Monday, July 23, 2007

What is the purpose of comments on blogs?

I read about this upcoming discussion that will be held at Days To Come about the purpose of comments on blogs (here's the link). I thought I'd put my 2 cents down. Actually it's probably gonna be less than that (maybe half a cent)....simply because this makes me feel guilty. Why? Because I am not a good commenter...and I am not proud of that.

You see, I love visiting other people's blog, especially the blogs on my sidebar. But I do not leave comments as much as I should. And if I do, it's usually about one or two sentences. Maybe, just maybe, because in real life I am not a very good conversant too, that I am not a good commenter too.

Come to think of it, it seems related isn't it? I mean I believe the purpose of comments on blogs is to foster "conversation". I have seen some blogs wherein there is a continuation of discussion through comments. Unfortunately, that does not happen to my blog because I am too lazy to reply back to the comments made. Ideally, I should be replying to the replies. That would be better. But no...I am just too lazy to do that. OK, maybe I just really don't have enough time. Nah, maybe it's a combination.

To be honest, there are times when I "envy" the blogs with tons of comments. But when I think about it - if I don't comment as much, why should I expect comments back?

One observation I have is that if a blogger have "real friends" who blog, chances are they get more comments because they comment on each others blog. Agree? Now that puts me in a disadvantage in terms of receiving comments because I do not have "friends in person" who blog unless they blog in secret :) (Hey Karen J, do you have a secret blog that I do not know of - wink! wink!).

But then again, maybe it's just personality. Some people likes to typein their comments, some don't.... and that's ok.

To wrap this up, I think comments are good and I wish I get more comments than I presently get. But then again, I should also try to leave comments on blogs that I visit. You know.. it's kind a like "love begets love", therefore "comments begets comments".

Now, let's see who would comment on this ;)

22 comments:

raqgold said...

i wont comment :-)

Jeana said...

Hey, Liza! Thanks for participating! I think the "comments begats comments" thinking is very accurate. And also I have made many blogging friends who became "real" friends through commenting on each other's blogs. On the other hand, while I comment here and there, I certainly don't comment on every post I read and don't think you should feel obligated to. Thanks again!

Anonymous said...

Hey there! It's nice to meet another blogger.
I found you because you commented on my blog! So it really does work then eh? Let's join hands and spread the love!!! Thanks for all of your comments. I like your blog and am adding it to my roll!

Andrea Frazer said...

I have tried to worry less about comments and just write to stay fresh. But it's always nice to hear from people - I won't lie!

the lizness said...

I agree that comments beget comments, but I don't feel obligated to comment on every blog I read, every time. I do like to respond to my comments though, and I usually do that through email.

and it's nice to meet you! through Jeana's commenting post, no less!

JMom said...

I don't always comment on blogs that I read either and I do read quite a few blogs a day. Just too lazy or just can't think of anything to say. Sometimes though, I find the neatest blogs because they left a comment on mine.

Anonymous said...

When I first started blogging , I did it for the main purpose of writing down my thoughts with the hope of one day reading it again. Just to have something to look back on and remember what I was doing, what I was thinking and how I have changed through the years. And then came the comments.
It's a nice feeling to get comments on your blog. It makes you feel validated about your presence in the web.
I feel guilty that I do not always leave comments on other people's blogs, feel sad when my entry did not get any comments, feel a tad bit envious of other peoples blogs who gets a lot of comments. But then we continue blogging. And life goes on.

Kristen said...

Ugggh!!!! Everytime I leave a long comment on somebody's blog, it doesn't go through. I think that just happened...

Anyway, what I said was, I don't always comment on blogs either. Sometimes I'll read a few posts, then to let the person know that I'm reading, I'll leave a comment. I just don't always have something to say.

I also have thought about "getting comments". I happen to have a friend (Wendy) who gets A LOT of comments. I think most women do that...compare themselves to other women. So, I try not to do that, and comment when I want to, and enjoy getting comments from other people!

Kristen said...

Umm..hello...I was just looking down, and I saw how you get comments...you give away a CD! Wow! You have 93 comments. Dang, now I know what I need to do!

Brandie said...

I'll comment =)
I love getting them. And I love giving them. I give a LOT more than I get, and sometimes it's kind of sad, but mostly I'm okay with it.
Like you, I don't think I know anyone IRL who blogs - which is strange since I like to assume everyone blogs and yet I know very people who actually do!
Oh well. Maybe if you comment more, you'll make more bloggy friends. But maybe not! I don't know ... I've made a few friends through my blog and I think that is pretty darn neat.
Anyway, it was nice to come and "visit" and I hope you have a nice day =)

4K said...

I could so relate to your write-up...same here. Feels good to know we share the same sentiments. :)

Anonymous said...

I am exactly the same way! So here's a comment for you. Care to come leave a comment on mine? ;)


Blessings
Janne

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

I'm guilty of not commenting at times and other times I write lots of comments. It all depends on how much time I have at the moment or how chatty I'm feeling at the time. lol!

Jen E said...

I don't always comment either. Sometimes it's because I'm at work sneaking around on the blogs and don't have time. Other times I just don't feel I have anything significant to add. But if the post really touched me or I can definitely relate, then I'll comment. Just as I did here. :)

mommy3 said...

Oh, I am really bad about leaving comments. Since I started using Bloglines, I read more blogs quickly but I neglect to comment. Partly because I'm not visiting their blog and I tell myself I'll visit later...

Sometimes I'm too "shy" to comment on a "blog-stranger's" blog, but I am glad I didn't let that stop me when I first posted here :)

Unknown said...

Hi Liza, I admit that I'm a lurker too. Mostly because I usually only have one hand free while surfing and reading blogs, with my other hand on our 4 mo daughter. So, just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog and I'll try to not lurk so much!

Katrina said...

Great post! I admit, I suffer from non-commenting disease too, mostly because there are so many blogs I like and commenting on them all would enmire me in a swamp of time suckage that I would never get out of, resulting in huge piles of dirty laundry, dirty dishes, and dirty children laying around.

I try, though. Every once in a while, just to make sure they know I'm still here and still reading! :)

lorensaved77 said...

Hi Liza
I don't think I have personally met you but I see you in Church @ Hope you sit up front right?
Any way I appreciated the blog you left on Kit's yesterday, and I wanted you to know I quoted you and put the words to the song "let it Rain" on for people to read!
Check it out and thanks again...Oh and by the way, nice website!
Nancy

Liza on Maui said...

Thanks lorevsaved77 - I'm glad you left a comment and you posted the lyrics in Kit's blog for everyone to see. That song is such a blessing.

Yes, I'm the one who sits in the front :)

I appreciate your visit. Thanks.

Bryce said...

Thanks for commenting Liza! I dont generally reply to comments, but always head over to check out and leave a comment on the commentors blog. So here I am, thanks!

Anonymous said...

HI Liza,

I know i would feel very guilty if I leave your blog without posting a comment. :)

Sometimes, I wish I could translate the website counter numbers to comments. When someone leaves a message, it just makes me feel that I am being heard.

Have a good one. I enjoyed my stay.

The Artful Hawaiigirl said...

Dear Liza,
We love to receive comments because it validates that people think what we are creating from our hearts is worthwhile. I guess many of us will just keep plugging along because of our Passion for Life and (blogging) but it is nice to be recognized!
Aloha,Marilyn
Thanks for commenting at my blog, but you didn't answer the question to win the prize! "What would you say to inspire others during this economy? I look forward to hearing from you at The Artful Hawaiigirl. ♥