James Preece has pointed out that there is a general rule of thumb when It comes to blog comments. 90% of readers are "lurkers" who show up on stats but never, ever comment. Then there are the 9% who occasionally comment when really exercised about a topic. And the remaining 1% of readers are responsible for the greater proportion of comments... and this can make comments seem very argumentative and inward-looking, because the regular commenters get to know each other...
I don't have very many spats in the combox - my commenters tend to address specific points in the posts rather than having a go at each other. Nevertheless, I can sympathise with James' view: the lurkers are extremely welcome, but just occasionally it is nice to have some sort of a response from a few more of one's readers... so do go over and comment if you have a minute!
20 comments:
Great post!
I have nothing apposite, original or witty to say, but you did ask for comments, and I have a minute, and I have been brought up to be polite, so ...
"wen really exercised"?
"Wen"?
"WEN"??? Disgraceful, I say!
O.K. so I get really exercised by incorrect spellings! I suppose that must make me part of the 9%.
Glad to be of service!
Your cheerful blog is always a bright spot in humdrum days. One of these years, I'm hoping to get enough money together to journey to distant England and go on a "blog pilgrimage" to meet in person, for the first time, many of you who have been a beneficial part of my daily life for some years now. But if finances forbid that, then at least accept my greetings from California.
Some comments and blogs seem, to me, to be “incestuous” which is why I will not join certain guilds and associations. That may be the same reason why some people will not comment!
Patricius - ooops! Corrected now. However, to be fair, that was a typo rather than a spelling mistake!
Londiniensis - you *are* original and witty, and so your comments are always welcome...
Thanks Bones!
Elviajero - gosh... thanks for the encouragement!!
Thanks Father E!
BTW, the plea was for people to comment over at James' blog... though I'm delighted to have lots of comments as a bonus!!
I blame the cats.
Ullo, sis. Not sure wot to say reely, but do keep writin de luvvly blogg.
I very rarely get comments on my blog posts - by nature my posts don't really invite many comments. However, I have received two emails today (one from Australia) in which people have told me how much they appreciate my blog and wishing me a happy Christmas.
So, on the same note may I thank you for your posts and wish you every blessing of the Holy Season.
It can be difficult making comments, if they are never acknowledged.
On some interesting blogs, I have commented on I asked a question. With no response I assumed I was intruding where I wasn't wanted, and never returned.
I'm not suggesting that is the case with your blog, but just want to expand your post on the complexity of blog protocol.
I leave comments on a very small number of blog, but I lurk here often.
Corky and Earl Grey the cats always keep an eye on the kitty kill count. Tell them to keep up the good work.
Oh HI there!
Back in a previous blog incarnation, the comments I got were mainly from Real Life™ friends, and good acquaintances I'd not met other than online. The interaction was great and I appreciated it very much.
Now, though, that's not how or why I blog anymore, so I don't really think about who's commenting. I mean I'll look at stats, because I'm a nerd, but any spike I get is normally because you've linked to one of my posts or something :D
TL;DR - I'm a seriously non-pro blogger, so I don't fuss about it. Your blog, however, is t3h awesome (even if the kitties don't like me. Their loss ;))
I suppose I'm a 9%er, so here's an occasional comment, more out of appreciation of your blog than because I feel particularly exercised.
I don't post on blogs much these days, but I'm happy to make an exception here! Best wishes as always.
Happy Christmas from one of your 9%ers.
I'll pop over to James now as you suggest.
Blame Google reader - I rarely visit here but read most of your posts (all but the cat ones, I suppose). merry Christmas, Mac. May peace and joy be yours this Christmas.
La Mamma x.
Thought I'd drop in to say hello, and to wish you a very happy Christmas. Thank you for all the good work you do with your blog.
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone!
John S - it can be difficult replying, especially if you get lots. I don't, so I read all my comments before posting them and (usually) manage to answer any questions. The difficulty can be when I mentally note that I want to answer a comment later (if I'm allowing comments on my phone)and then I forget...
Thank you for replying! :0))
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