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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1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
NO
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
I only comment when I have something to say, or I am really touched by something, or if the blogger seems to need cheering up!
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names)
Nope
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
I don’t usually worry about it unless someone asks me a question or the comment was particularly funny
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?
Yup. But then I remember it’s a part of my life, not my whole life. If it’s taking over my life, then I shut it down for a while. It feels good.
Barb’s last blog post..Chank from Rascal Flatts
I truly appreciate all of these comments all your honesty.
This post was NOT meant to be fishing for compliments, but hey, if you’re feeling generous…
I kid, I kid.
Also, I don’t want any of you to think that if I come visit your blog it’s out of OBLIGATION. It’s more because I DO enjoy returning the favor, we all DO love comments. I also have found some of my favorite blogs by visiting new readers.
It all comes down to the fact that there are only 24 hours in day…
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? Not really. I mean, if I’m commenting you religiously for days or weeks and you NEVER return the favor, I’ll assume you wish I’d leave you alone and I do. It’s amazing how many of them come search you out when you disappear though.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? Good writing, and an interesting overall blog. If I don’t like it, I don’t comment. I’m not going to pretend I care if I don’t. Sounds bad, huh? *lol*
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? Yes, I have in the past. It hurt my feelings.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
I always reply in a comment on my own blog, because of that no reply feature at blogger. And I always do it, as well as paying a return visit. I don’t think you can expect someone to give a crap about you if you don’t care about them.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? Yes. If you asked my husband he’d tell you HELL yes.
Maria [Immoral Matriarch]‘s last blog post..Dun duh duh da!!! Super Ant!!
OH! And I swear I hadn’t even read your post today before I’d posted mine. You made me feel *really* dumb about complaining about 78 entries in my reader. LMAO
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
No. I comment all over the place…if I have something to say. Otherwise, I don’t bother. I don’t do it so people will come to my blog…but it is nice when they do…but by no means do I expect it. I don’t blog for recognition…just to get thoughts out of my head.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? I only comment if I have something to say. If I don’t have anything to say then I don’t bother…unless the blog has no comments, then I feel bad and may leave something. The only thing that makes me NOT comment is if there are like 200 comments already, then I feel like I would be rehashing what someone else already said.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names). Um…no I guess…Not sure what you mean though I did have someone remove a comment of mine though I didn’t see it as being rude or anything, it was more like “i know the feeling” kinda thing…but that person did seem to have no one but family comment so maybe that was it? *shrug* I don’t visit that blog anymore anyway…
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? To me, it isn’t necessary unless there was a question asked or just more to add or clarify. Sometimes I will because the comment was funny…but other than that it all depends on my mood.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? Nope. But I obviously don’t follow the “rules” LOL. I don’t do memes, or special days or anything. I do what I feel like when I feel like it.
Sandy’s last blog post..You can’t tell me this isn’t child abuse…
Two thoughts…
I have felt snubbed when I was removed from someone’s blogroll. In fact, I still feel snubbed and no longer visit that blog.
Also, there are blogs that I read and never comment on. It’s not just because they are BIG blogs. I read Pioneer Woman, Dad Gone Mad, No Pasa Nada, Girls Gone Child, Suburban Turmoil and rarely comment…I purposely mention them because I really enjoy their writing, I just never feel like I have anything to add. Their commenters have usually said all the good stuff.
Any more I only comment if I actually have something to say. I used to comment on every blog that I read to show them that I was THERE, but it just got to tiresome. I could never come up with any thing to say. I try to visit the blogs of people who comment on my site but I’ve been miserable about that lately. And yes I do feel guilty about it. And yes blogging either TOTALLY ROCKS or SUCKS HARD and I’m vascillating wildly between the two on a daily basis.
btw. you’re going to blogher, right??
bananas’s last blog post..The downside of independent play
If someone comments, I do usually try and comment back.
Only because I am rather new to blogging and when i started reading blogs 6 months ago I was always so sad when no one ever commented me back.
I vowed I would try ot reach out more. But, it is really hard to keep up with all of the comments now.
OHmommy’s last blog post..My husband won’t sleep with me…
Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? No. I comment where ever and on whatever blogs I want.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? I comment if I feel passionately about something, whether it be offering advice, agreeing with the blogger, or offering comfort. I don’t commentif I’m not like YEAH! I THINK SO, TOO!!!
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? No.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? I don’t reply to my own comments. Am I supposed to? Why would it give me a nervous tummy?
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? No. I feel like life gets in the way of my blogging. If I could, I would blog and read others’ blogs all day.
there really is no method to my commenting madness. sometimes i comment on posts i like. sometimes i don’t. sometimes i comment when i have something witty to say. sometimes i don’t. i definitely don’t ONLY comment on sites that comment on mine…but i definitely have stopped commenting on some sites that never acknowledge that they know i’m reading. i don’t think you HAVE to reply back to comments, but i do…because i love building relationships with people.
ali’s last blog post..mother and child…and when did she become a hussy??!?!
I sometimes get a little overwhelmed, but not too badly. I mean I do read a lot of blogs, more than I really should be taking the time to read, but I don’t get bazillions of comments to keep up with most days, either, so it’s not too difficult to keep up. That said, on the days like Sunday’s Weekly Winners, when there are *a lot* of comments and blogs, I totally see how I couldn’t keep up with a stead diet of it without blogging losing some joy. How people do it when they get hundreds of comments amazes me.
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? Nope, I comment even if they don’t, mostly, but even this depends on how much I enjoy the blog.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? I do comment if I love the post. I also try to comment if someone did leave me a comment. I don’t comment if I really have zero to say (OK, fine, sometimes even then I comment needlessly…) or if it’s a blog that I’m not madly in love with but where I’ve commented on in the past many times with zero reciprocation ever. Again, though, if I love it, I’ll comment without reciprocation. Totally depends.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names) Not really. People get busy. That said, I do like comments on my posts. Who doesn’t?
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? On Blogger, this issue pretty much takes care of itself in terms of usually not being able to email a response (unless the person includes it in his/her Blogger profile), but depending on the comments, I will often reply in the comment form, even though I know most won’t see it. That’s the other reason I try to make a point of going to visit the blogs of anyone who does comment. Again, I have it easy since I don’t have 9 million comments a day!
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? Yes, but if I am writing for me, it is almost like a journal in a sense (well, minus a few of the juicy bits), and I am far more diligent about than I ever was with journaling. If it truly got too much in the way, I’d cut back. For now, it’s a bit excessive, but not really taking away in a bad way. If I wasn’t blogging/reading blogs for my entertainment, maybe I’d be out doing meth or something. This is healthier
(the other) Maggie’s last blog post..Haiku Friday 3/14/08
I LOVE your blogging…. Our little guys sound as if they can be twins separated at birth. I do not have a website, but look forward to reading yours
I comment whenever I can relate to or am touched by an entry. Basically, if I have something to say. I blog because I like to write and it’s a small outlet for me. I don’t post all the time. I do it for fun and maybe somebody will like what I have to say. So at this point it’s not taking over my life. I don’t always reply to comments, unless I have something interesting to say in response to the commenter. I love it when people reply to my comments and when people visit my blog and leave comments – but I don’t comment on other people’s blogs just to get them to visit mine. I read and comment on blogs just because I like to.
Amy’s last blog post..is obama an only child?
1. I try to comment on blogs I visit, unless there are already 8 million comments or I really can’t think of anything to say.
2. I always try to comment – I used to wait until I had something insightful to say, but then I realized that I appreciated all comments so now I just say whatever pops into my head.
3. No, not really.
4. I reply in my comments because the idea of even writing ten emails overwhelms me but I also make it a point to visit and comment on the commenter’s blog. And then I usually wind up adding them to my google reader.
5. Er, I’m pretty sure blogging IS my life. Oh, and you know, raising my children.
Jerseygirl89′s last blog post..Haiku Friday – A President
You and I must be on the same hormone cycle…I’m feeling the same way.
~JJ!’s last blog post..Friday again?
ahh blogging. i was so excited when i started. i still love it, but yes it takes me away from things and i need to get control of it.
i will comment on a blog if they commented on mine (for first time), and i comment on the rest of my folks i read daily. i usually comment when i feel that i have something to say. yes sometimes i feel SAD b/c NOBODY comments or very few. crazy huh ??
feener’s last blog post..Thumb sucking ?
You rock, woman. I love ya.
Hot topic, right? Get’s people’s blood flowing!
I could go on for ages about this topic (in face, I think I have elsewhere, before, lol)
In a nutshell, I think that the blog thing should be enjoyable or it sucks to do it. That being said, I feel a level of stress related to mine occassionally. When I think it’s getting in the way of RL, I purposely take a step back. I used to reply to ALL comments in email. That got in the way (my husband told me “I miss you.” Aw.). So I stopped doing it.
I do still send emails when I can. And I respond to things in comments section occassionally, but not b/c I think someone will come back – b/c I think it might answer the same questions for others who will still be visiting, you know what I mean?
Um, I have felt snubbed at times, but it’s not often. I generally just love attention, but I’m cool if someone is busy or chooses to go elsewhere. I don’t get upset that not all my friends call me every day either.
The rule about whether I’ll comment somewhere? If I feel like it. LOL And SO many things can affect that from whether I have to pee right then, to if I care about the topic, to if I just have a hard-on for that blogger and want to loooooove on them. ETC. I know you know what I mean.
And there’s more, but look what I’ve already done? Gone on and on about it like I said I wasn’t going to. Heh.
*kisses on you, Jennifer*
Sarcastic Mom’s last blog post..The rest of the story…
Ooh. Well, I’m a first-time commenter so howdy
)
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
Ideally, that would be nice. But I think that I comment on blog entries where what I’ve read makes me want to say something.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
Following on #1, sometimes those blog entries make me want to say something BAD, so I abstain.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names)
Probably, but I realize that we’re all trying to carve out our own niches.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
Honestly, I don’t like it very much. But I will reply by email if I feel that what I read moves me to do so.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?
Absolutely, but it’s still pretty fun.
Mme. Meow’s last blog post..Chips Falling Where They Ought (In The Potty)
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
No, I am known to comment on others, and I don’t always comment on regular visitors to mine, I think you need to build a trust in your reader and know they are stopping by even if they don’t always comment, I try to comment every week though.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
If I feel an emotional tug to comment or something really reaches me I comment…offensive things make me not comment or if I can’t find something nice or relavant to say.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names)
Yeah there are a few that I feel don’t care to visit others unless they think it benefits them, and it is a bit irritating that they take from you but never return the simple favor of an occassinal comment to say hey I am reading and checking in, especially when you have invested yourself in their life.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
Unless the topic is intense and it is the first time I am reading the blog, it is rare that I am nervous about commenting.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?
YES! I think that it could easily overwhelm someone and you need to find a balance. It isn’t the writing all of the time, but the reading.
Great questions.
Penelope Anne aka The Mama Bear’s last blog post..T.G.I.F. ~ May the Weekend be Peace FULL!
Hi, my name is Christina, and I’m a blogging addict. Wait – this isn’t a Bloggers Anon meeting? Oh, OK.
I’ll admit that blogging has kind of crept into my life and taken hold. I spend most of my free time (not counting time I spend with my kids – I’m not a neglectful mom, I swear!) writing posts or reading other blogs.
I will comment on blogs that don’t read mine, and while I try to return the favor for those who visit me, I admit I still haven’t gotten to everyone yet. It’s hard. I have 142 blogs in my feed reader and currently have 362 posts unread. You can probably guess that I don’t get to comment on all of those. If I did, I’d truly have no life.
Like you, there are a lot of blogs that I read but rarely comment on. Generally it’s because I never get there at the beginning of the discussion, there are a ton of comments, and everyone else has said what I’d say in a better/wittier way. I still really appreciate their writing, though.
I like to respond to some comments via e-mail, but not all of them. And Blogger also sucks because I don’t always get the person’s e-mail, so I’m left wanting to respond to some, only to find no way to contact them.
OK, this got long winded, and said much of what everyone else said. I’ll stop before I ramble more…
Christina’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: A Guest Haiku
1. No. If they comment back to me…good. If not…oh well.
2. I comment when the post means something to me.
3. No. What I post is my thoughts. I do it because I enjoy it. Not because I care what others think.
4. I do my best to reply to each comment I receive with a vist to their blog and a Thank You comment on their latest post.
5. Sometimes, but I usually get plenty of time to post and read other posts. I do that when I am nursing my daughter. She usually eats every 2 hours…and I have to have something to do. She hates it when I just stare at her!
Scarlet O’Kara’s last blog post..Guinea Pig Friday…
Well, I leave a comment if I have something to say and the time to say it.
If the topic doesn’t speak to me, I move on.
I do feel some obligation to comment on SOME blogs, if the author is a common commenter on my blog.
I try not to feel too much obligation, after all, this is supposed to be fun.
Devan’s last blog post..I quit.
This is a s***load of comments…
I only comment when I have something to say. Unless it’s someone who made a first comment on my site. Then I comment to return the favor.
I used to feel snubbed, then I remembered why I started blogging in the first place. It’s all about me, and if other people find it enjoyable then yea for them. Otherwise, it’s purely for my own benefit. Yeah, selfish, but oh well.
I try to visit blogs often, but I just don’t have the time. I do have a life. I joied cre8buzz, just as an experiment, but I don’t have the time to do all of that to up my buzz ranking.
melissa’s last blog post..Friday Haiku 3/14/08
Wow, lots of comments. I don’t have time to read through them all right now, but I will answer the questions for myself…just in case my opinion matters to you.
1. Yes, I tend to comment more on people’s blogs who comment on mine, but that’s not a rule for me.
2. I comment when I have something insightful to say, a questions to ask, or their post touched me somehow (funny, witty, beautiful). I don’t comment when (this is harder) I don’t have anything else to add, the post doesn’t seem worth conversation, lots of people have commented and all said the same things, etc.
3. Yes, I feel especially snubbed when someone commented all the time on my blog, then just seems to drop off the face of the earth. But I still comment on their blog, and I see them commenting other places. (P.S. I’m not talking about you.)
4. I don’t feel like I have to reply to comments. But I will reply when I have something else to add, there is a good conversation going, or someone asks a good question.
5. YES!
Mommy Daisy’s last blog post..Friends again
Yup, I just went through this mental dilemma this week. I was totally wrapped up in exactly what you described, plus working 2 jobs online, and caring for my toddler without any childcare….I hit rock bottom. Or at least I hope that was rock bottom and it doesn’t get any worse.
I am trying to accept the fact that if I can comment back, then great, if I can’t, then it is “okay”…just let it go. Family, friends, and happiness is more important.
Sandy (Momisodes)’s last blog post..Hai’Shoes
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? I comment on Everyone who visits my blog, plus my favorites, and some others too
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? If I feel passionate about something I will comment(like with lotus’ house). Though if I’m at a really popular blog that gets zillions of comments I usually won’t comment.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names) Hmm, no, not really, but maybe.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? I feel that its nice to at least drop by take a quick peek around see if there is something you can comment on, and then if not go on my merry way.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? No, I have limited my blog (writing) time to after bedtime only.
Mackenzie’s Momma’s last blog post..My favorite Thing to Do…
Aren’t you sick of reading comments now?!
Momo Fali’s last blog post..My Left Foot
I agree with Momo above…what am I #132? But I am always willing to throw in my two cents whether you want to read them or not. I usually comment on 80% of the blogs I read. I always read on my reader and try to comment if it is funny or interesting or I have an opinion OR I haven’t commented on that blog in a few days. I have a question…
If I leave a comment almost everyday for someone and they never respond or visit my blog to my knowledge (and they aren’t receiveing 100s of comments), am I stalking them? Am I annoying them? or am I being snubbed and don’t know it…
I keep saying someone needs to write down the rules because I haven’t a clue!
Fun post. I stopped by because I love you in a nice friendly mommy kinda way.
HRH’s last blog post..My purse is qualified for the job..
1. Nope.
2. I comment if I can relate or be encouraging or have something to say.
3. Nah.
4. Im awful at replying to comments.
5. I wish there were more hours in the day to read all of the great blogs out there.
Stephanie’s last blog post..Woohoo for marked down meat!!
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
If I did that I wouldn’t have that many comments to make. =) No – I don’t expect anyone to return the favor since I don’t comment as a favor.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
I’ll usually comment if I think “Yes, that’s just how I feel” or “Wow – that sucks, hope it gets better” or “Cool!” I guess I just comment if I feel I have something to add, or to support someone, or to cheer them on. If something’s really funny I’ll usually let that person know they made me laugh. I don’t comment when I feel more like a lurker than a part of the community – I visit a few blogs who I think the authors have no idea who I am. I like it that way sometimes. Also, I usually check blogs while pumping one boob and it takes way too much talent (that I don’t have) to type a comment with the other hand. Sometimes I’ll try to remember to come back and comment (if I feel the need to).
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names)
No – I started blogging to keep in touch with my out-of-town friends. Now I’ve made more friends via blogs and enjoy that part of it. I really don’t care if someone decides they no longer enjoy my writing (or my pictures). I just keep writing and posting pictures – mostly to remind myself how lucky I am. I’m just glad that more and more people are starting to enjoy the stuff I have to share.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
I wish I could reply via email to more comments. Usually if I can’t I’ll try to visit their blog and comment.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?
Yup. I’ll start the day saying I’m only going to read/blog in the am and then again after the kids are in bed. But then I keep checking through the day . Damn it. See…right now – we just finished dinner and I’m blogging. Yeah. Mike just called me to come and give Liam a bath – I told him I needed two minutes – it’s been 10.
Cathy’s last blog post..Hi, Ku! What Ails You?
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
>>I do, but that’s not why I do.. I comment all over, and try to hit a whole bunch of bloggers. Sometimes I just can’t though.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
>>I comment when I want to add something. Simple. I don’t comment when I can’t/don’t agree.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names)
>>Yes, I have in the past—a few times. Now I just don’t care.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
>>I reply when I’m addressed, and I have tried to reply all the time, but I just can’t.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?
>>Ab-so-dupely. lol
I do live by the Guilt Free theory. I have to with four kids and a crazy life!
Secret Agent Mama’s last blog post..Haiku Friday: Message in a Bottle
1. No. But sometimes if they don’t return the favor I get all paranoid that they think I’m a freak and “where did she come from??” and hope I go away!
2. If I have something to say, if it was funny, if you ask me a question. Sometimes if there’s 200 comments already I won’t even bother.
3. Sometimes. Not getting into details though. It happens, I try to just tell myself it’s got nothing to do with me. I’m sure I’ve made some people go “huh?”
4. I like to sometimes, but most of the time I read them and enjoy them and get nervous tummy about whether or not they expect me to, or what if they think I’m snubbing them if I don’t respond to their comment!? Or what if I respond to one and not another??
5. No, never.
jen’s last blog post..things
Ok – you already have a bajillion comments so, I’ll be short.
I only comment if I feel compelled. I don’t expect people to reciprocate b/c lots of the blogs I read are mommy blogs and mine is firstly knitting secondly mommy.
(don’t EVER feel compelled to visit me…..)
Teri’s last blog post..Escalier
I’m on a break and I still had to comment on this one. Great topic by the way. Let’s see….
1. Nope, I comment when I want and where I want. Trust me, I never expect to get a response from some of those big ass peeps. I mean if you get over say…ten comments, it just gets out of hand to comment back all the time.
2. What makes you comment? Um a funny post, or something I find interesting or soemtimes I do it just to say, hi, I’m not dead and I just came to say hi. What makes you NOT comment? When I have nothing constructive to say. I don’t make rude comments ever, it’s just not worth it to me.
3. I guess I don’t have enough time to worry about it. Plus, I’m not cool enough to sit at the cool table or even at the almost cool table and I know it.
4. I love to respond when I have time. Love it. BUt I don’t expect everyone to be able to do it.
5. yup, hence the break I’m on now. I’ll be back though, cause I really do love it.
Phoenix’s last blog post..On a break……
These thoughts have been on my mind latley, too. I read a LOT more blogs than I comment on – simply because of lack of time. Like yours! I love your blog, but there aren’t enought hours in the day for everything.
Christina’s last blog post..Good night
When I moved my blog from Blogger to TypePad in 2006, I vowed to always respond to my comments. I thought it would be a great way to let people feel included and to carry on discussions. I gave birth to my first baby almost three months ago, though, and in the last few weeks of my pregnancy, I just didn’t have it in me anymore to follow up with them, and during maternity leave, what precious time I had on the computer had to be dedicated to actual blogging or I’d never get it done. Now that I’m back at work, I’m trying to at least respond to questions in my comments section and follow up individually when it seems called for.
On the flip side, I don’t necessarily make it a point to read the blogs of all my commenters. To me, it made more sense to treat my blog as my home and do my best to make people feel welcome.
Frema’s last blog post..Brain Fest Friday: Killing two birds with one (tragic) stone
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? No. I comment when I feel like I have something to say. there are some blogs I’m more comfortable with commenting on, so it might take less for me to leave a comment. But if someone gets a lot of comments already, I am more likely to move on because I wonder if it will be noticed or not. Bad, probably. But it’s the truth.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? Oops. I answered part of this above. Over a hundred comments on a post will probably make me less likely to comment. Just a few comments, and It’s a higher likelihood. If something strikes a chord, I will comment no matter what. But for just general day to day posts, it depends on how busy I am.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? I think I’m too new to this to feel that way.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? I am still chaky on the etiquette. Do I post it on my own blog? Should I email? I just can’t decide if commenting on my own blog is a good idea since the commenter might not come back to read it. But I don’t want to be invasive by emailing. I have emailed some bloggers when something really touched me or if I was worried about an absence. And now that I think about it, the bloggers I’ve emailed are more likely to get a comment from me. I guess I feel more of a personal connection once emails have exchanged.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? Yes. This week I totally took a blog break. I was busy at work, and couldn’t stop. I felt guilty for not blogging. I thought about the blogs I wasn’t reading. So it was kind of an eye opener on how much the blog is a part of my life. I don’t have a lot of readers, but I don’t want to let my “few” down. I am always thinking “should I blog about that” with every aspect of my life.
Robin’s last blog post..Quick (but long) update
I used to comment on other blogs that I like to read. But then it seemed everyone was saying that you should not have a blog if all you are going to do is talk about your family adn kids and they don’t like it when people post everyday and you have to have something really important and well written to say or you should not blog. So, since i only write my blog about my family and kids (it is a way for all of my out of state relitives to know what is going on with us) then I stopped commenting on blogs because I did not want people to see my blog since everyone is saying how my kind are the worst kind. And then I can’t comment annoymus because people hate that too. So, I guess there are too many rules out there that i don’t know or follow. so i just read the ones i like and never comment. Usually when i read something where i really want to comment it seems like there is already 50 comments saying the same thing. So then I feel like well, you already heard it so you don’t want to hear me say it too.
after over 2 years of blogging I still struggle with the balance of keeping my own blog(s) fresh …. updating and tweaking content and appearance, etc. as well as visiting (and commenting) on other people’s blogs as well
It is a constant tug o war over which takes the bulk of my blogging time on any given day … I really need to get better organized
mama kelly’s last blog post..Haiku Friday #2 – Trying to Transform
Sigh. I try to blog guilt free, I think I’ve gotten better at it lately, but it’s still hard. As for commenting or not commenting, if I have something to say I say it, if not, I skip it. Or if I particularly like the blogger herself, I try to say something nice. I also figure that since most of the bloggers I read regularly have expressed the same guilt about not having enough time to read/comment on everything that I’m more or less off the hook. We’re all busy, we know it, why worry about it?
There is one blogger who I read religiously who visited my site once and never came back. I adore her, so it makes me a little sad that she clearly doesn’t feel the same way, but hey, that’s life, right?
And while blogging doesn’t usually get in the way of my life, my life does tend to get in the way of my blogging.
Nell’s last blog post..Breaking News
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
No. I comment when I feel I have something to add or when I feel a “connection” with the post or poster.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
See above for my reasons to. I do not comment when the blogger already has 100s of “Girl you are so amazing!” I would be adding nothing and would in fact feel like the Heather who did the grunt work in an attempt to be accepted by the other Heathers.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
It doesn’t feel natural to me – although a ‘thanks for commenting’ response might make me seem more open and appreciative. I will respond to answer a question or give some information.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?
I feel like life sometimes gets in the way of blogging.
Good questions.
Rosie’s last blog post..Did you hear the trumpets and choirs of angels?
Here are my answers:
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?
Well, that last comment didn’t work out so well. Sigh.
To recap: I comment when I have something to say, regardless of whether they comment on my blog. If I don’t have something NICE to say, I don’t comment.
I don’t recall feeling snubbed by a blogger.
I try to reply to comments, but if I’ve responded to the Wordless Wednesday/Photo Hunt/whatever, I often don’t reply.
Yes, I feel like blogging something gets in the way of my life.
Especially when I forget I can’t use carets in my response and have to rewrite.
Rebecca’s last blog post..Tornado hits downtown Atlanta
You’re a mom and can only put so much time into your blog.I know I don’t get offended if I don’t see you reading…but I admit once in awhile it’s nice…which u have…so no worries..
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?No I comment on blogs I like.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?I comment to let them know they are heard and I can relate or enjoy something they wrote. I don’t comment sometimes if I can’t find anything at all to say that would make them think what the hay is wrong with that girl lol
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? I have then I snap out of it… we can’t all by interesting all the time
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?No I do if they have asked me something or I found their comment really affected me.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life?Some days..I’m a mom
I can’t remember if I’ve already answered this (or just meant to) and can’t possibly go through your 94 comments to see! But here goes:
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor? No. I comment when and wherever.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment? I usually only comment if someone asks a question that I feel I can answer or offer insight on, if I can commiserate or be equally excited about something being blogged about, offer things like congratulations/good job!s or condolences when necessary. Of course, sometimes it doesn’t seem that there is any rhyme or reason as to when and why I comment.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names) Oh yeah. All the time! (Sorry, but true. But I try not to be a whiny baby about it!)
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy? I always reply. Sometimes it might take me days on end, but I can’t just ignore someone who took the time out of their day to leave me a comment.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? Sometimes. But if it wasn’t blogging, it would be something else.
Have a great weekend!
Devilish Southern Belle’s last blog post..As I was saying before
1. I try to comment on every blog I read at least once a week. If that blogger is a no show in my comments for an extended period of time then I tend to brush them aside. Not maliciously, but it happens. It’s almost like their blog is no longer priority or something.
2. I almost always comment. Unless my mind is a blank or the post doesn’t inspire.
3. Yep, been snubbed. It hurts, I won’t lie. Yes, I stopped reading them. And yes, I feel like a big huge child for admitting that.
4. I just wrote a post about replying to comments. I am on blogger but LOVE the way wordpress enables you to reply so easily. I wish blogger would get with the program.
5. Blogging completely interferes with my life. I have cut waaaaaay back recently. Now I let my reader go for two or three days before I catch up. I just simply need to spend more of my free time in the real world. No matter how much I love my bloggy buddies.
Interesting post. Interesting comments. Cheers.
LunaNik’s last blog post..Google Juice…Is that like fruit punch??
It’s easy to let blogging get you down sometimes. But I think, in the end, it’s so worth it.
1. Nope. I comment wherever I feel the urge. And sadly, I don’t feel the urge that often.
2. If there’s something in the post that I want to add my voice to or a specific question was asked (such as this one). I’m a pretty awful lurker though. I like my shell.
3. I think I used to, until I got used to how things are. People get busy, plain and simple.
4. I try to reply to all new commenters. I reply to whatever I have the time to reply to, after that. Or if someone asked me a question.
5. Not really, but I haven’t felt the crush yet either. Ask me after the baby is born.
Marilyn’s last blog post..Saturday Recovery
1. Nope, I’ll comment on anything I think is really funny or that I have an opinion to add
2. see above point
3. yes
4. not absolutely necessary
5. yep!
theotherbear’s last blog post..Brief Hiatus
I’ve had some of these same questions.
1. Do you comment only on blogs whose writer(s) return the favor?
No, although it does sting a little if I’ve commented several times on someone’s blog and I never hear from them via email or the comments. I suppose this answers #3 as well.
2. What makes you comment? What makes you NOT comment?
I comment if I have something particular to say about the topic but also if I feel as if I’ve come to know the blogger and his/her regular commenters and want to be part of the community. I usually don’t comment if I’m number 100+ (I guess I’m pushing close to that number here, huh?) if I don’t have anything new to contribute to the conversation. I also tend not to comment when I’ve noticed that the other commenters seem to be hostile to newbies to that particular blog.
3. Do you ever feel snubbed by another blogger? (Please don’t name names)
Yes. See #1. I wish I could be an adult about it and say that I don’t care but I do.
4. How do you feel about replying to comments? Is it absolutely necessary or does it give you the nervous tummy?
I don’tmind replying to comments. I want to have a dialogue and create a community.
5. Do you feel like blogging sometimes gets in the way of your life? No.
Dingo’s last blog post..Making It Work
Just wanted to be #100! LOL
I comment here b/c I love you. And I try to make the time. Sometimes I have a big chunk of time and do a commenting run, b/c there are a lot of blogs I care about, but chances are that right now b/c my life is so full, that if you’re not emailing or IMming w/ me, I’m not checking out your blog.
I’m barely blogging myself. Just consider that a favor.
LOL One less place to feel obligated to visit. HA!
When there are a whole boatload of comments I feel like something I would say would most likely be redundant.
If I leave one comment on a blog, it means I have caught up w/ all your posts. Esp. if you have the comment widget, I don’t want it to be all VDog up there and then I look like a big stalking dork. Heh.
I return comment to my dedicated fans, and try my best to get to newbies. I usually hit newbies the first time they comment, and if they come back, great, if not…eh… I’ve got my handful of fans and that’s about all I can deal with right now. Heheh.
Ok, kid wants attention.
VDog’s last blog post..Project Spare Change for Lotus