Happy Monday PFL! Let’s kick this week off with a little blog chat! If you are a regular blog reader, you will notice that some bloggers respond to comments and some don’t. For some blogs, it’s impossible to respond to all the comments because there are so many.
CURRENTLY, I choose to respond to people who take the time out to leave a comment on my blog. This is not an easy task. Several people have shared that they appreciate my replies & I thought I’d share why I choose to engage ALL of the PFL readers.
Blog comments to bloggers are like Kryptonite is to Superman! It really makes our day for you to give us feedback on our posts. If you don’t believe how important it is, check out an oldie of mine “24 Reasons You Don’t Have Comments on Your Blog” & see how many bloggers stopped by to share their 2 cents on the subject!
I value every single reader of Rx Fitness Lady whether they comment or not. Bloggers can expect less than 5% of their readers to actually comment on a post! WOW! That’s alarming! Just that fact alone to me says that I should let the people who take time to comment know that I am listening and they are appreciated.
In addition, blogging for me is like having my own little community. My goal is to build relationships with people and the only way to do that is to communicate.
- So readers know I read their comment and don’t feel ignored or that their time was wasted
- To follow up on a thought the commenter triggered that makes the blog post more informative for readers
- To clarify my point when readers miss the mark or misunderstand my viewpoint
- To answer reader’s questions
- To let them know I recognize that my opinion is NOT a fact
- To welcome them as a new reader
- To thank them when they are complimentary, a first time commenter, or have significantly added to the discussion with their expertise
- To defend myself when necessary
- To professionally advise them when I glean it’s appropriate even when they aren’t asking
- To let them know they made my day with their humorous comments
- To show I peeped their snark and let them know I can hand it right back to them 😉
- To show similar interest and or sentiments with the reader
HOW I RESPOND TO COMMENTS
I treat my blog like my text messages! Would you ignore a text message? How many texts do you get a day? It’s easy peasy!
I don’t automatically respond to all comments, but if I’m somewhere and there is a moment of downtime, I’ll respond to comments from my wordpress app on my Android.
I will immediately respond to a comment that is attacking me 😉 ! Other than that, I block off time to respond to everyone! I try as best I can to respond to at least the first few commenters on the day the post goes live. Sometimes that just is impossible with my schedule.
IS ANYBODY LISTENING???
Nellie emailed me months ago and asked me to install comment reply notification. At the time, I didn’t have that many blog friends but currently, I truly value blogs with comment reply notification. There just isn’t enough time in the day to go back and see what you all are replying.
I used fiver to get mine working because I couldn’t make it work on my own. I immediately saw an improvement on engagement in my comments section. I was like shoot, all that good stuff I said for the last 2 and ½ months fell on deaf ears 😉 !!!
Anywho, my boo Veronica just had a recent discovery on her blogger blog, you can read all about no reply bloggers on her post. Make sure you are not a no reply blogger and please install comment reply notification if you are going to respond to comments!
Non-bloggers definitely appreciate that you do this! It’s hard enough to get them over, they surely aren’t coming back to see if you reply. Most times, they don’t even know to do that unless they ask you a direct question.
BLOGGERS – DON’T FORGET TO RSVP FOR MY 7 DAY MINI BLOG CHALLENGE PARTY HERE!
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- Do you respond to comments on your blog? Why or Why not?
- Readers do you like getting replies? Do you appreciate the replies coming directly to your email?
- Do you ever finish a reply to a snarky commenter and have the HUGE urge to add B1TCH at the end, lol?
- What can I do as a blogger to make you feel more a part of this community?
Rx Fitness Lady
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Yes, most of the time I respond! I try to respond to everyone but sometimes if someone uses my alternate commenting system on an older post, I don’t see it. But even when I do find something like that, I will usually respond and apologize for the delay. I like getting replies, but one thing that drives me crazy is the systems where you check off that you’d like to be able to see the reply and it sends you all replies to all comments. A lot of people have that sort of system and it just adds a lot of extra emails I don’t need. And I was a no-reply blogger because when I set up my Google account something funky happened…I don’t quite understand it, but I did go through the steps to change it, so I am no longer no reply. However I was told (and I do not know if this is true) that Google will occasionally re-set things so I have to go in and periodically check to make sure it is still set up right. I would love to know if that is really true, because what a pain if it is!
Michelle recently posted…Welcome to the Weekend Blog Party — Share your Favorite Posts!
Hum, thanks for the heads up on Google. I wasn’t aware. I never check that box to see follow ups. I made that mistake about 3 times and learned my lesson quick!
michelle, you bring up an important point. i want to see the blogger’s response to my comment, yet i don’t want to see all the comments thereafter emailed into my inbox. what a pain in the arse. so that’s one of my issues about response comments because i’m sure the blogger responded, but i don’t have time to check back. bottom line: bloggers need to QA their comment process to see what exactly is happening.
catherine gacad recently posted…Money Monday: I’m paying your rent or mortgage for a month
I don’t respond to everyone only those who ask a question or say something that needs a response. I have mines set up to send an email if I respond. Its a lot to go back and respond to every comment I tried it a couple of times but I can’t keep up with it. Most of the time if I do get a reply I don’t even know it and it goes to my spam folder a lot (don’t know why) so I am not concerned with comments back as long as that blogger knows I do support and comment that’s good enough for me.
Kita recently posted…Serving your man
Yes support is equally important to me. I know that several of my blogger friends share this same viewpoint and would rather spend time engaging their blog friends than wasting it on replying to comments. It all makes sense to me. When I get overwhelmed, I’ll probably be somewhere in the middle.
I definitely try to respond to all blog comments. For some reason I can’t log on to the WordPress app so I usually have to wait until I have some time at home to respond. I’m tryin to work out a better system so nothing slips through the cracks. I installed a comment reply notification about a month ago because I hate it when bloggers reply and you don’t know! No word from my commenters if its actually working yet! 🙂 I also try to go to my commenters blogs and check them out. I look at it like this: would you continue to be friends with someone if they always got to pick the topic of conversation?
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…Savoring Summer with Tropical Tacos
It’s much easier to respond from the the MacBook but sometimes when I’m somewhere that’s boring me, I can’t resist the urge 🙂 Brittany, I don’t think I got your reply in my email. I honestly can’t remember. I’m pretty sure I went back to your blog but I will let you know the next time. I had a friend test it out for me and lately, I’ve offered to be a test subject. I hope everyone gets this all worked out.
Girl yes, I reply back, in the beginning I didn’t but now I realize the value! I love this post! I hate feeling like my comment has fallen on deaf ears. I may get it done EONS after the fact, but it gets done (and I’m getting better!)
Also, when someone get snarky I take a step back because usually my first reaction is right out of my feelings so I mute myself. Then I go back and give a..uh..appropriate response!
I guess my question to you is, do you think its overwhelming when a blogger responds to several comments (3-4) at a time? I am always worried about too many emails. Curious to know what you think about that.
Nellie recently posted…Getting In the Ring With Triple H & Stephanie McMahon for #MilkWins! (One on One Interview!)
Not at all Nellie! It’s not a problem to read them. Especially as bloggers, we understand that time is limited. I am grateful to get your replies whenever they come. I have noticed that you are responding a bit more sooner these days. I’m good either way. I know that you read all comments on your blog and you’ve shown over my time as a reader that you care about your audience.
thanks boo!
Nellie recently posted…Getting In the Ring With Triple H & Stephanie McMahon for #MilkWins! (One on One Interview!)
Yes, I always respond to my blog comments. I LOVE Disqus because it sends an email to the responder when I do. Sometimes, they come back to finish the conversation. I feel that responding to comments is VERY important.
Britton recently posted…Motivational Monday: My Fitness Bucket List
About that, I’ve been getting 2 emails. It’s like maybe a top conversations and a reply but it says the same thing and comes at different times of day. Do you know what that’s about? I can’t figure out disqus, I always just log in through twitter.
I used to respond to every comment, but it killed me. With the 4 greedy ones at home, I have to pick and choose what gets priority. I usually run out of time before getting it all done. If only there were 34 hours in a day instead of 24… no, wait.
Yum Yucky recently posted…Greedy Recipe! Coconut Mini Cinnamon Rolls
Understandable Josie. I think most of my blog friends who don’t really respond to all have the same priority factor to consider.
I try to but do not always do it. 🙁
It’s interesting that this has come and gone over the years. When I first started my blog back in 2009 “everyone” did respond to each comment. Then after a year or two, that stopped for a lot of bloggers. Now it is back again.
I think it is a great thing to do and every week I tell myself I will do better!
Diane Fit to the Finish recently posted…3 Ways to Handle Weight Loss Peer Pressure
Diane, you’ve been at it for a while. I am not sure if I could go that long especially with all that you have going on in life. I will do my best to continue to reply but I think that once a connection is established, readers know that you appreciate them and take the time to read their comments. The bigger issue might be making all new readers feel welcomed and trying to build relationships with them as they find your blog.
I love that you respond to comments!!
I respond to the comments on my site (I had one day last week where, for the first time, I didn’t respond to any due to circumstances). Like you, I went months without having the notification on so no one really knew that I was responding. Good to have friends that help us with stuff like that!!!
I’ve been fortunate so far and haven’t had any really rude comments left on my site.
Kim recently posted…Autopilot
Kim, you are so timely about responding to comments. I’m often times baffled when I get your email! I’m like, this girl doesn’t play! I respond when I can, but it is definitely a task that requires diligence!
Well, you definitely make me feel welcome,and I have learned a great deal from you, Joi, over the last few weeks since I started following you! Hugs!
I always reply to comments. They are the fresh air on my blog! Plus,it’s the best way to interact and let folks know that you’re hearing what they’re saying.
Honestly, I try to ignore the snarky ones. There haven’t been many, but I try to exercise restraint, even when everything in me says: “Go for it!”
I love getting replies and notifications in my e-mail. I know that way that the blogger is reading comments and is engaged.
I will be checking out fiver shortly.
Alison recently posted…A Fountain of Water
Fiver is so convenient for little nuisances that you can’t get working. I’m glad you feel welcome her Alison. It has been a pleasure getting to know you here recently. Super cool you find something informative over here. I thank you for being a part of this community! I love your blog as well and that you respond to people!
Yes, I always respond. I find it vital. And like you, I think it’s as if someone took the time to text me, or tweet me, or email me, and I didn’t respond. That would be rude! I remember back in the days when we all called each other before cellphones, and it was a crime in middle school to not call someone back. A true crime! Sometimes I need to hold myself to those same communication manners and standards.
Tamara recently posted…We Had The More Much Fun.
Ha, the good old days! Yes you better call me back. I feel like blogging is just like high school..but then, I think yall already know that! I just did a whole post on Quid Pro Quo ;)!
Such excellent points and really great reasons to respond. The comments are my favorite part of any post. People make me laugh or think…I just want to keep up the conversation with them. It’s were we really connect. 🙂 –Lisa
Ps. Great point about the reply notification. I had to run over to our blog be sure we had it. I think it’s really helpful. Whew!
The Dose of Reality recently posted…Volunteeritis: What Is It? And How Do You Cure It?
Yeah, I don’t get the dose replies in email. I’ll be looking out for them now. The commenters on your blog are HILARIOUS!!!
I respond to every comment, and unless the reader unchecks the box, they will get an email with my response. I love when bloggers have that option, because I don’t have time to check back and see if they responded to my comment. Comments are like conversations to me – and I’m a girl who loves to talk!
Dana recently posted…A one hundred celebration
I like that set up Dana! I know it’s just my opinion, but I’m always like..why doesn’t everyone just set it up JUST LIKE THIS , lol!
I ALWAYS respond and I made sure that my responses were going through email so that each person KNOWS I responded because that would just be awful. I have to admit, there are very few blogs I still post comments to when I don’t get a response. I understand that a lot of blogs get a TON of comments and I don’t expect a response every time but I do expect at least ONE just acknowledging the fact that I’m obviously a loyal reader. And, I always make a point of visiting and commenting on any new commenters to my blog. It’s just the right thing to do!
Allie recently posted…SEXISM? YOU BE THE JUDGE
You’re right Allie! I mean seriously, unless your blog has blown up instantly, why not be courteous. I do have one exception, if your blog is an absolute snooze (IN MY OPINION), I’m not commenting. I don’t want to run the risk of a misunderstanding in the way of a new friend. Lol, that was a little mean, but it’s the truth. Blogging is so time consuming. I’m not reading anybody’s blog that leaves me feeling like WTF!!!
I am in agreeance with all of the above. I wouldn’t ignore a text so I will not ignore a comment. NOW, my reply to a comment is a different story. While I appreciate that anybody would take the time to comment on my blog I do also respond differently depending on the comment.
The other day I got:
“You’ve a great blog. I invite you to view mine at ______”.
Okay, that comment will receive a
“Thank you. I’m sure your blog is lovely” type of response. P.S. I’m more than likely not gonna stop what I’m doing and hop over to that blog.
Thanks for the acknowledgement. I hope it helps people become reply commentors so that they can know just how much we appreciate them.
“Thank you, I’m sure your blog is lovely” #ihowled
Nellie recently posted…Getting In the Ring With Triple H & Stephanie McMahon for #MilkWins! (One on One Interview!)
Haha. 🙂
Veronica recently posted…It Was My Birthday
Sure thing my friend! That is such a common problem. It happened to me and many others. I appreciate you posting with instructions from your friend.
I love how you handle the “Hey, come visit me bloggers”! I will be using that in the future boo!
Hey Joi! I sure do respond to every comment I receive and I go visit and comment on their blog as well! It’s called common courtesy. As a southern belle to another southern belle, you know our mommas taught us right! 🙂 I commend you Joi! Your blog has grown over the past few months, but you still take the time to comment to each and every person. But of course, that’s WHY your blog is growing! 😀 I declare girl, I don’t know how you do it! I got behind on my responses last week. I started this morning responding(non-stop)…had to take a lunch and snack break though…IKR, like I’m in Kindergarten or something!! 🙂 But I NEEDZ my food, lol! Anywho, it’s 3 o’clock and I’m only halfway there, whew! How.do.you.do.it.with.your.busy.schedule?! As always, thanks for sharing some good blogging info..will be pinning to my Pinterest board! 😉 Oh and WHO actually leaves you snarly remarks and why…really now! Shameful!
Michell recently posted…“Michell’s Weekly Pearl”
Responding is tough work Michell! I get a headache when I get behind, lol. I know the boat your were in when you left this comment. It really can take a minute when you aim to comment with substance and not just Thank you!
I know this post is about responses, but can I just say you are a gifted commenter. You always manage to make my day. Must be the first lady wisdom and charm in you! I love it! I always look forward to hearing from you.
Believe it or not, sometimes regular readers have left them and then stopped being regular readers. I am not a celebrity blogger, so don’t get me to flexin on here. I have just had a few 🙂
Awwwww…thank you Joi!! You’re so sweet! I need my tissue, cause’ I’m about to cry like the Tin Man(teeeheeeheee). 😀 xoxo
Michell recently posted…Doing YOU WELL Wednesday#30 and some congratulations!
I can’t imagine NOT responding to comments!!! You are so right Joi!! It’s like having a very important conversation and then walking out in the middle of it! If someone is taking their precious time to respond to my words and message, I will absolutely take the time to respond! (Even if it takes me several days!!)
And I immediately got the reply thingie (tech wiz I am!) hooked up so my readers can read my response immediately! I go crazy trying to find responses on blogs that don’t have this.
Chris Carter recently posted…Devotional Diary: Praying With My Children
Oh yes and it’s so much that goes into blogging, that most times if there isn’t a comment reply notification, I’ll miss their response.
LOL! I don’t think I’ve had to much snark. Not that I can recall. I respond to all my comments. I didn’t always. I used to respond directly by/to email. So if you look at my blog early on you see comments but not my replies. I did that then so I could say the same “thank you copy & paste” (I know that’s rude) but then I started getting to know people. I hate it when I’ve left a meaningful comment and it’s an auto reply thanking me for reading their blog. Then I say “okay, next time I read it, I won’t be leaving a comment.”
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted…I’ll worry about that tomorrow…
Lol, you were being slick Kenya J! Too funny! It’s real out here in these blogging streets! You start to feel connected to people!
I love comments! I reply to all and want to kick myself when one slips past me for more than a week. I appreciate people taking the time to comment and I feel it is only right to reply to each one. I don’t get a lot of snarky comments, but yes the few that I have gotten made we want to add B1tch to the end. LOL
Kimberly H. Smith recently posted…Sound The Alarm
I knew you would respond to that question if no one else did Kim 🙂 !
I respond to comments now cuz you told me to. No seriously, the first post of yours made me realize that I should be doing that. Okay, totally checked out Veronica’s post and was able to fix this! She’s the first person who’s showed me how to do this. Everyone else just said do it like I’d magically know how. I’m an old lady, I need step by steps. 🙂
My comment reply never works on my WordPress dashboard. I wonder if I’m doing something wrong there too.
Carla recently posted…50 Ways to Fight the Obesity Epidemic
Glad I could help, by way of Kim’s instructions of course 🙂
Veronica recently posted…It Was My Birthday
You may want to get it checked out Carla, bc I don’t get them in my inbox. I’m glad you found that tutorial helpful. I had a good blog friend help me get mine situated and I got an email from someone else last week. When I saw Veronica’s post, I knew I had to link it to this. Very helpful stuff!
Oh, Joi…you know I struggle with this. It’s not uncommon for me to respond to comments up to a week later! It’s a bit more kludgy for me since I use blogger, but have a plug-in for comments. I definitely agree with you that no-reply bloggers are annoying! I used to try to respond via email, but stopped because so many were no-replies. As far as I can tell, you’ve done an amazing job of building up community here. I know it’s a lot of hard work!
Leslie recently posted…{30 Things} If I Could Only…
Well one thing about building relationships through blogging is that you get to know the blogger and their lifestyles and priorities. I understand your blogging perspective and that you’d rather engage the blogger on their blog than waste time replying to comments. When you reply my friend, I consider it a privilege bc I respect your blogging goals and you’ve put it out there what works for you. Whatever you do Leslie, I’m here for it.
I try to respond – but need to figure out the reply notification. I am switching to wordpress in the fall and hear it is easier to do than with blogger. I so appreciate responses to my comments – it is the only way to build a relationship!
Leah Davidson recently posted…Good Job
I think with blogger you have to use Intense Debate.
Interacting with readers and fellow bloggers is one of the best things about blogging! I love when I get a comment, and replying to it is my way of saying Thank You. 🙂
Absolutely! I love the connections and revelations that occur by way of commenting.
I too try to respond to every comment. I think if someone takes the time to comment on what I wrote, it’s nice to acknowledge it and show that I saw both saw and appreciated it. I don’t always get back as quickly as I would like, but usually it happens within a few days.
Bev @ Linkouture recently posted…7 Reasons that Participating in Craft Shows Is Just Like Going to College
Yep, same here Bev. I do what I can to reply on the day of to some, but usually that is a luxury with my busy schedule. I’d much rather make sure I comment on other’s blogs.
Hey Joi! I make the time respond to every comment then I visit their blog as well! It seems like a lot of work, but I figure they could be doing 1001 other things, yet they took the time to read my blog and went a step further and commented, so it’s the least I could do. I appreciate always receiving a response from you as well.
Brandi recently posted…Helpful Tips for Decorating with Faux Flowers
I figure they could be doing 1001 other things, yet they took the time to read my blog and went a step further and commented, so it’s the least I could do.<<
I LOVE how welcome you have made me feel. And how much I love connecting with you. One day we will meet in real life haha 🙂 PS I’m not as famous as you (yet) so don’t get snarky ones yet haha
M. Love recently posted…Drop In & Fitness Recap
HA!!! I think, sometimes my bluntness sparks some emotions around here. YES, we shall meet one day! I can’t wait!
I reply to comments even the ones I wish I hadn’t received LOL I had one guy write lots of shouty capitals and I hesitated about approving the comment but I thought it said more about him than me, so I did approve it. Even though I wanted to be rude back I restrained myself…
I think I have my blog set up in Commentluv so that people get an email when I reply, but there are so many settings I’m not sure 🙂
Ana recently posted…How To Get Your Man To Be More Open
You’re good! I got your reply 🙂 You are also good to practice restraint. I always respond with my true emotions. Buddy with shouty capitals probably wouldn’t have liked my reply. I know I know Ana…IJS!
I respond to all comments on my blog, I want to show appreciation for taking time to comment.
Whitney recently posted…Yesterday’s Decisions
I feel appreciated on your blog Whitney! I do have to go back to see replies though. I think comment reply notification would work on your blog.
I have it on there, should I be using another one?
Whitney recently posted…Yesterday’s Decisions
I am not sure that it works. I can’t recall ever getting a reply from you. I will be on the look out as I just left your blog.
Werd boo, I think it is such poor form when bloggers don’t respond to comments. I do have to say for the longest time there was an issue and readers were not getting my responses. My bad!!!
catherine gacad recently posted…Money Monday: I’m paying your rent or mortgage for a month
Cool, all fixed now. I just got one the other day!
It really does make a bloggers day to interact with our readers. I like responding because I want readers to know they’re appreciated. One of the goals of my blogs is to engage readers. I didn’t know it when I first started blogging – a year from yesterday!!! – but I also like to engage with other bloggers. I look forward to bloggers responding to the comments I leave. If I don’t receive comments I tend to stop visiting. I can’t sweat folks that is unladylike!
Andrea recently posted…Speak What You Seek *
CONGRATS GIRL! No celebration??? I didn’t see anything on your blog, maybe I need to go check again. I am happy for you!!!
I love your comments and responses! You are a riot!!!
My anniversary kinda snuck up on me. I’m going to have a celebration on the blog this week. Stop by!
Andrea recently posted…Speak What You Seek *
Will do boo!
I couldn’t agree more! I always take the time to respond to my comments too and I often return the favour and check out their blog too. I think it’s all about spreading the blog love!
That really is alarming that it’s just around 5% of readers who comment, but I can completely see that by looking at my comments vs. page views!
I love getting replies, particularly if I’ve taken the time to ask questions or am genuinely interested in something being discussed. I use an email notification for my comments too so people can see what I’ve replied, I hate when people don’t have one and then I go back to visit and see they replied!
I definitely do bite my tongue sometimes with my replies to comments on my blog. It’s mostly ones who don’t bother to read. I wrote one about a terrible trip I took somewhere and someone commented saying “looks like you had a great time, glad you had fun!” and you just thing – b*tch please!!
Kate recently posted…Travel Tuesday: Exploring Athens
*think.
Ugh, hate typos!
Kate recently posted…Travel Tuesday: Exploring Athens
See Kate, that’s what I ‘m talking about. I would have said something to that person. That annoys me!
LOL!!! Love it!
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted…It had me at “Relaxing”…
I appreciate that you comment on my column!
I reply to almost all comments on my column.
Most people are very polite, but I get the occasional nasty.
Then I usually do not respond or respond with educational information.
I recently read a talk on the value of “Err in the direction of kindness,” and feel it is important ti do that.
Dr. J recently posted…Love The Team, Lose The Game, Let’s Eat!
I think so too!
Most of the commenters here have agreed with you in that they wait before responding. That is probably wise!
I love the fact that you reply to your comments. It’s makes your blog so much more personable. I rarely get comments…perhaps I should refer back to your previous post that should be named 24 Reasons Veronica is not getting comments on her blog LOL
THNX for sharing
Veronica recently posted…Here Today Went to Maui Part 3: Zip Lining
Lol, you are too funny Veronica. I hope that post helps. I created it because I hate seeing people put hard work into blogging and can’t see any benefit from it.
I’m with you, Joi. I always respond to comments, unless you are a No-Reply Blogger. If I don’t respond to a comment, it’s completely unintentional and I must have missed it. Making an effort matters, and for a long time, I didn’t respond to comments. I learned that it comes off as a bit rude and disregarded, because I started feeling that way when people didn’t respond to MY comments. LOL! Problem fixed.
XOXO,
Meredith
Meredith recently posted…Celebrating Sutton – Family Photos and A Confession
I thank you for being one of the people who pointed out to me that I was a no reply blogger and told me what it meant. I love getting my replies from my blogger friends.
Great article–I’m going to have to check out fiver and I’ll definitely make an effort to respond to everyone’s comments!
Nicole Nenninger recently posted…Life Coaching and Personal Development-The Spiritual Rebirth
Great Nicole! I couldn’t get the plug in working correctly with my version of wordpress. You may be able to do it your self, I just couldn’t.
I love that you take the time to comment on your commenters comments. It makes us feel as though someone do take notice of our input.
blackhuff recently posted…Do you keep your trainer updated?
Yes ma’am, that’s one of the primary reasons that I engage!
I currently respond to all my comments, even if it takes a week! I find I have the best conversations via my comments section. I often get ideas for future posts as well. I also use a comment reply notification plugin, which I love because I think it extends the conversation a bit. I wish more blogs would have this feature, as I don’t always have time to check back and see if people replied!
another jennifer recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Cruising Casco Bay
My sentiments exactly! That was one reason for this post. I wish that all of my blog friends would install some form of comment reply as well.
I always appreciate when someone’s comment sparks a prompt for a new post! I often times look back through comments for that very reason.
If people take the time to comment on my blog I take that same time and respond to all of the comments. I also treat them like text messages and my wordpress app makes it very easy to just go back and forth if I need to.
I love getting comments and it’s become more like a little community of friends and no so much strangers so its pretty fun for me.
Krissy recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: great grands
Me too Krissy! Blog friendships are real no matter what our real life friends say 🙂
I LOVE the comparison of comments to Superman’s Kryptonite! Wow, less than 5%…that is arming. I recently added the comment-reply plugin, but I never know if it is working. I may need training on that myself, lol!
Sherelle recently posted…Wedding Wednesday:My Honey Is Taking Over
I don’t know why so many people have problems with that plug in. They should really update it. I had to use Fiver to get mine working correctly. I can’t say that I remember ever getting your replies in my email. You may want to do a test run.
I have always replied to comments, since the day I started blogging in March 2011. For all the reasons you mentioned here. 🙂
Alison recently posted…Love Language
You give me hope! I started in Dec of 2012. I guess I can maintain if you have Alison! Thanks for sharing that!
thanks for linking up babe…pinning this to the Let’s Get Organized Group…I’m sure with so many comments it’s must get tedious…I know I love getting some feedback from a blog that I commented on…makes me want to come back
karen recently posted…LET’S GET ORGANIZED BLOG HOP #3
Me too, that is why I make sure to do it here 😉 I was happy to link up! I like the theme and will try my best to catch some of the upcoming prompts!
I do reply to my comments on my blog. I have a reply notification that shoots off an email when I do reply. I appreciate every one of my readers and sometimes take conversations offline and email them. I agree, knowing that someone was out there and read your stuff and took time to reply can seriously give you a bloggy boost! I love getting replies but have to make a better effort at checking them
KalleyC recently posted…Through Pain, There’s Love
I always check mine. That seems to be where the true connections occur. I’m not sure if I’ve yet to mention, but I am soooo feeling your new gravatar…wurk it boo!
This is a great topic! I think I was no-replying for a long time without realizing it — thankfully I got that fixed! I love the community and friendship that can develop from reading other people’s blogs, and comments are definitely a big part of that. I’m visiting from the Organization Blog Hop!
Sarah recently posted…Cooking School: Kitchen Hacks
Hey Sarah! It seems we were all victim to the no reply blogger issue. Glad that’s over. Thanks for visiting.
Joi
Ok. When I originally read this post, I felt like I was sitting in church and the preacher was preaching directly to me. So instead of commenting, I clicked on to fiverr to get my house in order.lol (because it was already supposed to be done). I took care of business and forgot to come back.
I’m happy to say that my reply notification is intact. The guy from fiverr even tested it. Now I just need to get back to my timely replys.
BTW, your bloglovin post is really helping me manage my readying and commenting. I generally get to my daily and weekly folders. Still trying to make time, but I see progress.
Hope recently posted…The tooth fairy vs the 6 year old
I’m pretty sure I saw that test going on because I noticed I still hadn’t gotten anything in my in box from you 🙂 Sorry to have stepped on those toes boo, lol! I’m glad you got it taken care of and super glad you were able to use that bloglovin system in some way!
I must say – you truly do respond to comments that are left as I have been the recipient 🙂 I also try to respond to comments left on my blog as I am trying to build community which means a relationship of sorts. People are important to me. I enjoyed reading this post & visited from Ladies Only.
Have a great weekend!
Joanne
Joanne Viola recently posted…THE RANDOM FIVE – 8/31/13
Hi Joanne! It’s a bit of work but so worth it to engage readers! I hope you had a good weekend as well.
Wow just when I thought I was getting the hang of things. Did not know about this thank you.
Happy Sharefest too by the way
Karen recently posted…Good News……Reasons to smile and by happy about Winter
Different bloggers choose different styles of blogging. I choose to respond and it works for me. Whatever works for you, so be it! Happy Sharing Karen! Thanks for stopping by!
Joi
I don’t respond as quickly as I would like to but I do respond. i definitely think it helps build relationships and a sense of community.
Robbie recently posted…I am Resigning!
Me either these day Robbie but I appreciate responses whenever I receive them so I’m hoping my readers feel similarly! Thanks for commenting!
Joi
I respond to every single one which isn’t really that hard to do considering my number of followers and those who actually comment LOL I know that those who are in WordPress (since I’m on WP) would get notified as soon as I reply to their comments but I was wondering about those from blogger/blogspot. Will definitely look into some comment reply notification that I can use..
Jhanis recently posted…I’m at The Sunday Sip!
Lol, good deal Jhanis, your readers will appreciate! Thanks for visitng!
Joi
i respond to comments, but not to every comment. and the reason for that is simply because not every comment a reader leaves requires a response. i’m not responding to every comment just for the sake of responding. that adds no value at all to my blog or to my visitors. i’d much rather show my bloggers i’m appreciative of the time they spend on my blog by reciprocating…visiting them, sharing on social media, etc.
miss donna recently posted…personal style | colored skinny jeans
I hear ya Donna and you are right but bc I decided to respond, it’s turned into a game for me for those crap comments that are left, lol..childish but it keeps me interested in this whole thing. I will say, that right now I’m behind and it feels draining, lol! I have the hair salon today to help me get caught up though 🙂
I don’t respond to every comment. Some wouldn’t really be more than “thanks” so Google would think of the comments as spam. Other times I just can’t think of anything to say that I didn’t already say on an earlier comment.
Yes, I like the replies to my comment on someone else’s blog to come to me via email.
Cassi recently posted…Sweating Away the Pounds
Cassi, sometimes I do feel like I’m repeating myself in the comments but the main reason I will do it is because I don’t read ALL of the blog comments that I follow, so if I have a response to a reader that’s similar, I still want to make sure they are aware. I see your point for not sounding redundant though. THanks for commenting Cassi!
Joi
Responding to comments is very important. And, I certainly appreciate the way you choose to take time to respond. Responding makes commenters feel valued and as if their comments actually count. I am less likely to comment a second time if I don’t receive a response. I do realize that the more followers a blogger has can make this very difficult.
Thanks Trinity. I like to see what a blogger thinks about my feedback on their post, so I try to do the same for my readers.