As a blogger, comments and general community interaction is important. No one will read a blog where the author is an annoying, closed off snob.
Well, I won’t. And I hope people who read this blog are similar.
I was thinking recently about the value of replying to comments. Currently during the day I have a regular old 9-5 type job, which makes it hard for me to reply to (and approve, moderate etc) blog comments until I’m at home on my own computer. But I can reply to tweets & Facebook easily.
Then I felt guilty for replying to tweets when comments for that day were “ignored” so far.
Because a comment is more valuable.
As soon as I thought that, I didn’t know if it was correct.
Is a comment more valuable because a blog flicks past slower than the blistering pace of social media?
Where do you go to investigate if a blogger actually talks to their readers? Is this something that’s important to you?
And do you think comments are the ‘most’ valuable type of interaction?
I try and be prompt with all my interactions – if someone has taken the time and trouble to reply to a tweet, comment on a Facebook post, or comment on my blog, I’ll try and acknowledge them as soon as I can…
I understand that some people can’t be as prompt as me, and that’s OK too… we all have busy times in our days when we don’t have spare time for social media…
But what gets up my nose are Bloggers who allow comments, but never interact or reply to the comments – what’s the point? I mean, unless you have 100s of comments, if you can’t spare a small amount of time each day to acknowledge your followers and interact with them, you’re a selfish blogger in my books!
Same – ideally I would respond as soon as I can. Though sometimes I mentally reply to things and forget to actually reply to them!
Oh and those bloggers who don’t reply ever – drives me bonkers! Esepecially when they’re asking questions at the end of the post and clearly wanting something (usually information) out of their readers, but don’t even comment back. I know there are some people who email instead, though I wonder how wide spread that really is. And there are some bloggers who have a note at the end of their post saying they read them all but may not comment – that’s fine because at least you’ve set the expectation.
I really value comments from my readers – it makes me feel valued and appreciated for my writing and that really means a lot! Thank you Vanessa for visiting my blog and leaving a comment today! 🙂
I do try and get to most comments as soon as possible but with life other commitments it is sometimes not possible and I’m sure most readers will understand 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
I find it easy enough to approve comments (where needed) when I’m out & about but replying just gets fiddly.
I reply to comments on my blog within a week of posting that blog post. Even though I don’t work a 9 to 5 job, I’m a mum and I don’t want to be on the computer or on my iphone replying to comments when I should be spending time with my kids. I agree with you that Twitter and Facebook are easy reply to instantly. I view myself more as an interacter rather than a broadcaster.
That sounds like a wise division of labour to have!
I like to see bloggers replying in the comments, but it’s not hugely important that I get a personal reply to mine, every time. Especially for the bigger blogs!
I will however get the shits if someone doesn’t reply to me in twitter, even if its just a favstar, so I know you’re acknowledging me!