RVA Foodie On Commenting
by Jason Kenney
Jason Guard (there are too many Jason’s in this world) has some thoughts on blog commenting:
When I first saw the debate sparked by Preston Yancy about certain bloggers refusing comments on their sites (overflowing with raw opinions to make you cry, unlike the caramelized variety), my reaction was that it’s a matter of prerogative or personal property. A person’s soapbox is his/her castle. Nuff said. Don’t like it. Don’t read it. However, after laboring over a few posts, receiving minimal feedback, and not feeling content in the act of creation alone, I’m wondering if there is any way to maximize feedback, debate, and discussion. I mean, there is no subscription fee for any of the RVABlogs that I’m aware of. So, how do any of us know if our blog is legitimately popular, an utter disappointment, or a service to the community? Disallowing comments, may be the ticket to an insider job under a likewise undemocratic despot, but what about those of us who prefer two-way (or multi-directional) communication? Or better yet, there’s something to be said for just standing back and letting better informed readers fill in the blanks. (JB, I know you can take that ribbing).
Comments are pretty hard to come by. There are some blogs that just seem to attract tons of comments from being brief or partisan or just plain rumor-mongering. Others get plenty of comments because they’ve developed a solid, conversational readership over time. Yet most blogs just don’t get comments. It’s not for lack of readership, though.
When a blog is well thought out, validly makes its points, and provides a non-confrontational or generally agreed upon thought, well, what’s to comment on? “I couldn’t agree more,” is a rarity. You usually only find yourself generating comments by being confrontational or only presenting half-truths. But if you routinely do that, you also usually find yourself lacking readership.
Beyond comments, one also has to look at whether their blog inspires others to blog. Instead of comments, I’d prefer to see people blog their thoughts on things I post. Not only does it take the conversation elsewhere and spread it, but it shows that the thoughts were truly effective in engaging the reader. So much so that it inspired them to inform others about it, for good or bad.
Having more comments would be nice. It’s a good visual indicator of real readership and engagement with the audience. But if you find that your site is being read a lot (Google Analytics is a good measure of visits and how long folks stick around) but not commented on a ton, well, maybe that’s when you’re doing something right.
Comments
I like your silent approval rationale. Reminds me of Homer Simpson praying to God, “So here’s the deal: you freeze everything as it is and I won’t ask for anything more. If that is okay, please give me absolutely no sign. (pause) Okay, deal. In gratitude, I present to you this offering of cookies and milk. If you want me to eat them for you, please give me no sign. (pause) Thy will be done.”
Not sure if you are right. I’ve seen some heavily commented blogs where it’s all about, “Boy your right.” or “You said it better than I can.” and it’s totally boring. If you’ve got nothing to add, then why should you?
I think it’s about the conversation. Also I think comments are a courteous way of telling your host you’ve read and thought about what they have said. I also think when you reach institutional levels like Save Richmond and RCR, you should allow some alternate views and challenges to your reasoning. As host you have control over the publish button and can always have the last word.
Paul - You’re still on that RCR/SR commenting thing?
I think asking people to add something relevant is fine, but I don’t think readers should be required to do it, nor should authors be required to solicit or even give a forum to any opinion they don’t want to. Whether that’s as small as a differing opinion or as large as outright racist or horrible tones, it’s their soapbox.
No, I’m over that, nor do I think commenting is a requirement nor is publishing them. As I said the host controls the content and should.
I just think it’s a nice touch and I enjoy the exchange of views, whether sharp or friendly.