Have you ever gone to comment on a new blog that you stumbled across or linked to from another page, and gotten self-conscious or nervous, wondering how exactly to introduce yourself without sounding like a complete idiot or scary, bizarre person? Have you ever agonized over submitting an initial comment, picturing the blogger wondering who the heck this strange person is and what are they doing on my blog?
I have.
And I got to thinking about how silly that really is. It's like the blogger version of the fish bowl. Or something like that. (my metaphors are a little off I think...) I had to spin it to look at myself. I don't think it's bizarre or weird when someone new comes and comments. In fact, I love it. I'm secretly a comment junkie (though lack of doesn't send me into depression or anything...but I do love and appreciate feedback, just to know I'm not talking to myself) So why should other's reactions be that much different than mine to them?
Kind of silly, right? I'm interested, how do you go about commenting on a new blog for the first time? Do you introduce yourself or do you just comment as if you've been doing it forever? How do you respond to comments from new readers?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
5 comments:
I just usually comment. I will go back a few times and comment again, if the blog spoke to me. However, if I don't get a comment back, I stop. I think I am over sensitive and take things too personally. I hate that about myself, you think by now I would have outgrown that. For example, I fellow blogger, who I considered a friend, recently took me off her list of links. I have know her for 2 years, she e-mailed me a lot and we even met in person once. When I saw I was deleted, with no explanation, it was really hurtful, even thou I didn't want it to be. I felt not good enough or something. I never would have asked her, that would have made me feel even more stupid. I just wish things like that didn't bother me so much, I mean they shouldn't.
Sorry to ramble, but I'm so glad you commented on my blog, when you did! By the way, so far Hannah is doing OK. Still hates her current school, but is agreed to go. I keep praying. Thanks for your concern.
I just comment, but typically on relative posts. No introduction, I figure they can link on over to see what I am about.
As far as new readers, I always bookmark their blog (if they write one) and try to stop by and comment on their blog or add them to my reader. I was adding too many blogs though and I lost track of author/blog for new reads, so I had to cut back a bit.
Cheryl-It's definitely nice to get reciprocal feedback, even to acknowledge that you were there. I would probably feel hurt too in that sort of situation.
And no worries about rambling, I like it. (and I ramble quite a bit myself too) I'm so glad I commented on your blog, I love reading it, I'm so glad you linked me to the new one. (luckily I got the link before I discovered your other blog was deleted...I'd have been rather worried) I'm glad Hannah is doing okay, I hope she continues to improve. Has she ever tried meditation? I've found that it really helps me beyond even relaxation...it improves my mental control. iTunes has some great guided meditation podcasts. I can link you to some if you like. I haven't done one in a while...I probably should.
EatPlayLove-Sounds reasonable. I always try to make it a point to go and visit new readers and comment a few times. If I really like their blog, I add them to my reader. I have to admit, I've got a pretty full reader...I'm struggling to stay on top of it. But I love reading my blogs. But I try to reply to everything (which with my decent but modest readership, is fairly easy to do) because I truly appreciate people taking the time not only to read what I write, but to respond. It makes me smile. :)
If it's the first time I am commenting, I tell them I bounced over from so-and-so's blog. And then leave my comment. If I get a new commenter I sometimes asked them how they found me. Most are nice and tell me. Actually, I don't know how I found you. Do you remember how we found each other?
Gramma Ann-I think you came over (or I came over) from the blog "Under All The Shards", which, incidentally, hasn't been updated in ages. I don't remember if you came here or if I came there first, but I know that's the first place I saw you around.
Post a Comment