To Comment or Not to Comment...
What's your commenting policy? Do you make a comment each time you visit a blog? Or do you read the post and move on? Do you comment only if you feel like you have something interesting to say or if the post was especially thought provoking?
My thinking is this (you knew it was coming, right?) - I comment on every post I visit, even if I don't have anything unique or eloquent to say. One exception to this is when I disagree with the topic on the post and cannot think of anything nice to say - you know, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." The other exception is if I am super busy and want to take a peek at the topic and plan to visit later. I don't always make it back, but I try.
I've always viewed comments as a means to tell the blog author that I was there. I know, there are hit counters and all that good stuff, but they aren't as personal as a comment. There are plenty of times that I've not known what to say, been tired, etc., but I figure that even a brief comment saying hello or that the post made me think helps the author to know I visited and valued their thoughts. I also make it a point to be diplomatic, kind, and tactful with my comments. I'd never make a comment that I wouldn't want to see on my blog.
How About Prioritizing?
How do you manage to get around to all the blogs that you follow? This is a daunting task if you follow a lot of blogs. It can also be a deterrent from making a comment. So many blogs, so little time! I've learned to order my visits, particularly when pressed for time, starting with blogs of specific interest and of those who've commented on my recent posts.
The next stops include the blogs of those who may not come around for all my posts, but visit frequently. Finally, as time allows, I visit new blogs, and of course, the blogs of followers who don't comment. Why? Because I value all my followers and understand that not everyone can get to every blog that they follow. I sometimes feel bad that I've had to set this blog hopping policy. I'd love to stop and visit as many blogs as possible, but in order to stay on task with my writing schedule, I have to set guidelines. Otherwise, I might not be able to call myself a writer. And we can't have that, for then I'd be downright grouchy.
So...
Tell us, what is your commenting policy? Have I missed something important? It's entirely possible. Please share your thoughts. If you have any pointers on how to balance blog visiting, writing, and staying sane, please share them as well!
One Hundred Followers Giveaway!
Here it is, a bit of a giveaway to celebrate my recent milestone of 100 Followers. Thank you all for coming along on this blog adventure with me. I appreciate your support, comments, and faithfulness.
This giveaway includes two books, which will be given to two winners.
Book #1 is Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller.
To read my recent review of this book, click here.
Book #2 is The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen.
Click on the title for my review.
The first name drawn will receive first choice of titles.
To Enter:
- Leave a comment to this post, include your email address like so: karenelange(at)gmail(dot)com. Entries without email address are not eligible.
- Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.
- Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your Facebook page. Please leave a comment telling me so.
- Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a comment with the link.
- This is only open to US residents. For those of you who follow outside the US, I apologize!
- Deadline to enter is noon eastern standard time, Tuesday June 8, 2010. Winner will be announced here, and notified via email, and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
Thanks and blessings to each of you! Have a wonderful weekend:)
Karen
