When I talk to other bloggers, I find the topic of comments often comes up, as in "I don't get very many." It's obviously something that matters to bloggers, but why? What I think is that when you publish a post, you are putting yourself out there - sometimes in a very personal way, or a silly way, or a thoughtful way, or whatever. But either way, you're creating something, sharing it, and hoping people read it, get it, like it, think it's funny, appreciate it... and maybe even give you some feedback. And then you wait....
and wait...
and then yay! A comment! And later, another comment! Now you feel like not only were you heard, but you are having a conversation.
The problem is that if you don't get many comments, or your comments fluctuate, you start to wonder too much - "did people not think that was funny/interesting?" "Did they get it?" "Oh, why did I put that out there?"
I have noticed on some blogs that the posts that seem to get the biggest reaction from people are ones in which people really open themselves up in a raw way, like talking about depression or hurt or pain. I've wondered if I could write about something that personal, but I'm pretty sure it's not in me to put something like that on this blog - at least not any time soon. You're much more likely to see more Prancing Leo posts on here than serious talk about pain and anxiety (although too much Prancing Leo could cause pain and anxiety, I suppose)...
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| That time Leo joined my friends and me in Hell, Michigan |
So here's the question I propose to you: How often do you comment on blogs you read? For me, I try to comment on at least 1/5 posts per blog. Or more - but that's just me, I'm not saying you have to comment that often.
And just to show you I'm not begging for comments, but am simply curious about your opinion, I am going to make a poll on the upper left so you don't even have to click on the comment box if you don't want to.
But you can if you want.
13 comments:
Oh, Prancing Leo! I hear thee on the comment front. I don't blog much these days, but it's always so awesome to get comments when I do! I've also gotten out of the habit of blog reading (other than yours and Heather's...I'm getting back into it, though!) and I try to comment on every few posts. I like the idea of it being a conversation! And I know how much comments mean to me, so I try to support others!
I used to get a crapload more comments than I do now. But now I feel no pressure to be funny. I'm going to blog what I'm going to blog. And I don't have time to read tons of blogs anymore. So if people want to comment? They can. If they don't, that's okay too.
Nail on the head. But why do we feel the need to be validated? It's my own personal record. If no one else reads it my world won't come to a halt. I am glad when it's read though.
Is there a like button? Sometimes people just don't have anything to add. But I suppose that is what a follower is. I know when I started reading blogs, I felt pressure to be witty, as if the commentator had to be. Perhaps people would leave more comments if no one but the blogger could read it.
I see it from both sides. My blog is like my family scrapbook in a way so if no one comments I'll live, BUT it also feels like going up and talking to someone who doesn't talk back.
(Which happens to me all the time cuz i'll talk to anyone who will stand still. Poor people.)
I rarely leave comments. I like your posts though! -Prancing Leo
Haha I love this post. It's SO true! I just started a blog (mostly for me, I don't expect anyone to read it) but when I don't get comments, I get sad. When I DO get comments I get so happy! Your comment the other day put me on cloud 9, haha. Why? I don't know, it just feels good! I honestly don't leave comments very often, and I read a lot of blogs. I don't know why, but maybe now I will start leaving more, now that I know how happy it makes me! :)
I am mostly a reader, sometimes a commenter but always an admirer.
An admirer from the distance. ;)
Sometimes I read people's blogs for months and months without ever leaving a comment... just the way it is I suppose. The blogs I do comment on get one between 1 every 5 posts and 1 every 10.
Since I started my running blog, I seem to be really caught up on comments, but my family blog is more for me. But, as a result of gaining followers on my running blog, I am following way more blogs now and I am happy if I can keep up with reading them all, let alone commenting. I have some favs, that I like to comment on and then feel really special when they comment back.
I pee my pants, just a little every time I see Leo.
I try to comment on most blogs I read, even if it's just a "Hey, great to see current pics of you and adevnrues/fam/schooling...etc!" kind of things. you and Kat are the only ones that comment on mine, and sometimes my friend Mellissa, but then my mother's -in-law will say how they love seeing the blog and what not. So who knows what get's people to comment. I know for a fact that if I had a laptop or something that I could get to easier I would comment WAY more on blogs. I just always have to squeeze in 5 minutes of internet time these days.
Wow, 10 comments so far! Comments are weird on blogs. It's like you're "cooler" if you get more comments. I've had to get over that (I try anyway) and just write for the sake or writing!
I love your blog, so keep writing, even though I don't comment all the time.
PS I had to eat a PB&J the other day because of you!
I think it depends on if the blogger will actually respond to the comment in a timely manner. If I don't think there will be any feedback then I'm less inclined to comment.
ps I was really tempted to comment that I had no comment.
I feel like I comment on your blog a lot. Especially since I decided to read every post.
I really wish my blog would get more comments. I have put some very personal info out there and to have people comment helps me to not be so embarrassed and recieve support and maybe to know in some way I'm not alone.
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