My blogging friend Brenda, who blogs at Curiosities, Castles and Coffee Shops, publishes a series of blog posts where she introduces a new blogger and shares some wonderful blogging tips.
In her recent post, Brenda talks about using prompts to get ideas for blog posts, especially when we struggle to find something to write about. She mentions the daily WordPress prompt, which asks a question bloggers can respond to in a blog post.
I won’t go into all the details of Brenda’s excellent advice, but it got me thinking about the subject of comments.
I left a comment on Brenda’s post, which sparked a conversation with another blogger, Laura, who blogs at Keeping It Creative.
The following screenshot is just a small part of the conversation Laura, Brenda, and I had about the subject of comments.
Our conversation got me thinking about the overall subject of comments and how I’ve noticed a big difference in the comments being left on blogs.
When I first started blogging, the majority of bloggers had conversations and discussions in the comments section with each other about the subject of the post. But over time, that trend seems to be dwindling which had me asking the question –
‘What has happened to the art of conversation and discussion in the comments section of blogs?’
Gone are the days when many readers left comments that not only proved they’d read the post but also gave feedback that opened discussion and conversation.
Now, it seems, some bloggers leave comments with little, if any, way of responding to them other than with a ‘Thank you.’ Comments such as –
- ‘I enjoyed this.’
- ‘Wonderful.’
- ‘This is a great read.’
- ‘Well done.’
- ‘Great interview.’
- ‘You did a great job.’
- ‘Another great story.’
- ‘Great authors and books.’
- ‘Great post.’
- ‘Thanks for sharing this.’
Or worse, a comment that includes nothing but emojis.
Yes, some of those comments sound encouraging, but as Laura said in her comment, ‘Sometimes a comment is so generic, it feels like the person leaving the comment never read the post.’
None of the above comments mention anything about the contents of the post.
Why do people leave short, non-engaging comments?
There are probably some genuine reasons for leaving non-engaging comments all over the blogging world, but what are they?
I hope some of the reasons will be left in the comments section of this post. I’m interested in knowing.
Some bloggers claim they don’t have the time to leave longer, engaging comments because they don’t have the time to leave them. Some have too many other blogs to visit. Some rush around the blogging world because they only have so much time to visit and comment on as many posts as possible.
But in contrast, if they didn’t feel obliged to visit these blogs to leave short, non-engaging comments, they could free up some time to leave a few engaging comments that open up discussion and conversation.
Then I got this comment from Janice, who blogs at Mostly Blogging.Com.
I was shocked by what Janice told me. Is it really no longer trendy to leave comments on blogs? Are readers only wanting information, not a community?
The other side of the blogging coin.
It’s not only some of those visiting posts at fault for leaving short, non-engaging comments. Some bloggers respond to engaging comments that clearly show they want to discuss the contents of a post by saying nothing more than a ‘Thank you.’ They instantly cut off engaging with their audience.
What are engaging comments?
- They contain information that proves the post has been read.
- They are written in an engaging, friendly manner.
- They are at least a couple of sentences long.
- They indicate that you want to discuss the contents of a post further with who wrote the post.
- Include any questions about the contents of a post.
And let me reassure you that you should never feel guilty for not leaving a comment or feel obliged to leave one on any blog. There is nothing wrong with clicking the ‘like’ button and moving on after reading a post if you’ve nothing of value to add.
I don’t enjoy having to reply to any comment with just a ‘thank you.’ I want to get into a discussion or conversation about the contents of my posts and what made whoever left a comment say what they said.
For example –
- Why did they think the post was good?
- What was it that made them enjoy reading the post?
- Why was it a great read, story or interview?
- Was it the way the post was written or some of the answers given? If so, which ones?
- Did the post strike a cord? Why?
- What parts did they like/dislike the most?
- Was it something new they learned? If so, what, and how will they use the new information?
I’ve stopped leaving comments on blogs unless I’ve something of value to add.
And I never feel guilty for not leaving a comment.
I don’t need to prove I’ve visited a blog.
I don’t need to make anyone think I’ve read their post.
I don’t feel obliged to follow and read posts on a blog simply because that blogger follows me and leaves me comments.
And nor should you.
So, what has happened to the art of conversation and discussion in the blogging world? Is it dead, or have I, as a blogger who enjoys discussion and conversation, become a minority in the blogging world? Is it no longer trendy to leave comments? Join the discussion and conversation by letting me know what you think in the comments section.
My post, This Is Why It’s Important To Leave The Right Comments On Blogs: 9 Ways, may also help you to improve the types of comments you’re leaving.
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Trendy not to comment sounds like either a lame excuse or extreme laziness. Of course, we might not find the piece engaging, have an opinion, or simply not have the time to comment. Besides your excellent point about making meaningless comments, it’s also critical for the writer to respond to the comments. Most bloggers do, but what an instant way to turn off your readers when they don’t.
I agree, Pete. I’ve stopped leaving comments (and sometimes unfollowed) blogs where the host either does not respond or only does so with a ‘thank you’ when my comment clearly shows I want to engage with them about the contents of their post. Bloggers who do not want to engage with their audience should switch comments off.
I think, judging by all of the thoughtful comments your post has received, the notion that not leaving comments has become “trendy” just isn’t true… or at least it isn’t true for engaging blogs like yours. I love both writing and receiving comments and love when a comment begins more of a back-and-forth conversation. Although I always respond to comments, comments like “Great post!” seldom receive more than a “Thank you.” Lately, I’ve given myself permission not to feel compelled to comment on every single post on the (way too many) blogs that I follow. Sometimes, I just leave a “like” and move on.
Anyone starting a blog who skips reaching out to, and commenting on, other blogs (especially blogs who have the kind of followers they would like to have) is missing a huge opportunity. There are too many blogs out there to think that theirs will get attention just by hitting “Post.” The comments, conversations, and real life meetups make it all worthwhile.
I’m certainly pleased that many of my posts still get readers wanting to engage with me rather than reading and not saying anything, Janis. Although I never expect anyone to read and comment on every single one of my posts. An engaging comment occasionally makes a huge difference, rather than somebody always leaving me the same non-engaging comment.
I’m delighted that you say you’ve given yourself permission not to feel compelled to comment on every single post you read. Honestly, I don’t expect any blogger you follow would want you to read and comment on all their posts. In the 10 years I’ve blogged, only one blogger told me she expected me to read and comment on all her posts because she did the same on my blog. I unfollowed her.
Unfortunately, some bloggers believe that readers will come to them, where it should always be that we must go out and find our audience.
Okay, I started reading all the comments but got overwhelmed by the length. It shows you struck a chord, more than one, with many bloggers. When someone leaves a comment on one of my posts, I always respond with the same line, but not only this line, “Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on this post.’ because I know that it does take time. I don’t do a good job of asking questions that might prompt or provoke a response but try to put something helpful in the box that introduces a post. One other thing from your post, because I have been stuck on what to write while balancing many other things, is I will take a serious look at the writing prompts on WP and also see what Jetpack is all about. Although I do not read your posts, or many often, I always learn something from you when I take the time to read (too much honesty?) and I try to stick with the ethic of mindful of my need to read other bloggers, so I will post something without going out of my way to promote it, and do not post in link parties unless I can take the time to do due diligence in terms of reading and commenting.
For some reason, WordPress marked your comment as spam and it went straight to my spam folder, Michele. It may be a one-off, but I’d certainly double check that other comments you’re leaving on other blogs are not going straight to spam.
Sorry you got overwhelmed by the length of some of the comments. Commenting on blogs seems to be a subject that many bloggers have a lot to say about.
Here’s a post about the new Jetpack app. I hope it helps, but feel free to ask any questions.
Great post!
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I can’t seem to get readers to comment on my blog at all. I’ve even added a comment plugin to encourage readers to leave comments. I’ve even gotten into the habit of asking a question in my Post Conclusions to encourage people to comment on the post.
But I do agree with the one or two-word comments though. How do you open a conversation with just a “Good Post” comment?
That comment plugin I mentioned, well, you can’t comment on my posts unless it’s a certain amount of words, so simply typing in “Great Post” won’t allow you to click the submit button.
I hope not commenting on blogs isn’t a trend though. What would the point of having a comment section in the first place then?
What worked for me in getting people to engage with me on my blog posts was visiting other blogs and reading and leaving engaging comments. I only read and commented on posts that had content that interested me, and not everyone returned the visits, but it did help. Even today, I try and read and leave engaging comments on at least a couple of blogs a day. The other thing that helped was participating in blog challenges, where participants visited each other’s posts.
I think we have to be careful with limiting how many words a comment must contain before it’s accepted. After all, somebody visiting your blog for the first time may find that not very friendly and not come back. Sure, it stops the non-engaging comments, but if they are allowed to leave non-engaging comments, then they may leave some engaging comments on future posts.
And I agree with you that bloggers who do not want to engage with their audience should turn comments off.
I have it set to be a minimum of three words. (I think). If somebody can’t write mor than that then it’s not worth the effort.
Hi Hugh, jumping from blog to blog leaving quick one or two word comments versus leaving a thoughtful, meaningful comment made me think it’s quality over quantity or vice versa depending on where you stand on that.
There are plenty of times that I read someone’s blog post and don’t comment. Even times when I’d like to but if I don’t have time to write what I really want to say I would rather say nothing. Sometimes I’ll go back later, if I can. But I don’t have a blog or feel the pressure of visiting and commenting on “X” number of blogs each day.
I enjoy reading what you write, Hugh. I started following you a long time ago because at that time I wanted to start a blog. This has never materialized and I don’t know that it ever will. But you have written some of the most informative and helpful information about blogging. You also have a knack for drawing the reader in and giving them something to think about.
First, thank you for the lovely feedback about my blog and writing, Lea. It’s wonderful feedback that has made my day.
I think quality comments are something most bloggers want on their blog posts, although from some of the other comments left here, some bloggers don’t mind the non-engaging comments. A good balance would perhaps be a mixture of both, but when I see comment sections of blogs full of mostly non-engaging comments (usually from the same readers), I can’t help but roll my eyes.
I still scratch my head as to why some bloggers feel they must leave a non-engaging comment on every post another blogger published just to prove they’ve visited. They may not have read the post, yet they must show they have visited. Putting ourselves under pressure like that only makes blogging look stressful or makes people feel guilty for not saying anything. In my almost 10 years of blogging, I’ve only ever had one blogger tell me that she expected me to read and leave a comment on all her posts because she does the same on my posts. Needless to say, I unfollowed her blog.
‘Or worse, a comment that includes nothing but emojis.’ — *millennial gasps* ;)
Seriously, though, I find it difficult to comment as quickly and easily as a lot of other people do – my social battery is low at the best of times, and my Anxiety makes it impossible some days.
But you don’t need to worry or concern yourself about leaving a comment. There’s nothing wrong with reading a post, clicking the ‘like’ button and moving on.
Maybe I’m in the minority here, but I feel it really depends on the type of blog. For example, the majority of my posts are creative writing. So I honestly wouldn’t know how to respond to a comment that said more than “I like this!” on a haiku, haha! Of course I wouldn’t mind it–it just might take me a few days to write a meaningful and engaging reply. I do also write posts that ask for a conversation in the comments. So a mixture of engaging comments and comments that don’t really add much other than to stroke my ego as an insecure writer is totally fine with me! “Likes” don’t always tell me someone’s read my posts because I’ve received a like on a post 2 min after publishing it and it’s supposed to be an 11-min read. That always has me scratching my head.
Same here, Nortina. What can one reply to a comment like ‘I like this’ other than with a ‘thank you.’ I have occasionally asked somebody who has left an ‘I like this’ comment what they liked about the post to say they like it, but they never reply. Which makes me think, did they even read the post in the first place?
I think many of us have readers who will click ‘like’ on a post as soon as it’s published. And I’ve found that it’s usually the same readers who do it. It wouldn’t matter what I wrote or published; those same readers would click ‘like’ within seconds of my post going live. They’re obviously not reading the post, and few of them ever leave any engaging comments.
Oh yes! I do have a few of those serial “likers.” If all I can say is “I like this,” I’ll just click “Like” and move on, but hopefully nobody thinks that of me! I’ve gotten better about leaving comments on other blogs I follow (when I have something meaningful to add). Social anxieties didn’t always let me do that in the early years, so I’m proud of my growth!
Good for you, Nortina. Never allow anyone to stop you from leaving engaging comments.
I’ve had a few occurrences of backlash from trolls about comments I’ve left, but I no longer worry about what trolls think. Although I wonder why the blog host approved the comments from those trolls. However, it rarely happens.
I usually click on like and pass the blog post along to the social media sites. However, if like in this case I do have something to add that is when I comment. It does not bother me that people don’t always comment on my blog posts as long as I see there are quite a few people who have liked the post. It only bothers me if I go to one of my blogs and see neither likes nor comments it is then I wonder WHY? I hope you have a good and progressive new week,
Thank you for your comment, Rasma.
Yes, a blog post with no likes or comments can look sad, especially if it’s engaging. If that happens to you, I’d recommend republishing the post at a later date. I’ve done this myself and been amazed by the response, although it is head-scratching as to why nobody visited the post the first time.
I try to always leave a comment especially if its a post I really enjoy. I will admit that sometimes my comments may sound “generic” but I don’t intend for it to sound like that. It’s usually because I am in a hurry and wanted to leave a quick comment or because at the moment my mind draws a blank and I can’t think of something that someone else hasn’t already said.
I wouldn’t concern yourself with leaving a comment that has been said before. It’s much better than leaving a comment that may sound generic. So I’d go with that.
But never feel you need to comment if you’ve enjoyed reading a post, especially if you don’t have time to leave one. You can always come back and leave one later.
Because of others leaving comments, I have made lifelong friends through blogging, Hugh, many whom ive met in person. I’ve engaged with other bloggers to an extent to which I may have drawn them out and the subsequent comments have become conversations and have enriched our blog relationship. Not everyone wants that, I get it, but it sure is fun to chat about something or to just get to know someone better. We all desire to read that something resonates with a post, a compliment, simple “attaboy” or a I agree with that… etc.
Blogging is a lot more personal which is the difference that Janice may be referring to. Companies that write blogs are likely sharing information and comments are rarely required. I read a lot of articles as I call them and rarely comment.
Personal and hobby bloggers are aiming to create community to some extent, else why share pictures or details of your life if you don’t want to engage in comments?
As always, thank you for successfully engaging your fellow bloggers, Hugh and for sharing your ideas and how-tos with us.
So it sounds as if you’re saying blogging communities are very much alive, Terri? I agree with you, but I can’t help but think that they’re shrinking compared to a few years ago and that what Janice said may be true. Are these communities getting smaller, or are they stuck as they are because of less interaction and engagement in the blogging world compared to years ago?
Like you, I have also met blogging friends, some of whom I have met in person. Some have since given up blogging, and of the ones who still blog, most still engage in comments rather than just say they visited. Maybe it’s newer bloggers who are less engaging?
Yes, why share pictures or details of your life if you don’t want to engage with the outside world? I wonder if somebody will answer that question? I already had a reply on Mastodon from a personal blogger who says he encourages his readers to engage with him on social media 9Twitter – now X), not on his blog, so he closes comments off. He gave the reason that it’s his blog, so his space, and he didn’t want anyone else to invade that space.
I guess that proves that there are many different kinds of bloggers out there.
I also suspect that the upgrades WP has made might be daunting to some folks. I use the Jetpack app a lot, like right now, to comment. I get the feeling that there are many bloggers who have not updated their themes, nor have installed the app. I have had difficulty leaving comments using the app, and wonder if that can be a problem? On some blogs, I have to log in to leave a comment, which is strange, since I’m logged in as evidenced by having left a comment 5 minutes prior on another post. Something for you to investigate, Hugh 😁
That said, as a challenge host, I leave comments when someone takes the time to link to my challenges because it’s part of the process. I’m still amazed that many bloggers who link don’t leave a comment on the host’s blog. Oh well. To each their own, and our blogs reflect those choices.
I’m aware of the problems some bloggers have when the theme they use has been retired, Terri. Yet, some of them still refuse to change the theme, although that may be because they’re frightened to do so in fear of their whole blog collapsing. I know of many who do not want to switch to any of the new FSE themes, but there are still over 50 Classic themes available that WordPress supports.
And you could be right about some folks still using the old WordPress app. Despite all the notifications we get about switching to the Jet Pack app, some people don’t want to do so, meaning they will have lost certain features.
I’ve not had any problems leaving comments, but I tend to do it all via my desktop. So it sounds like the App has some issues, probably bugs. There was a new release during the second week of August, and no doubt there will be another update soon while WordPress deals with the issues.
The only problem I’m currently having with WordPress is when I click the ‘like’ button next to a comment. I end up being taken to the top of the blog I’m on and have to find the comment again. I have to click the button again before it works. However, if I like a comment from the notification centre of my blog (bell icon), it works the first time.
yes yes yes I always try to leave something/anything to show I was there/you have a reader and I appreciate your work. Seldom I squirm to find something ‘positive’ to write as I read mostly good folks.
But you don’t need to prove you’ve visited, Michael. An occasional engaging comment is something the majority of bloggers will appreciate much more. And clicking the ‘like’ button to say you enjoyed reading the post is also something many bloggers appreciate (me included).
A few weeks ago, I wrote a post that dealt with this issue about empty comments. When I was done with writing I was a bit shocked about myself, and how frustrated I was about this all and moved it to draft. I noticed the same: before people were so much more engaging. Today, they have meaningless and multi usable words like “beautiful”, “I like this”, “I love this”… That’s very interesting that you made the same observation. But I also noticed that it is always the same people who do or don’t appear like reading the post. I started asking questions like you mentioned in your post. Either a similar empty reply was returned, or they still read the post and replied accordingly, or no reply at all. Also, years ago you could take a word serious. Today, they reply that sounds nice but it evaporates into the air.
I don’t always have time either to spend hours on WP. My life has gotten much too busy. But then I only read as many posts as possible that still allow me to read them and leave an according comment. It is sad when you notice that you are only a “worked through”.
I’m so pleased to hear you wrote a similar post asking some of the questions I’ve asked in my post, Erika.
Yes, I’ve noticed the same bloggers leave these non-engaging comments all over the blogging world. It makes them look like they are on a mission to leave the same comment on as many posts as possible to not upset anyone for not leaving a comment. I’m unsure why anyone must prove they visited a blog by leaving such comments. The majority of bloggers understand that time is of the essence, so visit occasionally (not all the time) and leave an engaging comment every once in a while. Well, that’s what I say to those bloggers. And I bet that all of the bloggers being left an engaging comment occasionally will appreciate it much more.
I completely agree! As you often wrote about, that some even apologize for not being visiting faster or at all. I mean, everyone has a life and visiting blogs must not turn out as an obligation. Because that is of no use for anyone. The commentor gets stressed and the blogger frustrated… However, thank you for bringing this out into the world, Hugh. It spoke volumes to me!
You’re welcome, Erika.
It’s heartbreaking to see bloggers apologising for being ill or dealing with a family matter so they haven’t been able to blog or visit blogs. Nobody should ever need to apologise for not blogging or not visiting and commenting.
And please feel free to link to this post if you do decide ever to publish that post in your draft folder.
Absolutely, Hugh!
And yes, I will definitely link to your post.
Thank you!
I don’t ever leave a comment unless I’ve read the post. Before all of the social media happened, blog comments were so much more common, and we bloggers seemed to interact more. Now, I find I leave less blog comments because I’m interacting on so many different platforms. And, sometimes my comments aren’t detailed. If I enjoyed a post, I might just tell the person that I did and not go into detail about why. But, you raise some really interesting points, and now I feel motivated to leave more detailed comments!
I’m so pleased that this post has motivated you to leave more detailed comments, Pam. As I mentioned in the post, engaging comments don’t need to be long, but they go much further for the blogger who gets the comment than a comment that doesn’t say anything but ‘great post.’
And you could be right behind the reasons why bloggers seem to interact less on blogs. With so many social media platforms available and the desire to be on all of them (because somebody suggested that was the best thing to do), it means less time to interact. That’s one of the reasons why I culled the number of social media platforms I was on. Spreading my time too thinly did not work.
I hear what you’re saying, Hugh, but I don’t mind the ‘poke’ type of comments. They’re like a pat on the back, or a smile, or a nod, saying they heard you. I guess if they were all like that, I’d wonder about my significance in the Big Picture, but they aren’t so I’m good.
Thanks, Jacqui. I understand what you’re saying, but I thought that was what the ‘like’ button is for – to say you enjoyed reading the post but have nothing of value to add to it.
Yes, if all my blog posts contained nothing but non-engaging comments, I’d seriously start to wonder what has gone wrong. Hopefully, it’ll be a longtime before that happens, especially if what Janice said is true of the community.
Hugh, this is a topic that never gets old to me, and I think that how people comment is very individual to each person and their motivation. Yes, some are looking for followers, some want to let you know they visited but didn’t have time to comment, or maybe they just weren’t engaged with the content that day, some want to be a part of the conversation, and some want to truly connect. I get that our lives are busy and that blogging is just a small part of the day for most of us. I appreciate all the likes, ‘good for you,’ and happy face emojis, that are left on my post, but of course, my preference is meaningful dialogue among a community of followers who have become friends. When that happens, none of the other stuff matters and I feel satisfied that a few people ‘get it.’ We will never be able to control, or even predict why people behave the way they do or what their motivation might be, but we can keep chugging along, being true to ourselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thoughts and those of your readers. Always a pleasure.
Thanks for joining the discussion, Suzanne.
You’re right that none of us can control how others act, but it does interest me why people seem to be leaving more non-engaging comments on blog posts. When I first started blogging, it was never like that. Just about everyone made an effort to leave an engaging comment that proved they’d read the post. Now, it seems that is no longer the case. Maybe Janice is right in that most readers no longer want to comment. They just want information before moving on. I hope that’s not the case.
I’ve never understood why somebody feels they must prove they’ve visited a blog. Hopefully, somebody will tell me why in the comments section of this post. But should it matter to anyone if they visited or not? I don’t think most bloggers would care if somebody did not visit. After all (and hopefully), there’ll be plenty more chances to visit.
Thanks again for your valuable input.
Hugh, I don’t think readers are moving away from making comments, especially in the blog circles that I travel. I can see it being a possibility when a blog is more ‘information’ focused and less social. I think the ‘having to prove a visit’ has to do with not wanting to ‘offend’ especially when that blogger visits your blog and regularly leave’s comments. When you figure out human nature, please let the world know!
That’s good to hear about the comments, Susanne.
I wonder why anyone would think I (or another blogger) would be offended if they didn’t always visit my/their blog and read all of my/their posts, though? Why would anyone want to put themselves under any pressure? As you say, human nature can sometimes be strange.
I tend to get a lot of conversational comments, and I try to leave those when I can. Sometimes, I don’t agree with the blogger about something, so I want to compliment A but ignore B.
What I really enjoy is when conversations build around comments between readers. I’ve seen this happen on a number of blogs, and I was recently part of one on someone’s blog where my comment got a reply from another reader. That’s when it really feels like a community (and I love that!)
I agree, Dan. Isn’t it great when a comment sparks comments from other bloggers in the comments section? It proves that ‘community’ is still alive, although I fear they’re getting increasingly squeezed.
We can keep those communities open, but as much as I love getting engaging comments from regular readers, it always gives me a lift when I get an engaging comment from somebody for the first time. That kind of tells me that my blog is still growing, which I think most bloggers want for their own blogs, too.
It does feel good to see new faces, and to discover new blogs.
Thanks for the shout out Hugh. 😊
Where to begin … I was/am planning to write about comments in tomorrow’s Introductions over Coffee Post.
After the discussion you highlighted in this post, I started reflecting about leaving comments when everything has already been said. I found myself questioning why can’t I echo what’s already been said and repeat the ideas. I’ve decided that if I want to say something that’s duplicating ideas, I’m going for it. I don’t think a blogger is going to think “what are you doing, Brenda, X already said that”. I suspect they’ll be happy to see everyone engaging.
The idea of people not wanting to leave comments, I wonder if it’s a lack of understanding? People don’t know how to comment or feel intimidated?
I agree it’s difficult to know how to respond when you just get emojis.
I guess we could ask bloggers why they don’t leave comments – but my instinct says the ‘wrong’ bloggers will respond
One thing I noticed recently on LinkedIn is someone I follow, when I ‘like’ a post, she shouts out saying thanks … I think it would be cool if we could tag people in our messages. But I suspect one of my emoji followers might not speak English and so just leaves emojis
I agree with you about repeating something already said, Brenda. After all, you may think you’re repeating the same information, but (as I’ve found) it’s not always true. You may have a slightly different take on the same thing. Most bloggers want engagement on their posts, regardless of whether some information may be duplicated, so they’re happy with any comments.
Some readers have told me they don’t like leaving comments because they don’t feel confident leaving them. Some fear their comments may be picked up and attacked by other readers (mainly trolls). It happened to me, but I ignored them, although I wonder why the blogger approved the comment that attacked me or other bloggers? It’s not something I like seeing on any blog.
There is a way to translate on WordPress. They have a Translate widget that allows people to choose a language so that comments and content are changed to their native dialogue. It’s probably the case that some do not know about that widget.
You’re welcome for the shoutout. Your post and the discussion in the comments section sparked the idea for this post.
I agree about managing the comments of our blogs. I’ve not had or seen any major problems but I’d challenge unacceptable behaviour and, as you say, delete their comments.
I love blog comments and I’ve had so many wonderful conversations with readers and other bloggers. I don’t always follow bloggers who comment on my blog but if we have a meaningful dialogue via blog comments, I’m more inclined to go and check out what they’re doing and, if I like what I see, I’ll follow them.
That sounds like the right plan, Michelle.
Same here. If I’m having a great dialogue with bloggers leaving comments on my posts, I’ll go and check out their blog, but I will only follow back if the content they’re publishing interests me and will make me want to engage about it in the comments section. Following blogs because one feels obliged to is a waste of one’s time. And we all need more time.
I agree with the idea of not leaving a comment at all if I have nothing much to say. I do enjoy engaging with others though so often leave a comment. I love it when others comment on my comments. it’s always great to hang with like-minded folks, whether it’s trendy or not.
Somebody responding to a comment I left on another blog always makes me feel great. Even if they disagree with what I’ve said and said so in a friendly way, it at least has opened up engagement, discussion and conversation.
I also get a lot of joy out of bloggers discussing the contents of my post in the comments section of my post. I think it proves that ‘community’ is still very much alive. But maybe, if Janice is right, it is dying. I hope not.
It won’t die if we keep it alive.
True, but it may end up only being amongst a few bloggers. I always delight when somebody new leaves me an engaging comment. I feel like I’ve made a new blogging friend.
A worry article worth reading from the beginning to the end.
Thank you Hugh.
It’s a pity that communication between the bloggers in the form of fruitful and interesting conversations is dying a slow death.
Newbies are more busy begging other Bloggers to follow them or like their posts without leaving substantial justifiable commentary.
It’s really unfortunate to see more number of followers than number of meaningful interactions.
It’s news to me that not commenting is the new fashion trend!
People leaving a discussion worthy comments are in minority.
Maybe blogging has reached its end.
Oh, I hope blogging has not reached its end, although it does seem to be changing if leaving engaging comments is no longer seen as the thing to do. I feel like a dinosaur wanting conversation and discussion if readers don’t want comments or community.
I do get the begging comments where a blogger almost begs me to visit, read, like and comment on their posts without mentioning anything in their comment about the contents of the post they’ve left their comment on. I often send these types of comments straight to the trash folder.
Somebody just left me a comment on Mastodon that they close comments off all their blog posts because they don’t want to engage with their readers there. Instead, they encourage readers to engage on Twitter (now X). But as I explained to him, not everyone has a Twitter account. But it’s his blog and his choice.
Thank you so much, HughH Roberts for this thought provoking observation.
Somebody telling us rather forcing us to leave comments in another platform sounds to me weird. Then why they are-still operating this this blog? The very purpose of running a blog has become a waste of one’s and others valuable time. Freedom to do whatever one wishes to do comes with responsibility, is it not so?
Looks like one must get used to strange and weird things that are happening in blogosphere, sooner the better.
Yes, I agree with you about being told where to comment rather than having the options already there and leaving it up to the person wanting to comment to decide where they want to leave their comment.
However, I do know of some bloggers who encourage those wanting to leave a comment that contains more than a few hundred words to write and publish a blog post as a response to a post rather than leaving a long comment. I’ve seen it happen but have only written a post when something I’ve read has inspired me to do so. However, I will inform and link back to the blogger’s post, as they deserve some credit for the inspiration of my post.
The blogging world is forever changing. Some changes seem to take their time to happen and then surprise many of us.