If you’ve ever read beyond the last line of a blog post or online article, you have encountered the comment section. We actually have a comment section on this blog here. Yessir. Right at the bottom. Of every post. Every time we put something up.
Sometimes I play a little game right before I hit the “publish”
button on a blog post. It’s called “what is the worst thing someone can say
about this?” I started playing this game after someone anonymously commented
that I was a bad mother and would make a bad wife someday (on a different blog;
different comment section). I find that anticipating the worst makes me
pleasantly surprised when the real comments pop up.
There is only one thing that hurts writers worse than comments containing personal attacks or shots to the ego.
No comment at all.
It’s offensive, really.
Here I am, slaving away on the top ten reasons you should
care about candle wax, listening to “Unwritten” or some other completely cliché
writing song on my iPod, neglecting my screaming children who are likely
murdering each other in the next room -- and all you can do is read my witty tips,
chuckle in agreement and go back to your Facebook Newsfeed.
C’mon people. We can do better than this.
I have to assume that as a blog administrator, I have failed
you when it comes to the comment section. I let you know every time a new post
goes up and I try to get you fired up about the contests that we run. My Google
Analytics report tells me that roughly 200 of you visit this blog on any given
day, even if there is no new content. You know how to find us. You know how to
read us. Yet you do not respond to us.
I realize that the nature of online commenting is generally
negative and that the blog trolls sure have a lot of scathing advice to dish out
from their mothers’ basements. And maybe in soliciting comments I am opening
Pandora’s box for Internet interaction. Be that as it may, I want to hear what
you have to say. It makes me feel vindicated as a writer and as a mother too.
All of you have different life experiences than me and the
other ladies on this blog. I want to learn from them. This beautiful amazing
creation that the kids call the Internet has made it possible for parents to raise
their kids together in cyberspace. So let’s do that. Let’s argue issues, and
agree with others, and encourage each other down the lifelong path that is
parenthood.
And let’s do it on this blog.
Who’s with me?
For those that are on board, here is the right way to leave
a comment:
- Click “comments.” It is at the bottom of the post, located near a little envelope.
- Type your thoughtful, respectful and intelligent comment in the text box that appears.
- Click the option for “Name/URL” underneath the text box when you are finished.
- Type in your name, your screen name or the name of your dog for all I care. You can leave the URL section blank.
- Click "Publish your comment."
- Return to the blog later in the day to see what other fantastic readers have had to say about the same post or if they have responded to your comment.
I hope I have inspired you to leave a comment telling me where
to stick it, at the very least. I look forward to many more insults down the
road. Now for a round of “what’s the worst that someone can say about this post?”
before I make this baby live.
11 comments:
It's true, I read tons and tons of blogs every single day, but never comment. I think this is where the "like" button of Facebook has changed the dynamic of how we interact. I cannot imagine talking to another person and just seeing them "thumbs up" to me and leave. But you're right, that's how it feels. My blog has so many readers; so many view the images I share on Facebook as well. You'd never know, since comments are rare. I actually joined a community of other photographers who share their posts and we all offer comments and feedback to one another. It does seem forced, on one hand, but it has brought me a lot of pleasure. I have thoughts about the posts and I view daily, and it is nice that have a "rule" that I have to share them!
I totally agree!!! I get comments on FB but they are few and far between.
I'm guilty... this is my first time on this site, but I'm on Xanga a lot and never comment... I think a lot of it is the laziness that exists in society. It's much easier to just scroll through, read, and keep scrolling rather than lifting our fingers and clicking to comment. On the flip side though when I post a rare post I get upset if no one comments. I think it's about respect.. I promise to comment more because it's what I should do and show that I respect your writing.
Often I think it's an issue of having enough time. Also, sometimes I like to read an article and then reflect on it throughout my day. I may come up with something interesting to say, but then it's a matter of returning to the original source and actually typing up my thoughts.
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