{what i've learned}:: blog commenting

This is the second in my {What I've Learned} series on things that I've learned over my two years of blogging and (almost) one year as an Etsy seller. I am no expert, but I love sharing with you all and hope you can glean a little knowledge for yourself.

{See the first post in the series-- {what i've learned:: blogging} here.}

Every blogger has different reasons for blogging. Some blog to share their adventures with friends and family. Some journal for themselves and others love having a place to organize their inspiration. Though there are many varied reasons for blogging, one thing is pretty consistent.

Everyone loves comments.

And if you are an active blogger, you probably have left a few comments yourself. Wanna know how to be a better blog commenter? Today I'm sharing a few ways you can do just that.

{Connect your email address!}

Okay, this one is pretty huge. There are so many times that I want to reply to a comment left by one of you pretty people, but when I hit "reply", that sad little {"no reply" at blogger.com} address pops up. I can usually hunt down your email address or blog if I have time, but that extra effort means I might not get around to it. 

I'm not sure how it's done with other accounts, but if you have a Blogger account, you can click on the "Edit Profile" link next to your photo (in Dashboard) and click the option "Show my email address".

I've had such great conversation with other bloggers through a comment left with my email address linked. It allows the blogger to respond right away and continue the discussion!

{Stand out in the crowd}

There are so many Katies, Lindsays, Sarahs, etc. out there. How is your blogger friend supposed to know which you are? She probably won't and your intelligent, witty, supportive comment will be attached to a headless blog commenter in her mind. This problem can easily be resolved. If you identify yourself with your blog, shop, last name, or some other identifying factor-- you will stick out in her mind and she'll instantly know that YOU are the one who leaves those hilarious comments.

For example, when I leave a comment, I always identify myself as "Lindsay @ Aisle to Aloha". If you use Blogger, you can change this option under your profile in the same way you added your email address just now.

{If you can't say anything nice...}

We all know that idiom from Bambi. It may go without saying, but I'll say it. If you have nothing nice to say, put your hands behind your back and walk away from the computer.

 I've been there. I know there are bloggers that irk you or seem like they need a kick in the butt. I can guarantee though, that your unkind, hastily thought out comment will cause more damage than good.

I don't mean to say you can't disagree with someone. Different opinions are often what make conversations interesting. But oftentimes in blogging, our emotions get the best of us and we feel like it's our duty to set someone straight. Healthy debate is great. Ugly comments left in the heat of the moment-- no good.

If you really must confront someone and there's a chance it might come across negatively, take a break from the computer. Ask yourself if your comment is going to be helpful or harmful. If you can write it out of love and not spite, then email that person privately.

{Share yourself}

I've never met a {kind} comment that I didn't like. I appreciate every comment that comes my way. But the ones that stick out to me are the ones where {you} my readers share themselves with me. The "I love your shirt!" comments are fabulous and oh-so-kind, but I love connecting with my readers through their comments. This might require you to actually read the words in a post (ha, caught ya!), but if you dig a little deeper and find a connection between the blogger's words and your own experiences, it will help you to be a better commenter. This could mean offering a word of advice (if appropriate), sharing a funny story that connects with the blog post, or simply sharing how the post has encouraged or inspired you. Dig a little deeper than "Great post!" and that is where relationships start to form.


Are you ready to go out there and comment the heck out of some blogs? Have any blog commenting tips  to share? I'd love to hear what you've learned through your experience of blogging and commenting.

typewriter images found via-- 1, 2 , 3




lindsay