What’s The True Value of Blog Comments?
Illustration by midgette
Scott McIntyre in the comment section of BWAB said, “Without a passionate community to shape and interact with the content, even the best written post becomes empty debris floating around the blogosphere.” [Emphasis mine]
Blog Articles Can be More Fun than Magazine Articles
Magazine articles are static. They don’t move and they don’t breath. Blog articles, in contrast, have a classroom feel, even a debate club feel. They are living creatures constantly evolving.
Have you ever interacted with the author of a magazine article? Probably not. How about the author of a blog article? The answer is all the freaking time, isn’t it? Exactly…
It’s really cool to comment on an article and know the author reads your words, when they interact with you, even better. Welcome to the world of blogs my friends.
Comments Keep Everyone on Their Toes
I’m a writer, yes. I didn’t say I’m a great writer; you guys have to say that for me (the checks are already in the mail). But when you saddle up and publish a piece, be ready for the feedback to roll in. Sometimes it’s positive. Other times negative. There’s one rule about blogging though, all comments are good comments; it’s when you hear the crickets that you’re in trouble.
If you want to get a good sample of where the comments are always rocking, head yourself over to the momgrind. Yes Bamboo Forest reads a mommy blog; what do you want from me?
Comments Can be Even Better than the Article Itself
Have you ever read a comment that is even better than the blog article itself? I have, on my own blog, and of course it makes me angry, but it also contributes to the overall post, and this makes me happy.
I can give you one example where a commenter shared sentiments funnier than my own >_<. In my post, 7 Ways You can Get Rich, the friendly therapist Tim Brownson added 4 ways to the list (you need to get a dime each time they happen for my promise of riches to take place).
Tim commented:
How about also dropping in a dime every time you hear:
1. “We are experiencing higher than normal call volumes”
2. “Please listen carefully because our options menu has changed”
3. “I’m sorry sir, it’s company policy”And a personal one for me would be on answering my phone; [Tim is a life coach]
“Is that the life coach?”
“Yes it is”
“What is it that you do?’
As you can see, comments are a wonderful ingredient of reading blogs.
How My Stellar Comments Turned into Blog Posts on Other Blogs
On not one, but two occasions I have commented on another blog and the following day they cite me and turn the concept into a blog of their own. Does this make me the man? Well sorta… Well yeah.
But that isn’t what I’m trying to get across here.
The first incident this happened was when I left a comment on Jesse Hines blog, Robust writing. I wrote:
“Presentation is also key. For example, if one’s font is too small, or the layout is cluttered, this can put one at an unnecessary disadvantage which is particularly painful if the content is excellent.”
Lo and behold, the man made an entire blog entry out of it. Sweet.
The second time this occurred I had left a comment where the Pen Men make their residency. I wrote:
“Life is about balance. And the only person who can draw the line is the individual. If the world draws your own lines - you are in trouble.”
What happened?! What happened?!
Glad you asked… Brett over at 6weeks modeled an entire entry after my comment.
Listen up kids… Comments have power. FEEL IT.
Something is bugging me. This article was almost too serious. This makes me sad 
Well, we do hold the pen, do we not?
Let’s Make History Together, Shall We?
I wrote this glorious article for you. Let’s, in unison, FEEL the POWER of comments. Let’s ROCK.
Are you with me?
History. I like to read about it. But I like to make it even more. And today, we will do no less. But I need your help… Think you can help me?
Let’s begin. Professor Bamboo asks of you…
(In a very stately voice) In the history of P.I. our highest comment count was 26. I want to make 26 look like dust, you dig?
Tell your friends, your family, even your pets. GET EVERYONE TO COME ON OVER HERE AND LEAVE A COMMENT SO THAT WE CAN BEAT THE RECORD OF 26, AND MOVE INTO UNCHARTED, UNEXPLORED TERRITORY.
We can make P.I. History, which means world history.
Are you with me? Can you do this for me? I know you can. Together, we will.
Let the games begin…
Yours,
Bamboo F.
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August 4th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Hey, thanks for the pingback, and the interesting post about comments!
For you are right - the comments are what makes this thing go. The blog post is only the seed - the blogger can plant the seed, but the comments are what makes it grow, or perhaps the comments are the crop. Not sure.
But the comments are what makes the community, what makes it worthwhile.
One thing’s for sure - if I didn’t receive any comments, I’d probably still blog, but not with the same enthusiasm as I do with great commentators.
So keep it up!
Thanks for the words - Brett
August 4th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I admit it, I never made a comment until two weeks ago when I finally started a blog of my own. Now I wish I’d started a long time ago. It’s the back and forth that makes things truly exciting. As soon as I finish a post, I get excited waiting for the dialogue that might emerge. I’ve met a lot of new people, and only through their comments. Comments are live validation. Yes, they say, your words meant something to me. It’s great to have a community where we all pat one another on the back. And yes momgrind rocks. Vered tries hard to reach out to everyone. Her Karma, I’m sure is solid gold.
August 4th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Okay Bamboo-
You have just posted the very best- most amusing- well-written blog,-I have ever come across- PERFECT- does not begin to describe the quality of your presentation!! From picture to content to U tube -Totally amazing is an understatement!-It doesn’t get any better than this!-How are you ever going to top this one?
I could follow your site for months- just hoping for another one like this.
August 4th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I’ve gone all shy
Kicking off your article like that!
Well, I truly believe that a comments with a message beyond just the basic are the lifeblood of any blog. Readers can shape, and influence the content in ways that no other form of media can match.
I know that when I come across a comments section with a bit of passion and to-ing and fro-ing, it suggests to me a blog community that values the content being written.
That’s the kind of blog I like to hang around in
August 4th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
That’s a powerful and very true statement. Regardless of how great a post is written and the content within, unless it’s picked up by someone and read it doesn’t do any good. Just floats around. I also appreciate the emphasis on passionate community. A must have for any successful blog / website.
August 4th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Hey, thanks! I love how my male readers are always a bit apologetic (defensive even?) about reading a mommy blog… but hey, it’s not a true mommy blog. It’s a blog for people who like to THINK.
I do value comments. A LOT. I agree that comments make bogs unique because they create a discussion. I also agree that comments often spark ideas for future blog posts. Sometimes, a reader leaves a comment on my blog that is so thought provoking and profound, it’s better than the original post!
August 4th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
You beckon, I come. That’s how it works with the Men with Pens
And lo! Here I am, adding a comment! I want to say that I value your comments at our blog. You write good ones that have thought behind them and insight. You contribute to our conversation and add to it.
It’s worth it.
And here I go telling my buddies to come comment. Just to prove you wrong
August 4th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
You are a great writer Bamboo (and by the way, I haven’t received my check yet
). I think comments are a vital part of blogging, and I agree that sometimes the comments section is where the real interesting stuff is going on. Here’ a tip for getting over 26 comments: give an answer to each comment individually (or do your comments not count?).
August 4th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Oh, and by the way, the YouTube video you have posted above says that it’s no longer available (two comments from me, you’re on your way).
August 4th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
@ Brett: Good point. The comments help fuel my enthusiasm for writing, likewise.
@ Writer Dad: I too look forward to seeing what comments emerge after publishing a post. It’s a great feeling.
@ Patti: Thanks for the kind words.
@ Scott: You’ve been the man of the hour quite a few times in this here, blogosphere.
@ Freelance W.D.: A passionate community is always a good sign.
@ Vered: It’s the best kind of mommy blog.
@ James: Heh. Thanks for the words. Your blog is easy to comment on, due to its thought provoking nature.
@ Marelisa: Please allow 3 to 5 business days, thanks. You are the second person to tell me the youtube video wasn’t working. Thanks for the heads up, and peculiar! It’s working for me and some others.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I’m not a blogger but like to come to this site to read your entries and leave comments.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Sometimes when I’m reading the newspaper, as in a real newspaper made out of real newsprint, I find myself instinctively reaching for a mouse that isn’t there so that I can click a button that isn’t there that would lead me to the comment section.
Everything should have a comment section. A troll-proof, spam-proof comment section.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Hi Bamboo,
I love how that happens, Scott comments on my blog, you write a blog post, you link back to me, I come and say “Thank you for the link love”. It’s like one big happy family. We all join in, give each other kudos, and continue to visit each other and share the love.
You know, I haven’t gotten my check either. Can you just put in my paypal account? That way I know I’ll get it. You know how unreliable the mail can be.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
@ technokid88: You left a comment today. With a little luck, you and I will be making history. Cheers.
@ Bill: Heh. I suppose after reading blogs long enough, that is a natural response to reading the paper.
@ Barbara: Paypal? That’s not my style, sorry. 3 to 5 days - and it’s yours.
August 4th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Well, I got here through your comment at Tim’s blog, so your point is being well proven. The Pen Man got here first, which is tragic, but there you go. Serves me right for being late to the party. Again.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I have known the power of blog comments some time ago but really, I wished I had 48 hours in a day so that I could have enough time to comment on posts that I’d really love to.
At the moment, I leave a comment on every 5 blogs or so.
Sad, I know, but this will have to do until I manage to buy more time
August 5th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Well said brother.
August 5th, 2008 at 1:28 am
@ Naomi: Welcome. Whether Large Marge sent ya. or my comment - you’ve come to the right place.
@ Pelf: I’m glad you posted here. Very wise. Together, we will make history!!
@ Llama Fish: Yep.
August 5th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Great post, comments are something you look forward to. I think as a blogger it’s one of the main reasons I publish a post, because I want to see other peoples opinions and listen to the feedback, comments are probably the quickest and easiest way of getting many opinions on one subject.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Comments rock! I think they make you feel connected to your readers. Writing comments, and hearing back from the author of the article also rocks.
The feeling of connectedness is one that has evolved as the internet has grown and changed. And this is a great thing. Being able to connect with people from all over the world, who have similar interests - awesome!
This is a great article, by the way! (I’ll expect the check in 3 to 5 days I guess…)
August 5th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I want to be a part of history, so I’m chiming in here
I agree with you that the comments can indeed be a great part of the community experience. I think some blogs, like news-related blogs, don’t need them to still be good, but that might be more the exception than the rule.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:48 am
BF,
Cool blog you have here. I, too, happened upon it via a link from a comment on another blog. Not only do comments build community, but they open up a world of new content for the reader. Without them, I would have a hard time finding more people with interesting insight into a topic.
Also, while Depeche Mode is great, and I love a good cheesy 80s video (I was born in the 70s, so I’m a child of that era), I’d say you need a little Human League next time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koGywVUJ9hE
Be well.
Ian
August 5th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I hope people will remember me too for thi LOL
Well Bamboo you left nothing for us to say you have said everything about comments, but yes comments are indeed an important part of blogging today we are able to call our blog a community without comments it would have been a weblog.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I would love it if someone converts one of my comments into an entire article. The way comments are the best form of validation for an article, an article is probably the “bestest” form of validation for a comment.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Bamboo,
Interesting reading. Unique post.
I enjoy your comments on my blog because they do offer intriguing perspectives.
I note that I’m no. 25 comment here, so we’ll break that record soon.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
@ Liam: Good point.
@ Lance: You have about two days to go. Patience.
@ Al: Wise choice, we are making history together. All of us. I think you’re right that it isn’t as necessary for news-related blogs. Though, it’s a nice option to have.
@ Ian: True. You find good blogs through comments. Hey, that’s a great song. Maybe a future post will be able to showcase it
@ Sunil: They will remember you, yes. History my friend.
@ Avani-Mehta: Comments are often a good indication of the punch of an article.
@ Jesse: Indeed. I’m 26 here. The man or woman who comments next…
August 5th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
WOOO HOOOOOO - I’m # 27!! I win!! I win!!
Wait.
What do I win???
And to think, I just hopped over here to troll your comments for post ideas, rather than actually coming up with something useful of my own. I think I’ve got a few that I’m fixin’ to turn into spacejunk in the blogosphere. Life is good!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
History has officially been made!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Annie… You’ve won something that no amount of money can buy; the opportunity to be a part of history. You are the 27th comment indeed. Congratulations.
I want to thank ALL OF YOU for helping me make history along with YOU. We’re all part of history now.
I congratulate us all.
We beat the record, together. I will keep this comment section open.
I have spoken.
August 5th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I have to admit, when I first started blogging, and thereby commenting, I wasn’t reading other people’s comments. But now I read the article AND the comments, because I find it’s the entire package that really makes the blog. And when dialague starts happening between the commenters. Way cool! I think that’s when you know, as a blogger, you have really managed to create a sense of community.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Hi Bamboo!
Yes I agree it’s the back and forth that make it so fun. I always shocked at the thousands of comments that Pioneer woman gets and then the teeny ones some others get. I do go back and read the comments and read all the follow ups as well it’s what makes it personal.
My comments have recently declined a little and I think it’s because I stopped asking questions and don’t have as much time to cisit other blogs.
I’ve learned that it’s really important to invite your audience in. Then they feel welcome and more apt to stay.
August 5th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Congratz for breaking the record! =)
Wanna to add more to your success.
My unique experience with comments:
a comment that is super long, much longer than my article.
a pervert commenting in my article (that I have to remove)
a post, summarizing the comments I got in my previous article.
and recently I am very thankful to Jean Browman from Cheerful Monk for all the questions she ask and got me re-thinking of my article.
Cheers,
Robert
August 5th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I like to see the post as the tree and all the commenters are the buds opening and planting seeds of their own. How’s that for a metaphor?
I agree totally with you that comments bring a post to life. For sure! Glad to have joined this party.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I see you’ve already beaten the record of 26, Bamboo! Good one!
I’ve done a post that was entirely inspired by someone’s comment once, and used another comment to put an extra dimension into a post I was writing anyway. It’s great!
August 6th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Your old record of 26 comments is a lot more than I’ve ever had…and that’s fine, too. I write for sharing so I leave comments on other people’s blogs. And I appreciate the comments that I do receive. Numbers aren’t as important to me as the fact I’m connecting with other people. Thank you for asking!
August 6th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Thanks to you all. History hasn’t just been made; its been blown out of the water.
@ Urban Panther: That’s a good point about dialogue.
@ Dr. Carson: Welcome. Those mashed potatoes on your current blog page look splendid!
@ Robert: Thank you. And thank you for adding to it. A comment longer than your article? That’s hilarious!
@ Davina: Great metaphor there!
@ Robin: Comments can actually be a good place to help with ideas.
@ Jean: Good point. It really is all about connecting with others.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:42 am
Now how can I even read this post and not leave a comment. I even dared myself to read it and walk away in affected silence. Haha…couldn’t do it. So here I sit on my bum, typing away, leaving comment number 37 or something miserable like that… sighs… mieux vaut tard que jamais. I await with unabated antici……..pation for your next post.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:08 am
I love the comments section just as much as the article itself. I have found many times that everyone’s take on a piece adds just as much value as the original author. And as for me, I appreciate good comment action on SHE-POWER more than good traffic. if all I had was 30 subscribers and they all had a good conversation with me I’d be perfectly happy.
kelly
August 6th, 2008 at 7:18 am
I think this was a scurrilous attempt to break a record by exploiting your readers generosity of spirit. I will in no way be helping you further that record by leaving a comment here. I just thought you should know that.
Good day sir.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
@ Tabbie: Thanks for dropping by and making the record even greater. What you anticipate will come to pass, I guarantee it. I hope you’re enjoying some beautiful flowers in the mean time.
@ Kelly: Seeing everyone’s take on a piece is a great side of blogging.
@ Tim: Thanks for letting me know
August 6th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
To keep with the semi-serious tone of your blog, I’ll add a few of my own observations.
If you are a regular reader of blogs, you’ll have noticed that some blogs have almost always a number of comments approaching infinity (I’m glad to see that this post is getting there, too) while other blogs almost never seem to get comments. I have asked myself the question: Why? numerous times and think I have come closer to an answer, although it’s still not satisfactory.
My first thought was quality of posts. - Nope! While many blogs with endless comments threads are of good quality, there are many blogs with excellent content that barely ever get a comment (see <a href=”http://bobpoole.typepad.com/bob_pooles_blog/”Bob Poole’s Water Cooler Hangout for an example). And it is often the relatively mundane blogs that keep comments coming.
Secondly, number of readers. Well, that is probably true to a certain extent (imagine that 10% of your readers leave a comment, you’ll get 5 comments if you have 50 readers and 500 comments if your readership is 5000!), but judging from some preliminary research, that’s a minor factor.
The real issue, as I believe, is tone and overall content of your blog. The blogs with the tone and problems of the ordinary guy (which doesn’t mean that the author doesn’t have a voice of his/her own) that is personable and imperfect seem to attract most comments. My guess is that people don’t feel intimidated to make a fool of themselves if the author openly admits some sort of ignorance, false assumptions of weakness to start with. This is very often the case in parenting or lifestyle-blogs which attract massive amounts of comments. Blogs with solid information, written in an authoritative style and existing mainly for the transfer of knowledge (like many business blogs like ours) usually don’t attract too many comments. This is a pity since - as you correctly remarked - comments can help to shape a blog, expand the available information and lead to new subjects that are of interest for the audience.
Well, this is just my 2c. Maybe anyone has some more thoughts on that (or maybe that will inspire you, Bamboo Forest, to write an entire post about that subject?).
Jo
August 7th, 2008 at 2:06 am
I’m #42 — happy to help you set a record! Is this a tie-in to the Olympics by any chance?
Yes, comments make the blogging world go round — in many ways!
August 7th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
42 & counting! Way to go!!!
The great thing about blogs is the two-way conversations that take place! It’s interactive! Heck, often times the comments take on a conversation all their own aside from the post… Those moments are awesome!
Without that conversation, that two-way conversation, between the author and reader, you’re just another empty thought in the endless world of the blog-o-sphere. So appreciate the fact that anyone commented by leaving a response I say… A ‘thank you’ if you will, for taking the time to visit. [I only point this out because it astounds me how often people/authors don't respond to comments. I know you do...but you'd be surprised how many other people don't!]
August 7th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Do you people not understand that by replying you are propagating this nonsense? It needs to stop and stop right now!
Let me all know if you all agree.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
your blog is getting better )
August 7th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
@ Jo: Very interesting ideas. Thank you for sharing. I think your right about blogs that are highly into information transfer, they just don’t attract as many comments. I think, in some part, the more people can relate to the post, the more comments it will receive.
@ Linda: Thank you for helping. It does not tie in with the Olympics, but that is a great thought.
@ Ribeezie: It is always a good idea for the author to respond to comments. I agree.
@ Tim: You’re so right! And I too would encourage my readers to respond to your inquiry.
@ funnygirl: Wow. That’s a great compliment. Thank you. It is our intention for it to always go in that direction. Always.
August 8th, 2008 at 2:54 am
If one wants visitors to her/his blog, one way to get a few is to comment on other blogs on a regular basis.
I’m here commenting on your blog because of a comment that you left on another blog. I’ve also added you to my feed reader.
August 8th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Comments can brighten a day, bring a smile, make us think, or drive us crazy — the contact and connection is pretty strong stuff. Thanks for letting me chime in on your history-making post.
August 8th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
@ Mike: That’s very true. Commenting on other blogs is very effective. Thank you for adding us to your reader!
SpaceAgeSage: Thanks for chiming in. And well put together, what you said.
August 8th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Hey Bamboo I’m late to the party but honored to add to your record regardless of what Tim says. The video alone was worth a comment. Good show man!
August 9th, 2008 at 11:35 am
One more comment, and we would have doubled the previous record!
August 10th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
@ Tom: Thanks for adding. The more the merrier!
@ Al: Almost doing just that
August 19th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I saw your comment on Writing Journey and, since I’m interested in getting more comments on my blog and have started looking at the techniques others use, I followed the link here. You have it down so expect me back often read your posts and enjoy your technique. James