blogging. Why bother? 2. There are a few bloggers who follow me in return but never leave comments. I can follow only so many blogs because of the time factor, but if I’m a “follower,” I will take the time to read somebody’s posts unless I’m too busy that day. The ones I’m most likely to let go of first are those who never respond or who have so many posts per day it gets hard to keep up.
All great points, Pete.
Yes, those readers who press ‘like’ on lots of comments or lots of your posts within seconds of each other – I think it’s nothing more than them thinking they’re getting a bit of free publicity. In the 7 years I’ve been blogging, I see it happening a lot. However, many of those who do it don’t seem to last as bloggers very long. I wonder why?
And I’m with you on getting a few comments that clearly show the post has been read in full and adds value to the post. I much rather that then get lots and lots of short comments that don’t add any value to what’s been written.
‘Ghost-followers’ as I call then – those that follow a blog and never return, are a strange species. Like you, I limit the number of blogs I follow, but I always try and visit each one, read a post, and leave a comment every few months. That doesn’t mean I get to read all the posts they publish, but I don’t think anybody minds that. After all, there are only so many hours in a day, and all of those hours should never be taken up on reading and leaving comments. Once I know I’ve had enough of reading blog posts, I stop and move on to something else.
Thanks so much for joining the discussion.
I can’t imagine not responding to a comment. In fact, if I happen to miss one – or it mistakenly goes into spam – and not comment for a few days, I feel guilty. Comments foster engagement and why have a blog if you don’t want to engage?
I love the term “lazy comment.” When I get one (fortunately rare) I usually respond back with an equally lazy response. I wonder if sometimes if those lazy comments are left so the commenter gets to have a link to their blog among the comments?
I will stop following any blog that doesn’t respond to comments unless it’s a blog – like a fashion, craft, or cooking – that has a gazillion followers (but I don’t often comment on those either).
It did cross my mind whether some of those short comments are nothing more than a way of getting some free publicity, Janis. Usually, I can spot those types of comments (such as when somebody presses the ‘like’ button on lots of my comments within seconds of each other). Likewise, when somebody presses ‘like’ on lots of my blog posts within seconds of each other.
Likewise, I follow a few blogs I don’t engage with but enjoy the great content they publish. Usually, though, they have closed comments off, so there is no scope for engagement.
Thanks so much for joining the discussion.
Thanks for including my response, Hugh. Goodness, me I’m not sure I can add something original. Only thing I can think of regarding short comments, which I try not to do. When time is limited, a long list of comments, and I still want to acknowledge that I have read and enjoyed it, I write a concise message. When I first started blogging, I must admit it was overwhelming to think of something “intelligent” to write when commenting on the more popular writer’s blogs. Thank goodness for Grammarly to make more sense of what I want to write 🙂
I wouldn’t be without Grammarly either, Suzanne.
I understand from some of the comments here that some people struggle with what to write in a comment. As somebody who usually always has something to say, it never crossed my mind, so I now undera=stand why some of those short comments make sense. However, I’d still ask myself why I thought it was a ‘great post’ rather than leave a short comment like that. Was it the way it was written, was it the images used, was it because it struck a chord with something that had happened to me. The questions are endless, but I guess a quick response can also be appreciated when time is limited.
Thanks so much for joining the discussion with me on Twitter.
This post goes along with the one you did over a year ago about individuals that hit the like button without leaving a comment. It leaves you wondering whether they read it or were too lazy to leave a comment. I’ve been guilty of hitting the like button and not leave a comment. Often it is because I have nothing more to add that hasn’t already been mentioned with previous comments. On my blog post, I try my best to timely reply to all comments left. I agree that if I go to someone’s post, leave a comment, get no reply, nor do they ever comment on my post, they are worthy of deleting them from my following.
I used to believe in never pressing the ‘like’ button unless I left a comment that added value to what I’d just read, Chuck. However, as you said, sometimes other readers have already said what you were going to say, but that doesn’t put me off from leaving what I want to add either. Maybe not everyone wants to read duplicated comments, but I now believe they are far better than leaving those short comments I mentioned in this post.
I occasionally press ‘like’ if I have truly enjoyed reading a post, but I don’t always leave a comment if I have nothing of value to add. So, I’d recommend you not feeling guilty for doing the same. Unfortunately, there will always be those who press ‘like’ on everything they can in the hope it’ll get them some free publicity. I have found that you longer you blog, the more you get to know who those individuals are. It’s best to ignore them.
Hi Hugh!
I’m of the thought that as long as it’s not spam, I appreciate any comments, I make sure to respond to each and every one, as that person has taken the time out to read my blog, and then to comment!
If it’s short, I’ll respond in the same way. I still appreciate a ‘lovely’ or a ‘nice post’, just with a thank you and a smile.
If it’s a long thought out response, then it deserves the same back.
I leave both long and short comments on other blogs, depending on time and what the post I read made me
feel.
Thanks, Ritu, some good points there about the thoughts behind leaving short comments and responses.
As for spam, I send it all to the spam folder. And that includes the comments left which mention nothing about my post, but instead are an advert for their own blog, along with links, and why I should visit it, read the posts, leave comments and then reblog the posts. Sigh!
Yup, thank the Heavens (and Akismet) for the spam folder!
I always reply to comments, Hugh. Like many of your followers mentioned, it shows that I appreciated someone taking the time to read and jot down their thoughts. I almost always return the visit and make a comment on their blog too. I would unfollow someone who didn’t bother to acknowledge a comment (assuming that’s routine rather than a hiccup).
Yes, for the benefit of the doubt, I’ll give somebody a chance to respond to comment two or three, but after that, you’ll find me running for the hills, Diana. Not replying to any comments is a curious way of blogging.
Thanks for the reply! Lol
Your post and research certainly points out the crux of blogging…reading and replying to comments, Hugh. Comments make the blog world go ’round. As a blogger who hosts a challenge, can you imagine me not reading or responding to comments? What I also enjoy about comments is the opportunity to add more thoughts about my own post when someone asks a question or offers advice. I learn tons of good info from others comments. It would be a one-sided world with a limited perspective if we didn’t engage and take a few moments to write a decent comment. It’s fun to continue to conversations and has helped most of us stay sane in 2020! Really an excellent post and perfect food for thought!
I can’t imagine any host of a challenge ever hosting a successful challenge without engaging with those who participate, Terri. I think it would be dead in the water before it got off the ground.
I agree with what you say about comments adding value to our posts. Even I have learned new stuff from some of the comments left on my own posts. In fact, I’ve even been able to sort out blogging and other problems from the comments, especially when I’ve asked for help. Dare I say that occasionally, the comments I have got have been better advice than what I received from The WordPress Happiness Engineers. There, I’ve said it.
I’ve certainly got ideas for new blog posts from reading the comments on my own posts and those of other bloggers. They can be a great source of inspiration.
And I agree about the online community and the conversations during these uncertain times. I’m sure they’ve helped many people.
Thanks so much for joining the discussion.
Good point about the happiness engineers Hugh, I wonder if any of them run a blog?
I know some of the staff do, but I’m not sure if any of them are Happiness Engineers, Terri. Perhaps one of them will add to the discussion?
I always respond to comments (unless they’re spam or abusive,) – I try to limit myself to replying once a day, I used to reply as soon as the comment came through, but that wasn’t so good for either my productivity or my mental health.
I try not to take it personally when people don’t reply – I don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life, and their priority is gonna be their content over their replies, 9 times out of 10. They might even’ve scheduled their content weeks ago (if they have a lot more organisation and preparation than I do.) Plus, social stuff is hard!
I don’t mind lazy comments or lazy replies – I try not to leave them if possible, but sometimes the sum total of my brain’s reaction is ‘Lol! :)’ – and that’s ok. That’s an acknowledgement that I enjoyed the post, or the comment I’m replying to, or whatever. My policy is to always mean what I say, and not pad things out for the sake of it. So if I have a lot to say, I’ll end up writing a long, rambling, comment (sorry!) and if I don’t, I’ll just be like, ‘ooh, cat pic!’ and that’s all! 🙂
Thanks so much for joining the discussion, Cee.
When I log on for the first time in the morning, the first thing I do is reply to comments. Then, throughout the day, I’ll respond to them if I can, unless it’s the day on which I’ve published a post. Sometimes, I will approve comments before switching off my computer and then reply to them the following morning. I guess it all depends on how I’m feeling at the time.
But it’s good to hear that you respond to all comments and not ignore anyone who has left a comment. I’ll give somebody the benefit of the doubt if they don’t respond to my first comment, but when I see lots of their posts with no replies, I ask myself if it’s even worth leaving comments. I’m not sure I’ll ever get why some bloggers don’t respond to comments when they could just as easily disable comments altogether. But I guess there are valid reasons.
Everyone has a different way of blogging, I guess. (It would be boring if we didn’t really!) But yeah, I feel like if people took the time to comment, then I can take the time to reply!
Great discussion. One of the things I like about responding, and also responses, is when the blogger and I can relate!
Yes, that’s the point when you know there is a great discussion to be had.
I Ah with what most of people have said here.
1. Respond to all the comments on your blog, even if after the thank yous, you’re welcome, and a smilie face at the end. It’s all engaging with your reader.
2. I do sometimes leave a small appreciative comment as I don’t have time to engage in a long conversation. But I do that when I’m commenting on blogs of others.
3. If a blogger doesn’t responds to my repeated comments, I stop commenting on their posts.
Haven’t unfollowed anyone yet for this reason.
Thanks for your comments, Sadje. I don’t like not being able to reply to a comment with anything but a ‘thank you’ – hence this post to see what other bloggers do. I agree, yes, it’s still engaging, but how many visitors will look at the comments section of a post, see it full of emojis and ‘thank yous’ and be put-off from leaving a comment? Do you think it would put visitors off? Plus, if it keeps happening on all posts, I do wonder if it will put them off from returning. Perhaps not everyone is like me and enjoys reading the comments on most blog posts (I get ideas for future posts from some of them), but maybe pressing the like button is all that is needed when not having anything other than a short comment to add? What do you think, Sadje?
It really depends on the relationship I have with that blogger. If it’s a like- like relationship, then I’ll just like the post. But if the other blogger leaves comments on my posts, then I reciprocate as well. The thank you and welcome are secondary and tertiary responses. After that I just like the comment. If I have time, I do tell them why I like their post. But if someone has said it better than me, I just say it briefly.
Thanks for answering the questions I asked in my previous comment, Sadje. Some bloggers don’t reply to them. But that’s a subject for another day.
It’s a discussion that benefits us all. The commenters and non-commenters, equally.
I hope all that read the ongoing discussion in this post find it very beneficial.
Hi Hugh, I always have enjoyed your blog, and appreciate your comments. I make a real effort to keep up with my blogger pals, and comment on comments. I can honestly say that most of my close friends are bloggers…some I have had running conversations for years. (I’ve been around since 2011, slacked off in recent years but I’m trying to be back with meaningful posts…flowers and cats especially. 🙂 I repost some of my “old” posts, going back as far as 2011. Great to hear from you…and any new-to-me bloggers are always welcome. Old ones, too. LOL
Reposting old posts is a great way to entertain those new to our blogs since posts were originally published. I often do it with great success.
And I’m so pleased to hear that some of your online friends are close friends. During these uncertain times, the online community has played a vital part more so than ever.
Thank you so much for the lovely compliments about my blog. I hope it will continue to keep you entertained. Welcome back.
Great to hear from you. I agree but reposting. I have hundreds of blog posts, and some of them I like enough to re-post them. I always attribute the post as a re-blog, once in awhile with a new title.
As for online close friends. I can name on one hand my BFFs (best friend forever.) Most of them have died…one of the worst aspects of aging, losing those true friends. I always say a true friend is someone who knows all about me, and likes me anyway. 🙂
Absolutely. It’s sad when bloggers you’ve got to know suddenly disappear offline. I’ve had a few like that and never been able to find out if they are OK. When all their social media accounts and blog are removed, I see it as bad news.
Yes. For a few years I sulked and slacked on my blog, except for photos and poems…then when I reappeared there were so many of my old “regulars” and it was like home week all over again. 🙂 There are those who simply disappeared…
I love getting comments and always try to reply – I might have missed one here or there. There are a few bloggers I follow that never seem to respond to comments, so I’ve quit visiting. One of the reasons I blog is for the interaction.
It makes perfect sense to me not to revisit those blogs if they don’t reply to comments, Teri.
Thanks so much for joining the discussion.
If someone is interested enough to make a comment then it is only polite – at the least – to respond and to look over at their blog.
My blog has its ‘regulars’ and that group has been a great help in these times of restricted movement and meetings.
Thanks for joining the discussion, Helen. And I’m so pleased to hear that blogging has helped during these uncertain times. I think a lot of bloggers are thankful to have their online friends.
I agree, Helen. My blogging friends out in cyberspace bring me great joy. Once in awhile someone will say something negative, but I just make a smiley-face and say something nice. Such as: if you hate me get off my blog. LOL Seriously, though, its those
Facebook people that I never even heard of that have called me stupid, uninformed, a moron, etc… those FB folks tend to be SO serious! I like to make my little jokes and comments, and asides, and someone out there will object…especially inside jokes.
I did have one and a half sourpusses…..little putdowns, passive aggressive stuff…..so gave one both barrels on the subject in question since when no further problems and stopped commenting on the other’s blog, which has happily been reciprocated. Apart from that we seem a fairly happy band of campers and the same goes for the blogs I frequent.
FB does bring out the worst in some people, I agree! The aftermath of Brexit has been toxic to the extent of being abused on someone else’s FB post!
The remark that stays with me was from a man who said “you are known as a pretty good poet, but should stay away from political posts.” The implication that I should stick to jingles and rhymes instead of historical and current events discussion. With a background of journalism and politics, plus being an actual Historian…that cut to the quick. I had a few that didn’t appreciate my political persuasions, but that didn’t bother me. I never make negative remarks in and with my blog. It isn’t necessary nor productive to try to argue with some of these people. Especially the ones that don’t really read my words and misrepresent what I have to say.
The two sourpusses lik to denigrate…must make them feel better!
From among hundreds of comments from bloggers, why is it the negative ones that haunt?
Because they stand out from those who reply in good faith, whether in agreement or not.
I am too thin-skinned sometimes, get my feelings hurt. No one is required to think as I do or disagree … I just insist on the right to maintain my own positions.
I just subscribed to follow your blog. Are you from Scotland?
Originally, yes. My early years were spent there and, as the Jesuits used to say, give me the first seven years….
We very recently discovered a gggrandmother from Bourblaise, Scotland to Australia. They moved during the potato famine of the 1800s. So that is why the interest in Scotland. I think she was my mother’s grandmother.
Is that on the Ardnamurchan peninsular?
My father’s family were from Galloway…well to the south!
I need to check that out. Our Gran was a young girl when she left to sail away to Australia. Now my research appetite is rarin’ to find out more about Scotland. stay tuned 🙂
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Hi Hugh, reading the comments on my blog is one of the best parts of blogging. It’s really lovely to read that my blog has inspired someone or that they found it interesting. I also love reading comments on other people’s blogs. The blogging community is very supportive and one that I enjoy being part of. Regards Christina
Thank you, Christina. Yes, I agree completely when you’re told in a comment that one of your posts has inspired somebody. Likewise, a comment that confirms that your post has been read is something I think every blogger likes to get. I’m not sure about those short comments I mentioned, but we’ll see if anyone leaves a comment about why shorter comments are more beneficial.
Thank you for joining the discussion, Christina.
Great post Hugh.
Yes I try to reply to comments as a sort of thank you for stopping by/I appreciate you taking time to read and write something. I write more for the new folks and first timers and thems I suspect have big dogs.
Big dogs? I like big dogs. I’m glad you reply to all the comments. You always reply to all of mine, and I thank you for that.