Sometimes I notice themes in the blogosphere as writers struggle with the same problem.
In this case, I think the bottom line is time…and our lack of it.
Recently there have been 4 posts from 4 different bloggers (and, honestly, I think there may have been more that I lost track of…if you wrote one, let me know) about responding to blog comments.
Here’s the round-up:
L. Diane Wolfe at Spunk on a Stick:
Do you respond to comments? In your post or by emailing? Or by visiting that person’s blog?
I used to be bad about responding. I’d read them! But not until recently did I start responding in my own post. (Thanks, Jemi!) I know emailing replies is very popular right now, but I get over 300 emails a day as it is – and very few are spam!!! And I confess – if you comment here without ever following me, there’s a chance I will never see your blog, as I often forget to follow commenters back to their blog.
Michele Emrath at Southern City Mysteries:
I can’t say I have a set protocol for this. Some days I respond to each comment in turn. Name- response. Some days I respond in bulk. Your comments followed by my comment. Some days I don’t get to respond until the following day–so 15 comments may pile up and I don’t get back to them until the next day. I do have the blog set up so any post older than seven days goes through moderation, whereby I am forced to respond and see the comment.
Marvin Wilson at The Old Silly:
Now here’s the question: how many of you come back to a blog later in the day to see if the blog’s author replied to your comment? Me, I sometimes do. Not always, not if I didn’t ask a question that begged an answer, and probably not if my comment was not adding something of significance to the post’s content or the discussion going on. But if any of the above are true, then yes … oftentimes I will go back to see what if any reply there was from the blog or guest author, or see if anyone else commented in regard to what I had said or asked.
Simon C. Larter at Constant Revision:
Now, one of the joys of blogging is (virtually) meeting all kinds of fun and interesting people, and having little conversations with them in your comment section and theirs. But, as you might understand, these conversations take time and attention….So. I’ve decided to take a page from the books of folk like Lisa and Laura, and Shannon Messenger, and to respond comments via e-mail whenever I get the chance.
As you can imagine, the comments on these particular posts are also very interesting. I know this because I checked back several times to see what other people were saying. :)
And, really, that’s why I try to respond to each comment—to maintain a dialogue for those who do want to come back.
In general, though, I don’t believe most people have time to check back with comments on other people’s blogs. I know I usually don’t.
But I do make a point of checking back in on another writer’s blog post when A) The blog author has asked their commenters a question and I’m interested in reading what everyone has to say and B) When I’ve asked a question of the blog host and I want to check back and see their answer.
Something else I’ve noticed on my blog is that I have a lot of lurkers (and I’m not calling y’all out! I’m delighted to have you lurk…doesn’t bother me a whit) who also read the comments section. And they’ll even check back with the comments section. They’re interested in reading what my regular readers have to say.
So part of the reason I respond back to my comments is those comment lurkers. I’m hoping (and they seem to be) they’re getting something out of the comments section as well as the blog post.
Is there ever a point where you just can’t respond to each comment? I think so. There are some huge blogs—Nathan Bransford’s blog and Copyblogger come to mind—where you’d spend the better part of an hour or more if you tried to respond to the number of comments the blogs generate. The amount of available time that a blogger has to respond to comments also varies. Some may hit their limit at 10 comments…others might be able to respond to 30. But do we really have time to respond if we got 50? 60?
My plan is to continuing responding to comments as long as I can on my blog. Some days my response might be slower than others…and sometimes it might even be the next day that I get back to comments that came later in the day.
What if you’re really low on time? What if it’s a choice between cutting back on blogging or cutting back on responding to your commenters?
No question—cut back on responses. But I’d still respond to any commenter with a question—and, if you’re looking for post ideas, why not consider responding to their question with a full post?
My blog is still small, so I can respond to all comments, and I love coming back to check for replies to comments I’ve left. Especially here!
Good responses. I don’t email either, because it just seems like overkill and I often only check my emails every few days.
Blog posts based on readers’ questions are great, at least you know you’re hitting a target :-)
I knew I could count on you to give a balanced opinion on this.
I’ve taken my cues about commenting from you. I noticed that you always responded to comments, and have tried to do the same. But there are days when I get so bogged down I just can’t get those few minutes to respond, and since I like to respond individually, I end up getting bogged down and building up a huge ‘to be answered’ pile.
When someone asks something specific, or says something to which I want to make a detailed response, I often leave a comment back on their blogs- that is the best way of ensuring they definitely get it.
E-mailing repilies- isn’t that too much?
On my blog I always (or almost always) respond to each comment. Sometimes I do a group response, too, but it depends on what was said.
If you have a relatively small number of comments (compared to others) and the blogger does not respond, it just seems rude.
A blogger who puts his words out there and wants to be read, should try to find the time to respond. It is that personal connection that builds friendships and the blogging community.
When I read through an entire blog post and jump to the comment section only to find the blogger never acknowledges the people who took the time to leave a comment, I see a missed opportunity to make a connection.
A simple “Thank you for all the interesting comments” would suffice. It says to the person leaving a comment that they’ve been acknowledged and their comments are valuable.
And yes, I have thought about this way too much. :)
I try to respond to comments because I know people have emailed me to continue a conversation or to add more to a point. This week I have had to settle for a blanket, thanks for the comments, because I’m not at home and I only have the internet in thirty minute increments.
I think people do appreciate if you respond to their comments. Some people don’t care but I think enough do to make it worthwhile. Plus the people commenting are usually making some excellent points.
Elizabeth – Blog comments are really the lifeblood, I think, of the online community we share. Even if one chooses not to comment, the remarks that others make on a blog give everyone perspective, offer a variety of opinions, and teach the blogger (I know I learn so much from comments people make on my blog).
That said, though, there are only 24 hours in any day. I do my best to respond to each person’s comment (as I’m always grateful that you do, too). But even when that’s just not possible, I’m always very grateful when a blogger responds, even if it’s with a general thanks to everyone.
I respond to the comments on my blog on the blog itself. It feels more like a conversation that way to me. I think I’ll continue it that way – at least for now :)
And I don’t usually drop back either – but I do in some cases. This will be one! :)
It’s all about time and priorities. I wish I had time to always respond. I use to do that but now cannot. I love responding, but don’t always unless there is a question. If it’s a private sort of question, then I email that person. I love getting comments.
It’s about time and priorities. Whoa, I said that already, but it is.
Teresa
Really great (and timely!) post.
I try to leave a personal response for every blogger. Sometimes it takes me a whole day while I’m at school, but I do try to get back with everyone.
I understand folks with hugely popular blogs (like Nathan Bransford) can’t do that, but when I comment on a relatively small blog and receive no comment, it does bother me. If it’s only occasional, no big deal. But if the person hosting the blog never acknowledges readers, I don’t return to the blog. I might still follow it on Google Reader, but nobody likes to converse with a brick wall. :-)
Email responses? No – and again, no. I find it invasive. I end up never returning to a blog again if they drop an email in my inbox (and I don’t know them.) It freaks me out. Blog conversation belongs on a blog. Can you imagine if every blogger forwarded responses? Good grief – I’d switch emails. That would fill up my box. Plus, it makes me uncomfortable. Am I supposed to email back? It defeats the purpose of a blog? No one can see the conversation.
If I wanted an email update, I’d click the ‘follow comments’ button. That’s in my control. It shouldn’t be in the control of the person hosting the blog. They might as well throw a party and then follow everyone home and invite themselves over to dinner. It’s just invasive and pushy.
Thanks for posting this, Elizabeth. (On a blog, instead of to my email – ha!)
– Corra
from the desk of a historical writer
I always find your post very informative. I try to respond to everyone who comments (something I took from you). Sometimes the comment is just a comment and there’s really nothing I can answer or add to it, but just say thanks for stopping by. I want everyone who takes the time to comment to know how much I do appreciate it.
I like your suggestion about answering questions with a post. Hmmm.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
I used to click the ’email me when someone comments’ box on blogs, but I had to stop that because of all the interruptions. I do like to check back to see if anyone has responded to my comment, and I try to give some kind of response to everyone who comments on my blog. Getting comments means someone has taken that extra time, and I think it’s deserving of recognition.
Sometimes all I have time for is a ‘thanks’–but I try to respond.
There’s a balance–if I go to a blog and see there are already tens or hundreds of comments, I’m less likely to leave one, assuming it’ll be lost in the shuffle.
When I comment, I like to know the person who wrote the blog has read it. I ask my guests to respond to comments, although I don’t expect them to jump in immediately after getting one.
Elizabeth,
I had to give up responding to comments for that very reason–I get quite a few now, and just can’t find the time to comment back to each one. So, I usually try to respond to specific questions and if something strikes me in one of the comments. Occasionally I’ll email someone back too.
Overall, I think the fewer commentors we have, the easier it is to engage in dialog with them. But as our readerships grow and the number of commentors increase, the more challenging this becomes.
Great topic! I try my best to respond to all comments, but sometimes I’m too busy or not in the best frame of mind, so I just read and enjoy. Undoubtedly, the comments are often far more entertaining than my posts!
Also, I’ll only go back to check if I’ve been responded to if I think I’ve said something particularly witty or insightful, but I do appreciate my comments being acknowledged.
It’s as Helen said. Blogger does not permit one to answer directly after a comment so response will appear further along. But since my blog showcases my short stories, I assume that readers do not return to see follow-up comments after they’ve left their review.
I do visit blogs of commenters and understand fully if they don’t respond to my comments. No hard feelings! :D
oh urgggh! I try and respond individually but sometimes I haven’t asked anything and the commenters are cheering me on and really what can I say so then I usually just say thanks to the bunch! I do follow your lead, Elizabeth, because you are the most consistent and concientious and delightful blogger in the sphere! But I really am running out of time so we’ll see what transpires.
I read and appreciate every comment I receive. I try to respond to each, but some days it simply isn’t possible. I do try to answer any questions, however. I also try to reciprocate by visiting the commenter’s blog, if I haven’t already. I usually only go back to see if there is a response to my comments when I’ve asked a question or I’m curious about other responses.
The “Comment Lurkers” – that’s me! If a blogpost is interesting and I’m curious as to what people are saying, I’ll definitely read the comments (and come back to read more).
If I leave a comment, I usually click “follow comments” (with the exception of large blogs like Nathan’s) so that subsequent comments get e-mailed to me and I can keep up to speed in my inbox (which is always open) as opposed to coming back to the blog. And if there’s something worth me re-commenting on, I will.
On my own blog, I respond to everyone’s comments. Of course, my following is small, but if I were getting more than 20 comments a day, I would just cut back on my blog hopping. I love the conversations that sometimes occur in the comment section – and treat it like a dialogue as opposed to just random thoughts from strangers. I’ve set up my blog so all comments go to my inbox (again, always open) and that way if someone comments on a past post, I don’t miss it.
I don’t e-mail those who leave a comment.
Clicking the “follow comments” button now so I can keep up with the conversation. Oh, and heading back into Lurkdom :)
I don’t respond to comments individually on my blog – I tend to do one response comment every 5-10 comments, addressing some of the people by name.
Thanks for the mention! That blog post generated so many comments. It was interesting to see all the different syles of comment responding.
I try to leave a response to everyone, even if it’s just a thanks. However, comments that show up late in the day are trickier to respond to. I’ll check back on blogs I’ve commented on if I’ve asked a question or if there’s an interesting subject being discussed. I never expect a reply from the authors of monster-sized blogs.
Very sensible way of handling commenting, and one of the things I like about your blog is the way you interact with your readers. I try to do the same, but on busy days I feel free just to write a short thank you to everybody (but answer specific questions, of course).
And like you, many of your readers have to juggle family, blogging & writing fiction so I am sure every visitor understands that some days you have more important things to do (e.g. write a fantastic cozy mystery or be together with your children who grow up far too fast).
And whether I comment or not, I always enjoy visiting your blog.
Comment lurkers? I’ve never heard that one before. I pretty much follow what you do because I follow and comment on so many blogs and have to respond to comments everyday.
I love your take on it, Elizabeth.
CD
Yeah, I know I said I was going to go all email response and stuff, but then I read Michelle’s post, and Diane’s post, and I realized I’d be spending just as much damn time writing e-mails as I did writing responses in the comment section. I don’t know how to go about it. I’ll likely do Michelle’s combo of batch and individual responses, depending on the day.
One think I don’t think I’ll do again is apologize for my methods. A blog is a virtual meeting room, not a real life one. I’m pretty sure people understand if we get busy and can’t take time out of our real lives to hang around and have conversations in a virtual one. I know *I* understand when other bloggers have that issue, so why wouldn’t other people extend me the same understanding?
They would. I just tend to think they wouldn’t, which is silly.
Bottom line: I’ll remain available and in touch, but on realistic terms. After all, I have, like, fiction to write too, yeah? :)
Charmaine–Another good idea for blog posts is if you find yourself writing a long comment on someone *else’s* blog post. A good sign you’ve got a lot to say on a topic and find it interesting.
Rayna–Some days are just rough! And I think readers understand that–especially when you blog daily or most of the week.
I think many of us are just swamped with emails and don’t really want any more. Answering a question on the asker’s blog sounds like a good idea to me.
TK–I agree…if there’s just a handful of comments, I think the blogger should make a stab at answering the comments, at least every other post, if nothing else. You’re so right–it’s all about the connnection.
And some acknowlegement that the commenter has dropped by is nice, I think. With so many good blogs out there, it’s just good business sense to appreciate the folks that drop by our blogs.
Lorel–Thanks! And I appreciate your responses on your blog. :)
Corra–That’s exactly the way I feel. If you *never* reply back, why should I comment? To me it’s like a one-way Twitter relationship…I’m following you and getting your tweets, but you’re not getting mine in return. Why bother?
I think if a response is interesting enough to email, it’s interesting enough to put on the blog…then others could possibly get something out of it.
Cassandra–I get so much out of the comments on my blog–ideas on approaching different writing problems, etc. And the dialogue is interesting to me.
Some days we’re not going to be home, in town, etc…people understand that. I think the problem is when there’s really no acknowlegement of people stopping by, ever. A blanket response is a good way to cover the bases when there’s just no time.
Jan–Blankets are good! :) And you’re always so responsive on all of our blogs, Jan, that we understand if you run out of time. You’ve probably run out of time because you’re spending time at our blogs!
Jane–I think you do a great job with it!
Margot–I feel the same way. Because we can all only do so much…sometimes it’s just not going to be possible to individually respond.
Jemi–I do like the conversational aspect of it! I think most of us feel that way. If we didn’t care about responses? We could just send our posts to writing mags. It’s the back and forth that’s fun. It’s interactive.
Teresa–But you’re always visiting our blogs and showing support that way. I think that’s very important, too.
Janet–I’ll follow comments sometimes, too. Otherwise, I could forget which blog had the topic I wanted to follow back with! :) Ah…memory problems.
You’ve got a good idea about setting it up so you know comments have arrived on your blog. I just recently set up a comment moderation feature on OLD posts so I can keep up with who is commenting. I actually recently got a comment on a post I made over a year ago, so I’m glad I put that feature on the blog.
Thanks for visiting…and lurking! :)
Alex–I see that a lot and think that works well. Shows you’re reading the comments!
Mason–It’s true that sometimes there’s not much to add in response except a ‘thanks for coming.’ And I think commenters’ questions are great sparks for blog posts….and the comments that *I* leave on other people’s posts also give me ideas for full-length posts.
Diane–I saw it did! I think it’s because so many of us are bloggers as well as writers–and we’re interested to see how other people blog.
Clarissa–Yes, I think I made “comment lurkers” up. :) Webster’s would be so proud. Not! But they do…they read the post and they read the comments and they read the comments later, too. I’m glad to have them because these folks make up about half of my hits each day.
Simon–That was always my thought on it–the emailing actually would take as long and wouldn’t be public so that others could take something from it.I think Michele’s idea of a blanket response and some personal responses works well. Or just a “thanks everybody for coming by” at the very end of the day.
I think everyone has different time constraints and they vary from day to day. I definitely understand a lack of individual responses…when my kids were your kids’ age I was pulling my hair out. If I were you, I’d just do a “thanks for coming,” and if there are individual *questions* from commenters, I’d either turn it into a separate blog post (saying that it was inspired by a question from ______) or I’d respond to the one person in the comments section.
You’re not silly…you’re just being sensitive to what you think readers want. What they *don’t* want is for us to drive ourselves into the ground with this. But they want to know (I think) that we read our comments. And a blanket response works well for that. If you write a blog post that generates a lot of interesting discussion, just do a follow-up blog post on the original.
Now I’ve got to get back to my chapters! Or I’m going to be the unemployed writer. :)
I don’t email responses. It’s more personal, though, but I keep thinking of all the email I respond to every day (7 email boxes) and I figure others are just as busy. I read every comment on my blog and if there’s a question I try to answer it and sometimes I’ll respond to a comment if I have something to add. I also go visit the blogs of all who comment.
Also, does Blogger allow you to respond right after the original comment? I’ve seen some blogs do that and it’s nice. As far as I know Blogger makes you comment in line, so your responding comment may be five, ten or more comments after the question.
Great blog post, Elizabeth.
Helen
Straight From Hel
I have been wondering about the best way to respond to comments. I’ve tried the email. That’s okay. I do like the conversation inside the blog/comment section. ‘Course I don’t have too many to handle, yet. I like the idea of writing a post based on comments/questions. I like how you respond on your comments. I check the email follow-ups box here.
Hi Elizabeth,
I am impressed with all the writer links you provide on Twitter. Thank you.
Also, I think a comments plugin like Intense Debate help tremendously in making comments more like a user discussion–with dialogue both ways. Great example is Michael Hyatt’s blog, I think now using Discus.
Thank you again,
Jennifer King
My comments keep my up and night! I feel so strongly that if someone took the time to read my words and leave a comment that I want to do the same in return. I would say about half the time I manage it.
This blog is a case in point for me: if there are too many comments, I hesitate to leave one. As a blogger myself, I love the comments, but feel obligated to respond, and responding to 50 comments is difficult. I must admit I have never HAD 50 comments, but I can imagine. And I also, as a reader, hate to scroll down 50 comments in order to leave one of my own, thinking that the blogger will inwardly groan at having to READ all 50 comments before getting to MINE, the ONE WORTH READING. But seriously, as a writer, I am torn. I don’t check my blog every ten minutes, and comments do pile up. Do I respond and mention everyone’s name? Do I respond generally? Can I just not respond? Such a dilemma. molly
You know, I click on at least one of your links almost everyday and this is the first time I’ve found YOUR blog at the other end!
I appreciate all the time you spend finding awesome info on other people’s blogs that helps writers like us.
I try to respond to all comments too, but I’ve wondered if that was the novice thing to do or not. Now I can keep commenting and know it’s the right thing to do. Thanks!
This was an issue on MySpace, where you could reply to each comment individually. Blogger doesn’t make it easy. I try some days, but not others. As a reader, I couldn’t care less if you respond to my comment or not, to be honest. I personally feel that anyone who has time to go back to every blog they’ve commented and obsess over whether the blogger has replied or not, is someone who needs to get out of the house more often! Is that harsh? Maybe…but I always puzzle over people who get bent out of shape when they lose a follower on a blog or a friend on a social networking site. I wonder how they have THAT much time, to constantly watch and obsess over what others think of them. I say the best gift you can give your commenters is to read their blogs, period. Since that’s how I feel, that’s how I handle my blog. Most days I devote the majority of my blogging time to reading other blogs and commenting, rather than hanging out on my own blog. And THAT builds readership more than anything a blogger can do.
As for e-mail replying, I’d much rather a blogger not do that! I don’t particularly care for getting e-mail replies to comments I’ve left.
Interesting post. I dn’t normally have time to go back to a post I’ve commented on an read follow-up comments. I only return to a post for the reasons you stated….if I find the question and responses super interesting or somehow helpful…or if I’ve asked a question.
I respond to my comments in the post. Depending on the post, I usually get between 10 and 20 comments, so it’s not time-consuming for me to respond! I love getting comments and I want my blog buddies to know how much I appreciate the time they’re taking to read and comment on my blog. :)
It all comes down to time. I used to go back to the blog to see if they responded to my comment, but I don’t now.
I try to email responses to my comments, because I like it when people email me, but I haven’t been consistent. I think if you were getting 50 comments or more a day. I would just do a general response.
Thanks so much for examining this issue!
It’s something I’ve struggled with myself as my blog traffic has increased and the number of comments sometimes creeps up over 40 per post. I’ve had a lot of people thank me for responding to everyone and going the extra mile to engage people, but there are days I watch the comments flood in and simultaneously think “Yay!” and “Oh crap.”
Love this post!
Tawna
Glad to see I’m not the only one struggling with this. For quite a while I’ve tried to respond by email when the commenter had an address on their Blogger profile page. But there was a time recently when I was absent from the Internet because of a family crisis, so I didn’t respond–and didn’t see much difference. What do I do now? I think I’ll try to respond when I have time and opportunity. How’s that for waffling?
I answer every comment I receive, but I have left a bulk response in the past. Sometimes it’s just too overwhelming to answer 60 comments but I really try. :)
I answer every comment on my blog. To me, that give and take is one of my favorite things about the blogging/writing community. I hope to continue it forever.
If I’m really interested in a conversation string on someone else’s blog, or if I asked a question, I will request a follow up by clicking that handy dandy little box that takes the worry out of it all. That way I don’t waste my time hopping on someone’s blog numerous times a day to follow a coonversation thread.
In addition, if comments are excessive or pretty much cover anything and everything I could possibly say, I don’t always leave a comment.
Great post.
I comment back, as I don’t have so many it is overwhelming (and on the days I have a ton, I am so flabbergasted I can hardly NOT comment about it!) but were I say… Elizabeth Spann Craig with 40+ comments every time… I might possibly approach transitioning with a note on the comments that read something like “I read and appreciate every comment, but am only likely to respond back with a comment if you ask me a question or I can’t control myself” (okay, so that last part is more me than you… but I think you are definitely approaching gray area as to what is manageable.
When I comment, I USUALLY don’t go back to look at authors responses EXCEPT HERE, as I know you respond… and a handful of other blogs that do the same. But the REASON is so few (relatively speaking) respond back, and often it is MUCH later, so I’ve forgotten… they’ve trained me not to check…
Checking back? Only if it’s lively. Like this one.
I’m new so it’s easier for me to answer–usually. But I try to at least show how much I appreciate others dropping by.
With several work email boxes I’m not anxious to return comments that way.
Always enjoy your work and posts, Elizabeth.
Maribeth
Giggles and Guns
Terry–Good point…I do the same. There are some blogs where I go to post a comment and there’s already 40 comments and I think “never mind!” But then I guess this one is like that some days! But I completely agree…sometimes it’s overwhelming on both sides of the fence.
Helen–Let me digest that for a minute…7 email boxes. Oh my.
No, commenting is one area where Blogger simply doesn’t compete. I hope they develop a more sophisticated commenting application because the way I’m responding drives me a little nuts.
Mary–I REALLY like WordPress’ conversation-style commenting. Why Blogger hasn’t embraced it I haven’t a clue. It’s really my only big complaint with Blogger.
Jennifer–Thanks! I love the link posting and discovering all the great posts out there. :)
I did try Intense Debate here a couple of months ago, but there was a sign-in component that was a little upsetting to some commenters. You could just put a URL in place of a sign in, but I think it might have been confusing to a few folks.
I’ve heard good things about Discus…that’s a program I might have to explore–thanks for the reminder!
Jody–You’re definitely right. The converation becomes more interesting, but so does the challenge of responding. :)
Debra– The comments are really my favorite part of the process. :) And you’re right…if I think I’ve brought up an original point when I’ve commented on someone else’s blog, then I’ll check back for a response.
Rebecca @ Diary of a Virgin Novelist–I feel that way, too. I’m hoping I can continue what I’m doing now into the future. Time is always a worry.
Molly–I’m exactly the same way. I think Terry mentioned something similar. I feel like “what could I possibly add to what’s already been said?” Or I think that I need to scroll through the comments and skim to make sure that I’m not repeating what 15 other people have already brought up. And that takes time. Right now, I try to check in with my comments around lunch and after supper. But sometimes my day is wild…and yes, it’s a little overwhelming to see that there are 30 comments to respond to. I think a blanket response is really completely understood by commenters–people know we can’t respond every day…but that we read the comments and appreciate them.
Wendy–I wrote a particularly good headline for myself on Twitter today! :) And thanks…I love trolling for good writing links!
I don’t think it’s a novice thing, but you’re right that it’s probably easier on newer blogs where there might not be as many regulars.
Marisa–I feel the same way. But if the blog author *never* mentions in a blanket way–thanks for stopping by everybody!–then I tend to wonder if they read their comments. A couple of blogs that I’m familiar with don’t even have their posts OPEN to comments. That I don’t understand at all.
Stephanie–Blogger is very, very annoying with their comment app. And–ha! That’s true about people getting bent out of shape. No one should expect an individual response to a comment. And if someone has a question that somehow didn’t get answered by the blogger, they could contact the blogger directly if need be. And you’re right…some folks seem to get too wound up over the little things.
Katie–That’s the way I usually am, too. Plus, my memory is so bad and I go around to so many blogs that I can’t remember where I wanted to check back!
Laura–You do really well keeping up with it! I have a feeling your readership is going to really grow, though. :)
Patti–I think 50 on a regular basis would definitely be a point where I would worry about the time factor for responding. That’s true.
Tawna–Yes! Exactly. On the one hand, the response is really gratifying. On the other, we’re trying to add something BACK to the conversation with our responses, so it’s time consuming.
Richard–Oh, you’re definitely not alone. I think we all worry over the issue because we don’t want upset anybody who is reading our blog and commenting, but we don’t have a lot of extra time. I think a blanket response still works well..a ‘thanks for coming by, everyone!’ and then a personal response to someone who has a question or who maybe put a lot of time and thought into a comment.
Elspeth–I’m with you. Lately, I’ve been trying to unplug from the laptop when my husband gets home from work. Otherwise…I’m not going to be a good listener! So I’ve gotten into a pattern of answering late in the day comments when I get up at 5 the next morning.
Dorte–I think your approach is sensible, too. And you’re right–some days there are just things that get in the way for all of us–family demands, vacation, deadlines. :) I always enjoy your blog, too, and the great tips I get for my TBR list!
Hart–I keep thinking that the blog will just kind of stay the size it is and I can handle it. It seems to grow in spurts. And you’re right…there might come a time where I can’t respond individually anymore and still get all the other things done. But I hope not. I think I enjoy the response part, too…most of the time. :)
And you’re right about checking back. I know the blogs that *always* respond back to my comments and I usually will think to pop over and read a response later in the day.
Maribeth–I think it’s easy to get overwhelmed with email, so I’m not surprised it’s not as popular of an option. Thanks for coming by. :)
I have blogs that I frequent and try to go back and see if there are responses to my comments. I should probably comment to those who leave comments on my blog. For me it’s a time issue. I sometimes read 20+ blogs a day. I can’t check back with them all. But, I could try to comment on the comments left on my own blog. Interesting post. Thanks.
Julie–And you get a lot of comments! You do a great job with them. :)
Catwoods–I like that option, too. Always a nice way to hear the rest of what the commenters on a blog post are saying. And I agree–if there are a ton of comments, I’m less likely to leave one.
Lisa–Thanks! And you’re right…there are only so many hours in the day. And it sounds like you’re doing a great job visiting other people’s blogs and commenting on them.
I try to visit the blogs ofthe people who comment and leave a comment for them. If I like what I see, I’ll subscribe, but I don’t try to comment on every post they make.
I don’t really expect people to reply, and unless I asked a question, I rarely check back to see if they did… I’ve usually moved on to their next post by then.
Elizabeth, I think you must have more hours in your day than I have in mine. I can’t even figure out how you have the time to do all those great Twitter links (but I like ’em).
I read every single comment to my blog, and I respond by e-mail or comment to those who ask questions or leave a comment that needs follow-up. I do not respond to every single comment. Those who lurk and avoid commenting are smart — they get to read more blog posts.
When I leave a comment at another blog, I sometimes sign up for follow-up comments by e-mail if the option is available. I rarely go back to that day’s post unless I asked a question in my comment. My goal is to read as many posts as possible, but only leave a comment if I have something significant to add to the discussion.
Sometimes it’s tough to respond to every comment but I give it my best shot because I love my followers and care about what they have to say.
India–It’s really a time issue, I think, for most people–it’s rare to have a day when we can check in twice with the same blog (especially when we have our own to maintain!)
Heather–And I bet they really appreciate the time you’ve taken, too! :)
I linked you on today’s blog on this very subject! Thanks for the inspiration.
Patricia–I think your plan does make sense. I usually try to add something to the conversation, too. And we all know you’re visiting blogs and commenting, which is nice, too!
Stephanie–Thanks so much! I’ll look forward to reading your post.
I make it a point to reply to everyone who comments on my blogs. I think it’s the right thing to do. You encourage them to take interest in your blog, you make new friends and hey, you won’t feel too good if no one spoke of the comments you make on other’s blogs, right?