A little blogging etiquette question for you.
Some bloggers think it's rude not to comment on every comment that appears on your personal blog. They think you should at least acknowledge the comment, whether you do it by private email, or by return-commenting in the comment section of the blog.
Now, to me, I think that my blog posts are kind of like you overhearing all that stuff that's clonking around in my head like tennis shoes in the dryer. I type it in, and send if off into the universe. And then anyone who wants to - you know- throw in another tennis shoe is totally welcome. You know what a comment junkie I am.
But I don't really feel the need to comment on EVERY single comment. In fact, I think it's kind of weird. I also think it's egotistical to assume that when you come back to my blog, you'll go back through the comments to see if I commented on your comment. - -
I rarely do that on other people's blogs. Unless I think I've been particularly witty and I want to see if you noticed....
But usually when I throw something out into someone else's comment section on a blog- I feel as if I'm just passing through. I'm the annoying lady standing behind you in the grocery line eavesdropping on your conversation - throwing in one-liners and not really expecting to start a conversation.
ANYWAY - If I've been rude to you by not constantly commenting on your comments, I'm very sorry. Maybe you can take comfort in the fact that it's not just you.
Now I'm curious to know what you all think. Rude? Not rude?
Yes, these are the things that keep me awake at night.
14 comments:
And I just would like to point out that this will be my LAST post ever to use the words comment or commenting 14 times. I guess if you count this comment that would be 16. Well, now 17. Agghhh@!*%$
You know, I am just so totally offended that you don't always respond to my comments. I live for that you know. (Hope you're catching the sarcasm).
I think it's totally personal. I try to do it often, but don't respond to every comment on every post. I think it's nice to do it, but not totally necessary. I have blog friends that receive up to 30 comments sometimes. Now that would be a lot to respond to.
So I really don't think you're breaking some sort of blogging etiquette.
Wow - if that's what we're supposed to be doing then I'm lucky that I ever have anybody come back! I personally feel like if I commented on every comment (18...19...) then I would simply get sick of hearing from myself. I just don't feel that important to comment (20...) all the time. And for the record, I don't expect it from you! Even if I am your superior.
xoxo,
BOS
I rarely comment back.... I guess I'm a snob too.
I only comment when a response hits me. I think many bloggers sound as if they have no opinion but they must still give a pat on the head. I really wanted to comment on "Finally Fall" because it made me feel real happy. Should I have said "this makes me really happy"? And should justrandi say "I'm really happy you're really happy"? I decided not to say anything. This is tricky. I don't know which is worse; a pat on he head or silence.
i'm offended. I comment all the time, and i NEVER get a little thank you note back for each and every comment, and quite honestly, mom, it hurts. In fact, I dont think i'll comment anymore until i get a lovely little thank you note for EVERY single one.........
I rarely respond to individual comments. I feel like it's a reciprocal thing if I return regularly to that person's blog and leave a comment for them there. Then they know that I'm aware that they visited my blog because I'm returning the visit. I don't have time to go back and read comments in response to comments.
I read alot of blogs and I only comment when I feel the need, or something hit me. I do go back and check comments if I asked a question or if it's a lively comment debate and I want to see what reader reaction is.
As for commenting back in my own comments section. I will do that to answer questions, say hi to a new person or to join in the dicussion if there is one.
I don't have my feelings hurt if people dont' comment on my blog either. I liked your tennis shoe analogy, but for me it would be the cell phone clunking around in the dryer...ya that's a personal expereince right there.
I feel 100% the same way as you do. I sometimes respond to comments via email, but only if 1) I have an email address for the commenter, and 2) I feel like it.
haha I think it's ridiculous that someone would take the time to send a "thank you comment". You can just say you appreciate the comments once in a while, if applicable.
Oh my gosh. I've been wondering this forever. I feel awkward if I DON'T respond sometimes, but then I also feel like a dork when I do. Plus people stop commenting afterward. And I live for comments.
Don't do it. I don't think everyone needs to have their comment acknowledged. But I'm hard-hearted that way.
I'm totally the same way in that I don't comment on every comment and then wonder, "Am I breaking some unwritten rule of blogging by not acknowledging my readers?" No I'm not. And neither are you.
hi randi:
i say i beat to my own drummer and i comment whenever i feel like it. i love visiting my favorite bloggers and seeing what they (you are up to) and if something strikes me as fun, touching, or something else, i'll say something.
but i don't feel obligated.
i say just do what feels comfy for you and who cares what anybody else thinks. if they can't love you for who you are as you are, you probably don't want to know them anyway :)
i love you for just how you are. thanks for the extra kindness and care with me and these sweet emails you have sent me especially recently. you are a dear, kathleen
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