Autumn

Autumn

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Policy on Comments

I received an email recently (yesterday) and I've had to give myself a wee bit of time to think about my reply.

The nice person asked me why I haven't commented on their blog of recent. Well, it's kinda simple. I never, when I did take the time to comment, received a reply in return.

Please understand, I'm not a mean person, not trying to tick you off, or tinkle up your rope, not ignoring your blog. I read you daily. Like your work. You're a fine person. But, if I take the time to write a few words during my busy life to compliment you on your article/post, then I expect a reply in kind.

We Southerners are funny people when it comes to etiquette, or as my sweet departed mother would say, nice manners. If you don't believe me, ask my friend, Duke. Even a simple 'thank you' will suffice. Nothing more, just a simple, easy to type - thanks.


Please don't be offended. Like I've said, I like you. I can understand those bloggers that post and receive hundreds of hits per post reluctant to reply, it's work, yet I'd still make the attempt. I'd simply write one reply to all and say, thank you. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives for leaving a comment on my blog, even if I feel my poop doesn't stink.

If you'd take the time to read the comments on my blog you'll find I always, ALWAYS, reply. And, if I've missed one here or there and it's brought to my attention, I'll find it and correct my mistake. Never fear, I will continue to read and visit your nice blog. You are a fine person and your work is worthy.

Sorry, but class tells.

Your friend,

Stephen

21 comments:

  1. Much like my own comments on other people's blogs I figure people will say something(comment) when they have something to say, it doesn't mean they haven't read what I posted. Sometimes there just isn't anything to add.

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  2. Odysseus, same way I see it...the complaint was I hadn't left any comments at the site in months.

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  3. Stephen, I am guilty of failure to reply to comments, when I have nothing to add. But that's no excuse for failure to thank those who did.

    Thank you for all the comments you've left at my site - I really do appreciate the time it takes you to read my scribbling.

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  4. LOL, so it is not just me- of course I am also in the South (Central NC). I figure if the Arch-Druid, who I often disagree with, but is still about 3x more thoughtful than his typical commenter, and gets 100+ comments as a normal course on a post (granted 1 x per week), there doesn't seem much excuse to not acknowledge.

    I generally assume that people who don't respond don't read them.

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  5. Generally, I don't reply to comments on my blog. There are exceptions (a "thanks" for pointing out an error or problem, or a real reply if it seems highly called for), but generally I feel I've had my say, and now it's open for others to have theirs.

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  6. Rev. Paul, you are more than welcome and thank you.

    russell1200, my thoughts too. And, thank you. Nice to have you back.

    The Freeholder, as is your right, kind sir. Thanks.

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  7. I like replying to comments IN my comment section, sort of a conversation (lol). No one comments on my blog much and sometimes it's discouraging, but mostly I figure they just didn't have anything to add to the conversation.

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  8. Herbalpagan, let's see if I can remedy the 'no comments' problem. Be right back. There, you are now among friends. Keep working, post and they will come. It just takes a bit of exposure. Thank you very much.

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  9. I read several blogs that routinely get double digit comments with every post. Generally, I only comment on those posts if there are fewer than 10 comments before mine. Not because I need to be near the top, but simply because there is only SO MUCH can be said and I don't feel it adds anything to rehash again and again. Sometimes you get a lot of comments here and I don't leave one ...again, simply because it's all already been said. But I always read your posts.

    I also try to respond to every comment left on my posts, but that's pretty easy since I rarely push into double digit territory ...even when I do, it's because half of them are MY responses to comments left. I'm small fry.

    : )

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  10. HossBoss, you're a sweet lady, and it isn't required of you to comment on anything I post. I do appreciate any and all comments. Like you, I sometimes will not comment on other blogs if I feel I have nothing more to add to the conversation. But if I do...
    You are good about responding to comments and have a nice blog. I read all you updates. You are from being 'small fry.' Thank you.

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  11. If I'm lucky, in any given day I have an hour to write or work on my photography, with my job, commuting, elderly parent, maintaining a home all by myself and volunteering. If I responded to each and every comment, there would be days there would be no time to post. But I make a real effort to visit the blogs of those who DO comment or drop them an email when they're having a tough time and let them know I care, even if I don't have time to respond to each comment. I think it is very kind of you for the attention and kindness you do show your readers. Don't ever change.

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  12. Brigid, I understand and you have lead by example. You're a sweet lady. Thank you. And, I will will comment when I feel it's worthy of the subject matter. Thank you, very much.

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  13. Sounds like someone needs a hug! ;o)
    I just counted my blog list, I read 32 blogs everyday, but I comment to very few, and I appreciate that you always respond.
    Shar

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  14. Stephen, my life depends on your comments. It validates me as a human. If not, I may go nuts. Even though we haven't met, and you could be a 10 year old kid wanting to dupe dozens of followers, I need you to comment on everything I write. You need to friend me on facebook so you can like all my statuses.

    End sarcasm.

    Man, I felt creepy writing that, like a stalker.

    Anywho, I usually am honored that you comment on my stuff and I try hard to respond. It eats at me if I don't.

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  15. Shar, it wasn't me that needed the hug...remember, I received the email asking why I did not comment. Like I said, a response is just an acknowledgement that someone has taken time to comment on a persons blog. Thanks.

    Mudbug, you are one of kind. Good for you. Thank you.

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  16. I want to add and comment back on the comment from Brigid.
    I do not post everyday because like you said, family and home comes first. Ifen the readers do not understand that then they are probably not meant for your blog anyway.
    Take for instance, I just spent the last hour answering emails. I would rather talk one on one than to talk to a crowd I do not know will read it. I love writing my blog but I love the personal text messages and emails better. So I guess what I am saying is quality time and personal one on one is better than an everyday post, At least in my book it is.

    Stephen, you know how I feel on this topic anyway so I have nothing to add that has not already been said.

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  17. MDR, my friend, I do indeed. Thank you.

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  18. Stephen, like you, i feel it is very important to acknowledge, with a comment back, when someone has taken the time to read a post and then leave a comment. i am always amazed when i put up a dinky little post and get comments from people that i admire and respect. and i try to leave comments on all of the blogs that i follow.

    i really agree that it is about good manners.

    your friend,
    kymber

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  19. kymber, thank you. You've always set the standard.

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  20. Well said my friend, (sorry I had not visited this post sooner, just catching up, I have had a busy week with family etc.) I agree with you totally on this. The way I see it if someone makes a comment to you in person you at least say 'hi' or 'thanks' and the same on a blog. For those who have dozens of comments and little time to reply, at least post at the end and say thanks to all who replied. Like you say no one should feel they have to leave a comment, I don't a lot of the time but I have left well thought out comments on other blogs and when I check back there is no response and sometimes only 2 or 3 comments have have left. I rely on my email to notify me of comments left and that does not always work but I try and stay on top of it.

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  21. Duke, thank you, my friend. I knew you'd agree. Great minds, and all that stuff.

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