Yes, Your Blog Comments Matter!

Photo by William Iven on Unsplash

"The sharing of posts and comments can truly be

a conversation amongst friends."

~ bl

As bloggers, we publish our latest ‘masterpiece’ post, and then we eagerly wait for comments to roll in. We want readers to share their own thoughts, maybe a remark or two about themselves which connects us at some level, and secretly, we hope for a little praise about what a 'sublime' (wink) post we just created. 

Before I say anything else, I first want to give a shout out to every person who leaves comments on my posts. I have learned so much from you on how to leave warm, thoughtful, and meaningful comments. SO many times you've inspired me, affirmed me, and given me joy with your gift of words in response to something I've shared in a post.

We may not often be lost for words, but there are times when composing a short, meaningful comment seems harder than it ought to be. So, we might well click away without leaving a comment or make a remark so general as to be disappointing:  "Great read.”  “Nice photos.”  “Interesting topic.” 

Although positive, they tend to leave an empty feeling or no feeling at all. There is no indication that the post was even read, and one gets no sense of any relationship being forged; the reader leaves nothing of herself in those general words. We certainly understand time constraints and lack of creative moments. We don't want to create pressure. At the same time, we do long for a little something in return (and I don't think I speak just for myself here).

I never forget something Mark Twain is attributed as writing once to someone: he apologized for writing such a long letter, as he didn't have time to write a short one. Although we smile at his wit, we also recognize that, yes, sometimes the short ones take the longest to compose as we carefully choose our words. Still, one thoughtful sentence is all it takes.

* * * * *  

Here are four tips that help me when it comes to sharing my own comments on blogs I visit without having to spend so much time or effort every time:

1. Instead of trying to make a general comment about the overall post, focus on one or two details that catch your attention – a single thought, a turn of phrase, or a line of prose so artfully written its beauty gives you goosebumps. Let the author know.

2. Look for common ground: the similar family traditions, the same books you read, where you go for holidays, a favourite song or line of verse. Perhaps you realize you share similar ‘soapbox’ topics…or completely different ones. Mention what it is about her post that makes you feel connected. 

3. Instead of just saying the photos were nice or great, why not zoom in on one of them and describe what makes it come alive for you? Is it the composition? The colours? Perhaps it's the contrasts or similarities, or maybe you are drawn to particular subjects, like sweet kids in rubber boots or cute dogs out for a walk. 

4. When you realize somebody else has already said what you wanted to say, don't think your similar comment doesn't matter. Of course it does. Great minds think alike and all that. A little trick is to do a synonym search of some of the words already used in other comments. The list Google coughs up often gives other great descriptive words that can help form lovely new sentences. 

Comments are gifts – ones you offer in return for the posts you just read. Go ahead, leave your 'footprint' in the comment box, and make a heart connection today.

* * * * *

This post today is based on an article I submitted to a recent writers' contest. It was a little summer contest within our writing group, and I am delighted to say I placed first. The feedback I received from my peers (who were the judges) was meaningful to me, and helpful, too, for future writings.

I hope you are enjoying your September.

I'm wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places,

With hugs,

Brenda

xox

PS

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You might also like an earlier post I wrote about how
leaving a comment could be the answer to someone's prayer.