Blog Participation

[lpkitten]

I recently started blogging again and have been looking for ways to improve and get my site thriving again. I've noticed that people don't comment as much as I'd like on my blog, even though I have the visitors. It made me start thinking about what compels people to be an active participant on a blog.

Is it content?

Is it your perception of the blogger?

I'm curious what you guys think. What compels you to leave a comment on a blog?

[Will]

What compels you to leave a comment on a blog?

That's a great question.

I'm tempted to leave a comment if:

• Blogger asks a very specific and interesting question at the end of the post.
• The post takes a fresh look at an old problem.
• Blogger allows me to post links back to my own blog.
• Blogger has left a comment at Wise Bread.
• Blogger has their personal pictures on the blog. It feels like a friendlier atmosphere.

[Lynnae]

I agree with what a lot of Will says. I try to (but don't always) ask questions at the end of my posts. That often encourages readers to comment.

I also think people are more apt to comment if you don't come across as an expert, but rather an everyday person like the readers. There's nothing wrong with coming across as an authority, but I think when you do, people read for the information, rather than for the conversation.

And if you post something controversial, people will definitely comment.

[rstlne]

I've found that controversy is also a good way to attract comments. However, it must be used in moderation because too much may turn off readers.

[rachael24]

Yeah as long as you use controversy sparingly, it can be a very effective tool.

[Milehimama]

Depending on your readership:

Asking questions (especially for advice)
Controversy or political opinion
Posts from the heart - posts that make you seem like a real person reaching out (good or bad)

I also think the more pictures you have the more people feel they "know" you and are likely to comment.

Commenting on OTHER people's blogs gives them incentives to comment on yours even if normally they'd be lurkers.

[rodaniel]

I try to cap off certain blog posts with a question to prompt input.

And like MHM said, you can often encourage other bloggers to discover and support your site by simply visiting their sites and leaving worthwhile comments. We all like a little validation, y'know, and having readers leave comments is sure a nice way to get a feel for how (if) your message is being received.

Rob

[wwstewart]

Personally, I'll comment for a few reasons, mostly because I have a comment about the post itself, or the content spewed forth within said comment.

Or Entrecard credits...*evil grin*

I feel that comments are allowed because the blogger wants to have a 'conversation' with his/her readers. Unless they are more of an egomaniac than I am.

[rodaniel]

Commenting on other peoples' blogs is part of what I consider being a good netizen. But honestly, sometimes I stray across a blog that's interesting, yet I don't feel that I have anything truly constructive to add to any of the more recent posts. I don't like to just post a pointless comment for the simple sake of just having posted a comment.

In your case, LPK, I did certainly find several of your posts to be very intersting and I did my part to add to some of the discussions. And actually, I think your blog is getting a decent amount of reader input/feedback - more than my own, I believe.

Rob

[Seb]

I usually comment on other blogs to provide feedback to the blogger, kind of like initiating a conversation. On my own blog, I see the same thing. Also, the more interesting/controversial the post, the more likely you'll see quality comments.