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.
Comments
Teresa
A genuinely written comment generally speaks for itself, just like yours in this case. These tips simply laid out general etiquette that we all should follow while commenting. Thanks for your vote!
P
What an excellent hub, princesswithapen. I love reading others hubs and making positive comments. In fact, I try to do it quite frequently. Still, your hub has helped me. I will keep these tips in mind and try to be better at commenting on other hubs.
Absolutely love your use of the word "netizen." Believe it or not, I have never heard it used before. Maybe it is common internet language, but the again, it might be another princesswithapen original.
Great hub that I voted up, useful, and awesome.
Useful and well -laid out suggestions..and you used all your own suggestions in your actual Hub. Nice. :)
Husky
The people you follow are lucky to have you as an ardent follower. Simply because you tick all possible boxes of knowing how to comment, and a lot more! Your comments always add value to a hub.
Netizen, in fact, is a widely used term. It relates to an individual who is a part of an online community, much like ours.
P
Hi phdast7
I'm glad you liked these tips. Personally, reading comments is an immense source of motivation because feedback is the fuel that helps me keep going.
Thanks!
P
You can change the title to more specific like "advantages of blog comments". Good hub to read
Hi arunii
I don't think advantages is appropriate because there are really no benefits of blog comments that have been pointed out here. Although the idea of making it more specific does sound nice.
I'm glad you liked this hub!
P
Great tips for all bloggers! Many of these tips are appropriate on HubPages as well. I will share this resource with fellow bloggers.
Hi randomcreative
Most of these tips applies to commenting on HubPages too. However most hubbers don't seem to have much problems following these tips while commenting on other hubs. I've generally found that all hubbers leave warm and engaging comments.
I'm glad you liked these tips and thanks for sharing!
P
Very interesting,very well presented with great information.
A definite up up and away on here.
Eiddwen.
Eiddwen
I'm glad you liked this. I appreciate your comment!
P
PwP,
you said *sniff* i was borderline rude *sniff*
i gotta go dry my eyes...
:(
TH
TH
Your blogs and your comments can often leave readers confused and pondering "Is this guy being funny or is this guy out of his mind?" It is this very roller coaster ride because of which I recommended your hubs to others by leaving you a fan mail. It was a compliment which I'm sure you appreciate.
PwP,
if i only had the answer to your question... well enjoy the ride please heep hands and feet inside the car at all times secure all loose items or please give them to an attendant have a nice day at 6 flags
TH
Congratulations on hitting a 100 hubs by the way. What an achievement! =)
Some great tips here and 'netizen' is an awesome word.
Keep writing!
Hi Natalie
Thanks heaps! 100 hubs seemed to be a distant target when I first joined HubPages. Lucky writing is what I like doing and I do it for a living. On an easy to publish platform like HubPages, 100 hubs did not take too long.
I'm glad you liked these tips. With support and encouragement from comments like yours, I will definitely keep writing.
Princesswithapen
PWP,
P.s. i am usually trying to be funny Yet i am also insane....SSsoOOOoooIts kinda hard to run from who i am and who I can be
TH
Have a Jolly Day
TH
I'm sure all bloggers would love to have funny and jolly comments on their blogs. Being funny and bringing a smile to people's faces has never gone out of vogue. Keep it up.
Princesswithapen
Teresa Coppens 7 months ago
Interesting and insightful comments on their own. I've not quite thought of my comments in that way although if possibly I've tried to put in a personal connection. Thanks for this hub. I will keep these pointers in mind for future comments. Voted up princesswithapen!