Leaving Comments – Some Dos and Don’ts
24 March 2009
15 Comments
Commenting is like leaving your calling card at someone’s blog. Many times, it is your chance to make a first impression. And remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Here are some general things you should and should not do when commenting:
- Do keep your comments thoughtful. If you are going to comment, make sure that you actually read the post first. Don’t leave just a two-word “great post” or similar comment.
- Don’t leave spam comments. A spam comment is when you just troll for people to come visit your blog. Spam comments look something like this. “Love your blog. You should come visit my blog and enter my giveaway or read my newest posts.” However, if you’ve written a similar post that you think the blog’s author would enjoy, do feel free to let them know about it and include a link.
- Do remember that comments are public. Don’t say something in a comment that you wouldn’t want others to read.
- Do act like an adult. Differing opinions are wonderful and most blogs can benefit from a little healthy debate. But be respectful. Don’t attack the writer, use inappropriate language, or insult other commenters.
- Don’t share personal information. If you know the blogger personally and they keep their blog somewhat incognito, don’t mention real names or locations without permission first. Do remember to respect the privacy of the blogger.
- Don’t take it personally if your comment gets deleted. A blogger has a right to do what they want on their own blog. If you really have something important to share or to add to the conversation, do go ahead and try again with a re-written comment.
Do you stick to any certain personal rules when commenting? Have you ever commented just to “get credit” for the comment? How do you feel when you receive comments like that?
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.
I have been commenting like crazy during the Ultimate Blog Party from 5 Minutes for Mom. I wanted to let people know that I had stopped by.
I do agree that comments should be thoughtful and related to the blog.
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[...] I’ve had a great time this week visiting new blogs through 5 Minutes for Mom’s Ultimate Blog Party. I’ve received many comments on my party post and taken time to comment on many other blogs as well. Mom’s Blog Resource has a great post on Leaving Comments – Some Dos and Don’ts . [...]
I really appreciate this post. I hope many see this and take it in.
Blessings
-Mary
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I do try to be relevant and meaningful when I comment. Sometimes, however, I don’t really have anything to add, but still want to let the blogger know I appreciated the post, so occasionally I will leave a generic comment. I prefer not to, if possible, because I know I like the “meatier” comments on my own blog.
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Please add, “If you are a parent of a blogger, don’t end every comment with ‘Love, Mom’”! Just had a little talk with my mom about this.
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Totally agree! I really dislike those people that just copy and paste one comment on several blogs without reading anything..
Most of the things you mentioned are supposed to be common sense, yet not so logical for everyone. I guess a little bloggiquette lesson goes a long way!
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Great post! Wish we could make this mandatory reading for new bloggers.
I do sometimes add a link back to a specific post of mine IF the post I’m reading is a part of a meme. Something like “My WFMW tip links up to a coupon for free reusable tote bag, good today only. “. But I ONLY add that at the end of my otherwise related comment. I have multiple blogs, and I know I get frustrated if I click on someone’s profile and then have to visit all their blogs to figure out where their related post is hiding. So, I feel like it’s ok that I provide a direct link. Maybe not…
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I love getting comments on my blog but I also love that I am able to delete any that I wish to. I ty to comment on many blogs that I visit since I like when others do the same for me.
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Great tips! I’ve been wondering about commenting – so often I comment with a quick story where I faced a situation similar to whatever happened in the post. Is that a no-no?? I’m really curious what other bloggers think about this…
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I love your dos and don’t list I love to comment on others blogs and to receive comments as well
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What a fun WFMW post idea! I agree totally. It’s annoying to be excited about a comment, only to see “great post” or something to that effect. I agree also about not attacking the blogger. I have posted about a controversial reality show and about political topics, and it amazes me what rude comments people leave. Hey – it’s my blog, and my opinions will be there
I figure if a commenter wants to strenuously disagree, they can start their own blog.
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yes all great tips. i sure do hate spam comments, even though most are blocked still annoying!
if i dont agree on something I usually just dont leave a comment, works best for me to hold my tongue!
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[...] to advertise your blog alone. Add links to your blog in your comments. But remember to keep these Commenting Do’s and Don’ts in [...]
I love getting comments because that is really the only way that you know someone was there. I mean, sure you can check your stats, but most don’t.
I like to leave comments on blogs because I want people to know that I read their post and I like their blog. I want to encourage them…but sometimes it is hard to come up with someone meaningful and cool that doesn’t sound generic and boring. Because sometimes I only get 15 minutes on the computer and I have a lot of blogs to read.
I’m always amazed when I see bloggers with 20+ comments. I get excited over 5. I obviously have a long way to go.
Thanks for the tips,
Karin
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Great Tips!! I think this post was one of the most helpful one!!
Thank you very much!
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