Comment Monsters

Not long ago, Marianne Arkins mentioned that she didn't like to post a comment if there were already 20+ comments ahead of her.

I get that way too sometimes, but I'll comment even on blogs that have a lot of activity, like Jennifer Shirk's blog or Joanne DeMaio.

My reasons for commenting are varied, but these are the top six.

I like the blogger and I want to show support. What does it take me? 2-3 minutes to read the post and reply? I can afford that if it's someone who has entertained or informed me regularly.

I feel I can add something to the conversation. Ironically, this is also the main reason why I don't comment on heavily trafficked blogs. After 50 or more comments, I probably don't have anything original to add. And since I usually read the comments too, it would take too much time if there were that many replies.

The blogger makes it easy for me to comment. I don't mind typing in security codes or having my comment moderated, but there are a few Wordpress blogs out there that run you through the ringers if you want to see any future comments. I'll comment on a few of them, but it is a bit more of a hassle than other blogs, so I don't bother unless I know I have the time to go through the extra steps.

The blogger makes me feel at home on their blog. This is a biggie for me. I always feel welcomed and appreciated at places like Broken Biro, Marian Perera and Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories. They always respond to my comments and they visit here regularly. I feel loved.

The blog is well written and non-ranty. My teeth hurt when I read a blog full of typos, or the blogger rants like a big baby who lost her rattle. Get over it. No one wants to hear that.
(That's not to say you can't have the occasional rant. I'm talking about people who whine all the time.)

A blog that is clean, to the point, and positive makes me want to comment. I enjoy being there and I want to show my appreciation.

I like it when the blogger asks me a question. It makes me feel like they're interested in my opinion.

Reasons not to comment run the gamut too. Negativity, poor writing and bad manners are my biggest reasons for not commenting.

Also, do you ever notice when there is a back and forth conversation with just one or two other people? Sometimes they talk in code (or maybe tongues) to keep other visitors from knowing the back story or inside joke. It makes me wonder why the blogger made the post public. Go private and don't make your visitors feel so unwelcomed.

There are a few wildly popular blogs where I never leave a comment. The number one reason: The blogger treats his readers like minions. I won't list them, but I'm sure you know who they are. Why do people cater to those alligators? I have never figured that out.

So how about you? What's your number one reason for leaving a comment? What kind of blogs don't deserve a comment in your book?

***
I read and respond to every comment (usually here) but sometimes at your place or through email. If you take the trouble to comment, the least I can do is respond.

Comments

Ted Cross said…
My reasons are mainly the same as yours. I need to support someone who has supported me, or I feel I have something to add to a post.
Renee Miller said…
Only one comment and I really have nothing new to add. I will comment for the same reasons you listed. I don't comment for the same reasons as well. I've noticed some 'minion' blogs. I rarely comment, although I still follow a couple simply because the information is good and I must admit I'm entertained.
Maria Zannini said…
Ted: Support is critical in our business. I have met the best people through this blog and they have helped me in more ways than I can count.
Maria Zannini said…
Renee: LOL!

Well, I can name one more. Interaction. With me living out in the middle of nowhere, sometimes commenting and having comments are the only interactions I have throughout the day.

Ref: minion blogs
It's like being at a nightclub with an insult comedian.
Renee Miller said…
I'm not in the middle of nowhere but I am surrounded by children all day. This is my only form of adult communication most of the time.

Although, some might debate how adult it is at times.

Insult comedians...good comparison. You could consider commenting as a heckler would. That might be fun.
Dru said…
I comment or not comment for the same reason. I do try to comment on the blogs I read on a regular basis, even if it is to say "hi."

I try to make my blog fun or at least interesting.

Have a good Monday.
Maria Zannini said…
Renee:

I think if I were surrounded by children all day, I'd hide on the blogsphere too. LOL.
Maria Zannini said…
Dru: I always like the trivia you include on your blog. The one about mailing children was especially weird.

You always find the most fascinating bits of trivia.
Jennifer Shirk said…
This post made me chuckle because it says what we're all thinking--or at least what I'm thinking! LOL

Like you, if there's a lot of comments, I don't always comment unless I really have something to add or say that's different--or I really feel strongly about a subject.

Sometimes I read posts that don't really encourage or inspire a comment--nothing wrong with that, but that's a reason I won't comment.

And sometimes I comment just to talk because I feel I know the blogger like a friend and feel really comfortable saying whatever. :)
Maria Zannini said…
Jennifer:

Ref: And sometimes I comment just to talk...

I do this! In person, I'm the quiet one. I let Greg do all the talking. But every once in a while (especially on comments) I like to stop in and just chat.
Joanne said…
I often see the comments as a dialogue stemming from the post, and love to join in the Comment talk. It's amazing how they sometimes go off on different tangents too. So it's the talk, the connection with like minded people that keeps me coming back. The one thing that really keeps me from leaving a comment is if the post is too long. Sometimes time is that pressing and I just can't get to it :/
Maria Zannini said…
Joanne:

Ref: long posts
I forgot about that one. This is true. 400-600 words is my usual threshold for reading.
Lydia Kang said…
Hey, I like your list because I agree with pretty much everything you said!
Sometimes the Wordpress blogs really irritate me. But if I really want to comment, nothing stops me.
Nice to meet you!
Maria Zannini said…
Welcome, Lydia. And thanks for joining the Google Friend list. I'll pop over to your blog in a minute.

I've been tempted to switch to Wordpress because it has so many more options than Blogger, but their comment subscriptions are a big hassle.
Marian Perera said…
Aw, thank you Maria. :) But you've helped me out so much. It's the least I can do to make you feel welcome at casa Marian.

There are a few blogs which I read but won't comment on. Mostly because the posts are inflammatory enough that the comments section sometimes becomes a feeding frenzy (the Rejection Queen's blog is a good example).

I'm perversely fascinated by trainwrecks; I just don't want to get involved in them.
Maria Zannini said…
Marian:

You are a sweetheart!

Surprisingly, train wrecks have never interested me. I don't know why.

I don't rubberneck at real car accidents on the road either. LOL. All those years of dealing with Dallas traffic have cured me of both, I think.
Unknown said…
Online, as off, I tend to comment only when it feels like a contribution or "answer" to the author's conversation, topic, question, etc. Occasionally I have too much to say, or my comment ventures into "off topic" territory, so I head to my own blog and link back to the "inspirational" entry.
Maria Zannini said…
Catie:

Ref: Too much to say.

That's a good point! I keep a little notebook for things like that. That's how this post came about. I read things other people have mentioned and it gives me a chance to expand on it.
Marianne Arkins said…
I suppose I should at least say "HI" when I've taken the time to read a post.

I read dozens and dozens of blogs a day -- ironic that you mention Jennifer Shirk's blog. I read her every time she posts, but am absolutely intimidated by the sheer volume of comments she gets, so I seldom chime in (Jennifer, if you're reading ... I'm sorry I don't speak up more! LOL).

It doesn't help that I don't have the time to read daily, so often by the time I show up the place is mobbed -- like your blog now!

RE: responding to comments... I wonder if folks prefer having responses on the blog proper or being emailed. I tend to respond via email because it's easier, but now I wonder if other people think I just ignore comments ... Hmmm....

Plus, I often feel as though I ramble (much like I do on my blog), so ... it's all just "blah, blah" like the adults on a Charlie Brown special.
Maria Zannini said…
Marianne: I usually set aside a little time in the morning and a little at night.

If I come in during the day from digging ditches (like today), I'll take a few minutes to answer comments or read posts while I'm cooling off.

Blogs relax me. It's my reward when I've done hard labor, or my escape when I can't seem to nail something in my wip.

Ref: rambling
LOL. I call it part of your blog's charm.
India Drummond said…
I've been having the worst time lately keeping up on the blogs. I want to leave comments for everyone that visits, but I find it overwhelming sometimes! I do try though, even if I can't visit and reply on every post.
Maria Zannini said…
India: We do what we can. I don't comment on ever post. Just the ones that compel me to write in.
Anonymous said…
After 20 comments, I don't have anything new to add. ^_^ But I do like to show support.
Maria Zannini said…
Barbara: And don't think I don't appreciate it! :o)
broken biro said…
Hi Maria! I HAVE to comment this time - even if only to say a big thankyou for mentioning my blog in your post *blushes*... I'd have hoovered a bit if if I'd known you were sending these lovely folks over!!

I don't comment a lot for all of the above reasons and because I don't want to be a bore. I'm the opposite of some people here - quite chatty in real life, but only commenting when I can add something to the conversation. I'll comment more on yours now I know how you feel! 8-)
Jackie said…
Maria , now you have inspired me to come by and comment today. I love your thinking posts, they are what brought me by your blog in the first place! (of course have quite a good time reading all of your posts but usually that is as far as it gets, my bad)

Thanks so much for the shout out to mine, you are very welcome there anytime. It is very nice to find someone who is down to earth and has the same type of eclectic taste as myself. My number one reason for leaving a comment is just that, when the blogger is original, unassuming and down to earth how can I not comment?
The kind of blogs that I read at times and never ever comment on are the ones where every post is a controversial one. Like Marian Perera not much into getting involved in these "trainwrecks"!

jackie b central texas
Maria Zannini said…
Brokenbiro: You're a riot! I never know what to expect at your blog. It always feels like a surprise party. :o)
Maria Zannini said…
Jackie: I've never liked controversial blogs. Methinks most of them do it for the drama.

Ref: thinking posts

ROTFL. I don't know that anyone has ever mentioned 'me' and 'thinking' in the same sentence.

Thanks, sweetie!
Jackie said…
Okay, you do not think when you post. You make me think when I read the post, how is that?

BTW, can you smell something burning way over your way? I think maybe my "thinking cap" is on fire!!!!

jackie b central texas
fairyhedgehog said…
I don't like to comment when I haven't read all the other comments, but 20+ is too many! So I'll just join in this once to say "lovely blog"! I'm glad I got sent here by Maria on Flights of Fantasy.
Maria Zannini said…
I'm glad you're here, fairyhedgehog. Welcome!
Terri Coop said…
Hi Maria!

::waves::

Great post! I am always on the look out for fun new blogs on a variety of subjects. I like to comment when I am made to feel welcome. Some blogs seem to much like insular little clubs.

There is one blog that is a favorite, but she is drowning in her own popularity. A few big blogs picked up on her and she went freaking viral, gaining about a thousand followers a week for a couple of months.

She went from posting nearly daily to 2-3 times per month and admits that success has nearly paralyzed her.

As for comments, her last post got over 200 comments in less than two hours. I will admit, the comments are funnier than some people's blogs!

Just wanted to stop by and say hi!

Terri
whyifearclowns.com
Maria Zannini said…
Hi Terri!

Ref: ...200 comments in less than two hours.

Holy cow! That would probably intimidate me. Fortunately, there's little risk of that happening here. LOL.

I don't think chickens and plucky authors go viral much.
Ok, you've given me a lot of new blogs to check out.

Time is my biggest enemy when it comes to commenting on blogs. I need to be better at following links of people who comment on my blogs and commenting there as well. I seem to have a different comment crowd than I did at Fantasy Debut.

And I hope my wordpress blog isn't one that puts you through hoops! I've tried to make mine as hoop-free as possible.
Maria Zannini said…
Tia:

Ref: time
I think that's why blogs/comments are the easiest for me to handle. I generally read and comment in small snatches of time. I pop in, read a few, comment then go back to work.

Ref: Wordpress
I don't think I've ever had any problem with your set up. I don't know what makes it different, but a few Wordpress blogs make you subscribe. The links aren't active and I have to copy and paste to get it to work. It's a real pain.

But yours never put me threw those hoops. (thank you!)