Frank, Thanks for coming to the party... and for not just sitting in a corner! I really like that analogy! I think that when someone (like Danny) is able to create the right environment, a blog really does become a party of sorts and conversation happens as naturally as it would around a punch bowl .. or Keg ;) ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byonDisqus

Nothing wrong with using the net to research a topic.. but when I go to a blog, I'm expecting to have a conversation.
When it's not allowed, or the silly default account login on some blog systems , I have to wonder what the blogger expects...
In this age where everyone has the ability to spread and amplify your good message, why would anyone try for a centralized control in dispensing information?
:) ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byWarren Whitlock onDisqus

I comment because it's the right thing to do in this space - in my opinion. If this is truly a social space and we are all trying to be social people then NOT leaving comments would be like going to a party and not talking to anyone. We wouldn't do that would we?
http://twitter.com/franswaa... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byfrank barry onDisqus

That's an interesting point, Warren. I guess you could spin it around a little and take it from another approach. I've read blogs that I would have loved to have commented on, but then it's a closed comments system that's in place, or you have to register to comment (neither of which I'm a fan off).
If you're a reader and that frustrates, maybe it's reason to be more grateful where there is an open comment policy, and share your thoughts where they're appreciated?
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views, Warren, appreciated. ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byDanny Brown onDisqus

I say that if you have time to read a post, you have time to comment.
Granted, there are post that aren't worth commenting.. and their are some that I just come up blank on... but my advise is an answer to authors and bloggers I consult who think they don't have time to comment.
We are in an attention economy.. when you pay attention, you are giving value to the post. A comment let's the blogger and others know you cared enough to read the post and then think for more than a second on it's content.
NO RULES is usually my policy. Comment or not, it's up to you... but if it's a time commitment you are worried about, maybe you can read a few less to comment more. ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byWarren Whitlock onDisqus

Why Would You Bother to Comment? http://ff.im/-7pGB4

11 months ago byfranswaa onTwitter

RT @franswaa Why Would You Bother to Comment? http://ff.im/-7pGB4 .. I say if you ahve time to read, you have time to comment

11 months ago byWarrenWhitlock onTwitter

Why Would You Bother to Comment? via @prsarahevans http://ow.ly/nmYq

11 months ago byadhigoen onTwitter

RT @tweetmeme Why Would You Bother to Comment? | danny brown http://bit.ly/EvU0g

11 months ago byshady onTwitter

Thanks Valerie,
I think our blogs form the backbone of our social media activity, they're sort of our home base. So if we comment on the blog itself, we know that gets maintained as part of the historical archive, something that will be seen both when the post is new and by people who stumble upon it three years later via search. While our Tweets aren't lost forever, esp. on blogs that capture them with comments, they do tend to be more ephemeral. So that is one of the reasons I like to comment then Tweet.
This is also helpful if part of our commenting strategy is meant to build readership and drive traffic to our own blogs. That hasn't really been discussed here, but I think most of us know that commenting on related blogs is a way to build traffic to our own. If we leave a useful comment, some readers will click through to our own sites to see what other ideas we may have. If we only comment via Twitter, Facebook, Friendfeed, etc. we don't reap that benefit. ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago bycool onDisqus

Danny,
I am just as guilty as most. I write (almost) every day and hope what I publish and share resonates with others. We can all watch our analytics but a wonderful way to decipher feedback is through a conversation - via comments, email, phone, twitter or various other social networking sites.
We are only human, we like to be verified and noticed and we like to find out how we help others. And we can't read minds. But as many here have mentioned, substance is as important as numbers - and many simply enjoy the piece and have nothing to add.
Are "comments" a badge of honor or quantifiable data to shape future posts? Is this about rank and numbers or sharing and exchanging valuable information?
When was the last time you called a radio station or television network or newspaper or retailer to let them know you enjoyed the experience?
@knealemann ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byonDisqus

@dannybrown with thoughts on blog comments, community and contribution. (Yes, I need to do more!) http://bit.ly/BygRK

11 months ago byknealemann onTwitter

Thanks to all who explained why they do (& don't) comment on blogs! http://bit.ly/BygRK (my guest post @dannybrown 's) Any other thoughts?

11 months ago byValerieSimon onTwitter

Passion for the subject matter (separate from controversey) is certainly an important reason that people are compelled to comment. Very good point. I also like the way you comment and then tweet--Note to Danny-Conversation stays on the blog- Twitter & FB, simply extend the reach ;)
Thanks for taking the time to share. Am off to read Josh's article (and your comments) The title certainly sounds interesting! ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byonDisqus

I left a comment a few minutes ago on Copyblogger's article, "Blogging Is A Dialect: Do You Speak It?" by Josh Hanagarne, which I then shared on my Facebook page.
In that case, I commented because it's an important topic. I've written several blog entries about the need to write clearly, because so many bloggers prefer to obfuscate their messages with business jargon. So I was commenting to support a cause and add my take on why the topic is important.
In other cases I might comment because the writer has asked a question (like now) or because the post made me think of an example or other point that might further the discussion. I'll also often try to comment before sharing a link on Facebook or Twitter, so that people who follow the link will see more than 140 characters on why I thought it was important. I don't always do that. Sometimes there's nothing more to say and I don't want to force a comment for the sake of commenting. But if a post has left room for additional thoughts and one comes to mind, then my fingers may start typing of their own accord. ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago bycool onDisqus

Interesting points and questions on this guest post about inciting comments from @valeriesimon on @dannybrown 's blog http://is.gd/2Ear7

11 months ago byrachelakay onTwitter

Commented on @valeriesimon's guest post @dannybrown's blog-Why Would You Both to Comment hmm.... :) http://is.gd/2Ear7

11 months ago byPRCog onTwitter

From comparing the individual posts cited there seems to be a noticeable trend where the posts that seek input get it, while those that are just providing a platform for the author's commentary get fewer , or at the very least really need something motivating to get the reader to comment.
Where a comment request can result in a 'top picks' (e.g. What are the top restaurants in Gotham) there is likely also a correlation to more 'me too' type comments since the author is seeking input for what will be a short list and 8 endorsements carries more weight than 2. On the flip side, one merely seeking various opinions may not elicit duplicate responses due to the 'Well it's already been said' attitude (not a wrong perspective to take).
All this boils down to why/how do you use your blog? Is it merely a soapbox for the author to offer their opinion or is it being used as an interactive forum? I primarily use mine as a platform and so usually have pretty few comments. For the interactivity I go to my twitter stream, see the various opinions, reflect then post...rarely requesting comment. I may try that in an upcoming post to see if there's a statistical difference.
All of that being said -- my most 'commented' blog post was one that didn't come close to requesting comment, it was purely my own opinion on something, but certainly on a hot topic.
As a side note -- I know when I consider posting a comment, I do get intimidated by the number of comments that have already been left. Frequently it would be a significant time-suck to read them all, but I do feel obligated to where I want to avoid being repetitive or not acknowledging a similar opinion that had already been left by a previous commenter. ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byPRCog onDisqus

RT @DannyBrown Why Would You Bother to Comment? | danny brown http://bit.ly/EvU0g

11 months ago bygacconsultants onTwitter

140, Yes (8 character reply)

11 months ago byonDisqus

I agree that the post needs to be one that prompts discussion... and you have been doing a fabulous job with that on http://futureforwardpr.posterous.com ! Some great conversation starters I will continue to study and learn from ;) ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byonDisqus

Thanks Sarah! Really excited to be included. In the last year I have begun paying far closer attention to the comments and am understanding more and more how a blog can really be used to ignite a true discussion, debates and as Danny said, take the original post to a whole new level. I am fascinated with how social media leaders like Danny, Chris Brogan, yourself and others can create these virtual parties! I have really been enjoying commentz- some great picks. My main reason for not commenting on each? Time. ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byonDisqus

Wow. Valerie, you have definitely touched on a subject that is obviously important to many of us! So compliments to you on that.
To answer your questions as to what prompts me to comment on a blog , it's all about the community I'm engaged in. If I'm familiar with a blogger, or if I have been recommended by someone I know to read a post, then by all means, I'll take a look at it, and if the post interests me, is provocative and causes me to think, or touches on a subject that I think I can add some value to (such as when Lauren Fernandez discussed the SEC's new social media regulations at sporting events, and since I spent two years working in college athletics PR, I felt I had some insight to offer), then I will write away with a comment.
Someone doesn't necessarily even need to ask a question in a post ... I just like to see some value added. The posts that I don't comment on are the ones that read like a tome to me. "I did this," "I got this award." That's great, but it doesn't interest me to add any value back to that commentary.
Hope that helps!
Keith Trivitt
@KeithTrivitt ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byKeith Trivitt onDisqus

thanks I can not believe that I posted a comment and did not even realize my own blogs process , thanks , you have made my day really , the free exchange of information

11 months ago byRory Beckwith onDisqus

I think a lot of it comes down to time. It takes a lot of time to respond to each comment - I do it during my lunch break. But it's all about environment - be inviting and they shall come. You're exactly right. :) ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byonDisqus

I've found that the interest has ramped up since I started doing blog posts - it honestly, though, depends on the topic. Sometimes it's a hit, sometimes it's not. As long as I like it, I'm fine with whatever someone gets out of it. :) ... See all content Hide content

11 months ago byonDisqus