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.
One more comment, and we would have doubled the previous record!
@ Tom: Thanks for adding. The more the merrier!
@ Al: Almost doing just that
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