You know, I’m usually pretty easy going about things. I realize that people have lives and everybody has their own style – but I do have a little pet peeve I want to air.
I just don’t understand it when bloggers don’t even bother to acknowledge a comment you’ve made. How much trouble could it be to just say, ‘thanks,’ or ‘okay’ or ‘good point’? Or something?
I realize that not all bloggers are like me and get into the back and forth with their readers. Maybe some feel uncomfortable doing it or don’t really know what to say. But heck, the whole idea of blogging is to put out an idea and get people to engage in that idea with you, isn’t it? Is it really too much to expect at least a grunt or something? You know, I’ve come to your blog and I’ve read your post and I made a comment, I didn’t lurk, I didn’t stop in mid-read, I didn’t click away – I stayed, I read, I commented. But you can’t say, boo?
Another thing – that in my mind, is even worse – is selective response to comments. I don’t quite understand this approach. What is it, some commenters are better than others or deserve your acknowledgement while others don’t? Sorry, but to me that’s just wrong.
If a writer/blogger expects to get someone to respond to their words, what makes them think that they shouldn’t respond in kind? I’m just wondering. Does anybody have any thoughts on this?
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a pitied plea for comments or sympathy.I don’t need either or to have my ego soothed. It’s not about ego, it’s about manners. In this day and age, manners have rapidly dwindled to near-extinction. People don’t think they have to say thank you or please or excuse me anymore. I don’t know why, but they don’t. It’s no wonder to me that there is so much road rage and people going postal. Treating people as if they are invisible is never a good habit to develop.
Anyway, no big deal – just a mini-rant. Feel free to add to the rant or offer some opinion about it. I’m curious to know what other bloggers think.
WC
PS: On another note – one of our own needs a little help – all prayers accepted. Thanks!
Anita Rodgers Mystery Writer 
I can be really non-responsive sometimes but I do always try. I’m always happy when people comment, and try to open up the dialogue more…though I don’t always deal with flattery well.
One problem I have is when I check my e-mails (and comments) in a hurry, and mentally mark things for response, and entirely forget about it later. Then I haven’t mentioned the wonderful things I wanted to say.
As for selective responding, I wish I’d done that better in the last comment I made. I had about twelve people to respond to and the comment became longer than the original post.
Bastards.
But yeah…blogging is about opening a dialogue and seeing other points of view….so at least grunt every now and then…
Indeed
Hey Al!
Yeah, the flattery thing is hard to respond to – it sure is nice but sometimes I blush. And I understand the occasional forgetting thing – like I said, we all have lives. But I’m really talking about the folks who rarely or never respond to a reader’s comments. This is the thing that just floors me and frankly, I just don’t understand.
Good to see you again.
WC
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On the total backside of this is the phantom poster…AKA:Bobo !! I do stop by and I DO read, but just don’t post alot lately. Have been taking some self-imposed time away from the computer in general. I enjoy your rants, and more often then not agree. Continue to do what you do, just the way that you do it,regardless of responses…otherwise it wouldn’t feel like ‘home’ and you wouldn’t be the surrogate Mom at the backdoor with warm cookies and milk and a stern, but loving lecture about life.
Thanks, hon. But I wasn’t talking about my readers. I know a lot of people don’t comment on posts for a variety of reasons – but know they are out there. I’m just saying that when a reader comments, the blogger should acknowledge that person – at least a little. Otherwise, it’s not about engagement – it’s about…I really don’t know what it’s about then. hmmm
WC
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I think there’s one post that I didn’t repy to any posts– not because I didn’t want to, but it’s when I was extremely sick, and by the time I got back– I just didn’t. I’m sorry! LoL I suppose I’m evil.
Hey Kenz,
You’re very good about acknowledging your readers – and you’re not evil – not at all. So, stop that. 😉
WC
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hi WC!!
well, as you know, i don’t generally respond to comments made on my blog but always comment on others. if something is said that i feel i need to respond to i do, but usually i just read the comments, smile, read everyone elses blog and comment on their stuff. i’m sorry if i’m considered one of the offenders :(. i don’t know how to “respond” to a comment like you and evyl, your’s show up under the comment it’s supposed to. all i can do is comment underneath everyone but i will work more on doing so.
i hope you aren’t too upset with me ;D
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I agree! There’s a few blogs on which I comment ALL THE TIME and I haver never once received a comment on my own blog from them. You’re right. Manners have gone down the drain!
I know it can be a drag. People have lives, so you have to cut them some slack – but if you’re always visiting and commenting and they aren’t – maybe your time is better spent elsewhere.
WC
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I’m guilty of not responding to each and every comment I receive. It’s not that I’m ignoring them because Im not, but sometimes I don’t know HOW to respond to a certain comment I receive. But, I’ve changed that here recently and am now responding to each and every comment I get, even if it’s just a few words.
Good post!
Yeah, sometimes it is a little hard to know what to say. But to me, that can be part of the fun/challenge. Cool, girl.
WC
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I’m bad, bad, bad. After reading this post, I had a sudden case of “omigosh am I guilty too”-itis. Well, I checked both blogs and found the occassional comment I hadn’t responded to … and felt so, so bad. I even found one of yours that I didn’t respond to! I spent a bit of time today going back through old comments and adding at least grunting notes to all comments. I have all my comments set so that they have to be moderated … that way, when I go to moderate everything, I simply add my own comment to theirs right then. A couple of weeks ago when I’d fallen into my emotional pit, it was too much for me to comment on comments, so I just approved the comments and then got back with my repsonses later. I hope everyone understood. I do realize, though, that you probably weren’t talking to me with this post, but I’m one of those people who takes everything to heart and assumes they’re the guilty party. lol
~Ms CP
Naw, I wasn’t talking about you MsCP – in fact, you’re quite good about it and at it. And really it’s not that important, just one of those things that goes up your nose like a gnat without a road map. Sometimes it bugs you – look at that, I’m punny! 😆
WC
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Oh. I believe I am guilty of this. To tell you the truth, I’ve always admired how you respond to everyone.
For me, however, I feel stupid when I give little run-of-the-mill comments like “hi” or “oh, I’m sorry”. It feels so cold when I do it. I only respond when there was a misunderstanding or something or if a comment really needs a reply.
I didn’t know this ticked people so much.
I have to agree with you DT, you are guilty as charged. I do understand it though – the feeling a little at a loss for what to say – but you know what, once you get past that – it’s fun. You can really end up with some engaging conversations.
Know what I mean?
Try it, you might like it.
WC
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You got to be kidding me, now there’s blogging behaviour rules? Seems we are a step short of the freaking blogging police coming by to hand out fines! What ever happened to freedom of blogging? I’ve already taken the time to write something that entertains you, and don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate your input, but now I have to find more creativeness to write a response?! Sorry for not buying into this “blogically correct” bs…… I mean come on, where does it end? Next thing you know, there’ll be a request to comment on all posts, or else that might mean that some posts suck, and then that wouldn’t be nice either now, wouldn’t it?
LMAO …… ouch.
(I am so taking advantage of the fact, that you can’t slap me 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 )
Okay Ms Spazzy-pants, back in your box. LOL – you scared me for a minute, thought I had invoked the wrath of spaz or something. Besides, you big nut – you’re great at responding to your readers.
And don’t you worry, someday we’ll have that drink in that little dive where all the writers hang out and I’ll get my slapping in then. hahahahhahahahaha
WC
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Have to just state the fact that I absolutely love having you around. You rock!!!! And thanks for inspiring a really great laugh, I needed it so badly.
And I don’t really have to seriously comment on your issue, I assume you know my opinion.
All (most) opinions welcome here, Spaz. And the feeling is mutual. Glad you got a big yuck out of it.
WC 🙂
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i always try to acknowledge comments on my work
because that’s the reason i post-
to get feedback on work.
So i appreciate when someone takes the time to read and reply to my stuff.
i feel you on this.
Thanks chughes and welcome to my little dive. You know, I’m sorry, I’ve been meaning to get back to your place. You’ve got some really great stuff there.
Thanks for the ‘feelin’ it’ I always appreciate that.
WC
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i like your style.
So many times i’ve tried to express my opinions or feelings about things and it always sounds whiny.
But you lay it out with humor & precision.
Wow, thank you chughes! What a nice thing to say. I never started out to write commentary or anything, but I think it’s just something I’ve always been able to do – my family used to call it my editorial comment when I was a kid. For some reason, I can almost always see folly in most things. I like to laugh so that could be what started it.
Anyway, glad you enjoy it. Thanks, again.
WC
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You’ll be pleased to know that I’ve got Zoe started on the whole ‘respond to comments before you do a new post’ thing for this exact reason. Of course there is nothing I can do about how often she doesn’t know near the comp for a few days 🙂
Looks like you’ve echoed the sentiments of quite a few people! I think that manners are indeed the key. If someone came up and said hi to you in the street, would you literally look at them and then walk away?
Kelly
Oh that Zoe is a keeper. How is her blog going? I must get by for some more bikkies and milk.
You’re right – if somebody walked up to you and said, hi and you walked away that would be really odd, wouldn’t it?
WC
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Hi WC,
The Brit and I make a point of always replying to comments. Anything else, to me at least, would be rude, but then I’m Southern 😉 We also try to follow any link from the comment back to the visitor’s site. As I recall, this is how we found you and your blog which I enjoy so much.
the Grit
Yes, you do and you definitely have those southern gentleman manners happening, Grit. I’m not sure how we found each other – but I’m glad we did, because I do enjoy your blog very much too. Though man do you post a lot – you make me look like an absolute slacker. 😉
WC
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Hi WC well I must say everyone seems to have taken your post personally! 🙂 To tell you the truth I did not know how you responded (until you told Reg how you hit edit etc.) I will have to try that not sure I will get it right though.:) No worries at this point however all my readers have gone! lol I figure that either I’m not an interesting read or that I have offended people somehow. I always enjoy your blogs WC even if we have a different point of view! Love your pics. too they are the best.
love ya,
Kathy
Hey Kath!
Sure give the ol’ edit thang a whirl. Your readers have gone? Where did they go? You still have me.
See, that’s the great thing about blogging – so many viewpoints to consider.
I’ve lucked out lately with the pics – found some funny ones.
L/Y
Annie
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As a matter of fact, spasmicallyperfect, there are blogging etiquette guidelines. A quick google led me to this article: Blog Nice: Etiquette for the Blogosphere
“The top 10 rules for a well-mannered blog.”
by Kirk Kirksey from http://webserver.computoredge.com/editorial/prg/online.mv?zone=NA&issue=2513&article=cover&src=linkref
You didn’t expect this free-for-all to last forever did you? 😉
LOL Ham, who knew? It’s a good article, though ironically it doesn’t even broach this topic. And no, I didn’t expect this free-for-all to last for a minute. In fact, I doubted seriously that anyone would comment on it. That’s all I know. 😆
WC
PS: How was the happiest place on Earth?
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Thanks Ham, I read them all and overall I think I score pretty well.
Guess that makes me overall well mannered 🙂 . Having said that, that’s just my opinion, my readers might feel differently. Thanks again for the great link.
LOL Spaz, what do you have, radar? You cwack me up. 😆
WC
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Actually we all agreed to keep commenting until you run out of steam to respond to all of them, I mean this would be THE post to do it, wouldn’t it?
Who are you and what have you done with Spaz? 😆
WC
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I agree. If you’re going to take the time to not only read the post, but to comment it’s nice to at least know the author of the post received it. When someone never replies I feel like I’m sending comments into a black hole, and after a little while, I’ll normally just end up lurking.
The “selective responses” is truly even worse. It makes you feel like you’re not apart of the “club.”
Thanks for always replying, WC. Keep up the good work. 🙂
~Kelsey
Hey Kelsey – I understand that black hole phenomena – it gives one a sense of queasiness, eh? 😉
You’re a good replyer yourself – keep up the good work.
WC
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It might take me awhile if I am busy but I eventually get around to responding to all of my blogs. It can get to be a chore but it is a good one.
Evyl, you’re great on this – and your responses are always fun to see too.
WC
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D-land was great, kids had a ball! Hated to end the vacation. I’d post pictures on my site, but don’t want to bore my few readers.
I think you should post some pics – you could call it homeland defense. 😉 It’s okay to do something light now and then. Good for the soul.
WC
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😦 Do I offend? I certainly hope not. I sometimes respond to comments, but not all the time. If one makes me laugh or needs clarification or something. I don’t expect everyone to respond to comments I leave. In fact, you and m~ are a couple of the ones that do. Perhaps I need to go back to blogger-school.
Hey Lass,
I don’t know if they have a blogger school, but it seems Ham could start one. 😉
WC
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Oh WC, I am NOT worthy! Heee-heeee! I just read ” The way I do it is, click on edit on the comment – put the curser below the comment and click on bold. Then I type in my response” and I had an {{Oprah-bluck!}} “Lightbulb Moment”
I get it now!!! Told you I was new, you didn’t belive me, didja? I’m sure you do now! You are awesome!
Hey Bella,
Well I’m so glad I could be of help. Until Reggie brought it up yesterday, I had no idea people didn’t know how – I had my own lightbulb moment. 😆
WC
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I think this is a gripe of many in the blogging world.
It has nothing to do with ego but it does have to do with manners.
Sometimes we do get a comment that is somewhat rhetorical in nature but other than that I truly believe that everyone deserves some acknowledgement.
Great post.
Throw my comment on the heap too.
~m
Consider your comment in the heap. 😉
WC
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Hi WC,
Thanks! As to posting, we have you out numbered on one hand. On the other hand, I’ve always talked too much, which trait seems to carry over to blogging 🙂
the Grit
Hey Grit,
You’re welcome. You do definitely have me outnumbered on the posting. I like to chatter a lot too – in case you haven’t noticed – but you’re much quicker on the draw.
WC
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Wow, you really had to respond to a lot of comments on this post! Serves you right! I am soooo excited when anyone comments on my blog, but I have two (well, now thanks to the info above, one) problems: my blog is secret from my husband and so I don’t want e-mail notifying me that I have a comment, and I didn’t know the nifty way to respond! Also, being new to blogging, I didn’t realize people check my blog to see if I commented on a comment! So, I hope it wasn’t me you were grouchy at. I love that you can have moods on a blog and everyone just has to put up with it just like in real life.
Hey Blogmom!
Nah, I wasn’t grouchy with you. But it does seem to be panning out that many folks didn’t know the respond to comment within the comment trick – so I was glad to share that info.
As to the secrecy issue – I think most of us have separate email accounts for our blogs. Ones that our significant others don’t know about. I’d be happy to send you an gmail invite if you like. My contact email is on my homepage.
WC
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*grunts*
LOL!!! Finally, I get my grunt! Thanks, Red. 😆
WC
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WC, since you showed interest… Don’t know if the link below will work, but I’ll try. If it doesn’t just delete the comment and I’ll post the photo on my own place.
Cheers!
Hey Ham,
Worked like a charm – I had no idea you were such a young guy. 😉
WC
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I don’t want to hear any more bitching about people not commenting here.
I’ve blogged for over two years and have never had even close to so many comments on one post.
Jealous?
Maybe…. 😉
~m
But I wasn’t bitching about that. Oy! 😆
All my other posts are jealous of this one too. I am just flabberghasted by the whole thing. Who knew? Not me.
WC
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I’ve once again added to the heap.
~m
That you have me, boyo, that you have. 😉
WC
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All my other posts are jealous of this one too.
LOL
~m
But we love them just the same, right? No playing of favorites here. 😉
WC
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ok, sometimes i’m a little slow, so you’ll have to forgive me, but i’m a little confused?? Are you saying your upset when people read your post and don’t comment, or your upset when people read your post, comment, but don’t comment on every point? Or are you saying both??
l/y
FC
LOL – I’ll send you an email and ‘splain’ it to you. 😉
l/y
WC
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Yeah I think we all get a little stumped by the lack of reply comments from bloggers. It really does take up a lot of time to read others blogs and say something. There again it also takes up time to respond to the comments bloggers leave, especially when they have about 155 comments on one post. 🙂 Geez, what number am I already? anabel
A 155? What are you trying to do, gimme a heart attack? If I’d had that kind of traffic the site probably would have crashed or turned into a small, green alien or something. It was just a fluke. It’ll never happen again. Trust me.
😉 WC
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