September 28, 2006

Leaving Folks Room to Comment — Why I Said So and Why Most of the Time It’s Impossible to Do So

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 12:25 pm

In April — Advice from Readers Yea!

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The conversation finally occurred on a Sunday last April. I’d been trying to work out why something was happening. It seemed the more I wrote, the less folks were commenting. Then finally someone said something — a lovely compliment — that put words to what I’d been feeling might be the issue. He said.

I used to comment more than I do now, but she writes so completely that I find it difficult to add my thoughts to hers.

That thought led to me writing, An Open Thought: Please Take the Keys, a post where I said . . .

Please Take the Keys

Movie stars have directors. Olympic athletes have coaches. I’m just a blogger. I have you.

If we’re talking about customer think–brand you and me–what better case study than this blog itself? You can’t hurt my feelings talking about my writing. I know it’s not who I am. I’d like to know how to get myself off the stage and back into the audience again. Will you tell me what you see? Would you do me that favor? Just say YES.

Sometimes the customer needs to be in the driver’s seat. Please take the keys.

How will I learn if you don’t?

And after a few moments of testing the waters. YEA! and Thank you! for everyone who did.

People gave me lots of feedback and great advice. I grew a lot as a blogger that day. Leaving folks room to talk was a big take away for me.

In August — Advice from Liz Uh-Oh

In August when I wrote the post, 10 Reasons Readers Don’t Leave Comments, I was sure to include that — always leave room for people to comment.

I bring it up here because, I have to say that I’ve found that about half the time it’s bad advice. Some kinds of writing need to be complete. End of story.

So I’m here to say that,

It would be silly to leave out part of a how-to post so that people can add it back in as a comment.

It would be frivolous to drop out a fact from a persuasive argument.

You might not want to omit an event in a retelling of a news story.

The only place I’m sure that you can leave room safely is when you’re writing a list post. I’m sorry I gave you bad advice. I’m a long ways from perfect.

By the way, I’m still doing all I can to get off that stage and back into the chair beside you. I still appreciate any help you have on that. I like being eye-to-eye with people I talk to. It’s friendlier.

The keys to the blog are always there on the sidebar.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
If you think Liz can help with a problem you’re having with your writing, check out the Work with Liz!! page in the sidebar.

Related articles
An Open Thought: Please Take the Keys
10 Reasons Readers Don’t Leave Comments
5 Sure-Fire Ways to Break the Promise of Your Brand
Bad Boys of Writing: Just Write and It Will Be Spectacular

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80 Comments to “Leaving Folks Room to Comment — Why I Said So and Why Most of the Time It’s Impossible to Do So”

  1. September 28th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
    ann michael said

    Well Liz - writing a blog is just like everything else in life - there aren’t many absolutes! Sometimes it might be good to leave room for comments - other times it’s not.

    But it’s alway good to be honest and no one does that better than you do!

  2. September 28th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Ann,
    Thanks for the comment, and for the support. Yeah I guess blogs are a lot like life — no absolutes and unpredictable. ;)

    And if you’re lucky, like I seem to be, with good friends around to see you through. :)

  3. September 28th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
    Skinny Moose said

    It is amazing to me how many people read blogs but don’t bother to jump right in and contribute to the comments section.

    There are a lot of lurkers such as myself! :)

  4. September 28th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Skinny Moose,
    I sure like your name. Thanks for taking a break from your lurking to jump right in and contribute. :)

    I think when I don’t it’s because I think what I have to say is a little too “uniquely Liz.” I figure it might look weird between the comments by the normal folks. :)

  5. September 28th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
    Skinny Moose said

    Do you remember me?

    I am the drunken moose hehe

    Milton the Moose!

  6. September 28th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Milton,
    I wondered if that might be you. You’re the only skinny moose I know. But I didn’t want to flirt in case it wasn’t you. :)

  7. September 28th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
    Skinny Moose said

    har har!

    I am happy as ever. That case was completely dismissed and laughed out of court. Life is good!

    I wanted to be here Tuesday night for dream house night but couldn’t make it.

    :)

  8. September 28th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey, Maybe you can come up with a good theme for next week!

  9. September 28th, 2006 at 3:07 pm
    Skinny Moose said

    hmm… I am not sure what has been covered since I haven’t been around but I am sure I can come up with some brillian ideas…

  10. September 28th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
    ME Strauss said

    You are a brilliant Skinny Moose, Milton. You almost glow in the dark. :)

  11. September 28th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
    TechZ said

    I enjoy commenting here at SOB.com because you get so many different point of views of people, due to the large network of bloggers that now visit this site. And with every comment you get a reply, it’s almost as good as having a conversation with Liz herself.

  12. September 28th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
    Skinny Moose said

    Glow in the dark moose… hey I like it…

  13. September 28th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Oh TechZ,
    Thank you, I feel like I’m talking to you to. I have this clear audio of what your voice sounds like. It’s nice.

  14. September 28th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Oh Skinny Moose,
    Why’d you think I find you special?

  15. September 28th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
    Skinny Moose said

    Cause I’m skinny? maybe?

  16. September 28th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Skinny Moose,
    You’re silly.
    Oh, I need to make a phone call! Gotta run! See you, in a little while. :)

  17. September 28th, 2006 at 3:31 pm
    Skinny Moose said

    OK tell them I said hi…

    and I miss them….

    and….

  18. September 28th, 2006 at 4:59 pm
    ME Strauss said

    I will, Skinny Moose.
    We all missed you!
    We’re glad you’re back!

  19. September 28th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
    ann michael said

    Hmmmm….topics for open mic night, there’s talking animals, hallucinations, life on other planets, the demotion of Pluto, you could have a toga party, or discuss odd household pets …

  20. September 28th, 2006 at 5:18 pm
    ME Strauss said

    What a great idea person you are, Ann!
    No which one can we get to last for 3 or 4 hours? Let’s see we just did aliens . . . Talking animals, I’ve dated a few of those!

  21. September 28th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
    Scorpia said

    Lurking is nothing new, Liz. I know from experience that only about 20% of readers post regularly, maybe another 10-15% do it occasionally, and the remainder just read.

    But if you didn’t have those 30-35% posting, you wouldn’t have that 60-65% coming in.

    That’s what I’ve seen in forums. Blogs may be a bit different, but I suspect the percentages aren’t off by much.

    And sometimes it’s just the topic itself. Some may be more conducive to commentary than others.

    As for open mic night, candy? Holidays? (eek, they’re just around the corner, and that corner is on my block already!) And my mind (what’s left of it) just went blank ;)

  22. September 28th, 2006 at 5:42 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Scorpia,
    I was hoping you’d drop by. I knew that you’d have thoughtful insight and analyis. I find your thoughts such useful feedback. Thank you for your comments — all of them. It’s nice to get a clear read from the other side of the computer screen :)

  23. September 28th, 2006 at 5:47 pm
    Skinny Moose said

    There is always TV and Movies, HBO miniseries.. Problem with that some people don’t watch the stuff.

    Desserts, Foods, oh my favorite.

    Vacations spots, place around the world. Where to go, what to see, places the media don’t cover.

    Ummm let’s see… brainstorming… brainstorming….

    Poilitics could be rough…

    ahhh

    I’ll go ask Milton!!

  24. September 28th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Skinny Moose,
    You ARE Milton.
    Those are some great ideas!

  25. September 28th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
    Steve said

    Oh sorry I was logged in as Milton… duh! That’s what happens when you share the same computer.

  26. September 28th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Steve!
    It’s so nice to have you back! There are so many people you need to meet. Look up a couple of comments and click on Scorpia. She’s a fine one. :)

  27. September 28th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
    Steve said

    I will have to catch up! :)

  28. September 28th, 2006 at 6:07 pm
    ME Strauss said

    You can do that! Easy as pie! Piece of cake! Milton will go with. He loves dessert. :)

  29. September 28th, 2006 at 7:00 pm
    Yvonne said

    Liz, great post :) I would comment here if I had the time, but normally I’m all ‘read in the feed and go’.

    I do find that I tend to comment on shorter posts, or posts which directly ask questions of readers.

  30. September 28th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Yvonne!
    “Read the feed and go.” I didn’t think of that. Lots folks do that, I know that. What was I thinking?

    Shorter posts — when will I learn to talk less? HA!! Maybe that will be my goal for 2007 . . . yeah . . . maybe :)

  31. September 28th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
    Yvonne said

    Well, I think everyone appreciates your extra-long, quality content Liz :)

    Personally, I’d rather write a good post that’s 2000 words long - even if more than half of people would stop reading it half-way through - than shorten it just to increase the likelihood that readers would leave a little feedback.

    I think we all need to take into consideration how time-limited people are on the ‘Net these days. Plus, it depends on how complicated the post is. I think people are more inclined to comment on posts about the latest hit movie, than the meaning of life and the universe.

    Something to think about….

  32. September 28th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Good point, Yvonne,
    I guess I’m stuck with these big ideas . . . I’ll have to keep hanging out with these incredibly cool, smart people. That’s the only choice I’m left with . . . :)

    Gee, my life is so rough. :) :)

  33. September 28th, 2006 at 7:33 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Liz,
    What was the original question?

    I actually remember that post way back when, you had some crazy drivers (including me).

    Whatever you are doing, it must be right, look at the comments on this post alone. :-)

  34. September 28th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey, Joe,
    Thanks. You did take the keys, and you know where I keep too. :)

  35. September 28th, 2006 at 7:36 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Steve,
    I’m glad to hear everyone and everything is OK.
    Are you still doing the Why My Blog Stinks thing? Or do you have something new in the works?

  36. September 28th, 2006 at 7:41 pm
    Joe said

    Did they Re-open Betsons???
    Where did everybody go?

  37. September 28th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
    Joe said

    I have the keys, but no gas…
    I’ll be back later.

  38. September 28th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Joe,
    Steve had to go out for an hour or so. His blog, Why My Blog Stinks, was hijacked at some point during the summer when he had some other family things to attend to. It wasn’t nice.

  39. September 28th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
    Joe said

    Wheeww,
    I thought I was all alone in here.
    I haven’t been to Steve’s place since he put it on hold months ago.

  40. September 28th, 2006 at 7:49 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Joe,
    You’re never alone. I’m inside your computer. :)

  41. September 28th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
    Joe said

    Yes you are, I see you in there every day. Where did everybody else go?

  42. September 28th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Maybe they have a real life . . . :)

  43. September 28th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
    Steve said

    My place was hacked haha

    I am back from my real life now. :)

    I had to go for my hour walk!

  44. September 28th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
    Joe said

    Probably right, Liz… ;-)

    I’ll let you go and try to get some relaxation done myself too.

    Tomorrow’s gonna be another daaay…

    (I’ll most likely lurk for a little while tho)

  45. September 28th, 2006 at 7:59 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey, Steve,
    That stinks — the hack, not the walk.
    Walking is cool. Getting hacked is not.

  46. September 28th, 2006 at 8:00 pm
    Steve said

    Getting hacked on my walk would be worse.

    Hi Joe… :)

  47. September 28th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Getting hacked on your walk would be a Nightmare on Elm Street movie, wouldn’t it?

  48. September 28th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
    Joe said

    Hey Steve,
    What cha got workin now?
    Give us a URL or something, I always enjoyed your sense of humor on the old blog.

  49. September 28th, 2006 at 8:08 pm
    Steve said

    Don’t have much going on right now. I still have my old hunting and fishing blogs but I don’t post to them anymore. I got somebody else taking that over for my online business.

    I got something in the making probably in another week it will be ready. It is gonna be my baby….

    It is a secret though so we will have to wait and see… I think Liz has an idea what I’m up to though. She’s sworn not to tell :)

  50. September 28th, 2006 at 8:09 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Oh, you’re doing that? I thought it was all Milton.

  51. September 28th, 2006 at 8:10 pm
    Joe said

    Liiizzzz, Come ooonn….
    Steeevve, you can tell meee…

  52. September 28th, 2006 at 8:11 pm
    ME Strauss said

    No, he can’t it’s not final.

  53. September 28th, 2006 at 8:13 pm
    Steve said

    Yea it is all in the brainstorm process…

    But hey I am always up for new ideas if you got any.

  54. September 28th, 2006 at 8:14 pm
    Joe said

    I love secrets (when I know them).

    Ok, let me guess… Something to do with a Moose?

  55. September 28th, 2006 at 8:16 pm
    Steve said

    You ain’t gonna get it out of me. It is bad luck to reveal things to early. I have said too much already. But I do know one thing, I will be blogging very soon and it should have some good stuff in it… LOL

  56. September 28th, 2006 at 8:16 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Aw darn, Steve!
    Yeah, Joe, He’s doing the International Order of the Moose Blog. :)

  57. September 28th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
    Joe said

    Yeah!!!
    I guessed the Mouse, er Moose thingy.

    I win…

    What did I win, a ride on the moose?
    A better mouse trap?
    THe keys to the car (blog)?

  58. September 28th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
    Steve said

    Yes I will be giving out online Moose Rides. I believe I can retire on all the sales I will get. It is only $1 per ride. If I can just get 5 million people to get a moose ride I should be retiring within 3 years.

  59. September 28th, 2006 at 8:22 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Whaddya think, Steve? I think we should give Joe all three.

  60. September 28th, 2006 at 8:22 pm
    Joe said

    Steve, seriously, when you do launch your new venture, give the new address to Liz so she can spread the word.

    I will be one of the first visitors from that link, I promise.

  61. September 28th, 2006 at 8:24 pm
    Steve said

    Joe, sounds good. What it was like my cross-dressing on Saturday blog where I show photos of me in womens wear. Would you still be the first to go? LOL

  62. September 28th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
    Scorpia said

    Hey Liz, it’s chat night. Drop by if you have a few moments. We’ll be there until 10:30 or so Eastern.

  63. September 28th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Watch out, Steve.
    What if Joe says he would submit pictures?

  64. September 28th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
    Joe said

    Only I I get 50% of the profit.
    Besides the Monty Python troupe did that and made Millions…

  65. September 28th, 2006 at 8:27 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hey Scorpia,
    Email me the details again. Thanks!

  66. September 28th, 2006 at 8:27 pm
    Steve said

    hmm… now I am wondering if I should start doing that…

  67. September 28th, 2006 at 8:32 pm
    Joe said

    Steve, you would probably make more money putting a tu-tu on the Moose. ;-)

  68. September 28th, 2006 at 8:33 pm
    ME Strauss said

    This is getting fun!

  69. September 28th, 2006 at 8:34 pm
    Steve said

  70. September 28th, 2006 at 8:34 pm
    Steve said

    http://bearsnbuddies.com/boyds/2002/ilona/IlonaMooseBallerina.gif

  71. September 28th, 2006 at 8:35 pm
    Joe said

    Impromptu is always fun. Especially with a full sidebar and good friends…

  72. September 28th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
    Steve said

    Anybody watching Grey’s Anatomy?

  73. September 28th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
    ME Strauss said

    That photo is priceless!

  74. September 28th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
    Joe said

    Steve, did you dress Milton like that just for us???

  75. September 28th, 2006 at 8:38 pm
    Steve said

    Milton looks humiliated doesn’t he?

  76. September 28th, 2006 at 8:42 pm
    Joe said

    I’m not sure what I’m watching, something to do with the morning after from the ’70’s on Sci-Fi

  77. September 28th, 2006 at 9:46 pm
    Joe said

    Sorry, Liz
    No poem tonight
    Time for bed
    Turn out the light.

  78. September 28th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Sweet dreamns, Joe.
    Sleep tight.

  79. September 30th, 2006 at 5:48 am
    Hans said

    If I have nothing to add to a post through the comments, I just tell the author how I felt after reading this, I suppose every reader after reading something feels something, don’t know I suppose.

    Anger, frustration, joy, yeah that’s too great another thing I’ve learnt. For me I think comments aren’t just means to add things to what the author has said but what’s that doing to him also after he/she read it.

  80. September 30th, 2006 at 6:02 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Hans,
    I think your approach to commenting is wonderful. It’s as if you believe that someone gave, so you give back. I don’t always do that, but I wish I did.

    On the other hand, I’m thinking there ARE some things better left unsaid — especially by people who don’t take what they read seriously. :)

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