Love/hate relation-
ship with blogging. So many
blogs. So little time.
There are days when I wake up and I’m feeling really jazzed about my blog. Yay! Comments are coming in! Yay! Everyone is writing such AWESOME STUFF! These awesome ladies are helping Lotus! Yay! I LOVE blogging!
Then there are days when I feel completely and utterly overwhelmed. Oh my God I have 20 new commenters whose blogs I haven’t visited. Oh my God, why don’t people like my post today? Why are my numbers so low? 1000+ unread in my Google Reader. Yikes. Blogging is stupid.
I know that there is an expectation of reciprocity in the blogosphere. You comment here, I return the favor. I link you, you leave a comment. You participate in Thursday Thirteen/Wordless Wednesday/Best Shot Monday/ Tackle it Tuesday/Haiku Friday, you’re expected to comment on other’s who are also participating.
Blogging has the power to take over your life if you allow it. I know that I feel an often overwhelming sense of responsibility to everyone in the blogosphere, despite saying that I blog guilt free. I don’t. There are so many of you out there that are so talented and witty, but it’s not possible with only 24 hours in each day to visit each and every person. I’m not certain where the balance lies.
This is what I’d like to know, just out of curiosity…
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names)
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?
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To play along for Haiku Friday, follow these steps:
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3. Pick up a Haiku Friday button to display on the post or in your sidebar by clicking the button above.
i leave a comment on whoevers blog i’m on…even if it’s just to say…i was here. i know that not everyone does that. that’s cool with me. blogging…it is TOTALLY taking over my life!! so, i’m trying to set aside a certain block of time for it!! and…if i don’t get to everyones blogs today, i’ll try tomorrow…what can you do? i have 5 kids so, i hope my blog friends can understand if i don’t visit them everyday!!
i haven’t ever felt snubbed yet…but, who knows, i may be snubbed all the time and just am too oblivious!!
anyway…hope all is well and you’re adjusting nicely in your new home!!
I like order so I’ll answer each question separately. (Yes, I know I’m a dork!)
1. No, I comment even on blogs whose writer does not comment on mine. (I like it better when they do though!)
2. I usually only comment when I have something to say. Or when the post has really touched me, even if I’m at a loss for words. Or feel l ike someone else said what I would have.
3. Sometimes. But I try to think that they must just be busy.
4. I don’t usually reply to comments, unless a question is asked. BUT I love it when people do.
5. YES! But I try really hard to not let it get to me. I don’t post everyday and that’s okay.
wright’s last blog post..A Hiking We Will Go!
I’ll leave a comment if something strikes me. If I find it funny or if they are asking for advice or looking for comfort I’ll comment. I try to comment on just about everything I read because I know how much I like comments and people reading my stuff.
Sometimes i do feel snubbed but not usually. I know there are bloggers that I read regularly and comment on pretty regularly who I don’t think have EVER been to my blog, but whatever. They’re missing out!
I reply to comments when I feel like it’s necessary or when someone really catches my attention. I also feel the need to reply to nasty comments even though I know I shouldn’t give them the time of day!
Occasionally, I do feel as if blogging gets in the way but I’m at a point now where if I don’t blog because of my REAL life, it’s ok. I’m trying not to have an obligation to my blogging but rather back to WANTING to do it.
Alison’s last blog post..Come Out Come Out Wherever you Are
I absolutely agree that blogging can get in the way of life from time to time. And that right there is why I haven’t posted in almost a week. I’m a little burnt out.
Another problem: Just when I think I am reading all the “cool girl” blogs, I find there is one more that everyone is talking about and I feel like the dorky girl who didn’t get asked to prom because I don’t know who the cool girls know.
Crazy…yes. Hence the break.
Sarah @ Ordinary Days’s last blog post..Round These Parts
I’m going to comment on my own post! Whee!
1. I hate to admit, but I did use to only comment if I thought I’d get a comment in return. Bad Jennifer! But now, I comment whereever I like and don’t expect a return comment. Although it is nice.
2. I comment if I feel like I have something to add. Sometimes there are just bloggers that I feel really comfortable with and will comment even if I don’t have anything meaningful to add…I just want to be a part of the discussion. There isn’t really a reason if I don’t comment…in fact I DON’T comment MORE than I DO comment. Usually I’m just in a hurry.
3. I used to feel snubbed when someone wouldn’t comment, but I saw that they’d commented everywhere else. *shakes head, irritatedly* Now I realize that sometimes people just have a life.
4. I like to reply to comments as I’m able or if you just say something that I MUST respond to. I don’t think it’s necessary, but I do like it when someone replies to comments I’ve left. I prefer if they reply in the form of email vs. replying in the comments section since I rarely return to re-read comments.
5. Yes. Blogging gets in the way of my life which is why I wrote this post.
Geez. I asked too many questions. Sorry.
I am so glad I am not alone in my comment confusion!!
I try and comment when I feel as though I have something to say, and when I am participating in a meme, otherwise, I will read, and think happy thoughts about the other person.
According to Google Analytics, I have a ton of people who read my blog each day, but other than Meme days, I am lucky to have three comments. So I figure everyone else is doing the same thing as I am.
I will not snub you if you don’t comment! I promise!
Scylla’s last blog post..Haiku Friday
I totally understand where you are coming from….I usually comment unless there are like over 100 comments.
I do try to comment on anyone’s blog who comment on mine. But I rarely have more than 25-30 comments.
tommie’s last blog post..unattended laundry
I think blogging gets in the way of my life sometimes. When I make a “to-do” list for the day, bloggy things like get on the list. Hello? The blog should not get on the list. And….I hate to think of how many stories I could read to my girls if I stopped reading blogs while they are up!
I do try to comment on the blogs I read and if somebody leaves a comment on my site. But, I don’t think I get the comment volume you do Jennifer, so it’s easier for me to keep up.
Blogging should not be stressful….but it is sometimes!
ellinghouse’s last blog post..Celebrate!
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? No. I comment when I have something to say or if their post touched me that day.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? If I have something valid to add to the topic, or if what they wrote affected me. Sometimes if I have been lurking for awhile I will comment just to say that I am enjoying the blog. You know, spreading the love.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names) Sometimes.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? I never reply to comments via email, only in my comments section. When I receive a reply from a blogger, I get the nervous tummy. Do I respond to the email, what do I do now? It makes me a little nervous. So, never feel like you need to email me.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? YES. Right now I am feeling thoroughly overwhelmed by it. And I share a blog with my sister, so I only have to write every other day. I love it, but it’s really taking over my life in a way that I don’t like.
Sister Honey Bunch’s last blog post..Grey Sky Eyes
I comment wherever. I am timid the first time I comment cuz I want to try to say something worth reading and not just be a yes man.
I make sure I visit everyone once a month. I for sure comment then just to make sure they know I’ve been by and I care about what they have to say. Cuz I do, I really do, I just have been blessed with lots of comments and cursed with a need to sleep.
I have felt snubbed before. Right now I’m all fuzzy tight in with a group of bloggers and I fear I may be snubbing others. Sigh.
I don’t reply to comments. I did originally. Then I realized I was taking too much time deleting the comments sent to my inbox so I accepted that I wasn’t going to reply and shut off comment notification. I’d rather visit the blogs and let them know I appreciate them that way. But see above on how regularly I get that done. sigh.
Blogging gets in the way of my SLEEP. which is bad. I’m working on it.
Dawn’s last blog post..Haiku Alex’s Bedtime
I comment when I feel like it, and the same goes for replying. If a blogger asks questions I have an answer to (like now!), I comment. If I find myself responding out loud (or in my head) to whatever is being posted, I comment. If a comment on my blog seems to require a response, I respond.
I try not to feel too much obligation or guilt over commenting. After all, we all get site statistics somehow, and those require no commenting.
I usually will go visit the blog of commenters I don”t recognize, but I still follow my comment policy when I am there.
Blogging, take over my life? WHAT LIFE???
1. Not necessarily, unless I repeatedly comment and hear nothing in return ever.
2. It is rare for me not to comment. I don’t know if I quite understand blog Emily Post, but if you are on my blogroll, I will comment unless you say something I totally disagree with…and then I don’t want to be rude & say something mean back. You know, the Thumper Rule?
3. Maybe. I try not to take anything personally, but I am sensitive, so I would have to say maybe.
4. I moved to WP primarily to have that ability. I try to respond to all comments, if only to say thank you.
5. TOTALLY. And, I’m trying not to post useless crap…and not post just for the sake of the post.
Anglophile Football Fanatic’s last blog post..HF: Gender Issues
funny you should ask
questions like this … for my ‘Ku
raises this one too
sort of … in a way.
I’m the type who tries to do
everything it seems.
I don’t think about
‘stats’ … in fact I don’t know how
but I see this as
‘social life’ of sorts
without having to dress up.
I’m here in my sweats
writing ‘Ku today …
visiting & sharing what’s
in my head as I
visit others. When
I return and find comments
I am pleased, of course.
But I do not keep
track of it (except to thank
later) and respond
on my blog as well
when I have the time and as
inspiration strikes.
Sometimes it gets hard
and I cut myself some slack
but remember I’m
happily retired
with ‘discretionary time’
that you may not have.
I hope I’ve addressed
questions posed, but if not so
be it. I must move
on to read a few
posts before I walk the dog
and get on with life.
Hugs and blessings ;–)
storyteller’s last blog post..Haiku Friday #21 – Catching Up is Hard to Do
1. No, I comment where/when I want to. It’s icing if they return the favour.
2. I comment when I feel compelled or that there’s something that I can add that hasn’t been added already by someone else. I don’t comment when all it would be is “yeah, what she/he said” or if I’m busy with my kids/life.
3. Nope. Not unless they come out and say “Kelly’s such a bitch and I’d never read her crap” (cause, y’know, I already know that some days).
4. I try to reply since for *me* I see comments on *my* blog as a personal message and I always try to reply to personal messages (I’m like that with email, too). It only makes me nervous when I don’t know what to say beyond “thanks!
”. I also don’t have a lot of regular commenters (though I think I have regular readers, who knows?).
5. Yes, which is why I don’t blog a whole lot lately. I’ve got too much going on and not even time to write about it. I’ve set out certain things that I promise myself to write (monthly letters to my boys, special things my hubby does, etc) but anything else is fair game to be forgotten these days.
Kelly’s last blog post..I’s
1. No, but I will probably comment a bit less if the person never ever visits/comments on my blog.
2. I comment if I have something intelligent/witty/supportive to say. I don’t comment if there are already 50 other comments saying the same thing.
3. No
4. I typically do not reply to comments. Only if the person asked a particular question, or if she is a brand-new commenter.
5. Yes ma’am!
mayberry’s last blog post..This meme brought to you by Pre-Vacation Panic Week
Of course it gets in the way of life
It becomes a new sort of life, doesn’t it 
I can’t take it personally. 
Great haiku and subject!!!
I comment as much as I can, but I can understand how some of these women who get 90+ comments a day may not be able to return. I try to comment on my favorites every day, and visit new readers/commenters when I can, but it’s hard.
I posted about what they’re doing for Lotus today, too
Of course I sometimes feel slighted when I see that they’ve commented other places but not on mine, but you know what… they may not have time, I may not interest them… whatever
rachel’s last blog post..Leaves and Grass- Wordless Wednesday
1. No, most people that I read don’t read my measly little blog.
2. something that I feel strongly about saying something, my comments are almost always positive
3. oh yeah! (not you, though)
4. I’ve only had to do it once, and not nervous
5. reading blogs interferes with my life sometimes, not actually blogging
Kristin’s last blog post..Brett Saying Goodbye
See, this is why I hesitated starting a blog! ha ha!
We all love you, or we wouldn’t keep returning!
I DO let things like this overwhelm me, too, and like you – tend to take things personally. That’s my problem, though, and I know that.
I comment on the blogs I read regularly. There ARE so many out there. And they are awesome. I just don’t have time to read them all, and I guess I don’t expect the same in return. I have my few “regulars” and don’t usually venture too far away from that – other than to skip and jump over to a commenter’s blog to check them out.
I know I’m not a genius writer. I’m not particularly witty or original. I just write to write. Post pictures for family. A little snapshot of my life and times.
You, my dear, are in an elite class in which you ARE a great writer. You have the ability to take what we all think and feel, and put it down cleverly and make it fun. And you have bazillions of commenters every day. If I had your level of interest, I might feel the need to respond as well.
So much easier said than done, but DON’T let it affect you to the point of stress. Just read and enjoy what you have time for. Absorb the comments, and let them give you warm fuzzies. No need to reply.
Mandy’s last blog post..I’m Ready
okay for some reason i can’t see the mr. linky but i’m sure it’s this computer i’m borrowing….i’ll try later to mr. linky in.
1. i don’t care if they return the favor although it’s nice. so i comment on my own whether they do or not.
2. i comment when i have something to say or when i feel that i want to maintain a relationship with the blogger. if it’s someone i read regularly, i feel like my commenting will tell them that…
3. i try not to feel snubbed when my comments seem ignored because sometimes i don’t have time to respond to all the comments…so i figure that’s what happened here too.
4. i wish i could respond by email sometimes but it’s a pain to click and email and all that…i don’t mind when they email me but i’m with you – do i respond to the emails? i never know. i try really hard to reciprocate on their blog but i’m not always good enough on time. i figure everyone gets that we’re all busy.
5. blogging? life? they’re all one…okay just kidding. i feel sometimes like the blogging is just part of my job so i figure it’s not so bad when i’m working on it…it’s a little bit of work and a lot of fun. it only interferes with my life when i’m really trying to get in on something like haiku friday and i know that i’m going to be the last mr. linky person if i don’t get it up quick….and why does this matter to me? i have no idea. sometimes i get myself in trouble, like when i try to do too much with my blog and i get over-excited about the whole thing. i really need a “blogging is life the rest is just details” tshirt but i think i’d be too embarrassed to wear it anywhere other than the gym (which is where i’m typing this ridiculously long comment from)
okay…that’s enough from me now. happy haiku friday!
phyllis’s last blog post..It’s time for some sacrificing around here…
1. No, I comment wherever.
2. I comment if I have something to add, defend, or support. If I’m not commenting its just because I don’t have anything to say.
3. Um. No, I’ve sent some emails to some to ask questions or a comment that I didn’t want to leave in the field, but people have lives, emails get lost, etc. If its that important I’ll send again or find the answer anoter way.
4. I’ll reply to them if there is a question asked or if someone gave me a serious warm fuzzy.
5. Of my life? No. If I don’t have time or feel like it, I don’t do it. Work? Maybe. Blogging is certainly more fun than work!
I have blogs I always leave comments on, sometimes comment on and never comment on. It depends on whether I have developed a connection with the writer or if I really feel like I have something to say on their post. Sometimes I comment because I see they posted a day ago and no one has commented yet. I am pretty new to blogging so I don’t expect a lot of comments. I read so many blogs that I recently had to go through my google reader and cut back a bit. I think blogging should be fun not work.
Someone Being Me’s last blog post..My love list
1. No, I comment wherever with no expectation of reciprocity.
2. I usually comment only when I feel I have something worthy to add. If it’s someone I know very well, then I tend to comment more. Lately I haven’t been commenting much just b/c of time restraints.
3. No snubbing for me, I’m just shocked anyone other than my family reads my blog.
4. I don’t respond to comments in the comment section unless I think it’s info other readers might want to know. I try to respond to comments, particularly if it’s someone new, but sometimes it’s hard to do if they don’t enable their email address with Blogger.
5. I don’t feel as if it gets in the way of my life as much as I enjoy the feeling that I have a bunch of friends out there somewhere.
Shelly’s last blog post..Need a Good Book?
#1 Nope
#2 I comment because I have something to add, have built a relationship with the writer, or just to let them know I appreciate what they wrote. I don’t comment when I’m rushed for time and/or have nothing to add, or I totally disagree with the post.
#3 Nah, not really.
#4 I would reply to more if Blogger would let me.
Queen of Shake Shake’s last blog post..Dear Easter Bunny
Hey, I’m commenting twice – do I get a prize? ha ha!
I just thought I’d give props to storyteller for commenting in haiku! ha ha! Wow!
Also, I thought I’d second the notion that blogging should be for fun!
LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!!!!
Mandy’s last blog post..Haiku Friday – Frustrated
1. No, I just comment on what I want. Sometimes I’ve got something to add to the discussion, sometimes I’m just letting the person know I was there.
2. I usually comment if the subject matter is VERY personal because I want the person to know that someone took the time to read what they had to say or that Hey, I’m reading here!. If the person made me laugh or if I really just needed the little sun that the post brought to my day, I’ll thank them with comment love.
3. Not really. If I enter a photo contest and don’t get mentioned, I don’t feel like I was snubbed, just a loser and a failure.
4. I make it a point of checking out who commented. I’ve found a lot of great blogs that way. I also like to know who was reading at my place and how they ended up there. If I have time, I’ll comment on their blog to let them know I was there.
5. There are times I have batted my children away or plied them with snacks to have “5 more minutes”. I’m not proud of it but there it is.
Good post, girlfriend! Happy Friday. Now you had better come by my blog or I’ll feel slighted.
Mama DB’s last blog post..In the garden: A haiku
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? No I pretty much comment on anything I have something to say about or can relate too.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? see above
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names) No not really. I have a lot of people who read but never comment and I am cool with that.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? I don’t feel it is necessary.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? No I try and blog when I have 10 or 15 minutes here or there. That is why I don’t update everyday. Sometimes I have the time and sometimes I don’t.
Jess’s last blog post..***Tap Tap Tap*** Hey you blog reader
I’m going through a love/hate thing with my blog right now. I love it but it sucks away so much time. Lately time is not something I have much of to spare!
Any way, today I open up Google reader and see all the gazillion unread posts and I am for the most part just clicking them as “read.”
I comment when I feel like I have something to add or I just want to say “howdy!”
I usually do this in the spring and summer when the last thing I want to be is tied to my laptop.
Jamie’s last blog post..These Are A Few Of My Favorites Meme
I definitely don’t leave comments more than I do. I only comment when something immediately pops into my head after reading a blog.
And usually when I put pressure on myself to come up with something witty and worthwhile, I end up getting the most comments on something silly like BOOB LIGHTS! *sigh*
So I try not to think about all this too much and just write and read others’ for the enjoyment. It’s way less stressfull!
In the Trenches of Mommyhood’s last blog post..On Middle
Oh I’m so all over this post! So right!
I will comment on blogs that do not return the favor, but not as often probably as ones that do.
I comment based on available time and whether I really respond to a post and have something to say.
I don’t comment if I’m pressed for time, which is ALOT.
I cannot reply to all comments. I just can’t. I’d love to but I can’t. I do try to reply to any new commenters, or often I will go comment on their blog rather replying to what they said on mine.
Blogging totally gets in the way of my life. Like at lunch instead of going to the bank to make a DEPOSIT, I check Google Reader. Um, big mistake.
amy’s last blog post..A Smack on the Ass and A Kick in the Teeth
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? Sometimes. I mean, if writer(s) ‘return the favor,’ I definitely comment. If not, sometimes I comment anyway…
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? I comment if I have something to say. Even if it’s just words of support – BTDT.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names) Yeah.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? I usually don’t.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? YES! I want to have lots of blogosphere friends, so I try to keep up with my blog…
Becki’s last blog post..Haiku Friday
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
Nope. I comment when I agree with something or when it makes me laugh or feel good, sad, normal… whatever.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
Sometimes I will leave a comment just as a way of saying, “hey, I was here and like what you write-thanks.” Time is my biggest deterent.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names) The opposite actually, I’ve been surprised at how friendly people are!
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? I don’t think it’s necessary.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? When I stopped pumping, I stopped posting as much. I work full time, so in order to continue posting daily I would have to write during the three hours I spend with my son, or the one-two hours a night I get alone with my husband. I try to write during small breaks in the day, but it’s hard.
anne’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: Times gone by
I think “obligation blogging” is crazy and dumb. How’s THAT for opinionated?
I think bloggers should blog when they want to, and should stop if they’re not enjoying it. I think readers should read the blogs they want to, and should stop when they’re not enjoying what they’re reading. I think readers should comment when they feel like it, and I don’t think comments have to “add anything” to the conversation, I think they can just be “Great post!” or whatever. I think bloggers should respond to comments when they feel like it or when it makes sense to—like when a comment asks a question—and not otherwise. I don’t think comments are an obligation to visit the blog of the commenter, though of course it’s fun to see who’s visiting you.
NO ONE has ANY obligation to ANYONE ELSE for ANYTHING. That’s what I think. Furthermore, I believe it to be true. I think that when people try to create obligation, it’s for self-serving reasons.
Swistle’s last blog post..Swistle Training Session: Storing Deals
1. No, there are a few blogs that I love that I have been commenting on for months and never received a visit, return comment or acknowledgement. That’s okay, if I love their writing.
2. I comment on posts where I have something to say, or on blogs where I have a friendship with the author.
3. Not particularly, but I’m pregnant now, so we’ll see when the hormones kick in!
4. I try my best to reply. I’ve found most of my favorite blogs by replying to comments or at least visiting from comments on other peoples’ blogs. If I’m too tired, heck I’m going to bed.
5. Absolutely, and I will take a break when necessary. I took a 6 month break during my last pregnancy (and to try and shake my MIL who was stalking). I don’t blog on the weekends, except for late Sunday night I try to catch up on reading. I only blog every other day, on average. I’m sure there are others who have found a balance, but I cannot parent, school, clean, cook and blog every day.
Truthfully, I’m amazed by some of you “big” bloggers at how often you comment. If I have 400 readers and 70+ average commenters, I would never be able to keep up with it.
You do a great job, Jennifer!
Jenni’s last blog post..Haiku Stuff My Face
[...] Jennifer, Le Binky Bitch at Playgroups Are No Place For Children writes many haiku. You can learn how to do it here. You are also only supposed to refer to haiku plural has many haiku and not haikus. Thank you Wiki. Anyways, she asked that others write a haiku and I decided to do it today. You can view more haiku if you go to her blog and look at the links on the post. [...]
1. No. I make it a habit to check out the blog of every person who leaves a comment at my place. If I dig what I see, I add them to my Reader. If they never make it back to my place, I probably wouldn’t notice. Or care.
2. I comment if I have something to add. I sometimes comment, even if I have nothing to add, if a blog doesn’t get a lot of comments (because it wasn’t long ago that I got VERY excited when I had so much as one comment, even if it wasn’t the most meaningful).
3. Yes. I’d rather not get return comments then only get them when I leave a comment. I’m not a fan of people feeling like they HAVE to visit my place. I’d rather they did it because they want to.
4. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. I’ve made soem lifelong friends by replying, but I don’t always do it.
5. Not life, but it does get in the way of work sometimes. Like now. Better go!
Burgh Baby’s Mom’s last blog post..The Line Has Officially Been Crossed
shoot. I already forgot your questions…
let’s see, I try to comment on people who comment on my blog, but I comment on lots of blogs if I feel like I have something to say.
If I don’t feel like I have anything to say then I don’t comment ’cause then I just feel dumb leaving a comment that doesn’t really ‘say’ anything, other than, hey I read your blog but I don’t have anyything worthy to say other than, hey I read your blog!
Yes, I get overwhelmed with my unread google reader posts. Yikes, how do people have time to blog so frequently?!?
I don’t blog everyday. If I don’t have something that I think is worthy to write about, I don’t. Which means sometimes I don’t post anything for several days at a time.
And YES, sometimes I feel like it takes over my life. I feel like if I’m not out there reading and commenting then my readership will go down. I have to learn to let go of that
LifeAsIKnowIt’s last blog post..My Week
I used to be much better at commenting – then I ended up adding more and more great blogs to my reader and I literally didn’t have time, or didn’t have anything particular to add. Now I don’t comment as much at all. I can’t even say why – sometimes it’s because I don’t have anything to add, but mostly it’s because I don’t have time.
I have been blogging much less on my own blog – so in general, blogging is a tiny little piece of my life these days – and that’s okay with me
sorry – clearly I don’t have time to proof read my comments and end up saying the same thing in two consecutive sentences! See why it’s better for me to just not comment?
I generally comment only when I have something to say, or if the post is just so darn good that I feel moved to compliment. I try not to just comment for the sake of commenting, which is why I don’t expect people to return the favor on my blog.
If someone comments, I will visit their site, but I don’t feel obligated to comment back if it’s not my cup of tea. I don’t have the time to read something regularly that is so outside my interests just to be polite.
I’ve never felt snubbed by another blogger, simply because the world is vast, and my blog is small.
I generally don’t reply to comments unless a question has been asked, but I also don’t go back and recheck comments, so I don’t know if my reply will even be read.
Reading blogs has gotten me into trouble. I try to read them first thing in the morning when the kids are eating breakfast, getting ready for their day (they’re older, so I can point and command from the couch), or late at night after they are in bed.
all things bd’s last blog post..Fashion Tuesday: The “Oops I Forgot to Post This” Thursday Edition
Here are my answers…
1. No, I often quote on peoples blogs that do not comment on mine.
2. I comment for a multiple of reasons. If food comes flying out of my nose because I am laughing I will comment. If I have an acutal opinion I will comment. If I actually have time to comment… I will comment.
3. Yes, sometimes I do. Damn you bloggers! Stop snubbing me!!! I am kidding. I’ve actually never felt this way… yet.
4. I like to reply to comments. Sometimes I don’t have time. To you dear readers… um… I am sorry.
5. Of course it does. One of the reasons I have a group blog. Takes a lot of weight off of my shoulders. Thanks Jess and Al!
Bridge’s last blog post..Haiku Friday
How interesting that you should be writing this when I’ve been working on a post on this very topic. To answer your questions:
1. No. I usually only comment because I have something to add or I enjoyed the post and want to let the blogger know.
2. Makes me want to comment – if I have something to add or if I consider the blogger a friend. Makes me not want to comment – if every another commenter has already said what I want to say or if there are already like 100 comments. Or if I’m just too damn busy to bother.
3. I used to feel snubbed if I kept leaving comments and never got a return visit. Now I’m starting to find that people have a bunch of bloggers they initially connected with and don’t have time to add more people to their regular reads. This is the point I’m at now! I don’t want people to think I’m snubbing them, but if I spent all my time returning comments I would have NO life. So I do try to occasionally comment on some new blogs, but sometimes it’s a matter of having the time.
4. I used to reply to comments back in the day when I got about 3. Now that I’m getting a few more than that, I only respond if I feel I have something important to add or if someone asks me a question.
5. YES! That is why I’ve cut back recently. I haven’t been posting or reading as much. I’ve been questioning the point of skimming some people’s posts and not leaving comments. I mean, they don’t know I’m actually reading unless I leave them a comment so why can’t I feel free to skip reading some days? I can’t believe we’ve allowed guilt to enter into another aspect of our lives.
Whew. Sorry for the novel. Maybe I’ll steal some of my comments for my new post.
andi’s last blog post..Doing her part to set the women’s movement back 50 years
Hmm, I’ll take them in order…
1. I comment on blogs that I like or feel that I can contribute to the conversation. Although I am maybe more likely to comment on people’s blogs who comment on mine, it isn’t a huge consideration.
2. It really depends. On the day, what I’ve got going on, how much time I’ve got for blog reading, how many other blog posts I’ve read already… I try to comment any time that I feel like I can say something worthwhile, but there are times that I just can’t think of anything to say, so don’t say anything at all.
3. Not really. At least not that I can think of.
4. I just wish I had the time to respond to all of them. It’s much easier now with WordPress and being able to just edit people’s comments to respond. I only respond back when I have something to say though, so I hope people don’t get offended if I don’t respond to ‘their’ comment… I just don’t have more time!
5. Maybe…
Deb – Mom of 3 Girls’s last blog post..A morning in the life of a 2-year-old
Using a feed reader has really cut down on my commenting. So I generally only go to the extra effort if I feel like I have something to say or I feel like I have a relationship with the writer. Since you respond by e-mail and we lived in the same town I make a point to comment here. I used to comment at Suburban Bliss a lot but over the years have stopped because it feels like she doesn’t care about comments. I never felt put upon, but gradually came to see it as a read only blog.
Rayne of Terror’s last blog post..Friday Five
Um… Hobby. It’s a hobby. So I comment when I feel like it, when I have something good to say. I don’t feel guilty about not commenting, because it is a hobby. And I don’t feel that anyone owes me anything– a comment or otherwise– so when I get comments, I just feel excited and grateful. And when I don’t get them, I just keep writing anyway. Because it’s for me and it’s not really about other people per se. I mean, of course I like to entertain and get people thinking, but ultimately it is a hobby. I read when I can, comment when I want, and write what I feel.
As Bette Midler used to say, “F*ck ‘em if they can’t take a joke.”
But maybe that’s why I only have about 45 or 50 regular readers.
The Other Dawn’s last blog post..Haibooze
I can honestly say I’ve never felt snubbed because of the exact reasons you’re naming. Everyone has a life outside of blogging. Plus I tend to lurk.
But if I DO comment and don’t get a reciprocal…well I probably wouldn’t even notice honestly. I do try to comment on those who leave for me but I have very few readers. I don’t know what I’d do if I got the numbers you do.
Often I don’t comment because “omg so many other comments and what I have to say has been said and and and”…and I lurk.
Indygirl’s last blog post..Makin friends fast
OK I can answer in a list, I know because others have done this…..
1.No. If I did that I would always have to keep my mouth shut. Not having many followers, I don’t recieve many comments. That would really get in the way of my commenting. Besides, I visit blogs I know do not visit mine, so I can’t expect a coment from them.
2. I comment when I think I can add something to the discussion or if I feel like the person could really just use the “love”. I don’t comment if I KNOW the post is ages old or if I just don’t think I can add anything.
3. Its hard not to get your feelings hurt when you visit a blog everyday and leave comments most days and you never seem to hear anything from them or you are sure that they have never visited you. Snubbed no, I prefer to think they are visiting and staying quiet. ( And NO I am not talking about you, before you feel the urge to run over and comment about how wonderful I am. LOL.) On the other hand, getting comments from someone you adore, is a huge rush!
4. I try to respond to comments if only to say Thanks for visiting (and beg that they return HA) but sometimes I don’t have an email address and I prefer to respond in email, in case, like me, they don’t return to the comment section.
5. Blogging often gets in the way of cleaning, cooking, and such, but I take the weekends off and spend time with my family so I hope it isn’t getting in the way. And I rarely read or blog when my family is home.
(That took a long time. All the way up to get the questions, all the way down to answer them.) Hope all the comments you have gotten has helped to clear your mind. Just so you know, I try to visit you everyday, you are a talented writer and are so funny. And I know you aren’t fishing for compliments, I just thought you might like to know.
justmylife’s last blog post..A guide to not look like a complete DORK!
I kind of agree with most everyone.
I comment when I feel compelled to comment. I admit that I’m a very good lurker and have several blogs that I would rarely if ever actually comment. I think it’s because they get a bajillion comments anyway and feel that mine wouldn’t matter.
I love my small commenter community..though I do love new peeps too. I don’t respond to every person that comments on my blog, unless I feel a need to. I never thought that it might imply I’m snobby for not responding.
Jean’s last blog post..Thursday 13- Things I’ve Accomplished For The Week
1. I don’t expect a comment back though of course who doesn’t love comments.
2. I’ll comment if I have something to add, I really liked what I read or it’s a site I visit regularly. I don’t comment on posts that don’t resonate with me. I don’t want to fabricate a comment just for the sake of commenting.
3. Snubbed by another author? No, it goes back to the comment without expectation thing.
4. Replying to comments, I usually comment back on their site or if it’s been especially helpful I’ll send a short email but I rarely do that. Mostly because it’s a pain with my separate email account, lazy I guess.
5. Yeah I probably spend more time than I ought to spend. My house would probably be cleaner and way more organized. I try to keep it to specific times of the day, like scheduled breaks.
skiplovey’s last blog post..Accolades and pictures.
I try to keep my blog visits to a minimum…that being said at last count in my (normal) list of favorites, I have about 45 bloggers I read. I, however, do not have 500+ feed-readers
BUT…I do try to comment at least every other day at the blogs I visit, and sometimes every day (if I’m feeling clever enough/have something to add). But here’s your questions for ya:
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
No. Several blogs I’ve commented on have never returned the favor. I still read them, especially if their funny/have something I enjoy reading. But I LOVE it when they return the favor (even if it’s only occassionally). I have seen my visitor numbers take a huge plunge when I lost my 45-blog-list and have cut back to about 12 (because I honestly can’t remember all 45)
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
). I REALLY try to post if the blogger has at least once emailed me privately in response to my comments (like you, Casey and lotus).
If I feel like I have something to add, if someone really needs the pat on the back, or I’m feeling particularly witty (that one rarely happens), I comment. If it’s someone I visit EVERY day and have established a ‘relationship’ with (like, I’ve visited them from day one) I post even if I feel I’m unworthy (I post here all the time, ya know
NOT commenting? If it’s an insanely popular blog I’ve never posted on that has 1million comments, I get comment-shy. How would they ever see me in their mass of followers (still not sure how I sent ‘submit’ the first time with you). But I try. Generally if I dont’ comment it’s because I feel really blah that day and don’t have the energy to try to be helpful in my comments.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names)
Not yet. I’ve felt snubbed other places I’ve tried to ‘join the crowd’….but so far the blogging community has been uber-friendly to me. No, I don’t have a million feed readers or regular readers, really…I have to work hard to get people to visit me…but it’s work I enjoy. Reading other peoples blogs is inspiring, funny, and just a great way to pass my day (obsessed? me? NAH). I have yet to feel snubbed, though I don’t doubt it can, and does, happen.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
I always forget to send a separate email response. I comment on my blog and then think later about “Well, duh…what if they don’t come back?!” It’s something I’m working on. With small numbers I think it’s easier. I generally try to respond, instead, in kind with a comment on their blog. I’ve found a good number of blogs this way.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?
Uh, well…um…*whistles innocently* Can I plead the fifth?
Sadie’s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #6
everyone likes comments. i used to think i didn’t,but i do. it lets me know someone other than me reads what i write. i don’t expect them though. i comment on things i have something to say about. i may like the post, but if i’ve nothing to say, i won’t comment. just because someone (me for example) comments doesn’t mean i expect a comment back from you. besides, i may get 5 comments all week, from the looks of your site, you get 5 comments a minute. thats a lot to keep up with. everything in moderation,right?
Alisha’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: Baby Girls In Beds