(I stole that from the corporate entity known as Daily Grace. Not from the human Grace Helbig who you should subscribe to here.)
So, there was a Twitter conversation started yesterday about commenting on blogs. Well, first it we me irritated with the continuing statements I see about how “No one blogs anymore.” That irritates me because I still read TONS of blogs. Some of the old staples and a-listers may not blog the way they used to (if at all) but many still do, and BILLIONS of new ones have popped up.
ANYWAY – the conversation THEN moved to whether blogging has stopped, or whether comments have just stopped. And that part I agree with, there has DEFINITELY been a decrease in comments. Now, doesn’t phase me much because I NEVER COMMENT ON ANYTHING.
I am the worst about opening the comments box, typing out a comment I agonized over for 10 minutes, and then deleting it.
I seem to have incredible stage fright about leaving my words on other people’s sites. On my own? I barely proof them. But in the comment section of another blog? I over analyze and panic and change my mind 100 times because THAT COMMENT IS SO STUPID. WHY ARE YOU TYPING IT?
Anyway…so that’s why I don’t comment. A lot of people said they don’t comment because it’s hard on phones to leave comments. I think my site is mobile-friendly (I considered that in the redesign) but I’m sure not all are. So I can see that being huge.
I would love to know why you don’t comment. But I don’t want you to COMMENT to tell me because that seems silly. HEY! YOU KNOW THAT THING YOU DON’T LIKE TO DO? DO IT! AND TELL ME WHY YOU DON’T LIKE TO DO IT!
So…feel free NOT to comment. BUT! If your reason for NOT commenting is one you can get past in this one small moment…tell me why you don’t comment, and ALSO? Tell me one blog you love that no one else knows about. I’m going to post all of those links in the next entry because it drives me CRAZY that people act like no one is blogging anymore.
I hardly ever leave comments, and I think the reason is because if I haven’t left a comment before, I feel like I’m butting in on a private conversation. Like the blogger is going to be all, who’s this random who’s commenting here? Obviously that is not likely to be true, but I am definitely more likely to comment if I have already done it on that blog – and even more likely if the blogger has responded to me in some way.
I did decide that I was going to be better about that this year.
I try to comment, on this and other sites. It irks me when I see a really well written piece, and it essentially gets crickets for comments.
I try to let those that I read know that I am reading them, if only to say, hey, love your words!
I am really loving princessburlap.com and eatthedamncake.com. PB has written several posts that I have bookmarked (as have you) because it feels as if she is peeking into my soul when she writes some of her stuff.
http://www.princessburlap.com/to-know-oneself/
http://www.eatthedamncake.com/2014/01/22/the-most-gorgeous-man-in-the-world/
These are the most recent ones, and the ones that stopped me in my tracks.
I think I told you before that I never comment because it seems like I’m always late to the party and my voice would just be a “Me too!” or that someone else has already voiced my opinion much more eloquently that I ever could. Plus, like you, I agonize over my words and usually just delete it. I’m pressing submit now before I can change my mind!
I never comment because I feel like people might think my comments are stupid. Plus I once commented during an online game and said “damn” or something like that and I was blasted for “swearing” (because I didn’t realise it is considered a swear word in some places ).I was told if I said it again I would be reported to admin so I now have an irrational fear of “internet police” . I hate on some blogs how comments sometimes results in bickering between commenters (and people get all judgmental about spelling and punctuation errors ) Having said all that ,I just started reading the book “Cuckoos Calling” and I have been dying to ask if you had read the book ( knowing you re a J.K Rowling fan) …so this post has made me brave enough to crawl out of the woodwork and ask 🙂
I have not read it, but Eliah has! He enjoyed it. I have heard that I should read the other one she did under the pseudonym…the mystery? I’m a fan of mysteries. Honestly? I’m terrified to read ANYTHING she wrote because I love HP so much I’m not sure I could read it without thinking about that. Every time I see it at the library though I think, “I should check that out and give it a try…”
I think I’m just too lazy to comment most of the time… and since there isn’t much of a conversation going on, it doesn’t seem worth the time to click over from feedly to get to the actual website. Totally lazy and pathetic, I know.
Re: JK Rowling’s other books, I think Cuckoos Calling IS the mystery… at least, I just checked it out from the mystery section of my library. (Haven’t started it yet.) Her other one was “A Casual Vacancy,” and that wasn’t really a mystery… kind of dark and a downer but I know some people liked it. I didn’t hate it but it was such a 180 from HP that I think a lot of us were disappointed.
Website I’ve recently been enjoying: Better In Real Life (with the tricky missing-L address of betterinrealife.com).
I never comment (except today) because I always read your site through a feed reader (from work. The feed reader is less obviously “I’m totally not working!” than a prettily designed site, if the boss happens to walk by).
I tend to get annoyed or bogged down by comments in general – like, I’d rather read smitten kitchen’s latest amazing recipe without the hundreds and hundreds of “That looks delicious!” and “I’m totally making this tomorrow!” comments that follow. Sometimes that means missing out on key additional information, though, like “I tried this and found that it actually took 8 minutes longer on my gas stove – just a tip!” There’s definitely still a place for comments and conversations and debate, but I’m choosy about which posts merit the click-through.
I have to say that feed readers killed my commenting habit. Since I mostly read blogs during short breaks at work, not having to click through to a bunch of sites which then show up on my internet usage report is why I rarely click through. However, if I have something to say or encouragement to offer, I usually do click on over.
I’m not sure about little known sites I read – yours and Amalah’s are always my first clicks. How Sweet it Is (howsweeteats.com) is my newest favorite, but I think she’s fairly big. Her chipotle chicken bowls from a couple of weeks ago are my new favorite food.
I typically don’t comment because I read blogs on my phone and it’s usually a huge pain to comment. Although, if I’m being honest, it took me 7 seconds to get to your comment section. So…maybe that’s not a good reason.
One of my favorite blogs is Miss Doxie, although she doesn’t post much anymore.
Here’s my favorite post from a looooooooong time ago:
http://www.missdoxie.com/doorknobs.html
I actually comment a LOT more than I used to! I mostly read blogs on my laptop, so it’s easy to comment. And if I have a blog post that I think I might want to comment on and am reading it on my phone, I just mark it as unread again so I can comment on it when I get home. I used to be the queen of not commenting, but I love when people comment on my blog, and I want other people to experience that as well!
Reading blogs on my phone has killed my ability to comment. It’s too hard, the browser might freeze, or the site doesn’t work well on mobile, the captcha crap- but also if I’m reading on my phone, I might be in the car picking up my kids (um, parked, obvs.) or in some other temporary location where I only have a minute to read something, so I won’t take the time to click through and comment. I’m trying to be better at it, though, so I’ll leave the post unread in my feed-reader and then comment the next time I’m on my computer. I also do a lot of commenting on FB or Twitter. It’s just easier and more conversation-friendly that way.
I feel like, at least for me, the fact that there are less comments overall means that I am getting to know the bloggers I read better. And then they might actually know who I am since we have a “relationship” on Twitter and/or FB and/or blog comments. It feels more intimate whereas before it felt like, yeah, more comments but there’s no way anybody would even have known who I am.
I used to read and comment on a TON of blogs. Yours is one of the few that I still read daily. Some of my favorites have quit blogging. (off topic but have you ever noticed how many women bloggers have gotten divorced and then shut down their blogs??) Many of the remaining ones have turned into corporate, product sponsored love fests. Yours remains genuine. I hate “fake” posts that are trying to disguise themselves as content when it is nothing more than sponsorship. BORING! Keep up the good work Zoot!
I have read your site for years, and I think this is the first time I have comments. Why? Because, honestly, something inside says, “She doesn’t know you, why would she even care what you think?”. Now, I blog, so I know that doesn’t make sense, because I love to hear what others think. But the quiet, nerdy girl inside me that will sit in a crowded room and listen to everyone else have a conversation around her sometimes finds it hard to find her voice, whether it be in person or electronically.
I never comment because I’ve been reading (mostly) the same blogs for 7+ years and it feels awkward. I didn’t comment in the beginning so feel like a creeper doing it now. I’m resigned to being a lurker… (but not a troll!)
I, too, am a lurker who rarely comments. I agonize over my words; am sure my voice doesn’t matter because I am out of the usual demographic; have nothing of value to add to a well written post; don’t want to just be another “Me Too”; am reading on a feed reader; am lazy that day; and and any other reason that might justify my insecurities.
I am a medium-good commenter. I usually only comment when the writer knows who I am (this being an exception). I didn’t even really start blogging until people had already been declaring how dead it was, so that idea has always been funny to me. It seems a little bit insulting to say “here’s something that NO ONE ELSE knows about,” because I’m sure she has more readers than I do, but I really enjoy Becca’s writing at http://www.academomia.com. I also love my own unread blog. I do.
I typed a million things and deleted them. Yours is about the only blog that I comment on any more. It’s the first one I read each day. You are probably the most real of the people I read since you don’t do endorsements. I haven’t really read any new blogs lately. I stick to my long time list. Between family, work, and going back to college, I don’t have much time to look for new ones 🙂
Misszoot is by far, my favorite because I love being able to see how you’re feeling and what the family is up to.
I read three other blogs regularly –
http://www.everyday-reading.com/ (she is awesome – good book reviews, delicious recipes, fun ideas for kids, real life mishaps and her everyday life)
http://www.merricksart.com/ (mostly about fashion, some about her life, but she sews and gives great tutorials and that is motivating me to sew more!)
http://www.onelittlemomma.com/ (She is an awesome thrifter and finds the most amazing things mostly at Savers and then fashions them into super cool things)
These ladies are SAHM that have all found peace, money, sponsorship, fun and a great way to have an outlet through blogging. There are definitely times when I think… “Hmmmm, what would I name my blog?, What would be my niche?, Do I have the time? Would Kim teach me the basics of design?” I’m so glad you enjoy blogging.
And I don’t comment very often on the blogs but I certainly will when I feel so inspired!
I rarely comment b/c I just don’t usually have much to say. But I enjoy reading your blog and I agree with one of the commenters above that your posts are real and not filled with corporate content, which I hate. And that’s why I keep reading your blog! And also because I aspire to start exercising someday and you are an inspiration to me.
Forgot to leave info about some other bloggers I like. I’m not going to post URLs (too lazy) but you can Google the names to get the links: Academomia, a professor of physics (I think) who has four children and teaches part time. So hilarious and honest. Teacher Tom is another favorite of mine–he teaches preschool in Seattle and has so much wonderful insight into children’s lives. The Non-Consumer Advocate — she lives in Oregon (Portland, I think) and has committed herself to living frugally and without excessive waste. Love her finds at Goodwill (with photos!).
Cuckoo’s Calling is a dectective story so is that the one people mean when they say to read the mystery – It was written under the name of Robert Galbraith. I really enjoyed it. The one she wrote under her own name didn’t get great reveiws and I haven’t read that.
On the subject of comments, I would conment when I have something I think I can add to the conversation like above (I hope you don’t think I was being rude by correcting you but I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed the book and we have similar taste in books and TV).
I don’t normally comment on a lot of your posts. I love reading them but I don’t have kids and I don’t run so don’t often have anything to add apart from an odd “You rock” after a big race or a “happy Birthday” or “Well done” at a milestone in your Kids lives.
I love Eat the Damn Cake! And here I am reply to a comment instead of posting my own comment because it’s just easier? Less pressure? I don’t know!
I wish she’d post more, I love that blog so much!
I rarely comment because I’m on the west coast and by the time I read something there are already several comments saying what I would have said! I feel if I can’t actually add something to the discussion I don’t bother. I do really enjoy what you write, though, and I find you an inspiration a lot of the time – I actually sent your blog to my 17 year old daughter, because you have very similar tastes!
For me, it’s mainly a combination of the phone and the feed reader that keeps me from commenting as much as I’d like to. Going from feedly to safari to comment on my phone just seems like too much to do. I wish I commented more! Occasionally I’ll make an effort to do it more often, but that doesn’t usually last very long.
In some cases (bigger blogs that still get so, so many comments), I don’t feel like my comment will be “needed” — and may not be read or responded to — so I don’t comment on those kinds of super-big blogs. I don’t necessarily expect replies to comments I leave, but I also don’t want to assume my comment will just be one out of hundreds either, you know?
I’ve been blogging for ages myself and I’ve definitely seen fewer comments in the last few years. It doesn’t bother me too much — it seems like Twitter replies (when I tweet the link to a post) often take the place of blog comments and keep the conversation going.
Oh, I meant to share some links! Here are a few good ones:
http://christinehennessey.blogspot.com/
http://zoestagg.tumblr.com/
http://lifeloveandfood24.blogspot.com/
Your reason is my reason. Unless I feel like I have something really important to contribute or say, I can’t just make something up.
I think a huge part of why a lot of bloggers just stop blogging on their personal blogs is related to the nasty commentary some people leave. A favorite of mine recently closed up shop because of the awfulness that posters on GOMI were saying about her and her family. It was horrendous. And it makes me so sad that GOMI even exists. It is the lowest common denominator in ugly human behavior. I don’t often comment because scrolling through the comments section on some of my favorite, yet popular blogs tend to be troll-central.
Camels and Chocolate is one of my favorite blogs. It’s a travel blog by a friend of mine and it makes me happy to read it!
I don’t comment b/c I read in a Feed Reader and I’m too lazy to click on over unless I have something REALLY pressing to say. And usually I don’t. And I feel weird, like I’m butting in. Or its a comment more like “um, yeah, what they said, only better then I could have”.
I’m a “me too” on all of the above. You did make it easier for the phone and so did wordpress and my feed reader. I hesitate sometimes bc I will read a few in a row and don’t want to comment on all (even if I do want to). I NEED reccomendations, my feedreader is barren now except for you and Sundry
I generally don’t comment on blogs because I feel like, since I have no blog myself, authors will see me as a random internet stalker and with no credibility. The few times I have commented on blogs they have been smaller type ones who usually get less than 50 comments. BUT the problem there is (and the reason why I then never want to comment again) is that with so few comments I would have thought there would some sort of response from the author. To me, leaving a comment, especially on a smaller blog or a blog that doesn’t get a lot of comments, is trying to let that the author know that I’m out here, I’m reading, I’m relating to you and your experiences, and I like you/your blog. When there is no response that just furthers my suspicion that the author doesn’t care about what I have to say so why should I bother?! One time I posted a comment here (on your NaPloBloMo slump post or whatever abbreviated craziness that is) and it never got published…or, even worse, maybe it got rejected (obviously because I am a weirdo internet blog reader with no credibility). So when things like that happen it makes me not want to comment. (And I’m so not trying to make you feel bad about that because I KNOW you would feel bad that I felt bad about it. I’m still here. I’m still reading. And, like an idiot, still commenting!) ALSO I would never comment on a really popular blog with lots of comments for all of the above reasons.
Feed readers…they have killed commenting. Plus, there’s that whole “who wants to hear my opinion?” thing. I’m not one of the cool kids. I’m just some random reader. Yet…I totally want everyone to comment on my stuff, except that one weird guy whom I can just feel twitching as he types…
I doubt I’ll ever stop blogging, regardless. People will read or they won’t; they’ll comment or they won’t. But I have a perverse need to put stuff out there; at the very least it will be something my kid can look back on and pinpoint exactly when it was I went off the deep end 😉
I rarely leave comments because I feel like someone/everyone has already said what I want to say. I also feel like I need to be funny or something… that I’m not.
I comment less because I take a long time getting the comment just right and then before can post it, I hit something on my iPad that bumps me out and I lose my comment and then take it as a sign to not comment after all.
I rarely comment on any of the blogs I read. I’m like you, typing something out, changing it, correcting it, changing it again, then deciding not to post it at all. Sometimes it doesn’t seem relevant, or the dreaded “me, too” comment, or maybe I’m trying to be funny or tongue-in-cheek but I’m afraid people who don’t know me will misunderstand somehow. Everyone is so quick to jump on everyone else on the internet. I don’t want to be raked over the coals over a throwaway comment. And now I’m laughing at myself because it has taken me at least ten minutes to type this comment 😉
Me, too! I’m more likely to comment from my phone than my IPad, but even then. Ironically, I do comment here, because the conversation is often interesting and because it’s clear Zoot actually reads and appreciates them.
Confession …I’ve never read Harry Potter !!! I won “Cuckoo’s Calling ” in a give away but I am enjoying it, you should give it a chance 🙂
Some blogs I never comment on; on others, I comment somewhat frequently. I generally only comment if the subject matter is something I can identify with, or when the blogger is taking an informal poll and asking for feedback (like with this post).
There have been a couple of times where I’d comment and although I was not disrespectful (imo), my POV was contrary to most of the others posting, and I got slammed, which made me a bit “gun shy” of commenting there for a while. I suppose that happens sooner or later to anyone who comments on a blog and has the audacity to disagree with the majority.
I don’t read blogs on my phone (don’t have a data plan, and it’s clumsy anyway when I’m on wifi). I mostly skim during breaks at work, so often don’t have time to comment. And when I’m home, my husband is always nagging me to get off the computer. *rolleyes* So if I’m commenting it’s because I’m not busy enough at work or my husband isn’t around to look over my shoulder.
A few years ago I had a blog, when I was a “host” at the message boards at prevention.com. It was a requirement for the position. But I got out of the habit around 5 years ago around the time my older son was getting married and there were all kinds of extra things to do and keep track of — and I never got back into the habit. Plus I felt somewhat constrained on what I could (or should?) write about.
I hate that “nobody blogs anymore” complaint (and I’ve heard it, too — and I guess I’m guilty of it, but I still *read* blogs). The comment reminds me of other “nobody ____s anymore” laments that aren’t really true, but the speaker has moved on to other things, implying that if you’re still doing that (blogging, watching a particular TV show, going to a certain bar or restaurant, whatever) you’re not “one of the cool kids.” Yes, I’m disappointed that a lot of the blogs I have bookmarked don’t update much if at all (I never got into using feed readers), but like you said, there are plenty of people blogging and plenty of new ones coming along. I think part of the problem — if it IS a problem — is that there are more and more electronic outlets for people to spend (waste?) their time on (like Facebook, tumblr, YouTube…). I’ve been following blogs, including yours, since way before smart phones were around, before computers and internet connections were fast enough to watch videos and TV via live streaming. And games! There’s got to be a LOT more people playing games online and on their phones then there were 5-ish years ago, given all the whining I see on FB about Candy Crush (and Farmville before that). I try to avoid all games like that (except for Sudoku on my phone right before bed), because I know I’d get hooked and wouldn’t get anything done.
As for blogs I like that no one else knows about, I’m not sure I know of any that other readers wouldn’t also know about, but here are a few I like (and most likely you’ve all heard of all of them, because I’m not “one of the cool kids”).
http://www.thehonesttoddler.com/
http://crappypictures.com/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/
http://flywithamelia.wordpress.com/
http://www.crazytxmommy.com/
I’d love to hear comments from others on these blogs if anyone already follows them or takes the time to check them out.
O.M.G. I can’t believe how long that post is now that I see it up there, sorry!
I don’t comment for two main reasons: 1) I’m an introvert and I feel my comments are unnecessary or unwanted (silly because I like all my own commenters). I see blogs as an entertainment/educational outlet that do not need my input. In general, online interaction has become more immediate/collaborative and I am trying to adapt to that in facebook and twitter.
2) I’ve been blogging for over 10 years with some interest/success and I’m interested in reaching more people. One of the big tips for bloggers to acquire more readers is to comment on other blogs. That immediately makes me self-conscious linking to my blog and commenting. For example, if Miss Zoot checks her sitemeter/arhcives/etc, she’d realize I’ve been reading for FOREVER and she actually designed a WordPress theme for me back in the day. But what if she DOESN’T check? And DOESN’T remember? That’s OK and fine and life goes on. But it makes me feel like I’m trolling for links to comment even though I’m not. I pinky swear.
I don’t comment because even though I’ve been reading you blog since Nikki was born, you don’t know me but my comment would come across like we are BFF (because in my mind, we are). <– see? Creepy.
I don’t comment much, but I’m always reading!
I do most of my blog reading on my phone and I have Fat Thumb Disease so it makes commenting a little more difficult…lots of backspacing and retyping.
On a completely unrelated note, thank you for introducing me to the awesomeness that is the bullet journal. It is a game changer.
Quite a few of my favorites have stopped blogging over the years, but there are still many good ones out there. I read a lot of blogs, and I comment sometimes, but not all that often. Sometimes, it feels like all I want to say is “me too” which can seem sort of pointless, though it’s not like I mind any comment made on my blog, so that doesn’t really make sense. I love getting comments, which ought to make me more into giving them.
I also, like Maggie mentioned above, find that the iPad will bounce me out when I’m composing a comment, or the site might not remember my info so I have to retype it all the way the computer does, and it’s kind of a pain unless there’s something I REALLY want to say.
Then there are times when I’m reading first thing in the morning, or on a quick break at work, so I flag the post to comment on later, and either forget to go back, or forget what I wanted to say.
Are these reasons, or excuses? I don’t know. I enjoy reading what you write, certainly (though I don’t have kids and I don’t run–I do love Harry Potter!). I read knitting blogs, parents blogs (though I have no kids), hockey blogs, just life-in-general blogs. Some favorites: Mighty Maggie, the Yarn Harlot, Amalah, Woulda Coulda Shoulda, Princess Nebraska, Love and Hisses, Faster than Kudzu … I’ll stop now!
Sometimes, it’s because I don’t have time. Sometimes, it’s because I don’t want to start a debate or I’m in a bad mood. Sometime’s it’s because I’m on my phone and it’s a major PITA to leave on. Sometimes it’s because of those ridiculous CAPTCHAs. But most often, the instances where I start to leave one and then abandon it? It’s because of some required login (this is less of an issue on blogs, more on other sites but still).
Blogs that I LOVE:
http://captainawkward.com/ (An advice column that’s actually very on point and useful)
http://captainawkward.com/ (Feminist parenting)
http://www.stitchedincolor.com/ (Modern Quilting)
And so many more. Blogs dying? Hah! Not a chance. Blogs evolving so that people don’t realize they are reading a blog? Yes.
I usually just feel like I don’t have anything terribly interesting to say 😉
other than yours and amalah’s…i only ever really read this other one….the sophia collective.
it’s about many things…..love, being women…strong women, faith, infertility, how to be the best people we can be for ourselves and others, healing, etc… the writers do a wonderful job at everything. they are women of faith, but not the type we were raised to be. no, they believe in god…believe she’s a woman…and feel she only wants to nourish and grow us to accept the love and comfort available to us and to be able to share it with others. regardless of your feelings on god, faith, etc…there is no judgment here, just a place where deep thoughts are written and shared to help their own healing and daily lives….and hopefully to also help all the rest of us.
here’s a recent post in regards to nelson mandela that i think you’ll absolutely enjoy and gives a good idea of the type of writing, etc on this site.
http://www.thesophiacollective.com/2013/12/advent-ii-living-richly/
xo
I agonize over comments, like you do. When I do post, I usually come back and realize that my comment makes me sound like a jerk. I’m just that awkward on the internet, I guess. So then I stop commenting for a while.
Then I read people saying how they’ve made actual, real-life friends through the comment section of their blogs, and I think “How does that even happen?” And then a small, idiotic part of myself sets that up as the standard. As in, if a blogger doesn’t respond to your comment by becoming you best friend, then you suck at comments. And then I when nobody offers to be my best friend because of my comment, I stop commenting.
Like I said: awkward.
I read all the time but I never comment because I never feel like I have anything worthwhile to say. I can tell you I’m bullet journaling now because of your website and I love reading about your period woes (I feel your pain). Your attainment of fitness goals inspire me every day. I’ll try harder to comment more. 😉
I’ve read your blog since almost the beginning. I am also a lurker. Many times I’ve said to a friend or co-worker “Read this!” and pointed them to one of your posts.
So I see that you got lots of comments! Heh. I comment here because I lived in Huntsville many moons ago and your blog helps me stay connected in a weird way. Also I like your recs for runs when I visit. I don’t comment many other places because I have little or nothing to add to the conversation except for “me too.”
I don’t comment for a couple of reasons.
1. I use a blog reader. Feedly, now that Google Reader is gone and I don’t like to have to click through and then scroll through everyone eles’s comments (that I don’t read)
2. I’d rather read more blogs then comment
3. I’m more likely to comment if you cross post on FB or on your pictures on Instagram since the interface for that is just easier.
I’ve read your blog since the Judith Light Brigade days but have only commented a handful of times. The only reason I haven’t is that it feels vaguely stalkerish because I don’t blog & you don’t know me. But it feels like I know you just because of how long I’ve read, enjoyed @ greatly identified with what you write. I also follow your Instagram & usually don’t “like” your photos for the same reason….which feels lame now that I’ve typed out this loooong run on sentence. I’m katiebemore on Instagram 🙂 I love your blog & love reading about your family & everything else. Thank you for sharing….I find blogging very brave.
I don’t comment for lots of reasons. A main one is that I don’t feel like I have the cred to comment, especially when there is sort of a community in the comments. Also I do most of my blog reading these days while nursing baby and it is hard to type one handed on phone–easier to just read. (I’m doing this now).
Also I can’t think well or don’t feel like my comment adds much or isn’t worded right and will be misunderstood. (Similar to the typing and then deleting you mentioned).
I think I’ve also been conditioned by Facebook to just click like–the way to agree without really committing yourself. So committing myself with words and feelings is so big.
Also, toddler never stops talking. Have no coherent thoughts.
Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your blog
on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the info
you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on
my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, great
blog!
I don’t always comment because I’m afraid of seeming like a awkward weirdo stalker person.
“Chelsea commented on my blog AGAIN? What is she like, in love with me or something?” (I hope you read that in a Regina George voice cause that’s totally how I typed it)
I’m just too lazy to click on the actual blog and then click on the actual comments and then actually comment. And if there’s a verification thing that’s annoying and I usually can’t read them and then I get frustrated….I am not shy about writing what I think…just lazy….I read your blog and should comment more!!! I’m sorry!
Oh I hate the blogging is dead conversation, because I STILL BLOG! But also, I worry about it. Like, will I one day be the only person still holding on to blogging while everyone else has moved on??
My comments are way down, my traffic is down some, but not nearly as much as comments. But I am like you and basically NEVER COMMENT ANYWHERE, so I really don’t take it personally. I do wish blogger would allow me to compile all the comments I get on Facebook/Twitter into the actual blog archive, just so I have them, but I guess blogger doesn’t care about keeping up with the paper trail 🙂
I read a lot of blogs but I rarely comment because I get all nervous like what if my comment is misconstrued, or I don’t say it right, or they don’t think it’s funny, when it’s supposed to be. Also, like some have said, I don’t have a blog of my own and I don’t want the blogger to think I’m some weirdo stalker. A lot of times, I’ll start to comment, and then erase it all cause I think it sounds stupid. Love your blog though!
I don’t comment much for some of the reasons that Missy and Jennifer put. I feel like I’m butting in, or that what I have to say doesn’t really add much. Sometimes I get shy. (This is not because you or other bloggers do anything to make me feel that way, it’s just the way I am.) I think I comment on your blog more than anyone else’s, and even that is only every few months at best.
Most of the blogs I am still reading are some of the bigger or better known ones. You and Amalah are the only ones I read with any consistency these days, but I also check out Dooce, The Pioneer Woman, Kelle Hampton, Tanis Miller, and NothingButBonfires on occasion.
Commenting without reading the other comments because the reasons I don’t comment are:
– oh, all the other comments already say that
-what if I accidentally offend?
-what if this is just my dumb little thing and they don’t care?
-and now the baby woke up
Yes, all of these reasons (awkwardness, feed-reader reading, coming too late, typing something up and then taking it as a sign that it was too stupid to post when it doesn’t automatically work, and on and on)! I do feel like Twitter has been helpful in making connections in less awkward (for me anyways) ways: I don’t mind saying “I loved your post today, @zoot”, but I’d feel stupid leaving a comment that just said “This is good!”
You shouldn’t, though! “This is good!” is a perfectly fine comment, as is “Love this.”
I sometimes read “Mark’s Daily Apple,” and lots of time people answer “+1” — kinda like the “Like” on Facebook, except it’s more obvious who is doing the liking. 🙂