[Note: this is an old blog post. The takes in this post may no longer apply to what the author currently believes and/or the information may be outdated. Please take all that is written here with a grain of salt.]
One of the most difficult things to master in the blogging world seems to be commenting on other peoples’ blog posts*.
*This is probably just me, but hey, I needed a blog post subject …
I don’t know why, but it’s hard! Even replying to comments on your own posts is hard on some levels. But on other blogs? AAAAH HELP ME.
What do you say? Do you be funny or serious? Should you comment long or keep it short? Well, that’s up to you! There’s a lot of freedom in many areas. (Hint: be yourself.) However, I do have some basis guidelines that I adhere to while commenting – either on others’ blogs or while replying to my own posts. And … today I’m sharing them with you!
Be polite and courteous at all times.
This applies to almost everything you do on the internet – or anywhere, for that matter. Be nice!
If someone has an opinion you don’t agree with, don’t act like they’re stupid just because they feel differently than you. Don’t yell at them (you know, over the internet). Try not to get upset.
Appropriately, you can bring up your own opinion and argue for it, but don’t go overboard. It’s really better just to pull out of an argument if it’s going overboard. Friendly discussions are okay; keep it civil.
No self-advertising!
What
So
EVER.
Not even a little bit! If you mention your own blog (unless blogging is the subject of conversation or something like that), YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG.
Self-advertising is never a good idea. When you come to someone else’s blog, you don’t come there for you. And yes, interacting with other bloggers is the best way to grow your audience …
But self-advertisement in this particular setting never is. Let them decide whether or not to check out your blog. More than likely, if you self-advertise, they’ll just roll their eyes and send your comment to the spam filter!
Examples of inappropriate self-advertising:
“Great post! Check out my post, pls: [link]”
“Hey, could you check out my blog?”
“I NEED COMMENTS COMMENT ON MY BLOG.”
“If you don’t check out my blog, a unicorn dies. SAVE THE UNICORNS.”
Okay, I might just click on the last one, just because that was … But still! C’mon, bloggers! We’re better than this; really, we are!
Try to use at least some grammar.
If they can’t read the comment, then they won’t be able to … read it.
Yep, that’s basically it!
If you got this comment, what would you do?
phiffle motherejk alkdjgkj i love to tottodloe fixcke quick do???
Okay, you’re right, no one EVER commented that, but sometimes confusing sentences + bad grammar + bad spelling = something no one can understand.
And if they can’t understand you … what’s the point of commenting?
Share a bit about yourself.
Now, PLEASE – don’t give your life story in the comments! This is something I’m inclined to do – and something I enjoy reading.
However … it’s probably not a good idea. How to avoid giving your life story? Don’t start like this:
Chapter One: In Which I Am Born
*cracks up at own reference* *doesn’t even know if I got the reference right* *because I only know it because Melly quoted it in Gone with the Wind (the movie)*
HOWEVER … it can sometimes be a good idea not to be completely closed-up. When you comment on someone else’s blog, like I said, it’s about them, not you … but oftentimes bloggers encourage you to tell them about your latest WIP or what’s going on in your life, and why not? I love hearing about other people.*
*That may make me a stalker, but whatevs. Be stalkers. It’s cool. (Don’t listen to me.)
Don’t Be Creepy
Okay, so, I am the creepiest person in the world when it comes to commenting on other folks’ blogs.
I’m basically like this:
Hey, I’m a stalker from stalkersville. I’m basically rambling about umbrellas in your comment section while stalking you and gee, isn’t this fun? YOU DON’T KNOW ME MUHAHAHA
DON’T BE A CREEP LIKE ME. Example of creepiness include:
- Not introducing yourself!
- Don’t just pop up on someone’s blog and be all like, “HEY WE’RE BEST FRIENDS” when they’ve never even heard of you! (& don’t assume they know you!)
- Take a moment to say, “Hey, found your blog while searching ‘ways to murder a priest with a hotdog.’ It looks lovely!”
- (Note: if someone’s already been on your blog, it doesn’t hurt to say, “Thanks for checking out my blog! I’m returning the favor!” or something like that, though it’s not necessary.)
- Not getting to know them before you’re their bestie.
- I do this all the time – sharing my life-story in the comments again, haha – but you really shouldn’t just dive into their blog like, “WHUT UP OLD FRIEND HOW’S YOUR DEAD DOG???”
- But then, I’m an introverted kinda person (even online) who likes to develop a relationship (even online *is a little sick* *desperately needs a psychiatrist*) before sharing my deep dark secrets. Or ever. Because it’s the internet. BE SAFE.
- Mentioning your bad habits.
- My niece licks me all the time. #nuffsaid (Even though that makes no sense in this context …)
- Really, if I were my niece, I wouldn’t lead with, “Hey, I lick my Aunt Kell. WHAT UP?!?!”
- (This is actually something you should never share.) (Ever.) (Just keep it to yourself.) (Perv.) (Even if you’re like six or whatever …)
- Being a serial killer.
- #dontdothis #causeitscreepy
And … nope, that’s really it. I’ve given you my best advice for commenting … so go forth, young commenters, and take the world by storm! *shoves you out the door into the comment section*
Stalker on,
~Kellyn Roth~
p.s.
Practice your skills! I ain’t givin’ you no questions. Come up with a subject matter yourself, lazy bum.
(No, I’m not serious about this whole post. It’s 98% jokes, 2% common sense.)
60 Responses
Oh my word, this post was fantastic!! XD (*suddenly realizes that I’m not sure I’ve ever introduced myself to you????*)
HI. I’M KENZIE. I think I found your blog through some other blogger a LOOOONG time ago, but now I can’t remember which one it was. XD #FAIL
I ALWAYS feel like I’m being creepy online, even though I’m just trying to be nice to people. It’s a problem. I mean, shouldn’t people KNOW that I’m a serial killer straight off before committing to a friendship? XD
Anyway, I absolutely loved this post, and your blog is wonderful, and I honestly can’t believe I wasn’t an avid reader up until a few posts ago? What was I even THINKING?? Your blog is fantastic!!!
– Kenzie!
KENZIE MAH FRIEND
HELLO.
RUBY!!! MAH FRIEND! HELLO! *waves*
*waves like a crazy kid* I ALWAYS GET EXCITED WHEN I SEE YOU COMMENT ON BLOGS THAT I COMMENT ON TOO.
*dances furiously like a chicken in excitement* SAME THOUGH!!!! I’m trying to read more blogs and comment on other people’s posts more, so hopefully we shall see each other more often around the blogosphere!!!!! I AM SO HAPPY YOU SAID HI BECAUSE I SEE YOU AROUND BUT AM TOO NERVOUS TO SAY ANYTHING. XD #introvertedextrovertproblems
LOL, I love this conversation …
WE’RE NORMAL, I SWEAR. đđđ
Nah, I believe you … đ
đđđ
*joins this fantastic dance*
SAME. I SHALL YELL AT YOU WHEN I SEE YOU.
XD I AM ALSO AN INTROVERTED EXTROVERT SO I FEEL YA. ENFPS FOR THE WIN.
I’m an introvert who likes people sometimes. *shrugs* đ I KNOW SO MANY ENFPS ON HERE. *highfives y’all* *even though most of my ENFP friends aren’t … you know … here …* XD
*highfives* That’s awesome! đ
PLEASE DO!
YESSSSSS!!!! *high-fives* BEING ENFP IS SO GREAT. WHOO. đ
Weeeell, I do know who you are by now. đ BUT NICE TO MEET YOU KENZIE. đ (I have been thinking of you as Smudge until now … I thought it was a cute nickname, and, um … IDK … I knew your name, but like …? It was more fun … đ )
Yeah, same … I’m so creepy. But then I’m a creep in real life. But more like … a purposeful creep? Because I want people to stay away from me? So I’m just like, “I’m creep so you don’t want to be with me!” and they’re like, “Mmkay, we’ll leave you alone and let you read.” It works great. đ
WOW. Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy reading my blog! đ
I TOTALLY VOLUNTEER FOR MY NICKNAME TO HEREBY BE SMUDGE. Seriously, I need people to call me this now!!! đ That is definitely more fun than Kenzie!!!
YESSSSS! That sounds like a delightful solution. I usually just let people find out that I’m a creep on their own. It’s quite fun to see their reactions once the realization hits. đđđ
It is definitely a new favorite!!! đ
Well, Kenzie is a great name, but Smudge is a great nickname … *will probably call you Smude forever* XD
Haha, good point … LET THEM FIND OUT ON THEIR OWN. đ
Awwwww! Why, thank you! đ I totally love Smudge, so if you call me that, it would probably make my entire day. đđđ
EXACTLY!!! đđđ
LOL, okay, good to know …
This is so true! However when it comes to self advertising, you’re TOTALLY right about all those examples. But since the best way to grow your blog is to interact with others, I usually leave a link to my blog just in CASE đ But telling them straight up to check it out is a bit.. petty? idk. XD
Yeah, I don’t know … it just strikes me wrong. But maybe that’s just me???
For me, I can usually see the links to other folks’ blogs when their comments appear in my comment-thingy, so I just assume other people have the same ability to see that … IDK, I’m probably wrong. đ
This was fantastic. I think I should begin all comments now with ‘SAVE THE UNICORNS’.
DO. And let me know what people think … XD
Hey, Iâm Medomfo. I found your blog through a Goodreads group, I think, but anyway, hello x
This was such a great post, and one that I think everyone can benefit from.
I KNOW YOU! No need for an introduction. đ And thanks for reading!
Tee hee x Youâre welcome.
It’s nice to talk a bit about yourself in the comment so that whoever happens to read it can relate, but don’t go overboard. You know, the way I sometimes do by accident. đ
*coughs* Yep … pretty much sums up the whole post …
“I’m like, totally NOT a stalker. . . okay.” đ
I loved this post! It was so different AND useful! The best kind of posts. đ
~ Megan Joy (definitely not a stalker)
*coughs* There was a lot of talk about stalkers for some reason … I don’t know why. I just got on a roll …
Anyway, glad you liked it! đ
Lol! I have to say it. You’re hilarious! (Well, good. That makes two of us. (I think we’ll get along well together))
I found your blog through Noble Novels, but otherwise I’d never heard of you before. (So much for your running the world *looks a few blog posts back for reference*)
We can both be weird and creepy together! đđđ
Thanks! đ I’m glad you enjoyed my post, hehe. (AND I DO RUN THE WORLD. Just, um, no one knows …)
Sounds good! đ
Hey! Iâm Sveta! *nice to meet you* đ I absolutely loved reading this blog because I totally relate to being at a loss for words/content when commenting on other blogs. Thank you for writing this! đ
Hi Sveta! đ Thanks! It was fun to write. đ
‘My niece licks me all the time’
I burst out laughing. What I’m that kind of person. XD
Oh my word everyone needs to read this. It’s so annoying when people show up on your blog, say ‘great post’ and ask for a follow.
Thanks for posting this, Kell!
SHE DOES THOUGH.
THANK YOU! I wish everyone would read it. đ đ Hehe. But yes! That is so annoying …
XD
You’re welcome! Hehe. đ
YESS.
hey there friend I’VE NEVER MET BEFORE
YOU TOTALLY NEEEEEEEED TO CHECK OUT MY BLOG!!!!!! it’s so COOL and i have GREAT CONTENT that YOU. WILL. LOVE. LOOOOOOVVVVEEEEEEE.
oh btw ive been folowing you for a loooooong time and its like were best friends right?????
i know where you live
…
…
…
đ
#primeexample
Good example of WHAT NOT TO DO, Lana. *nods* đ
YAY THANKS. đ
I was just a little bit thrown off before I realized what was happening. XD
LOL
Haha, thank you, thank you. *bows*
hey kelllklyn mg name iss may and i wiild love if yiuc ould check ott ny bkoh thank you
HAHAHHA just kidding đ
Self-advertising is definitely really annoying at times! I mean, I think it’s fine when your comment is really genuine and talks about the post, and then you mention your blog? Or when you’re a new blogger and you’re like “Hey! I just started your blog and I LOVE yours. This post was blah blah blah. I’d love it if you could check out my blog, and I can’t wait to read your future posts!”
And yes, of course, try to keep it civil! I think that in the blogosphere, everyone is pretty chill & nice, but other places??? Twitter is a mess omggggg.
great poosy kelyn! pls chkec out my bloh
LOL …
Yeah, if someone actually takes the time to do all that, then it’s a lot less spammy and more sincere and such!
YES. Twitter can be such a mess … and other sites … usually blogging is pretty nice though some people HAVE said hateful things … but like once or twice is all. So pretty chill.
NOT HAPPENING GIRL. Your blog sucks … ( đ )
Those are great rules anyone should live by. These might be helpful in the future. Thanks for sharing. đ
Well, thanks for reading! đ
These rules are both accurate and funny. XD Also, I highly approve of the pretty snow-falling effect you have going on this page. *catches digital snowflake on tongue* Huh. Tastes like pixels. :p đ
Thanks! đ And thanks again … I really like them! (ooh, pixels … that sounds like it would be tasty, actually …)
Taste like pixel. LOL That’s pretty funny. I read it “Taste like pickles” at first. XD
LOL.
This was so hilarious! xD
Thanks!
I agree about self advertising, but I don’t think it’s wrong to mention your blog EVER. Like be a loyal follower with legit. comments, but sometimes mentioning your blog is ok. It’s how we connect in our blog sphere. My dad is a professional web designer and marketer, and he says that being a quality follower and commenter is one of the best ways to get your blog out there, but not to spam.
He says get people to know who you are, and then when they care about what you have to say, then you mention that you have a blog and they’re all like WHAA? lol
Just my two worthless cents. Xd
Yeah, I get that, though usually when I comment via WordPress people can easily see my blog just by clicking on my name – and from notifications, other bloggers can easily see my blog name. So … I find it unnecessary, and oftentimes comments with links get caught in the spam filter anyway. I think it’s a matter of personal preference, though …
Haha, yes! The self-advertising thing though — I hate comments like that, even if they’re not directly advertising but you can tell what their intentions are. đ
Wait… being a serial killer is bad? âšī¸
YES SAME! Sometimes when they just comment really quickly and obviously didn’t read the post and … yep. I’m just like, “I’m sorry, but I don’t have time for this …”
Yeah, sorry, Josie … you’re gonna have to mend your ways …
But I LIKE serial killing! Why can’t I befriend other blogging murderers? >:(
Oh, well, I guess you can … though don’t say I didn’t warn you! YOUR COMMENTS SHALL SUFFER.