I came across a blog where the blogger's last post, from 2 months ago, announced the closing of the blog because nobody was commenting. I thought this attitude, while valid, was a little dramatic. If you're upset that no one is commenting on your blog posts, don't make a fuss over it and say, "I'm not blogging anymore! Goodbye, cruel blogosphere!" Just stop blogging. It's the right approach to take.
I know of some writers who complained about not getting any comments on their blogs, where they posted samples of their work or things they were doing. When I commented on their blog, I saw that they did not return the favor by commenting on any of mine.
Gee, maybe this is why they don't get any comments?
The commenting thing works both ways -- in MY opinion. I mean, you comment on my blog and, God willing I miraculously find the time eventually, I will comment on yours. In my opinion, that's the way it should be. But not everybody thinks so....
Still, just because there are no comments, especially over a long period of time, it doesn't mean you should get all upset in your last post. Don't throw a hissy fit and announce, "Screw you guys! I'm not blogging anymore!" You know? Just stop blogging. It looks childish to just say "not blogging anymore because nobody is reading it." (And how do you know no one is reading it, anyway? Sometimes, people don't have anything to say. Sometimes they'll read and not comment. A lack of comments doesn't mean NO ONE is reading it. I mean, I've gotten emails from people commenting on my blog posts, when they didn't leave a comment. That's just as good!)
Myself, I would continue blogging even if I had NO followers and NO commenters (I still love my followers and commenters!). Once upon a time, it used to be that way. I had NO followers and NO commenters! It bugged me (because I was hoping that at least someone in my FAMILY would at least leave a comment -- and for a while, one of my sisters did), but I kept up the blogging, anyway. Because you know what? I like blogging. I like doing the blog thing. It's fun, challenging, a great diversion and a safe outlet to just write...WHATEVER.
Comments or no comments, my heart is still in blogging. And that's got to count for something.
Posts
How to Make Your Characters Memorable
2 days ago
5 comments:
i agree. i only get comments from those who comment me. But its not just a give and take, its a frienship. I wouldnt keep being around a person who didnt talk to me. If all a person did was accept my commentary and nodd her head, I would gradually stop talking to that person.
If people want friends they have to be a friend. If they want comments, they have to give them!
Very easy.
:-)
oops I meant to say I only comment those who comment me. I do sometimes find a new blog and I am easy to put forth the first comment, but if after say, five commetns they dont reciprocate or at least reply to my comments, then usually I just stop commenting because I figure, they dont like me or cant relate or whatever. And thats just fine. I always think its sad though when people truly dont know WHY no one is commenting them. There should be some rules of blogging somewhere that people can read before signing up, you know. If people complain on a blog that no one is commenting I try to gently explain blog etiquette. Sometimes they get it, sometimes they dont. Either way I figure now they know.
Nancy, I know exactly what you mean. It's just a waste of time to constantly comment on a blog when there is NO feedback or a reciprocal comment. I also will comment on a blog I don't normally read, but that's a one-time thing. The blogs I usually read (at right) are the ones I comment on regardless of whether or not the favor is returned. Still, I think it's only polite to at least RESPOND to a comment. I mean, if you take the time to read and comment them, then it's only good manners that THEY take the time to read and reply to your comment. I have a huge amount of respect for people who do that. You know? Who say, "I respond to every comment." (Don't worry; I DO respect you! :) )
I also refuse to waste my time on blogs where my comments get deleted. Seriously, what up with that?? It's just a waste of time if they'll end up deleting my comment anyway.
One has to blog for the right reasons. That being they love to write/blog. I also know of people who get upset about no comments, but they also never comment. You sometimes have to do more than blog to get an audience. You have to remind people of your blog, meet new people, and of course comment. With all the blogs out there, some marketing is involved if you want an audience. If comments are the goal, one may have a ton of work to do. I love reading blogs, and wish I had more time to comment, but usually I don't. My friends, like you Dawn :), are probably quite aware that I read your blog. For some people it becomes an ego thing and not a "I love to write and I have things to share" thing.
Thanks, April. :) You bring up a VERY good point. If someone wants comments on their blogs, then they need to promote that blog the same way an author would need to promote their book. You need to use blog promotional tools like RSS feed and Technorati, post about your blog on blogging forums, include your blog links in the signature of your emails, participate in blog chains, guest blog, etc., etc. There's so much that is available for promoting the blog and a blogger should take advantage of that if they really want those comments. Also, it's important to keep in mind that it can take time to build up an audience. And, yes, of course I totally understand that time is an isue for you as far as reading/commenting goes. :) I love reading YOUR blog, and not just because you're my friend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this. The only "ego thing" for me as far as blogging is concerned is how many posts I'll have on a blog so far. LOL :)
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