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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Thanks for the post on this topic, Hugh! Althought i am feeling guilty too. Most times i am missing the words for a detailled comment. I will improve myself. Best wishes, Michael
Hi Michael, do not worry if you have nothing of value to add. Click the ‘like’ button and move on. It’s rare for a blogger to get upset because you didn’t leave a comment on all their posts. And if anyone does complain, seriously consider why you’re following their blog.
Mmmm, but there is so many shades of grey, from the learner who smashes ‘likes’ like an addict…or…something that equals the silence of the lambs. But we must have them all, expectations of the many, for the many, from the many. Me…I started with those likes, grew more confident and actually said hello once or twice. A sentence occasionally, slowly building a style…until I realized I wasn’t being me. But that too grew until I realized I just needed to stand in my truth, that easy of easy style where we just give from the heart…not the mask of expectations we all wear. So my friend, they all shall indeed visit you, sometime, someplace…leave you barren or confused in their direction. And occasionally touch a place in us all so that we can be interested, even smile…and dare to post another day 😀❤️🙏
What a great way of putting it, Mark.
I get that some readers don’t want to leave any comments, mainly in fear of somebody not agreeing with what they say. Non-engaging comments like ‘I enjoyed this’ could be little steps in testing the water, but when those non-engaging comments keep on coming from the same bloggers who by which point have been blogging for many years, it does beg the question ‘Did you really read the post, and why did you feel you need to leave a comment?’
I have a few that ‘cruise’, but I cheat and can feel most energy. Some are running late for work, buried in housework but shine later in the day after the groceries have been delivered. And some need a lift that we all share in our own ways, and that’s enough. And some are building a courage to one day do what we do. Um…what is it that we are truly doing? Really doing I mean? Is it looking for some acceptance…or expressing some need in what we put out there. Mmm, you’ve got me thinking now. Maybe not from what was originally intended…but…why am I here, or over there chatting away. Thank you for the thought kind sir…and may it find answers, or acceptance…or both 😀❤️🙏
When somebody tells me that a post is thought-provoking, it’s the best, Mark. And when they join the discussion sharing their thoughts on the content that gives so much value back to the author, it’s even better. So thank you for joining the discussion.
And thank you for sharing that question we all ask…why? 🤣 Have a great day kind sir 😀❤️🙏
. I could not agree more, Hugh. it’s left me wondering about the same thing –
Thanks, Beth. I expect some of those who leave short non-engaging comments will have read the post, but I honestly believe that some comment and run.
yes, I feel pretty sure of that – glad to be following you
The comment that irks me the most is “loved this”, especially when I click to the comments and there’s about 5 comments and all they have to say is “loved this”. Having said that, I did love this post, some very interesting food for thought, perhaps at the wider world and not just in the blogging community…
I see a few bloggers leave the same short, non-engaging comments all over the blogging world. I doubt that, in most cases, they will have read most of the posts they’ve left that comment on. I now send those sorts of comments to my trash bin.
From the conversations here, it does seem that, sadly, the blogging world is getting sucked into more of a non-engaging online world.
Visiting from your feature at Senior Salon Pit Stop. I am very interested in this topic (and I even started a blog linkup recently called Will Blog for Comments) because I think there’s not enough of it out there. I think our world culture right now is hurried, and I think emojis (in general) represent the idea of actual communication without being real communication. We have *words* for real communication–but not everyone uses them.
Your question about the reason behind leaving short (somewhat meaningless) comments is, for me: The post didn’t resonate with me for some reason, but I’d like to leave more than a “like.” (And not all blogging platforms have a “like” option.) There’s a school of thought where at least simple comments show a little engagement and may help with SEO so others can find the blog, but–like you–I’d like to see that someone actually read what I wrote, that something in it resonated with them, and that they’re taking something away from my piece. That said, I’d prefer a “Great post” over nothing. The sound of crickets chirping is worse, to me. However, I write to inspire and engage, so I’d like to know who was inspired and engaged and what they think. That’s the type of comment I’m really going for.
One last thing to keep in mind that may answer the questions you raised here: blog topics vary widely. Some include great information, important tips, good perspective, etc. Others don’t. I saw a post recently about a very simple craft project requiring only sticks and twine. It was cute, but I remember getting to the end of the post and thinking, “That’s it?” Any time I see a recipe post, all I can really reply is something like, “Looks delicious” or “I’ll have to try this.” Unless I actually make the dish and then come back to comment, I can’t leave a meaningful comment. I think the topic and purpose of the blog makes a difference in readers’ abilities to comment well. But I do also think it’s becoming a lost art that some people just don’t know how to do.
Thanks so much for joining the discussion, Jennifer. Your comment is exactly the type of comment I love receiving on my blog.
I agree that we now live in a hurried world. However, I still do not understand why some bloggers feel they must visit and leave short, non-engaging comments on all the blogs they visit to prove that they’ve visited. I recently came across a blogger who said she has all the time to blog but doesn’t have the time to leave thoughtful, engaging comments. Instead, she spends her time writing and publishing as many posts as possible. Interestingly, the comments sections on her blog is full of non-engaging comments.
Another blogger mentioned that blogs full of non-engaging comments affect a blog’s ranking by bringing the ranking down. Whereas blogs with lots of engaging comments are ranked higher. It seems that comments must be at least a couple of long sentences to be considered engaging by SEOs.
I dislike comments like ‘Great post.’ I’d go as far as to say that I now do not approve of such comments on my posts, as I believe they make them appear unprofessional. So, I’d rather someone click ‘like’ and move on if they’ve nothing of value to add. They do not need to prove to me that they visited by leaving non-engaging comments on all my posts.
I agree with what you say about comments left on blog posts like recipes. When I see non-engaging comments on posts that are screaming out for engagement, I roll my eyes and ask ‘why did they feel the need to leave a comment like that?’
I hope the art of proper discussion is not lost in the blogging world. It’s sad to see many blogging communities that once thrived with debate become zombie communities where nobody wants to engage correctly.
So well-stated. I think we’ve gone (or are going) from “online engagement” to “online observer.” I teach an online class for a university, and it seems like the students there liken the class to watching TV instead of being in an actual class. Hopefully those who still know the value of engagement can keep it going–and maybe others will learn how. Thanks for a great post. Pinning to save and share!
I certainly think it has something to do with the younger generation, Jennifer. Some of the younger generation also pass their non-engaging tools to their parents. You only have to sit in a restaurant and watch how many families are all scrolling rather than talking while having a meal. I’ve set a strict rule in our home of no technology at the mealtime table, including visitors who eat with us. I find it rude if somebody sits there scrolling while having a meal with others.
Thank you so much for sharing this post.
Oh, and I wanted to add that your commenting system is similar to mine – I would never hit ‘like’ if I didn’t read the post, but I may not leave comment if I have nothing of value to add, just like you. It works for me. :)
And I honestly believe that is what the ‘like’ button is for. It’s not for clicking simply to say you visited but did not read the post. But I’ve had these debates about the ‘like’ button many times before and am always shocked when bloggers tell me they hit ‘like’ to support a blogger even though they do not read the post. Seriously, what is that all about?
I’m so with you on that! :)
Another great discussion post – about discussion, lol. But seriously, when Janice commented that Google says it’s the trend to not comment, I’m not buying it. I think it’s more the lifestyle of the younger generation who spend time clicking and reading, taking in info but not looking for engagement. Similar to what I call ‘phone zombies’ who are glued to their devices and would prefer not to engage with human interaction. IMO :)
I’ve noticed more and more bloggers from a large age range leave these non-engaging comments now, Debby. And they seem to leave the same comments all over the blogging world. Comments like ‘This was a great story,’ or even worse, one-word comments like ‘Beautiful!” Telling us what made it great or what made it beautiful seems to be becoming less and less of a concern. I think those sorts of comments are dead in the water because they don’t tell the author of the post anything useful. Gone are the days when most bloggers liked to have conversations about the subject of a post. I’m hanging on for dear life that the conversation does not die on my blog.
I agree Hugh. And I don’t think you have any worries about dying conversations on your blog. I am happy to report I do love engaging, and am grateful for my readers who love to engage. But, like you said, some just ‘hit and run’. <3
Hi, Hugh. It’s a shame that people will “like” posts without having read them. I don’t do that because I don’t want to be insincere. But I am guilty of leaving simple comments without expounding on them. Usually when I’m reading something, I need to re-read sentences or paragraphs a couple times to process what I’ve read. And while reading I’ll think of something I want to say about a particular thing, but by the time I finish the whole post (especially if its lengthy), I’ve forgotten what I wanted to say unless I make notes. I don’t know if that’s an attention-span thing or if the brain just needs to tell the eyes to slow down so it can process, but it can make reading and responding to posts time consuming. That isn’t to say the post isn’t worthy of the time to articulate a meaningful response but, in some cases, it’s just a little more work for someone who may only have limited leisure time and/or is easily distracted. This situation probably only makes up a small fraction of those leaving vague(ish) comments but, at least for me, that’s a reason. I suppose it falls into the category of “not having time,” but it’s not for lack of trying.
Thank you for this post, it was an eye-opener. For my part, I know I need to do better. Back in the Myspace days, the conversations to posts would go on endlessly. I do miss that camaraderie.
Hi Dahliaramone, yes, I’ve even had bloggers tell me that they click ‘like’ on a post simply because they want to show their support for a blogger, yet they don’t read the post. I don’t understand what that is about. Surly, reading the post and leaving an engaging comment is the support the majority of bloggers want?
The problem with leaving short non-engaging comments all over the blogging world, is that if some bloggers who leave them did not feel obliged to read so many posts in the limited time they have, they could leave a few meaningful and engaging comments on a few posts. I don’t think any blogger expects all who follow their blog to comment on all their posts, so a meaningful engaging comment every once in a while gives much more value. And it also helps stop bloggers feel guilty for not showing they’ve visited by leaving a non-engaging comment. Rather than leave 10 non engaging comments everyday, I try and leave at least two engaging comments. It helps free up so much time.
Thanks so much for sharing your views on this subject.
Great article and thank you for this. I think this is happening with social media too (my observations only before I got off these platforms). In my experience, I don’t think AI responses have helped either by generating automatic responses: Thank You; Good Job! etc.
I believe people don’t bother responding because of this – they can’t be bothered. It takes too long to write when they could swipe over to the next thing. It takes a while to sit, reflect and then write out a measured response and also they don’t get the immediate feedback (the Like, the Response) back quick enough for them to hold their attention.
I remember the old days of blogging where we had long conversations in blogs but social media took that over. Now even on socials, that is not happening, taken over by automated responses.
I do wonder what happens to how we communicate but when I see first hand how my friends and family communicate when they’re together (it doesn’t take long before they’re on their phones), I realise this is just the way of the world now. We have lost the art of conversation in person too.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading this post.
I agree that writing a comment can be time-consuming, but it only needs to be a couple of sentences to show that the post has been read and to leave something of value. Much better than one-word comments or a comment such as ‘This was great.’ It seems that most people will say they don’t have the time to leave a valuable comment, yet many of them will leave lots of non-engaging comments all over the blogging world.
Having blogged for nearly 10 years, I remember those good old days of blogging where people had conversations about the contents of a post as well, Helen. I think they could be long gone, but at least we can say that we were there.
I’ve seen whole families sat at restaurant tables all swiping up and down on their phones. No conversations between them, not even when the food arrives. It’s a sad sight, but one that seems to be fast becoming the norm now.
I wonder how long it will be before humans pay to have a conversation with another person?
Congrats! This post won the linky party!
Janice
Thanks for the great news, Janice.
I really hope that it doesn’t become trendy to not comment on posts. Those people who do that are surely missing the whole point of social media – the key word being social. If all you do is read the content thst isn’t being social.
The type of comments I dislike are those which say “interesting post and here’s my post on the topic” followed by a link to their site. That’s just using commenting for self promotion.
I agree, Karen. I get lots of bloggers trying to leave links to their blogs in the comments section of my blog posts, with no mention of the contents of my post they’re trying to leave their self promotion on. I mark any such comments as spam.
Fortunately I haven’t noticed anyone just leaving a link – but now you’ve told me that’s a thing, I’ll be more on the alert.
They’re a real nuisance. Always from bloggers that don’t want to do the hard work in building an audience. Instead, they’ll do they can to jump on the back of a blogger who has done all the hard work.
Gosh Hugh, I do hope we’re not losing our sense of community, because my experience of blogging is of a well behaved and sharing community. I hope this platform isn’t going the way of phone users who no longer make phone calls and insist on communicating by texts and emojis.
I hope not too. The art of blogging would sadly become a loss if discussion and engagement ceased or, worse still, comments section s became full of non-engaging comments.
Perhaps humanity is embracing the dating model of swipe right, swipe left.
I do hope not. Where is the fun in that?
It’s just not the same as pub crawls is it? Dating that is.
So true. In my day, you had to leave the house and visit a bar to chat with people and maybe find a date.
‘Sometimes a comment is so generic, it feels like the person leaving the comment never read the post.’ – great point from Laura
That’s the problem with the ‘great post’ comments – they just come across as insincere!
A real life example would be if you baked someone a cake and you asked them the next day what you thought of it and you just responded with ‘nice’
What was nice about it? The softness of the cake? The jam in the middle? The beautiful arrangement decorating the cake?
You might have genuinely eaten and enjoyed the cake, but the baker might be thinking that you didn’t actually eat the cake and thrown it in the bin!
– And that’s exactly what a blogger can think when someone comments “Great post” – that they click the post, scrolled to the end to comment and left.
“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.”
– I would advise those bloggers focus on quality not quantity, short responses don’t help build their reputation, and (in my opinion) give the impression that they are doing a quick self-promote.
Better to read and comment on one or two once a week with something meaningful than rushing through 100’s with pointless comments.
Hugh, to answer your final closing question, personally the comment/conversation/community aspect of blogging something I’ve always desired the most, and still remember the early days when I was disappointed that no one ever commented with a thought about a post.
Now though with having life get in the way, I’m not too bothered if I only get a couple (or even zero) comments as I wouldn’t have the time to give the quality of reply that I’d like.
I love the likeness to the cake question, James. And it’s so true. I’m inclined to say that for me, it’s when you see the same bloggers leaving those same non-engaging comments that you know they have not read the post. And when I’ve asked someone what was great about the post that made them tell me was great, they never reply.
Which all links in to what you said about self-promotion. It’s a little like people who click ‘like’ on all my comments regardless of where I’ve left those comments. It’s like they’re shouting ‘over here, I’m here, come visit me.’ They’ve no interest in engaging on my posts. All they want is for me to visit their blog and follow them so they can get the follow numbers up. It never works, and often they disappear as quickly as they arrived.
And thanks for your honest answer about replying to comments and not always having the time to reply to them. For me, I don’t mind how long it takes to get a response. I never expect instant replies. It’s when I get no reply at all that I wonder if it’s worth leaving anymore comments on that blog.
Sometimes I will leave one or two words, if I feel that’s all it requires. If someone had a lovely image, I will tell them it’s lovely. Simple as that. However, if there is a lot of text, I will take the time to read and comment if I have enjoyed it or I have something of interest to add. It also depends on my mood. Sometimes it’s nice to read a post and not get into a whole chat about it but I do like to leave a comment so the write knows that I have read their post.
Have you ever wanted to let a blogger know why you thought their image/photo was lovely, Wayne? What was it that made you say that? I know many bloggers enjoy comments, but those comments that give more detail tend to make a big difference.
You point about leaving a comment so a blogger knows you visited is interesting and is much of what this post is about. Somebody else said that human nature is a mystery where one person is happy to let a blogger know they visited by always leaving a comment, another by clicking the ‘like’ button without commenting, and another (like me) who doesn’t feel they need to let anyone know they visited. I can read a post without leaving a comment, although I will always comment when I have something of value to add.
Laura’s comment (which I took a screenshot of in this post) is what got me thinking about comments more. It’s certainly an area of blogging that causes a lot of discussion.
I think it’s a great point of discussion. I don’t always comment either but I do like to let the reader know if I have appreciated their post. I totally agree with you Hugh that it would be good to let the blogger know why you liked their image. Sometimes I’m just tired or don’t wish to say too much, so a simple comment is all I give.
But remember that there is nothing wrong with not leaving a comment, Wayne. Some bloggers seem to think that they are obliged to leave comments because the person they are leaving the comment for always leaves them a comment. But that is a myth. In the 10 years I have blogged, only one blogger has ever told me she expected me to read and comment on her posts because she did the same on my blog. I unfollowed her.
Oh yes I would unfollow her too. I know we don’t have to, it’s only if I want to but not to write a whole spiel. I guess it just depends on how I’m feeling at the time. Great post Hugh, you have certainly got people talking and thinking.
Hi Hugh,
Wow, this post got the conversations going! :)
When I enjoy reading a post and I have nothing to add, or I don’t have time to leave a comment, I click the”like” button. I agree with you that it’s better to say nothing than to add a short, hollow comment.
I’m not one who cares about trends or what’s trendy. I think having conversations in the comment section is one of the beauties and most interesting parts of having a blog. It’s in this comment section that details are revealed and elaborations on topics happen.
When I reply to comments on my own posts, I also try to diversify my answers. I don’t like to repeat the same things and people can really find out more about our lifestyle and sometimes juicy bits and massive happenings that I like to share just in a comment, before making things public.
Sometimes, I receive comments from followers that clearly show they read all the other comments as well. I love it! :)
On the flip side, when I have a decent amount of time (which rarely happens) or I’m really interested in the topic someone blogged about, I read all the comments as well.
I rather though the subject of this post would get discussions and conversations going, Liesbet.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who does not worry about not leaving a comment (unless I’ve anything of vale to add) and click the ‘like’ button and move on. I always thought that was what the ‘like’ button was for, but it seems other bloggers have different views on why it’s there.
I hope not leaving engaging comments is a trend that will soon die out. Even companies who have blogs will get questions from readers, so the art of conversation and discussion should never die out. However, if a blogger does not want to engage, they should turn comments off.
The comments sections of blogs can be a treasure trove of ideas for new posts. I don’t know why more bloggers don’t read them. Time may be a factor, but I’d rather spend my time reading comments that rushing around leaving the same non-engaging comments all over the place.
I like getting comments that make me feel like the reader and I have something in common. Or something like “this post made me remember my own mother and her quirks.” I love to hear about other people’s adventures in life (although in person I’m shy and would NEVER pry into someone’s life!!)
So those non-engaging comments such as ‘This was a lovely post, Jan’ wouldn’t fit in those categories.
I agree with you and like to see a connection between the contents of the post and the person leaving the comment.
Those kind of compliments are always lovely to get but they don’t start a conversation!
I think Laura wraps it up well in her comment.
I agree that it is a kind gesture to leave a comment pertaining to the content of the post. IMO, that is the intent of blogging to read, learn, enjoy, and communicate. I received many comments that were just an adjective such as “beautiful”, and if it is from one of my regular followers, I’m okay with that because people are busy. However, if the comment is from a blogger I don’t know, I check to be sure the link is legit. Usually, it is not and I delete it.
Though I am not always able to leave a lengthy comment, I try to be sincere with my shorter comments. I follow too many and can’t get to them all but try my best to treat them as I would like to be treated.
Most of the comments WordPress mark as spam and place in my spam folder are short, non-engaging comments, Eugi. You can instantly tell from the dodgy website link that they’re spam.
I understand that people are often too busy to leave engaging comments, but an engaging comment occasionally is much more beneficial than leaving non-engaging comments on all my posts. And another blogger mentioned that non-engaging comments can also lower your blog ranking. I wasn’t aware of that, so it has me seriously thinking about approving short, non-engaging comments. If I decide not to approve them, I’ll place a notice at the bottom of each post reassuring people that they are under no obligation to leave a comment if they don’t have time.
I used to follow too many blogs and often felt guilty for not visiting all of them. Since I cut back on the number of blogs I follow, I enjoy blogging much more.
I read that links that are not legit left in your comments can lower your blog ranking plus a lot of spam that has not been deleted. I approve all comments unless the link is not legit or it is only an attention getter.
I agree about engaging comments which give me the impression they actually read what I wrote. My group of followers are mostly poets and we are close knit and very supportive of each other. I love it when a reader interprets one of my poems and most of the time they are spot on.
Yes, I follow too many but it is hard not to follow those that participate in my prompt plus I enjoy their work. Sigh.
I agree about the links that are not legit, but what about those non-engaging short comments that also can affect our blog’s ranking? I wasn’t aware those types of comments affected the rankings of a blog, but it seems they do.
I wasn’t aware of that either but I get so many of them bloggers that I know. I don’t feel it’s right to delete them.
I have a post coming out tomorrow about the option of disabling comments and the pros and cons of doing so. I personally find comments a really useful way to engage with readers and the blogging community, which is essential for knowing what grabs people’s attention. etc. I like to hear what people think as they often share things with me that build on what I’ve written and I learn so much. It’s annoying when people leave very short, generic comments as those are bad for our site’s SEO so I am now not approving those!
Molly, I had no idea that short, non-engaging comments on blog posts are bad for our blog’s SEO. That makes me think if I should not approve them, especially if they’re from the same people. Then they’d soon get fed up leaving them.
I don’t turn comments off any of my posts, but I’m interested in knowing the pros and cons of doing so. Please feel free to link back to this post on your upcoming post.