The Becoming People Who Comment Challenge
November 2nd, 2009 | by TJ |So, a while back I wrote a post about how I intended to be a better Internet citizen, and one of the things I said I intended to do was to comment more often on the blogs I read.
When I said it, it sounded like a simple enough task, but after a day or two of not… actually doing it, I came to realize that there is me, and then there are People Who Comment.
Asking around on Twitter and various other Internet forums has only supported that conclusion. There are people who make a habit of commenting regularly – in fact, it seems like second nature to them to add a thought or idea to everything they read. Then, there are people who just don’t, but really wish they were better at it.
That, too, seemed pretty universal. For those of us who don’t comment regularly, we really wish we were better at it. However, I’ve seen all kinds of excuses for not commenting, that I hope to be able to address over this next few weeks.
I’ve been working on becoming a Person Who Comments for a little while now, and when I’ve mentioned it on Twitter, a few people have mentioned that my efforts have urged them to try to get closer to being a Person Who Comments themselves. I know from my own experience over the last few weeks, though, that it’s just not as easy as it sounds.
While becoming a Person Who Comments has many different benefits (for real, I’m totally not just blowing smoke up your ass), there’s equally as many excuses for not commenting, all of which I have heard from various people over the last few weeks. For my next feat of blog, I will tell you why all of your reasons are bullshit. This is not because I am mean, but because I am trying to encourage your participation in my project, and I am not one for gentle coaxing, more like “Your way sucks and here’s why, let’s do it my way instead.”
Let’s talk about the two main reasons that people (myself included, of course) cite as excuses for not commenting on blogs:
“I don’t have time!”
You have time to read blogs. Commenting, once you’re practiced at it, takes mere moments more. Just because you don’t have time to write a novel in response is no excuse for not commenting at all. Also? Many of you actually WRITE BLOGS. You tell me that you have time to be all long winded and detailed talking about your shoe collection, time to read about the shoe collections of 1800 other people, and no time to say “Wow, I really like those shoes?” Seriously, that is pretty effing weak.
Things we will address to kick that excuse in the nads:
- Working on cutting down the time it takes you to leave a comment
- Some tools that totally streamline the whole process
- Actually practicing leaving comments. Because, come on.
“I don’t have anything to say, so I don’t say anything!”
Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Ok, are you human? Have you been to the grocery store, the mall, Target, ANYWHERE PUBLIC recently? 95% of us have nothing worthwhile to say and we all say it anyway. All the time. Constantly. We talk. A lot. When someone says something brainless and pointless to us, we say something equally brainless and pointless back. Not that all blogs and comments are brainless and pointless, I am just expressing to you that “I have nothing to say, so I said nothing?” Yeah, and what planet are you from? We’re people. We LIVE to say shit when we don’t actually have anything to say.
Secondly? If you are a blogger? How many times have you thought to yourself, “Wow, if people can’t say something totally witty, deeply insightful, perfectly composed and dripping with brilliance, I WISH THEY WOULDN’T COMMENT AT ALL!” Yeah? Never. So stick that in your pipe and smoke it. Damn.
Things we will address to overcome this ridiculously craptastic excuse:
- How to recognize actual potential comments as they float through your brain
- Overcoming your Commenter Inadequacy Anxiety
- How commenting makes you a good listener
Becoming a Person Who Comments really hasn’t been easy for me. I wouldn’t say I’m even close to there yet. However, I know I’m doing better than a lot of people, and I know everything (like NaBloPoMo) is easier when you’re doing it with other people.
What I’ve actually made work for myself was addressing my own reasons for not commenting, and then setting myself various challenges to meet each day or week, depending on the challenge. This has lead to a couple of things:
1. It’s not totally consistent yet, but I do find myself commenting more and more naturally all the time, in the way that I think People Who Comment must.
2. In the short time that I’ve been commenting more, I’ve had some really great conversations, come in contact with some awesome people, seen my own blog traffic go up, and actually kind of had a lot more fun on the Internet than I had been recently.
If you’re interested in following along with the challenges (I will start with the same easy ones I started with, don’t worry) and working on becoming a Person Who Comments, all you have to do is the following two things:
THING THE ONETH: Every Monday (at least, though additional days are possible), there will be a new challenge intended to help you become a Person Who Comments, and a day by which to complete it. Your job? Complete the challenge.
THING THE TWOTH: Once you have completed the challenge, and on or before the day the challenge is to be completed, email me at PeopleWhoComment [at] gmail.com to let me know you’ve completed it, along with a recent post you’ve written on your own blog (or a recent favorite on another blog, if you are a non-blogger) that you’d like to see featured on Becoming a Person Who Comments. Why? Because one, people who are trying to become People Who Comment need things on which to comment and two, I cannot afford prizes, but I can send you a couple of my tens of readers for your worthwhile efforts. Also? If you manage to complete every single challenge? I will definitely come up with… something. I promise.
Challenge for Monday, November 2
To be completed by: Wednesday, November 4th.
Challenge: We’re starting easy. All you have to do, by Wednesday, is answer the following questions in the comments:
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
Answer those questions in the comments section by Wednesday and email PeopleWhoComment [at] gmail.com with your favorite recent blog post (by you or someone else) and you’ll be done with the first Becoming People Who Comment challenge.
I promise, it’s actually pretty worthwhile.
PS – if you have the MS Paint skills to make a tiny banner I can put above these posts, I’ll give you my undying gratitude. Also, if you are capable of making badge thingers, I’d like that, too. If you haven’t noticed, my site is kind of plain (no, really! It is!) and I’d like to be able to make these posts stand out a little more.
By Paul OFlaherty on Nov 2, 2009
I’ll bite :) LOL. Seriously though, I often find that the vast majority of people end up commenting in different places like FF, Facebook or simply RT’ing on Twitter instead of actually commenting anymore.
It would be awesome if folks would comment on blogs again and the conversation would be become a little less fragmented :)
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Agreed, I think lately, a lot of people are missing out on what made blogging take off so majorly in the first place.
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By Adlib on Nov 2, 2009
1. I try comment the way I would respond out loud as if I were talking to the blogger in conversation, and they had just told me the post in words. Also, I comment once in a while, particularly if I have a similar story to share (if it’s that kind of post) or if I really like it. :)
2. My excuse is that I re-read my comments, get too self-conscious about them, and then delete.
3. Yes! I love how you’re approaching this, and the challenges sound exciting! Can’t wait to do it!
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Thank you! I’m looking forward to doing it, and I hope people find the challenges helpful, but… well… challenging!
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By MiddleAged&Crazy on Nov 2, 2009
1. Once in a while.
2. If I feel it adds to and doesn’t subtract from.
3. I feel I do allready, I don’t think a person has to comment on every blog post.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I don’t think that you need to comment on every single post, either.
However, a lot of us (not you!) don’t comment at ALL. I mean, at ALL. And it’s sad, but it’s actually really hard to get started if you’re not the commenting type.
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By boomer on Nov 2, 2009
1. I comment regularly, and often if I know the blogger outside of their blog…even more often if I’ve met them in person.
2. I don’t comment under the following scenarios:
a) If my comment is extranegative hateration, i.e. no trolling
b) If the other comments look like the comments to the youtube video “So Cold In The D”, I stay away.
c) I am MORE likely to comment if, like this post, the blogger has asked for feedback.
d) You’ll never catch me on some “FIRST!” bullshit.
3. I already am a Person Who Comments.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Show off!
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By Lara on Nov 2, 2009
My commenting style has pretty much always been ummm, Few and Far Between? Hit and Miss? Here and There?
My excuses are many. I used to read a lot of blogs – A LOT. I read at home and at work (at lunch of course). Then things changed and I was working in a computer lab type environment were I had to SHARE the (first come first serve) computers with about 10 other people (THE HORROR). Then I was living with my brother and his girlfriend and had to SHARE a computer with them at home (MORE HORROR) and then I started a new job and was scared to touch the internet, like at all, during the day.
Fast forward, I’m still sharing a computer (now with my boyfriend) and I still don’t read many blogs at the office. I read some throughout the day on my iPhone but that makes it a little difficult to comment.
I guess I have also used the “I have nothing to say” and “I’m too busy” excuses.
I’ve cut my reader list way, way down and am going to make an effort to comment more. Now that I have a little breathing room I’d like to find some new ones to read too – not to replace my favorites, but to diversify the blog pool a bit, and of course, comment.
So anyways, sign me up! I’d like to comment more and this will give me a push – thanks for doing it. I’ll think about my favorite recent post and email it off a little later today.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
“Nothing to say” and “too busy” are obviously the major stumbling blocks that need to be worked around. I’m hoping that using the challenges to develop a habit will help the people who are interested in becoming People Who Comment.
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By KellyS on Nov 2, 2009
1. Once in a while
2. If it’s a blog I read often, my response is usually, “me too!”. How often and in how many ways can you really say that?
3. Mebbe
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I don’t know why so many people automatically count an answer along the lines of “me, too!” to be something lame!
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By Lara on Nov 2, 2009
Uh see what happens when I comment
on my phone?
Let me know if you want to delete that
and I can resubmit from a pc.
(it’s showing for me as one long line)
I FAIL AT COMMENTING.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I got it for you. Heh. Early comment challenge fail.
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Lara Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Thank you. Now I’m paranoid and
am hitting all over the place.
Which makes it look like I’m attempting
comment poetry.
Horrible, horrible comment poetry.
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By Tami on Nov 2, 2009
I am totally in favor of this as you’ve outlined it. It’s not saying that everyone has to comment on everything (omg *flounce, hair toss*) but rather encouraging people to get over personal hangups about commenting. I give you the Might Guy thumbs-up. YOSH!
ON TO THE CHALLENGE
================
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
It goes in stages :
——
1) If the blogger is a friend, and someone that I’ve had the sort of mindless supermarket conversations you mention in the post – most of the time.
2) If the blogger is a friend, but they blog on things like video games I no longer play (pshaw) then more like once in a while.
3) If the blogger is someone I respect and/or adore (thus making this even more backwards, as those are people I’d like to be friends with) – never, or almost never.
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
——
Either I don’t feel I have anything really useful to contribute to the blog post, or I have nothing which isn’t “OMG, look at ME!” which kinda defeats the purpose of a comment as a discussion about the original blog post. OR I’m terrified that I won’t leave The Best Comment Ever Written and thus shame myself and my family with my less-than-witty contributions at the altar of another blogger’s shrine.
In other words, yeah – pretty much the stuff you outlined in the post.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
——
The only thing to fear is fear itself. And spiders.
I think I have the capacity and desire to become a Person Who Comments, yes.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Hooray, I’m glad you like it!
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By Capn John on Nov 2, 2009
I used to comment on many of the Blogs I read. Then I discovered the Google Blog Reader that lets me read everyone’s Blog in one window instead of having multiple Tabs open. Unfortunately that meant I’d often just read the post and not click through to the entry itself, which meant I wasn’t commenting and contributing to the resultant discussion.
Google’s Blog Reader does allow you to see the number of comments left by other readers, but if it’s a new post and there are no comments as of the time you read it, there’s little compulsion to leave a comment of your own.
The Blog Reader made it easier to keep up with the Blogs I read, but it also reduced my participation on those Blogs.
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Tami Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
That’s a very good point, Capn John (oh, how I love your screen name).
I’d have to agree – I comment far less now that my beloved feed reader removes the need to actually load up every blog page I read.
On the other hand, I watch a LOT more blogs than I did before I had the reader.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I had the same problem with using a reader. One of the posts I have planned is about getting around that issue, specifically. It’s so easy to stay in the reader and not visit to comment.
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By Marc on Nov 2, 2009
I like how you are killing 2 birds with one stone…
You want to churn out your blogs for the month and you wanted to kick off this project. So nice long winded blogs about your project gets both in at once :)
1) Almost Never
2) Most I rarely have much to contribute to a discussion. I’m not keen on chiming in with “I aggree” type comments. I also have this thing were If I comment I usually forget to go back and see if anyone responded to my comment and then I feel like I started a conversation but never came back to continue it so I just don’t start…
3) I can only try.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I object to the choice of “churn out” phrase!
Though I do admit the timing is pretty convenient!
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Marc Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Yes that was a poor choice of words… Please replace it with… umm… be prolifically awesome…?
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By Paul on Nov 2, 2009
1: I very rarely, comment on a blog. Even ones I have read for quite a while. (Like, I’ve had this one in my feed reader for >6 months and never left a comment on it)
2: I don’t comment regularly for the same reason I don’t talk much in RL. If I don’t have anything to add to the conversation, I’ve always been the one in the corner nodding and listening.
It also depends on what I’m reading. I read your blog because it is entertaining and well written, but many of the things you are writing about don’t specifically pertain to me, nor do I have any particular fresh insight or perspective into a lot of the subject matter.
On the other hand, on a couple WoW blogs I frequent, I comment quite a bit, given that I’m a fairly active player and I know the content reasonably well.
3: Seems doubtful I’ll change.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Doubtful, shmoutful!
Unless, you know, you don’t want to. I mean, you don’t HAVE to. There’s not a commenting LAW or anything.
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By Emma on Nov 2, 2009
1. Never. The only exception is for bloggers I know, who will very occasionally say plleezzz go comment on my hilarious new post. And then generally I make them tell me what they want to see in comments, and just say that. Frequently it’s a variation on ‘hahaha you’re so funny’. So very original.
2. Fear. And a basic inability to have any original thoughts when I’ve just read a hilarious blog.
3. Yes! Well.. probably. Maybe.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
People really do that “please go comment on my post” thing? That would make me feel all different kinds of awkward!
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Emma Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:40 pm
It’s mostly my little brother and college roommate who do that. I think that several years of cohabitation in each case got us past any awkwardness barrier.
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By morgan on Nov 2, 2009
1. Occassionally, but not terribly often
2. Someone else already mentioned this, but – I only comment if I have a new thought to add to the discussion. It seems rather silly to post, “I agree!” after 15 people have already echoed my own thoughts, so in those cases I don’t comment. However, if I have a thought/opinion that nobody else has expressed yet, then I have no problem adding it to the discussion.
3. Perhaps. As my lack of commenting has nothing to do with excuses, I’m not sure I feel the need/have the desire to change, but we’ll see!
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
You can play along, even if you don’t want to be a Person Who Comments. I’ll allow it. I’m awesome like that.
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By Jarla on Nov 2, 2009
1.
I’d say I comment rarely. Hardly ever to be totally honest.
Also, I belong to the group of people who start and then end up deleting a comment, because it feels pointless. Jupp.
2.
a) Feed Reader. I simply don’t take the time to visit the site itself. I’d never give up my Reader though.
The rare times I comment, I click through to the page – like now – and find myself extremely shocked or awed by the actual look of the site (not going to tell you which one is true for yours ;)).
b) Something really really stupid: I feel excluded. Not necessarily with your blog, but it is something I realize more and more, especially with the mom blogs I am reading. Some bloggers seem to form cliques, and, like in RL they have their insider jokes, send around gifts and they seem to know each other really well and I end up feeling like an intruder.
I have to admit that seems to be more true for the German blogs I am reading, but it also happens with other “international” blogs. Or perhaps it’s all just in my head.
c) Language. I read a whole lot in English and while I am totally comfortable with reading English and am somewhere near to native in understanding, it takes a whole lot more to use it actively. Which is totally good for me. And I love doing it. But. It takes a lot of time, which I only happen to have in the evening, when the household is done, dinner’s cooked and the baby’s asleep. And then, I am tired and have to concentrate to produce sentences that are at least to some extent understandable and not just bad bad translations.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
Not sure. Do I even w a n t to become a PWC?
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Heh. Stark, isn’t it!
Commenting isn’t for everyone. You don’t have to. There’s no comment laws. You can even just do one or two or none of the challenges. You can do a challenge only when there’s a blog post of yours or someone else’s you’d like to promote. Whatever floats your boat, pal!
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By Katie on Nov 2, 2009
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
Almost never.
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
I generally read blogs at work. While I can find time to read them, thinking up comments seems hard and time consuming. It hasn’t helped that the filters here at work have become more repressive and blocked a number of the sites I visited often.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
I’m willing to try.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I think you can do it. I mean, I don’t read blogs from work (well, I kind of do, since I work from home), so you’re working with a bit of an extra challenge.
Actually so many people have said something along those lines that I think I’ll work some stuff into the challenges for those in your situation. Thanks!
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By Fyurae on Nov 2, 2009
I comment from time to time. Usually the thing that keeps me from commenting is that someone has already said what I was going to say. Or there are a bajillion comments already and I dont want to read them all. I certainly could make the time to comment more.
Also, I would be super happy to make some graphics for your site. I have MS Paint skills, and also Photoshop and Illustrator skills.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Well, if you’re into the idea of commenting more, try some of the challenges over the next few weeks!
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By Shin Ae on Nov 2, 2009
I am a serial commenter, if you hadn’t guessed. It’s actually difficult for me to not comment.
I think it’s great you’re doing this project. Comments are so encouraging!
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I think there’s a lot people can get out of comments, both commentees and commenters.
I am jealous that you find commenting so natural. It is so not easy to get started if it’s not yours style!
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Shin Ae Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
That’s true about there being a lot people can get out of comments. Like that other post you wrote that I thought I understood. After I commented and you corrected me, it turned out I hadn’t understood at all! I never would have known otherwise, and that is sad.
But JEALOUS? Really?! *preens*
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By Euripedes on Nov 2, 2009
This is a TJsend. Sorry god, step aside, the phrase is “TJsend” now.
The whole “commenting” thing is probably my worst habit ever. I rarely comment, and I’ve used the “nothing interesting to say” excuse many, MANY times.
Though I do fall into that 5% of people who say absolutely nothing instead of pointless jibber jabber. To put it this way, I don’t even acknowledge strangers who say “how’s it going?” If I’m feeling friendly, I’ll grunt, maybe even incline my head a little before ignoring them.
But!
Perhaps being an anti-social douche canoe is not the best course to take, at least on the internet.
So number three, I shall persevere to make it so.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I JUST got Phil to stop calling me a douche canoe. Let’s hope he doesn’t read my comments today.
Also, I am going to look for other ways to work “TJSend” into the daily vocabulary of those around me.
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By Bellwether on Nov 2, 2009
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
Once in a while
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
If I don’t think of something I want to say immediately, I don’t comment. It seems forced otherwise but I could be so, so wrong.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
Perhaps!
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
YOU CAN DO EET.
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By Alex on Nov 2, 2009
Hi, I’m Alex and I’m a Bad Commenter.
1. I generally always comment on people’s blogs who I know in real life but rarely/never comment on strangers’ blogs unless I have a very good reason.
2. I don’t comment because like so many others here, I just feel like I don’t have much to add to the conversation. Also, I’m not a blogger so it seems weird to comment on a stranger’s blog when I know so much about them and they know diddly squat about me. Like, what do they care? Who am I to them?
3. I think I CAN become a Person Who Comments! Thank you for this opportunity, TJ! I’ll try not to let you down.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
You know, I’m totally the opposite – if I know someone in real life, I pretty much NEVER comment on their blog. So weird!
I am sure you won’t let me down, no pressure ot anything at all.
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By Cazenovia on Nov 2, 2009
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
Erf. Somewhere between once and a while and never. Bad habits bad habits.
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
I feel so inadequate! Everyone else has all these amazing points and they sound so.. so eloquent.. and I mentally compare what I would say to what’s been said and feel like a moron. >_< Also, when I do feel I have something not-awful to put out there, I usually discover that there is a comment or two or three already saying it already.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
I do.. I hope! I'm double-challenging myself to try and (really this time) keep up on actually posting to my blog, and to actually, y'know, comment on things now. I do want to change though, which I suppose is probably half the battle already.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I’ve WANTED to be a Person Who Comments forever, but like some people said, it’s really much harder than it looks!
I’ve found that in my challenges to myself, it’s really becoming a sort of habit, so helpfully I can help other interested parties to develop the same habit.
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By Tracey on Nov 2, 2009
Commenting is way harder than I thought…
1) Standard commenting style — really, really rarely. I think I’ve commented here more often than anywhere else though. Couldn’t explain why. *shrugs*
2)I need an excuse to not comment? Just seems like the natural order of things… But yeah, I’ll sometimes delete started comments, and I love my Google feedreader, but it makes commenting a long way to go. And I so rarely have anything to say that’s not been said six times already, at least once really well.
Also, someone mentioned above about not seeing why strangers should care what I say — totally that. (Clearly, not a blogger. I READ them, just can’t imagine what I’d put in one.)
3) I might change my ways — I’m not committing, but if you see some value to being a PWC, I’m open to the idea.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I definitely see value in being a person who comments. Seriously. I mean, if it’s not your style, it’s not – and I’m certainly not trying to force it on anyone. A lot of people have expressed interest in being better at commenting, and, as you said, it is way harder than you’d think!
There are definite benefits, though, which I hope to be able to illustrate throughout the project.
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By Kestrel on Nov 2, 2009
As you know (at least, I hope you do!), I’m already a commenter. I don’t comment on everything I read–no one has that much time, or shouldn’t have, anyway.
However, if I take the time visit a site to read other comments on a post, usually I will comment as well. And if there is an option to subscribe to comments for a particular post, I will invariably do so for articles on which I’ve commented.
I’ve also posted a few articles about commenting myself, and introduced my readers who are bloggers to add-ons to facilitate commenting (Subscribe to Comments, CommentLuv, Comment Counter, etc.).
You know I view my articles as the opportunity to have a conversation…and despite your earlier protestation, you’re now becoming a conversationalist too.
I blame me. ;)
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
I am not sure what protestations you are talking about – the day that I revealed that when I get unsolicited advice as a comment, I’m not thrilled about it?
A lot of people took that as me telling them how to comment. Just because I don’t absolutely love every single thing every single person says on my blog doesn’t mean I discourage conversation. Just like in real life, sometimes things people say annoy me. It’s so not a crime!
Or, you could be talking about something completely different and I’ve gotten all re-huffy for no good reason, but it’s too late! I’ve gotten huffy! And Phil’s going to be home in like, 7 minutes and I’m going to take it out on him!
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Kestrel Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
LOL…poor Phil. You replied to me in a tweet a week or so ago that you don’t see blogging as a conversation…or something along those lines.
Wasn’t trying to get her in a huff, Phil…sorry about that!
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By Bernie on Nov 2, 2009
1) Was once in a while, but I seem to be commenting here more often.
2) The main reason I hold off on commenting is when your subject seems more of a personal nature.
3) I think this says I am a person who comments.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I think balancing the feeling of wanting to comment with not wanting to intrude is a pretty good point.
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By Willow on Nov 2, 2009
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
I’d have to say once in a while. I usually read the blogs that I’m into at work, while taking a break from the stuff I get paid for.
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
I generally don’t comment if it’s an older (2 weeks+) post. I tend to shy away from commenting if what’s already there is full of l33t speak or LOLspeak, as I’m a bit of a spelling/grammar freak. I also avoid commenting once it’s become an all-out bitch-and-flame fest.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
It’s all starting with your blog and these comments. Who knows where this grand adventure will take us…or leave us. *grin* Good luck to us all.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I am pretty confident in us. I think we can do it.
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By Chibi Jeebs on Nov 2, 2009
1. I try to comment every time a post “speaks” to me, if that makes sense.
2. I won’t comment if I don’t have anything more to say than a smiley face or “me too!” or “LOL” (feels like I’m commenting for the sake of commenting at that point, and not in a good way).
3. I think I can become a Person Who Comments because I think I’m halfway there: my biggest challenge will be clicking over from Google Reader to do it. ;)
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Chibi Jeebs Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Totally forgot to say that I’m far more likely to comment on a blog post if the link is posted on Twitter — I’m a shameless link-clicker.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm
I am going to be doing my best to address that pesky Google Reader issue, as I have the same one myself. Hopefully, it’ll work. If not, well, I will name my first baby Greeder. GET IT?
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By Aunt Becky on Nov 2, 2009
I both comment and make every effort to comment back to people who comment on my blog. Because it’s more fun if everyone plays along.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I wouldn’t even know that the entire Internet HAD an Aunt Becky if not for blog comments. Seriously.
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By Angelya on Nov 2, 2009
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
Every now and then if I feel I have something to say.
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
Most of the time I think people don’t want to hear what it is I have to say.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
I’d like to, so here goes. Bring more challenges! :)
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By Kestrel on Nov 2, 2009
Regarding Google Reader: Get Better GReader. It has a setting to allow you to either view the actual blog page automatically (including comments, or at least the link to comments) or when you click the article title.
If nothing else, it doesn’t screw up graphics, rich text elements, etc.; even better, it makes it easier for you to comment while perusing your RSS feeds. Win-win, and that’s a good thing!
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By Swistle on Nov 2, 2009
This is so funny and so great. I love it.
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TJ Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Sure, it’s funny to someone as skilled at commenting as YOU are, but some of us struggle! Heh.
I hope it will turn out to be both funny and great.
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By Mj on Nov 2, 2009
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never? Once in a while – if I feel comfortable.
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
I have a problem with being a little on the bossy side. So, when I do think about commenting, I think about telling people how to do something, or the right way to think. Then I sit back and look at it, realize I am being bossy, and shut my mouth (i.e. erase the comment.) so I don’t come off as being too bossy.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments? Hard to say. I think a lot, and talk a LOT all day every day, so I know I have it in me. I’m just not very funny (unless you count looks – and if you made me post a picture, I would probably never comment at all. )
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By Mel on Nov 2, 2009
1. I’m a once in a while commenter.
2. My standard excuses are a) I have serious issues and worry that people will just think I’m some sort of fool, which is why I’ve gone completely anonymous to try to get over that. (Stupid, I know, but I’m trying!) and b) I do most of my catching up on posts at lunchtime at work through Google Reader where I cannot comment (or if I can comment through Reader, I am unaware of this and have confirmed that I’m some sort of fool.)
3. You have inspired me to TRY to become a Person Who Comments.
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Hey, even if I’m unsuccessful, at least you’ve have some challenges to complete in the mean time. You can pretend you’re on Legends of the Hidden Temple, the EXTRA Nerdy Version.
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By Jasmine on Nov 2, 2009
Ok, this helps with something I’ve decide to do this month, so it looks like you’ve gotten yourself another victim =P
1. If I find a blog post that really hits home, then I’ll comment. If I find a giveaway that requires me to comment in order to enter, I’ll comment. Other than that, not so much.
2. Though I’m very outgoing outside of the internet and whilst gaming, social sites and blogs seem to shoot me back into my shell like my mother would never believe.
3. Yes, eventually. Probably.
Oh, and I can probably come up with some kind of banner or button for ya. email me with some ideas, if you’d like.
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Excellent. More victims are always welcome.
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By Lilivati on Nov 2, 2009
1. Once in awhile, generally if it’s something that really grabs me
2. I got hooked on blogs reading them at work, when I had a job that involved a lot of hurry up and wait. Its web filters allowed Google Reader, but did not allow me to visit the blogs themselves. (Interestingly, this ALSO meant that for the first year I read blogs, it was entirely without reading comments or seeing pictures.) I still read through my feeder and never quite broke the habit of silence.
3. I hope so, at least for some of the things I read.
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Well, if I can quit my smoking habit, I have faith that you can develop a commenting habit. Hooray!
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By Ellie on Nov 3, 2009
1. Once in a while.
2. I honestly can’t think of what to say sometimes. I have bad social skills. xD Or I’m too lazy.
3. That’d be cool to do. It would show appreciation for the people who put time into writing their blogs for others’ amusement.
If there is anything you want changed, let me know!
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By Ellie on Nov 3, 2009
Hm, my banner didn’t post. Here’s the link.
http://i35.tinypic.com/51zvpf.jpg
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
That is freakin adorable! Thanks so much!
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Ellie Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:37 pm
:) No problemo!
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By lenebean on Nov 3, 2009
1. Probably in the neighborhood of 4 times a month, but I honestly read so few actual blogs (as in, the kind with words) that I feel like that’s a decent amount. HA! I am more likely to write a review of something or comment on someone’s FB note or article they post to their profile. Also, I’m more likely to post a comment on the page of a complete stranger whose blog I just ran across once and then may not ever post again. Or post a comment to a commentary on sites like Slate.com. At times I will comment as an advocate on behalf of issues or beleaguered bloggers. (Whoa. Serious rambling that I should edit, but have decided I will not so that I can just post the darn comment.)
2. I didn’t realize I needed an excuse. J/k. Mostly because my reactions to blogs are simply nodding or laughing and I don’t necessarily think it’s worth the space it takes up to bother typing that out. Also, I really, really hate finding typographical, spelling and grammatical errors after the fact and, as much as I find editing other people’s work satisfying, I hate taking the time to proofread my own. SO. That’s actually why I don’t comment all that often. There, I said it.
3. I guess I already am a Person Who Comments, but I wonder what your rubric is. I do comment, but not on everything. Can you imagine the sea of junk we’d be swimming in if *everybody* commented? For evidence, I point to the comments people leave on articles found on local news station and newspaper websites. Dear lord. But could I comment two or three times a week instead of once? Yes.
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
You’re true about it being pretty terrible if every single person commented on every single thing. YouTube videos and LOLCats come to mind, and I’m horrified.
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By Julie on Nov 3, 2009
1) Every so often
2) I’m not a regular blog reader, so sometimes I can be a few (or more) days out of date. Also, sometimes you might just think “What a complete load of horse manure” (or something less complimentary), but it’s not really polite to rubbish someone else’s hobby horse when it doesn’t matter particularly. I’m not enough of a “OMG SOMEONE ON THE INTERNET IS WRONG!!!” type of person to police it.
3) About as likely as I am to regularly blog/diary myself. i.e. NOT But I can try from time to time.
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I think it’s definitely worth it to give it a shot. A lot of people are under the mistaken impression that it only the blog writer who gets any benefit out of comments that are left. I have discovered that that is simply untrue.
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By Button on Nov 3, 2009
1. As often as I can, often to the detriment of people who have NO IDEA how I found their blog or exactly how long I’ve been reading their posts through someone elses feeder. Not creepy at all, inorite?
2. My standard excuse for not commenting is being on deployment and being unable to post on many different blog-type sites (among them blogspot).
3. To some degree, I think I’ll be able to do just that, provided I am actually capable of commenting :).
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I have every confidence you will find ways to complete all of the challenges despite any complications you might encounter. What can I say. I’m a born cheerleader.
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By Rob Coulstock on Nov 3, 2009
1. Rarely and brief.
2. I assume nobody in Internet land really cares about my opinion on a topic.
3. If I can convince myself there’s a point, sure :)
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
There’s definitely a point! Lots of good things come out of commenting!
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By Dulcea on Nov 3, 2009
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
1) Once in a while…usually when commenting has been in the back of my brain a bit.
2) My answer’s already been said. I mean how boring would it be to read “I totally agree!” over and over.
3) I suppose it depends on the blog post? I mean everything I read on the blogs I follow is interesting (why else would I be reading them?) but unless I feel I have something to contribute I stay quiet.
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Dulcea Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:24 am
>.> and whoops. I totally meant to delete YOUR questions first TJ. <.< Oh well, summarized for the person under me who doesn't want to scroll up!
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Well, we are going to work on why so many people feel like they don’t have anything to contribute.
I have a feeling this whole thing is going to turn into a self-esteem support group!
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By Tami on Nov 3, 2009
Sweet Mary, Mother of Monkeys, look at the comment count.
What have you unleashed?!
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
That’s what happens when I try to respond to everyone!
Between NaBloPloMo, my own commenting project, and my determination to respond, I actually broke a sweat yesterday. It was pretty sad for me.
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By Delicia on Nov 3, 2009
1. I comment frequently on blogs where I feel safe to comment. What does that mean? It means somewhere where I’ve first observed the blogger’s writing style (and like it) and where other people are also commenting, and where I don’t feel like I’m going to be ridiculed or flamed for my comments.
2. I sometimes don’t comment if I feel I have nothing to add, no similar experience to share, or other commenters have already said what I would say. Not into the AOL “me too” thing.
3. Already a Person Who Comments, imo.
-Del
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By Haleh on Nov 3, 2009
1. Once in awhile I comment.
2. Why not more often? Usually only comment when I can contribute something valuable. Often just cancel my comments. Once had a comment deleted by the blogger (didn’t think it was bad), so likely won’t comment there again. Still think he’s awesome.
3. Maybe more often I’ll comment?
And what the heck is nabloplomo?
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
NaBloPoMo is National Blog Posting Month, like NaNoWriMo (novel writing month). It involves posting in your blog every single day of November. A kind of a challenge, I guess.
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By Chaninn on Nov 3, 2009
1. Sometimes, if I feel I can offer something to the discussion or to the blogger (ie sympathy or comfort)
2. I read my blog list at work and rarely have time to do anymore than skim the posts. If I can shut my door and keep out the parasites, I can comment more (like now =)).
3 I’d like to but it’s gonna depend on work traffic.
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I’m going to see if I can come up with some accommodations for the people who read at work, so that they feel like they can participate fully as well.
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By E.M on Nov 3, 2009
1. It’s usually only a short sentence (Like this one)
2. My standard excuse is probably like most of the posts above plus I put too much thought into it and end up writing/deleting for 20 minutes.
3. Person Who Comments? I’ll be happy if I ended up writing more than one a week.
I’d better post this before I delete it some more.
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I am pretty sure that, at least for the duration of the challenge, I can get you writing more than one comment per week.
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By Jeremy on Nov 3, 2009
1. My commenting style generally involves attempting (key word) to add some pithy anecdote or a funny musing related to the subject matter. Or a meaningful application to my life that the author’s writing has inspired.
2. The main reason that I don’t comment much is because I don’t want to look like an idiot. I have, however, been trying to step up the frequency with which I comment even prior to this great challenge. See I am an over achiever…
3. I do think that I will be able to become a Person That Comments. I appreciate when people take a moment to add a comment on a post that I have put time and effort into, so I figured I should start paying the same courtesy to others whom I enjoy reading.
What a great idea! Thanks TJ!
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TJ Reply:
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Thanks!
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By JEC on Nov 3, 2009
1. I comment whenever I have an opinion I want to share or a direction in which I want to steer a conversation; this is irregular but not rare (although in the case of this blog, it’s been ages since I’ve dropped a comment). My style is that when I do comment I tend to take a long time organizing my thoughts because I’m usually trying to argue a position. Also, while I’m laconic as a speaker, I spew lengthy text everywhere when I type.
2. I do not comment when my response is on the level of “me too”. It’s not a universal human trait that we all talk even when we have nothing to say. My mom is from New York and dad is from Minnesota. When she met his family for the first time, she thought they hated her because no one was talking. But that wasn’t it, they were just comfortable with silence, while her family talks constantly. I take after my dad.
I find it is easy for me to be contrary simply for contrariness’ sake sometimes, and try to avoid making comments that have no other rationale.
I don’t comment if I have to go through some sort of registration process. I don’t mind the type of authentication used on this blog, where I can provide any name I want alongside an e-mail address I don’t use. But there are other blogs where I’ve made out a comment, discovered I need a Blogger ID or some other nonsense, and just closed the window.
I generally will refrain from commenting if I’m reading an entry well after its posting date. I truly appreciate how text conversations proceed at a slower pace than speaking ones, but to me it’s really too much like finally coming up with something witty to say after everyone has moved on to another topic.
3. I do not see myself changing my comment habits, here or elsewhere. So while I’m a person who comments on blogs, I don’t know that I am going to be a Person Who Comments to the extent you are talking about.
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TJ Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I totally understand all of your reasoning. There are a lot of people, though, who DO want to improve their commenting habits.
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By Carrie on Nov 4, 2009
1. What’s your standard commenting style? Once in a while? Never?
Once in a while is the best I do these days. I like to think I’m getting better though!
2. What’s your standard excuse for NOT commenting? (It’s probably lame, mine were)
I have a couple. One is that I read blogs at work, and clicking through to comment makes more bandwidth usage and draws attention to what I’m doing… which is not working, and not something I want IT to notice. The other is that by the time I get to reading a blog post (look at me now, this is two days old already), people have already said what I would have wanted to say, so there’s no point in repeating it.
3. Do you think you’ll be able to become a Person Who Comments?
I’m going to try, and we’ll see what happens. I was also going to try to make you a banner, but I see you’ve already got one (curse the lateness again!). I’d still be glad to, though, if you find you want variety. :)
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TJ Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Oh feel free to make a banner! I’ve had several offers and gotten some excellent ones, so I’m actually going to figure out how to use all of them.
If you love to be unique, however, no one has made me a badge that people can use to put on their own sites and link back to the challenge!
*nudge*
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By Dragoncroft on Nov 4, 2009
1. Once in a while shading into never
2. Why don’t I comment? I think I’ll go with C. All the above.
I’ll sound lame, nothing occurs to me, the post isn’t all that interesting or the blogger has made it too difficult to even find the commenting section.
3. Can I become a Commenter? I’ll follow along with the challenge. Who knows? Maybe TJ will be my Chantix and change my behavior.
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