Monday, September 17, 2012

Book Blogger Confession --- Blogger relations

Twice a month, Karen at For What It's Worth and Midnyte Reader host a meme called Book Blogger Confessions.  It's a good opportunity to have some thought-provoking conversations, which I always appreciate.

This week's question is: Blogger relations:  Are there blogs you  visit and comment on because you like their style, voice, etc. (maybe you even converse with the blogger on Twitter and Facebook) but those comments are never reciprocated on your blog?  Do you get a bit offended or do you understand that they may be busy?  Or do you comment just because you like a post not expecting anything in return?

My commenting style is this:  when I read a post, or see a photograph, that I really like, or that makes me think, I leave a comment.   I don't expect a comment in return, especially since I just assume that a lot of bloggers are busy and do their blogging in their spare time.  I mean, that's how it is for me, so I don't take it personally if someone doesn't visit me back and comment on one of my posts.  When I do get a comment back, it's always nice ---- but I comment mainly because I want to ..... meaning, I want to let someone know that I liked their post, or their photo, or because I'm joining in a conversation (like the one in this meme).  Recently, I will admit that I haven't been leaving comments as often as I'd like ---- because I've been a bit busy, so I'm whipping through my Google Reader sometimes and just quickly reading.   Now that things have settled back down, I'll be commenting more.

That being said, I do like it when people leave comments on my posts --- and I'm seriously trying to get better about responding back to comments (I cannot for the life of me get Blogger to make the "reply" action work, so I now just leave a fresh comment).   I think I feel like a lot of bloggers do about comments --- they make me feel like someone's actually reading my blog (which makes me feel less like I'm just writing and throwing my posts into the vast winds of the Internet).

I'm curious to know what other bloggers have to say, so I'll be visiting around the other blogs that are participating this time  .... and leaving comments!!!



13 comments:

Ashley Prince @ The Bibliophile's Corner said...

"I think I feel like a lot of bloggers do about comments --- they make me feel like someone's actually reading my blog (which makes me feel less like I'm just writing and throwing my posts into the vast winds of the Internet)."

Yes! I absolutely agree. :D

Libby said...

I leave comments for exactly that reason, to let the person know someone is reading their blog. :) Especially on the book review blogs I read, they always seem sparse in comments and I usually wonder why. Perhaps not enough people have the book that's being reviewed?

Anonymous said...

I tend to feel the same way--I leave comments when I feel like something really connected with me or because I liked something in particular about the post. I don't tend to expect reciprocation on my own blog because we're all so busy and it can be hard enough to get posts up, let alone tracking down posts from everyone in the comments. But I do try to reply to comments I receive on my own blog so commenters know I'm reading and appreciating their thoughts.

Midnyte Reader said...

First of all, I looove your blog design! And the name! So unique. Yes, blogging for me is done in my spare time too, so sometimes it's just so jam packed. I try to spend one or two evenings a week just reading and commenting...but sometimes I feel like it's not enough. And yes, I'll comment when I enjoy the post just because...I don't think that they'll comment back.

I can't figure out how to do threaded comments either! I'm hoping to work on that for Bloggiesta.

Julie@My5monkeys said...

So true with leaving comments on posts. I like to leave something meaningful or something to know that I either liked or disliked a book. Comments are great :)

Smash Attack Ash said...

You and I are definitely on the same page. I will have to visit you more and give you blogger love! :)

Kat said...

I think I feel like a lot of bloggers do about comments --- they make me feel like someone's actually reading my blog (which makes me feel less like I'm just writing and throwing my posts into the vast winds of the Internet)

Ditto! Commenting can be a challenge though - it's hard to think of something different to say all the time. Now, where's my thesaurus....

Annette Mills said...

I'm reading it. I'm not commenting enough...as most bloggers always say. I do try to reply, especially if it's a meme we are both participating in, and they leave me a link. But sometimes, there's just nothing to say. I just tell myself that someday I will comment on something they post...Great thoughts.

Karen said...

I love your attitude and I totally agree. I'm not commenting just to get a return comment. I have to like the post.

It's tough these days to find time to both blog and support others. We're all so busy.

Angela's Anxious Life said...

I read posts because the topic interests me. I typically don't view posts of books I've never read. I always leave a comment if it interests me and I never go back and see if they commented. Though on my blog I always comment back to all replies people leave.

Unknown said...

It seems we all agree. There wasn't any posts that stated they were super offended not to get comment follow back love. Phew! I am glad I am not the only busy one who may try but not always succeed to be everywhere.

Jen said...

Thanks, everyone, for your comments! I will be taking time tomorrow to dig in and investigate how to get the threaded comments to work properly (I've been fiddling, but apparently, need to fiddle more).

It seems like I'm definitely in some good company here, with feeling like we'd like to comment more (which makes me feel relieved, frankly). :)

Danica Bridges-Martin said...

Sure, we all love feedback, but when I leave a comment I don't expect one in return. :) Danica Martin

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