I love comments. I crave comments. The little ding my e-mail makes when I have a new one has me dashing to the computer to see who said what. It’s flattering to have people react to the words you’ve written or parts of you that you share. Any blogger who claims not to care about comments is lying. Comments are what make a blog a blog, rather than just a diary.
Through comments, I’ve learned valuable sleeping tips and tonsillectomy recovery ideas and potty training tricks. I’ve learned where to buy things I couldn’t find myself and how to make the perfect ballerina bun. I’ve laughed really hard, and often thought that someones spur of the moment comment far rivaled my well planned out post.
Commenting is also a great way to gain readers– when you say something witty and entertaining on someone else’s blog, chances are people will want to follow you to your blog. But there are also some comments that ensure that they (or at least, I) won’t. And I seem to be getting quite a few lately. So, I present you with the top commenters I’d rather be without:
1. The Cut & Pasters: The most irritating commenter is the one who leaves a million comments such as “great post!” or “love it here!” clearly without having ever read a single word. It’s as if they’re trying to gain credit by hitting as many blogs as possible, except nobody is keeping score but them. While there are times when a simple word says it all, it’s obvious when the commenter has actually read the post or not. And that’s kind of the point.
2. The Shameless Pluggers: If you have something relevant to link, go ahead, but just posting “I have a great giveaway, be sure to visit!” pisses the hell out of me. Maybe add it at the end of a relevant comment. Maybe, but at least make an effort to say something else first. And what about the people who insist on leaving their url everywhere they visit? If your comment is worth following, I’ll click on your avatar and be brought to your blog. Typing it out won’t help you gain any readers.
3. The Inappropriate Commenters: Comments should be relevant to the post they accompany. This isn’t my Facebook wall, so don’t use the comment space for random thoughts or messages. See that mailbox icon above? Use that to e-mail me. Please.
4. The Spammers: It’s bad enough that my inbox is filled with girls from Russia who want to marry me and illegal drug suggestions, but my blog gets inundated too? That’s not cool. {The Akismet plug-in kills 99% of these, but before I installed it I was getting 100 or so a day.}
5. The Anonymous Pricks: Some of my favorite comments ever have had opposing views to mine. Well, that’s not true– my favorite tell me how witty and pretty I am, but I do very much appreciate when someone takes the time to present me with a differing point of view. But, only if that person has the balls to use their name. Otherwise, they’re just asking to be deleted. And I’m not afraid to do that.
6. The Un-Reachables: When I was on Blogger, nothing drove me crazier than someone asking me a question in a comment and finding “no-reply-comment@blogger. com” as the return address. Then, I am forced to respond to the question on their blog which isn’t appropriate or not respond at all which is even ruder. And fake e-mail addresses? Oy. Get a life.
7. The Paybackers: The “thanks for visiting my blog today” folks are not only rude, but insulting. While it is much appreciated when a blogger pays you a return visit, by simply thanking you for visiting them, they are making your little corner of the web about their blog. Same with “visiting from xyz!” You can’t find anything else to say along with that? Then don’t.
Did I miss any of your pet peeves? What drives you crazy? Or are you all too afraid to comment?
{ 171 comments… read them below or add one }
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Hi, I came over to visit from the SITS giveaway. I appreciate these tips and have been guilty of some of the “don’ts”. I hope you will give new bloggers a break – I am still trying to figure out etiquette, how to promote my blog and html with my aging brain!
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home´s last blog ..Merry SITSmas!
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All I have to say is, wow, and you got it! Didn’t know there were so many rules involved with, “leaving word”
As they say in my world.After reading this I’m thinking that most blogs are written soley for the sake of comments. Is that what this is really all about? Now I see blogging in a whole new light. Thanks for clarifying the political correctness of leaving comments.
Twitter: hollywood farm
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What a great post! <– if I end it there, I'll be deleted for sure…
Honestly, you called a few comment faux pas that I have committed in the past; and I want to thank you for that, because I read other people's blogs to make friends – which will hopefully lead to people coming over to read my blog – not to piss people off.
Also, my attitude towards blogging has changed over time. While I think it would fan-freaking-tastic if I had a HUGE readership, and was able to sell advertising space on my blog; I really just want to connect with other like-minded people. I figure the best way to do that is to project an image that is as non-irritating as possible.
In fact, my most recent blog was started in the hopes of generating some excitement in my circle of family and friends about the fact that we are trying to have a baby. And, I have heard from a lot of Moms that having an online support community – tweeps, blog buddies – was a life-saver for them, and who am I to turn away free advice.
WannabeMomErin´s last blog ..Blog Design – credit where credit is due.
Twitter: wannabemomerin
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Jeez, seems like I effed up all of these in my earlier comment about stopping by from SITS and am I totally screwed now, having pissed you off, by having my last blog post attached to my comment?
That said, I totally agree with you on the majority of your points. For Pete’s sake, doesn’t it seem like the Anon posters are almost always out to stir the pot? Just sign your name, damn it! Even if you don’t want to log in, put a name – any name – at the bottom of your post.
Thank God I haven’t had any problem with the spammers. And, yeah, I’ve had a comment or two that I’ll read and go, “WTH?” Is this comment meant for me or someone else because it just doesn’t make any sense with the content of the blog.
Thanks for the tips and Happy New Year! (so I’m a little late reading them, sorry)
Shawntel´s last blog ..2010 Resolution #4 – and That’s It, No More
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Immediately after leaving my comment here, I noticed I had a new comment on my blog, which simply said, “Just stopping by from SITS”.
That it. Well, thank you so much for doing your “duty” on Saturday Sharefest day. And thank you so much for not even bothering to read my post. Most of all, thank you for giving me something to laugh about (having just read this post).
Shawntel´s last blog ..2009 The Year of the Blanket
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Hope you don’t mind, I linked to this post today on the comments in my blog to get a point across with just such a blogger (guilty of #2 and #7). She blogrolls you so maybe it might work. I also admit when I was new,I didn’t know these rules and was a most egregious offender. :) Wish I had seen your post first because now I know how it feels.
~Scout
Scout’s Honor´s last blog ..Check Your Snot Rags at the Door, Beeches: A Princess Blogger’s Story of Bad Hygiene, Germs and Etiquette
Twitter: scoutshonor
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What I hate is when I have to jump through hoops to actually LEAVE a comment. ;)
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I take all comments. I’m a Ho like that.
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uff I had not idea leaving a comment such as
nice post,
cool idea
or something in that context could be annoying someone
I do understand that it would cause someone to think that their blog wasn’t even read…..
anyway I like the idea of if someone visited your blog and left a comment that it would be nice to get a “thanks for reading my blog” comment.
I don’t find it necessary but it is kinda nice :D
good post by the way
:D
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First visit, trying to become a better, more serious blogger and searching out tips and suggestions that might help. I’m also seeking out and trying to find more blogs to read that I can learn from, identify with and simply enjoy. Blogging can be a scary world…but I’m loving it. Thanks for these tips, looking forward to reading more.
Christine LaRocque´s last blog ..Dinner time drama
Twitter: LiteMochaMom
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I’m not too afraid to comment. I’m just pleased to read this and not feel guilty in any way!! I’m a good comment leaver!! WOOT WOOT!
Great post though, I think that for the right people this could be a great lesson. Especially for the blogging community. It’s easy to get crazy in you quest for readership, but a lot of what people do just ends up being counter productive. I am trying to tell myself that “if I write it, they will come”. Just trying to do me (hehee) and forget about the rest. If I put too much force or pressure into something it becomes un-fun anyways.
Ps….love the blog! (hahaa)
juliea´s last blog ..Don’t Call It A Comeback
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this is hilarious – and true. i thought i was one of those weird bloggers that didn’t care about comments, but i’m realizing it’s not true. i like Real comments.
i think i hesitate too much when it comes to leaving comments because i don’t want to offend. i guess this business just takes time to figure out! :)
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The comments that REALLY get me are the ones that leave a great comment and I’d like to thank them only to find NO website and NO email address. It’s a terrible feeling!
Anywho, great breakdown of the do’s and don’t’s. I know I learned a few. :)
Lindsay @ Kids Are Teachers´s last blog ..Free Samples!!
Twitter: gamommy2two
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This is essential reading for bloggers. I wish I had read it before posting my comments on another one of your posts. Forgiveness!
Stacey Robinsmith´s last blog ..Canada Wins Hockey Gold, 2010 Olympics Closing Ceremonies
Twitter: papastacey
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guilty as charged *raises hand*
i dont comment often, because sometimes i have anything worthwhile to say other than “i agree”.
cut us newbie bloggers some slack. we’re still learning the ropes, you know :)
cheri´s last blog ..during the middle of the afternoon
Twitter: chego2
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Then I may have just committed more than a few faux pas. ‘Though, in my own defense, I always read the post.
So, here’s my question. If someone has an honest disagreement with some part of the post, are you okay with the commenter leaving a comment about it? Open debate? Or would you say it should be messaged?
Brenda´s last blog ..Smooth like Barry White
Twitter: mamabegood
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Scary Mommy Reply:
March 7th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Oh, yes! I think it’s so interesting when readers disagree and conversation happens. As long as it’s respectful, I’m all for it out in the open!
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I’m new at this too and was glad for some advice. Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m leaving my URL everywhere or not. Sometimes I fill out all the hoopla to leave a comment and there’s my website instead of just my name. I knew that made me uncomfortable for a reason. I’ve got to figure out how this stuff works so I don’t look like a tail.
Thanks for the information though, I sure need it.
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I’m new to the blogging world and have noticed all these type of comments. Although luckily I’m not getting any spam. I’ve got the facebook page and twitter. But still need to read up on much more. I’m looking forward to reading all your blogging advice.
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Thanks for all this information…just set my account up thru wordpress as to your suggestion, and really needed to hear all this! Still new….obvious, huh? Don’t even have my first entry up, but YOU have inspired me to make a totally cool (hopefully) ‘diary’ of my life with kids (well, mine anyway)…
I always read your posts, but never knew comments were that important or that YOU even read them : )
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just trying this again..not sure why mine is the only name not highlighted…
from your new stalker friend… : )
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No. I’m not afraid to comment. It’s helpful to see your opinion of what not to do when posting comments. Bye. I’m off to read more of your posts.
Adventuresofamiddleagemom´s last blog ..New Theme: Titan
Twitter: attilathemom
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