Blog comments - Things to remember before you leave a comment on a blog or article
Blog comments are your tool to interact with the blogger, leave feedback and show your appreciation for the writer's work. Comments on blogs also show that the blogger has a following and can engage readers with his/her work. Here are things that you should know before you post a comment on a blog. Be a good netizen!
1) Leave comments that will add value
One of the first things that all bloggers and online writers should keep in mind before even attempting leaving a blog comment is to think "How is my comment going to add value?" A well thought comments can literally change the face of a blog or an article. Whether it is your insight, expertise or knowledge, use it to enhance the value of the blog.
2) Give honest feedback
A blogger has a comment box on his blog for a reason. Your comment is a helpful tool for the blogger to receive feedback, whether it is good or bad. Really, there is no point praising the writer for a poorly written blog just, or demeaning the writer for a well written blog. Your honest feedback on a blog is vital because the writer can take tips from the suggestions you leave and incorporate them in their next write-up.
3) Mentioning a personal experience
Writers and authors love it when they get blog comments which describe a personal experience related to the topic of the blog or article. Do you know why? Because as a writer, it gives immense pleasure to know that others can relate to your work. So if you can add warmth by leaving a comment on a blog, surely the author will say "feel most welcome to do so"
4) Disagree but don't offend
We are all entitled to our own views in life and it is generally ok to disagree with the views of a blogger. If you must show this disagreement in the form of a blog comment, feel free to do so but do it in a subtle manner. Don't leave a comment that may offend the author of the blog because they would have put in a lot of sweat, blood and effort to publish it in the first place. Try understanding why the blogger has written what he/she has written. Try reading the blog from their point of view. If that does not help, why not leave a blog comment that probes deeper into the subject by asking the author for his/her to further elaborate, rather than going in all swords drawn?
5) Compliment a well written blog
If you've been a blogger or an online writer, you'd already know how great it feels when others appreciate your blogs. Keep this in mind and genuinely compliment a well written blog. Appreciation, in the form of a blog comment is extremely motivating and inspiring for any blogger or a writer.
6) Don't promote your own blog or website
You may have come across blog comments that say "Hey your blog is great. You should read mine too" This is generally not suggested because you are making a direct attempt at promoting your blogs on someone else's blogs. This includes leaving links to your blog in your comment. Many bloggers find such blog comments rude. If you really want them to check out your blogs and articles, leave an insightful and meaningful comment. The readers will automatically look you up thinking "That's a nice comment. I wonder what they blog about?"
7) Be human
Confused? Many of us have the habit of writing in an extremely formal tone to make sure that we don't say the wrong thing. Well, that's acceptable because you may want to maintain professionalism in your writing work. But do you really need to carry this notion across in your comments on others' blogs too? Remember to engage in a blog comment like a human and add warmth to your tone. For all you know, your flat and one liner blog comments may be mistaken for a botting software that randomly leaves comments on blogs.
8) Proofread your blog comment
Proofreading your blog comment is an etiquette that most readers follow. Would you like to read a blog post that is full of errors? No you wouldn't. And that is exactly why others won't like to read your blog comment that has spelling or grammatical errors. It only takes seconds to give your comment a quick proofread. Do it.