10 Tips That Will Make Anyone a Better Commenter
Part of the blogging platform is the comment feature that give readers of a particular article the ability to provide instant feedback. I have previously revealed why I am a strong believer in allowing comments on blogs. In Comments or No Comments That Is the Question - or Is It? I argued that comments add to the experience and make it more enjoyable. Furthermore does it help grow and expand communities on and across blogs. For this to work do we all have to honor our responsibility. As a blogger should you always try to aim high and give your best when writing. Writing a comment shouldn’t really be considered any less important although the format of course is different.
Since I thus far have been spared for not only negative comments, but also what I consider poor comments, do I want to take this opportunity to voice my opinion on what makes good comments and good commenters. When you have an opinion you may as well put it out in the open. Since I don’t want to write a formal policy on the matter did this seem like the best way to do it. Doing it now will hopefully spare me for getting into trouble when I eventually have to deal with both poor and negative comments as practically every blog must. I put a lot of work into my articles so the least you can do is to respect that when commenting on them. The same respect should be shown good commenters. Whether commenting here or commenting other blogs these are the basic principles that I try adhering to when I comment.
1. Have something to say.
Just adding a “ditto”, “good article”, or similar is just not okay. It brings nothing to build on nor does it make anyone any wiser. Some blogs are full of such comments, but “oddly” enough none of my favorites blogs. Don’t be unimaginative when you can be so much more.
2. Stay on Topic.
If you comment on a specific topic then stay with it. Wandering off in all sorts of directions doesn’t help anyone. Parallels or opposites are welcome though as they add to the topic without watering it down. Avoid dragging the person into the discussion unless what he or she wrote invites you to.
3. Add something new.
If someone already stated what you also wanted to say then find something else to say or find a new perspective on it. Simply repeating things doesn’t move neither the conversation or the people participating in it.
4. Go for clarity.
Don’t try to be clever by using irony, sarcasm or exaggerations if you aren’t able to make it clear what you are doing. Don’t expect anyone to understand you if you aren’t even trying. Be aware of negation, punctuation and smilies. Put them in the wrong place or forget them and you will lose everyone.
5. Don’t rant, be constructive.
Keep things short and to the point. Some arguments require longer comments and that is fine, but don’t overdo it. Then rather divide things up and add them to the conversation as it evolves. Thinking and writing constructively even when you criticize helps structure your response.
6. Link appropriately.
When you refer to someone else’s work you should link to it. When you refer to your own relevant work can you link to it. In all other cases should you not be linking. Links are like words meant to add something besides itself. Don’t pull people out the conversation for no good reason.
7. Don’t be arrogant.
You may know more about the subject than the other commenters or the blogger, but if you communicate it poorly does it not help anyone. You are more than welcome to set things straight or show how clever you are as long as you do it with respect for everyone else.
8. Show who you are.
Knowing who you are adds to what you write. We need not know personal details, but which blog you write on is helpful when determining the validity of what you write as well as the philosophy behind it. In fact should you consider your comments part of your personal branding.
9. Keep some things to yourself.
You are in a public place. You may want to consider sending an email instead of commenting if your comment is of a personal or private nature. That won’t add to the discussion, but at least it will save everyone from the embarrassment that could otherwise be the result.
10. Take the time.
Browsing the article and then quickly typing a comment could backfire. Did you actually read and understand it? Did you check the other comments? Did you think your comment through? Generally you can ask yourself how you would react to your comment and you will know if you can and should send it.
An important point when you comment is how you start your comment. Getting off to a good start will almost ensure that the rest of the comment follows the pointers above. For a great list of comment starters check out: Thinking about the teaching of writing, where you also find additional valuable points on how to write. Especially what the use of questions and writing for an audience is concerned. In 7 Great Ways to Connect with Other Bloggers While You’re Out Reading Blogs Liz Strauss makes the case for getting positive attention and starting new relationship with bloggers by observing how you interact with the blog and blogger. While a couple of the points overlap with my guidelines are there also some new ones you do well to respect also. On a slightly lighter note Lorelle wrote How NOT to Comment on Comments and although she states that it isn’t funny (the poor comments that is) the article itself is bound to get you laughing. At least I did while not forgetting the good points she makes.
If you comment as outlined above do you not only make the bloggers life easier, but that of everyone else involved as well. You enrich it even. Good comments helps motivate the blogger and the other commenters to do even better. They add to the conversation and make everyone smarter. They help build communicative bridges and expand communities regardless of what else sets us apart. It may be my obligation as a blogger to give you the best platform possible for your comments, but at the end of the day is it your decision and your responsibility how you make use of it.
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12 Responses to “10 Tips That Will Make Anyone a Better Commenter”
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This is very useful, especially to someone knew to blogging. My comment right now uses some of your idea’s. Fact of the matter is that in order to get your name out there you need to comment.
I’m going to tag your article on my del.icio.us links, which shows up on my podBlog: Excellent points.
I am almost egotistically proud of my comments around the blogopshere. Yesterday, I learned about a widget called CoComment - it’s now on my blog.
It captures all (okay, some) of my comments on other peoples blogs… and shows ‘em on my blog. It’s becomes a convenient, extemporaneous blogroll too!
I believe it adds value to my blog, so long as my comments on other people’s blog is valuable. Fair trade
~ Vikram
PersonalBrandMarketing.com
Thank you for your comment Vikram. I do not mind you spreading the word either
Taking pride in your own comments is surely a good starting point as it will keep you aware of how you comment. I have also thought about using a service like CoComment as a number of my favorite blogs sadly doesn’t allow one to follow the comments by email, which is my preferred method. That it can be integrated in your website and thus help you highlight your good comments as well as where you like commenting just makes it even more interesting.My only possible objection against how you comment is that you include links that in essence promote yourself. Personally I don’t unless having been asked to, but as long as it is on topic is it surely something most bloggers do not directly mind. As is also the case here.
@ Dan - Linking to a commercial website even if it is only with your name is really not something I like seeing. I have left it as it in this case is borderline, but I prefer people linking to their own blog and nothing else.
I really believe that comments are content, as you so beautifully pointed out, Jan. And if they are, make them say something.
This makes you look good and makes readers click through to your blog, nofollow or dofollow ignored. That’s the magic of comments, not the “cool”, “neat”, or “I really liked what you had to say” comments. It’s the ones that say something about you, the commenter, as well as what you are commenting on.
It’s how the comments continue to conversation, on that blog and on yours.
Well done.
Well said, Jan! Your 10 Tips do a fine job not only of outlining the accepted commenting etiquette but - what other similar posts I’ve seen generally fail to accomplish - also of explaining *why* those points of etiquette exist, in terms of better communication and for the commenter’s advantage as well. I’m glad you mentioned this in the comments on ChrisG’s blog: exploring your content is going to be a pleasure!
Hi Jen,
My apologies for not replying sooner. I certainly hope you will find something else you like when checking out the site. The new design should offer plenty of routes to take.
I do feel explaining why is important. Usually will that be the first thing you ask when being advised to do this or that in my experience.
Having just had a discussion about commenting on Lorelle’s blog may I have to write another article about this focusing on comment policy. First I will have to make up my mind about it though
I agree a very useful post, the only problem is that I’m now struggling to think of a suitably useful comment… “)
What a wonderful article! You have eloquently and politely pointed out that:
- Most comments are crap designed to say “look at me”
- Comments should add to the overall value of the post
- Comments if done well will drive traffic to your site
- Comments are definitely a part of your online brand
I think it is interesting to consider the parallels that exist between forums and comments. A forum post can be a useless rant, but the people that contribute consistently to a forum with useful input tend o be respected as a someone that adds value. “lurkers” in forums (people who simply read but don’t contribute) don’t add to the forum at all. Therefore your observation that simply reading without contributing adds no value, and additionally does not drive your own brand at all.
Thanks for your freat article & site!
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