Blogging: Replying to Comments

THE GROOVY COMPANION TO MY BLOGGING: LEAVING COMMENTS POST:

Yay! You’ve just read an interesting post and want to let the blogger know that you thought it was awesome or perhaps you’d like a bit more info so you leave a comment – and the waiting game begins.

One of my biggest pet peeves about online life are those bloggers who, for unknown reasons, simply can’t be bothered to reply to comments from their readers, especially when a question is asked, GAH! Having people leave positive comments & queries is a rarity in this fast-paced internet society and it’s maddening when it’s not appreciated.

In my humble opinion there are only 3 reasons why a blogger should not be expected to answer comments left on their blog posts:

1. The comment is abusive and therefore will not be published or replied to. (Get my tips for dealing with trolls here)

2. The blogger is on holiday/taking a break from blogging but will answer the comment(s) once they return.

3. The blogger receives such a high volume of comments on every single post that they simply can’t be expected to respond to them all (but should try to answer the questions or put together a follow-up post covering the requested info.)

Readers won’t continue trying to communicate with bloggers if they are ignored and may even stop following the blogs that never reply to their pleasant comments & questions.

Replying to blog comments can seem tedious at times, there are only so many ways to thank someone for their remarks without becoming repetitive, but with a wee bit of imagination each response you give can actually make the post above it even more interesting.

When replying to a comment I always try to add a bit more background info about the post (where I discovered the item, how I came up with the DIY, etc…). Sharing a thought or two with interested readers guarantees repeat visits, encourages others to contribute and may even lead to a groovy new friendship!

Remember, it’s just as delightful to answer a positive comment as it is to receive it.

Now go forth and respond!

Check out more of my backstage of blogging series and feel free to request a behind-the-scenes topic that you’d like to learn more about in the comments below.

14 Comments

  1. Thank you for writing this post! I post DIYs done by others on my blog and always read through a blogger’s entire post – including comments. You can learn so much more about a DIY by reading the comments – problems others have had with the DIY, questions about products used, possible dangers etc…

    When I see these questions not answered it disturbs me on 2 levels: that the blogger is sidestepping problems with their DIY post and they just simply don’t care enough to answer questions. If I love the DIY I will post it but add additional information of my own. If I see what I consider an arrogance of ignoring comments I will unfollow that blog and never post another DIY from that site (and my site generates lots of clicks to these sites). I mean when no one seems to be commenting on blogs these days – and a blog gets comments? They should do everything to keep the conversation going!

    1. Fabulous points! It never crossed my mind that bloggers might actually be avoiding questions & comments due to a problem with their tutorial/post – thanks for introducing another perspective 😀

  2. Robin says:

    As always a wonderful post! I love to read blogs and I do not comment as often as I should. I am trying to be better about that especially after one of my favorite bloggers died last year. She was young and presumably healthy and it was very unexpected. I had loved her blog but never commented. I felt so disappointed in myself because I really wished I had let her know how much I appreciated her. So, hey Sheri I love your blog! You are funny and so creative and thanks for letting us into your world.

    1. Your comment has given me all kinds of feels Robin…Thank YOU for sharing a peek into your personal thoughts. 🙂

  3. What I’ve noticed is that there are 2 types of bloggers. The ones that see comments as a way to interact with their readers. And the ones that see them as just a remark about the post. Luckily, all the bloggers that I follow do appreciate comments and reply at least to questions posted. But, I do feel that some bloggers could really benefit from interacting more in the comment section. I, for one, LOVE getting comments and answering them 🙂

    1. It’s sad and unfortunate if (some) bloggers see comments only as a remark about the post and don’t feel compelled to answer the questions and notes of acknowledgement & encouragement left on their blog 🙁

      *Your comment replies are an awesome example of how responding actually enhances the post above and can even start an interesting discussion that leads to an entire series of blog posts! 😀

  4. Alice W says:

    People as people, not people as things. Neither blog entries nor readers comments appear by magic, it’s all down to people, and it’s nice when that’s acknowledged and not taken for granted. Which you are particularly cool at!

    1. Thanks very much Alice. Receiving pleasant comments is a definite perk of this fast-paced online world that doesn’t happen nearly as much as it should so I’m genuinely thankful for each & every one I receive (except the ew, of course) and honestly try to give each commentor a response that they can appreciate. 😀

  5. Penny says:

    There are only a few blogs I even comment on now because bloggers either don’t take the time or have been very rude and in a few cases, even though I loved the blog, the rudeness of the blogger has made me unsubscribe to their posts.

    1. I’m with ya Penny, I’ve also stopped following blogs that couldn’t be bothered to respond to my reasonable queries. As both a blogger & reader of blogs I completely understand both sides and honestly cannot get my head around why comments/questions can’t be answered, especially when a blogger has only a couple to reply to. :/

  6. Ha! My pet peeve too! So rude! Another fun and needed post!

    1. Cheers Vanessa, I have loads of ideas for future blogging-pet-peeve posts! 😉

  7. It’s rude but not as in RUDE [reusers of unloved discarded excess] and you have presented this issue in such a fun way. A question [that now i know you will answer ha ha, I was paying attention] is how do you get these moving graphics please? Thanks as always for sharing the joy of life’s little conundrums.

    1. The graphics are called “gifs” & you can simply search for them in google images (for example: “waiting gif”) or create your own online here: http://gifmaker.me/

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