This is a relatively new element in my writing DNA, but now I absolutely thrive on comments. Not just those on my own blog, but on others' too. They are a big part of what makes this community so active and vibrant. Many times I have read a post that has inspired me, but I have taken just as much from some of the comments.
With my own blog, I really feel encouraged by the comments to keep plugging away at the WIP. I've been overwhelmed by the positive feeling among writers and how much we want each other to succeed - because we are in the club that knows how tough it is. We're strangers when we first follow each other, just little faces in a grid. It's through comments that we start to build friendships and connections.
Just think how different the blogosphere would be if we didn't have this. We'd all just be standing on our own soapboxes, shouting into an abyss, and I don't particularly like the sound of my own voice. There are so many great types of comment: useful feedback if we share some of our work; alternative perspectives if we're stuck or need advice on something; or if we offer our own advice in a post, it's great to know that it may have helped someone, even if it's just a little bit.
What do you love about comments?
NB: This is a prescheduled post, as I am away from April 2-6. I will respond to all comments on my return.
17 comments:
Comments make me crazy happy. Blogging would be so lonely without them.
It's so nice to have a comment because it means that someone else (a stranger) has taken to the time and trouble to read your words.
I just started my blog and I get ridiculously excited about comments! It's so important to be able to interact with others and even get advice!
I'm visting from the A-Z Challenge! http://trifleslifles.blogspot.de/
I agree and do enjoy getting comments as well. Sometimes a positive comment is all it takes to get you out of a melancholic mood and back on track.
I love when you get a really good interaction in comments, and you can see all the people who are connected to each other by more than just reading your blog. This community is so awesome.
It is wonderful to find new friends because of a comment or two. Not to mention excellent feedback on a painting!
Mimi Torchia Boothby Watercolors
Comments are a huge ingredient to my muse juice. When I know readers are enjoying what I write, it makes me want to write more.
At the same time, I love leaving comments on other blogs. I like to interact with the entry and the writer. The community aspect of writing has never been stronger and I love how we can all support one another.
Comments are what keeps me plugging away at the blog. Without them? How sad it would be to invest time, research and thought into a blog, without knowing if a single person ever read it. As writers, we all crave the satisfaction of knowing our words are resonating with others.
AT first I didn't like to comment. I never knew what to say and if I did have a thought someone else could usually say it better. Now I love the connection comments give with other people. I love having whole conversations in the comments. These aren't just random bloggers anymore, they're my friends and it's much easier to talk to friends.
Comments show that you matter to others and that what you say has an impact on them.
What I most like about comments is the fact that people can be inspiring, provide me with ideas, and start a friendly relationship.
As for the negative comments, these too can be helpful if looked upon in the right frame of mind.
You are very right, without comments we would just be shouting and not knowing if anyone was listening. In all honestly, I'm probably a little addicted to comments. Maybe I'll start a Comment Addicted Anonymous club... I wonder how many comments I could get on that.... :)
I am in complete agreement. Comments seem to validate the writing that you do. It's always a great booster to see that someone else has taken the time to read something that you've written and has commented on it. I look forward to the rest of the challenge!
I love comments where someone tells me I've made them feel better, or cheered them up. It works for me too. If I'm down, I can rely on my buddies to cheer me up :-)
The Sarcasm Goddess - I agree. It would just be a diary without them wouldn't it?
Sally - Exactly.
Liwi - I still get excited after blogging six months! Nice to come back from holiday and catch up with you all!
Elise - Well said. A nice comment comes at just the right time sometimes.
Tobi - Conversations within comments are great fun.
Mimi - Yep, comments are definitely where friends are made and are invaluable for feedback.
C.B. - It's good how comments allow you to both give and receive.
Susan - It's a great feeling to know a stranger has read your stuff and it connected with them in some way.
S.P. - I was shy about commenting too at first. Sometimes I still struggle to find something worthwhile to say, but I realised comments aren't about looking clever, they're about saying you appreciated someone's post.
Alex - Well said!
Jeremy - Yes, comments can definitely keep me inspired when I'm not feeling great about my writing. I've been lucky not to have any negative comments, but it's good you can take something from them too.
Krista - Great idea! Except that you're not allowed to be anonymous as a commentor because then you get labelled a spammer. Well, I'm not ashamed to be addicted!
Mel - Comments also inspire you to do better things with your blog, I think, and are great for knowing if you're on the right track.
Sarah - It's definitely a two-way process.
Susan - It's a great feeling to know a stranger has read your stuff and it connected with them in some way.
S.P. - I was shy about commenting too at first. Sometimes I still struggle to find something worthwhile to say, but I realised comments aren't about looking clever, they're about saying you appreciated someone's post.
Alex - Well said!
Jeremy - Yes, comments can definitely keep me inspired when I'm not feeling great about my writing. I've been lucky not to have any negative comments, but it's good you can take something from them too.
Krista - Great idea! Except that you're not allowed to be anonymous as a commentor because then you get labelled a spammer. Well, I'm not ashamed to be addicted!
Mel - Comments also inspire you to do better things with your blog, I think, and are great for knowing if you're on the right track.
Sarah - It's definitely a two-way process.
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