Blogger tells me that the Adventures of Travel Penguin has posted a little over 29,000 comments. Far from as many as some of my daily reads that receive that many in a year, but an impressive number considering that when I started this I considered a success if anyone read.
I enjoy interacting with comments. If a comment is posted within a day or two of a post being published, I probably respond to it. If the post is more than a week old when the comment is posted, I may never see it. Sorry, I look at the posts for comments, and only look at the comments summary if I think there is a problem, and then I only go back a week or so. A couple of friends tend to comment on a week's worth of posts all at once, that will trigger me looking deeper. If you want to gain readers, comment on other people's blogs, and respond to the comments on your blog. It does make a difference.
Rarely will there be a comment on Travel that I don't respond to if I see it. Once in a while there will be a comment, that I can't respond to politely, or that leaves me totally blanking on what to say, and I will let it pass.
Spam comments tend to run in cycles. I try to report and delete them. One piece of advice to first time commentators, a comment urging me to reader your blog, is automatically classified as junk. Leave a comment that is relevant to the content of the post, and I will check your bio and link to your blog. If you urge me to read your blog, your name goes on the naughty list.
A few months ago Blogger updated their spam filter, and I was checking the comments folder daily, and releasing friends from comment jail. That has resolved itself. Until the next update on thier filter.
I comment on about half of the blog posts that I read. There are a few that I always comment, some that I comment on if I have something to say, some that I almost never comment on. If I can't think of anything kind or supportive to say, I will not comment. Often my comments are a summary or reaction to the content of the post. Those comments reveal a lot about how my brain processes information. I find myself leaving more incomplete sentences, or comments without any punctuation in them. Those are a flow of consciousness response. Probably best to view them as me, nodding and saying "I see" to what has been said.
I try not to comment on posts that I find ageist, ableist, sexist, or racist. Again, if I don't have anything positive to say, I chose to remain silent. Over the years I have dropped a few blogs from my daily read because of the prevailing prejudice or political extremist views. Not many, I can think of a couple.
Comments are what make blogging interactive. Using them adds a layer of connection that I enjoy. I eagerly check for comments. Please keep leaving them.
As you know, I’ve stopped following a blog or two when I found what was written offensive to my own beliefs. I don’t always go quietly; I worry the writer (or other readers) will think I agree if I don't say something. But if the reply doesn't change how I feel or if there is no reply, I then just walk away. I do still follow politely some bloggers who offend my sensitivities with their generalizations when I know they're usually well meaning. I could probably be a bit more open in those situations.
ReplyDeleteSome of us learn from those comments pointing out the "stinking thinking" (quoting my late brother in law.) I hope I have grown and broadened my thinking and kindness over the years.
DeleteYou've got nothing to worry about.
DeleteWhat I found funny was that I check my spam folder quite often for comments that aren't spam and lately I've found a few response of MINE to other comments have been labeled spam.
ReplyDeleteMY comments on MY blog? Spam? How dare they!
At times one of my devices, refuses to let me comment on my blog.
DeleteI always try to leave a comment when I read someone's post. It's nice to know someone is reading your stuff.
ReplyDeleteI often post the first thing that comes my mind, unless that thought is rude.
DeleteI read only a handful of blogs, yours being one of them. I don't comment every time because (strange as it sounds) I can't think of anything to say. This is getting worse as I age and become more decrepit. I enjoy your blog because I learn stuff (somethings I don't understand but it's all good). I learned that the term is commentator instead of commenter. Sounds important, heh.
ReplyDeleteWe always love your comments! Take care of yourself.
DeleteI delete those comments asking me to look at someones site too and I also delete the ones that have links in them.
ReplyDeleteMost of them are trying to sell something. I had a bunch trying to sell moving services in Asia, why would they think that would be of interest to my readers?
DeletePlease read my blog is rather pathetic, when it is not spam. Over the past few months I've observed a blogger become involved in the blogging community from scratch to success in such a short time. How? His content is good, based on daily photos without many words, but more so by commenting. I dislike people who drop a comment once or twice to entice you to read their blog. For quite personal blogs, a relationship needs to be built. I have much more to say, but this is a comment.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you comment will precipitate a post.
DeleteI feel lucky. I seem to get comment from great bloggers. Hopefully once I retire or my hours decrease. I can comment. But I use to take Sunday and do a blog posts from comments. Maybe I will do one tomorrow on the 8th.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
I am surprised by the time I spend on this,
DeleteNow you had my go look to see what my comment count was at and was shocked!!! People who blog and read blogs anymore seem to be attracted to blogs where the author replies back, which is rather nice. I noticed the blogs that don't reply back seem to be falling off.
ReplyDeleteI have found many great bloggs, by reading comments and looking to see who commented. I found you through comments on the great Anne Marie
Delete