My Secret
My name is Liz and I have a secret. I read your blog almost every day, but you you wouldn’t know that. That’s because I hardly ever leave a comment.
I know the value of a well-placed comment. I’m pretty good at writing down what I think. Yet, when it comes time to writing a response to what you wrote, some days I can’t quite get my fingers to the keyboard. I start to write something . . . then I leave without posting it.
There are more readers like me than ones who are not. I know. I’ve talked to them. I’ve been talking to them about why they don’t comment. It seems that we have the same secret reasons for not leaving our calling card. We want to leave our thoughts, but things get between us and that comment box.
It’s time we came clean and let you know what they are.
10 Reasons Readers Don’t Leave Comments
I don’t suppose this is all of the reasons folks choose not to comment. This is only a list of 10 +1 of them that I’ve heard over and over again.
- What you write is so complete, that I don’t know what to say except good job. I feel silly writing that, so I read and move on.
- You’ve taught me something I didn’t know, and I need to think about it before I even have a question. Much like number 1, I don’t want to embarrass myself. I’m better off moving on.
- I get ready to type a comment, but I notice you only respond to a few friends who mostly share inside jokes. I won’t take the risk of being overlooked in public.
- The folks who comment on your posts like to argue and I don’t. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to fight my way into the crowd.
- You rarely respond to comments. So, there’s no point in writing one.
- Your blog has geeky attitude and I’m not geeky enough to keep up.
- I really like your blog and your post, but I’m too tired, busy, or any one of a number things that you can’t control. I’ll comment the next I come back to read.
- You end your posts with a giant general question like “What do you think of the Big Bang Theory?” That question is such a big one. I don’t have time to answer it. I feel strange answering with a lesser comment.
- You put up a fence by making me login to comment. I have too many passwords already and I don’t know you well enough to add one to my list.
- Your content wasn’t fresh and exciting, and I couldn’t find anything YOU inside it. It seemed the same post that I’ve read on 10 other blogs. If I commented, I would have to tell you that.
- PLUS ONE: Your post was negative. Negative is scary. Most folks don’t like negative stuff, because they know they could be next to be the recipient. I don’t comment, because I don’t want to be part of it.
Sometimes I don’t comment because I’m self-conscious about new groups and fitting in. I suppose most people feel that way now and then. I’m working on that.
Yet when the content is rich and compelling, I lose all self-consciousness. My fingers can’t wait to share what you’ve started me thinking. My hands literally jump to the keyboard and start typing out the words. Other readers have said that is true for them too.
Compelling content causes comments.
Did I miss the reasons that keep you from commenting?
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Related articles
PLUS ANOTHER ONE:
Sometimes I sound like I’m arguing, when I’m actually not. I just have a way of putting my posts stronger than intended.
It’s easier to keep out of the conversation and not take the chance of being misunderstood.
Good job.
I mean, er, awesome thoughts, Liz – I need some time to think about this!
Easton,
You are the best commenter on the planet! I should just give up and take lessons from you.
Without sounding like I am stating the obvious I assume that you are trying to teach us bloggers something with this post Liz. So I will say what I have learned and APPLIED from reading this site and this post.
1. Make it easy for people to post. No one wants to jump through hoops to write a quick comment.
2. Respond to comments in a personal way. Make your readers feel like they’re part of a community.
3. Include YOU in your posts so people feel they are reading a real person.
I changed my commenting name to Big Roy as I saw there was another Roy who comments here. That’s the name I use on my blog. I didn’t just pull the name out of thin air, there is a story behind it.
Hey Big Roy,
I think you could pick up that comment and use it as a blog post. What you wrote is great advice any way that you look at it.
You’re welcome here, with any name. 🙂
For moi Liz, I have no self-consciousness issues in commenting whenever/where ever. Firstly, the post has to interest me enough for me to have a say – negative/positive – doesn’t matter.
But the real reason is time issues – there’s just never enough hours in the day to comment, track, follow up etc. So I had to bite the bullet and really only comment within my niche so I can at least fool myself into thinking I’m being productive. I stray sometimes of course…
I track comments using co.mments now – which helps a little.
#1. on occassions – even here 🙂
#2. on the contrary, you’ve taught me something so I’m commenting to essentially say “thank you”.
#5. is also a big one for me.
#9. you force me to login – I’m outta here
BTW Liz, I found the Bizerati manu and have spent an hour on it tonight. Polish it up more tomorrow and I’ll pdf-it to you for a perusal – of course, I’m mentioning this in public so that your fan base can be let in on the secret – Liz.eBook.Coming Soon. A bit of buzz never hurt anyone 🙂
Hey, Martin!
How ya doing? You picked the ones closed to my heart too, despite the fact I know I am guilty of #1 when I don’t pay attention. Oh well.
Cool about the eBook coming down the pike. That sounds exciting. I’ll have to get the confetti ready!!!
Oh, so that explains it Liz – AND I know your secret too! I look at commenting in this way – since I’m relatively new to blogging, I always thought from the beginning that it was a two-way medium, where someone is starting a conversation that invites interaction, so I picked up the habit right away. In contrast, I’d think if some folks never commented when they first ventured into the blogosphere, it would be more difficult to jump in down the road (i.e. not a habit). Nevertheless, I agree with you on your last statement – I don’t comment unless I’m compelled to, habit or not. Luckily, a lot of what I choose to read IS compelling (your little blog included), so I’ll keep typing!
Why, thank you, Starbucker.
You have a great outlook on commenting. I started blogging and it was quite quiet for weeks. I got to listen to myself think. 🙂
Then I learned about community and campfires to talk around. . . .
Some blogs seem more like high school hallways though.
What about my number one reason… I have a comment but I’m too damn lazy at the moment to force it out of me.
Not being lazy right now…
Brian
Thanks, Brian.
That’s the one I was leaving room for. 🙂
I’m still laughing as I type this.
So true. So true. I’ve been known to be lazy.
Hi Liz
I was at a seminar once (can’t remember what it was about), and invited one of my employees to attend it with me. There were maybe 100 or so people in the room, and at the end the hosts went into the typical Q&A session. As I raised my hand to ask a question, my associate looked at me with deer-in-the-headlights eyes and asked, incredulously, ‘Are you really going to ask a question?!?’ To her it was simply inconceivable to do something like that. There is an entire block of readers that will NEVER consider leaving a comment, itââ¬â¢s just not part of their personality style.
I try to gear my blog towards users that are less than experts using the computer, and I know that many of my readers fall firmly into your #6. Even though I go to great lengths to make it simple, I know many will not comment because theyââ¬â¢re afraid of asking the dreaded ââ¬Ëstupid questionââ¬â¢.
Love that High School reference – I didn’t like high school that much for that very reason, and it carries over to today. Thanks again.
I appreciate all of the above as reasons why readers don’t comment on my blogs.
My audience is silent, but I know they’re out there reading my ideas and clicking on associated links.
If visitors use the information to create better, well-managed, and more-profitable businesses, I’m happy.
David,
What a great point you make. Yes, some people just don’t need to comment to feel they have participated to the fullest. That’s not their style. You’re right on the money with that. Thanks for remembering them.
Yeah, Starbucker,
I never comment on those high school blogs, even when the content is great!
Shirley,
How great to hear from you!
A silent audience doesn’t mean they’re not listening in. I’ve had messages from readers tell me that more than once. Thanks for saying that out loud so that everyone knows.
Readers don’t need to talk to be readers. 🙂
Mine is often guilty of the hallway kind of thing – a large chunk of my subscriber base is in-person friends, the in-jokes just kind of follow. I try to respond to everyone though.
There are also the people who will stop me on the street (say, out in the french quarter on a friday or something, that kind of running into people) to say “hey I really liked that thing on your blog” but won’t comment.
Hi Candice!
A few in-crowd jokes aren’t a problem when you let other folks know that they’re still welcome to hang around.
It’s cool that you get to see people who read your blog in person. I know plenty of Chicagoans read this blog, but we’d never recognize each other on the street. 🙂
Oh, all right; I’ll answer. Usually, the reason I don’t is pure laziness. Otherwise, it seems to me you’ve covered it pretty thoroughly.
But then, I’d never given it a thought before.
Ehhhh … OK, bookmarked you too, I did.
Actually, this seems a pretty decent blog, and since I’ve contemplated entering the 21st Century, you’re a good source of advice on blogging.
I would recommend some sort of system to filter blog spam.
Ken Johnson
Sand Point, Alaska
I would LOVE to comment on posts.
My RSS feed has 89 blogs lined up to do just that. My number one reason for not commenting on blogs?
The content isn’t worth commenting on.
Which is negative, but accurate. I’m guilty of the same thing – I have to make sure my posts have some good content and I have a lot to learn there. But really, the content doesn’t have anything to comment on.
The rest of the reasons I agree with. I fall into the “too complete” area a lot – or at least think I do!
Scot
Hi Ken Johnson,
Welcome! You’re only a stranger once here!
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It’s good to hear from you and to know that Brian and i aren’t the only ones who are lazy sometimes. 🙂
What sort of blogging software are you on?
Hi Scot,
Bad content is a really great reason not to comment, and I have to admit I’ve been running into more and more boring content lately.
Yeah, you do write some very complete posts. You suffer from the same disease I do. Want to get the whole story out there and tie it up with a bow all pretty.
Points 3, 5 and 9 are so true – I hear so many bloggers complaining about how they rarely get any comments, yet they seem to think they’re above replying to ‘newbie’ comments, and they obviously hate spammers more than lurkers if they force everyone to login!
I admit blog authors who reply to their comments encourage me to de-lurk and comment more. I try to reply to my own ASAP – discussions with my readers are my favourite part of blogging =)
I think you can do no wrong making things easier for your readers, and I think this is achieved through preview and subscription functionalities.
Previews will help people get over their “self-worth” issues, by allowing them to look before they leap.
Comment Subscriptions will help me keep track of what’s happening in the discussion. With them, I no longer have to go through the relative inconvenience of having to the check the post regularly.
Thank God you have comment subscriptions here. Honestly, I prefer posting comments only on Blogs with them.
“Thank God you have comment subscriptions here. Honestly, I prefer posting comments only on Blogs with them.”
Ditto for me. At times I’ll post and go off, only remembering the next day or week. Sure, I could use cocomments (yet one more thing to learn), but why when it’s so easy to offer the ability to subscribe?
Hi Yvonne,
I can understand that bloggers who have a life don’t respond to every comment one-by-one immediately, but so many show up in their comments and acknowledge folks who leave word there. It seems to me a fair trade in respect that if someone leaves their words and ideas, after reading mine, that I should respond in kind in the same way I would if they stopped by my business to talk about something.
There is a person behind every comment — okay we won’t count spammers — and every person who leaves a comment is a reader, who didn’t have to stop to read HERE.
I’m grateful that my readers do.
I think I ought hold up my end of the bargain. 🙂
Hi Rico,
Thank you for mentioning that.
Thank God you have comment subscriptions here.
Those first two words show you care about something. I’d be silly not to have it here for you.
I want the experience to be easy and fun for everyone. YEAH!
Hi Cat!
I tried coComments and found it one more multi-tasking obstacle between me and the people that I care about talking to.[ I’ve figured out that not everything I say is that important that I really need to follow up on it. 🙂 Thank God, I’m no sage. The pressure would kill me. :)]
I completely understand that all bloggers have other commitments outside of their site – I’m a uni student, after all – it’s the authors of small sites who regularly publish content but rarely (if ever) respond to their reader feedback that puzzle me.
No matter how easy you make it for a reader to leave feedback, they still have to take some time to do it, and to show how much they care – what’s a few moments to respond to them and thank them for doing so?
Anyway, you do a great job of that here Liz – a lot of bloggers should learn from you =)
Yes, Yvonne,
Thank you.
I agree. I don’t know whether it’s bad manners or just that young bloggers don’t understand the nature of the conversation. I remember when I started the SOB program it was to promote conversation and dialogue, even to me the concept felt a little “foreign.”
It was like promoting a childhood game of “pass it on.”
Until a person really understands the depth of conversation that can happen and the relationships that can form, I don’t think that person will ever get the reason for comment ettiquette or why it’s important.
Some folks can’t see past the letters on the screen to the person who wrote them. It’s a disability of sorts. At least that’s how I see it.
See? Thanks to the comment subscription (CS), I was able to read all your wonderful insights.
Liz, would you mind me asking what blogging platform you use? My personal blog is hosted by WordPress (fool45.wordpress.com), and it doesn’t have CS functionality. I’m planning to move it to its own domain, and end my slight hypocrisy (hehe) by implementing CS on my blog as soon as I can!
PS: The multiple comments of this entry are also divided among pages, not shown as a whole, thus helping readability even further. How was that implemented?
Hi Rico,
This, too, is a Word Press Blog. The paged comments are a plug-in Called Paged Comments by Bryan.
http://www.coldforged.org/plugins/
I think the comments feed was just setup through bloglines.
Thanks for the prompt reply Liz.
Oops, I should’ve been more specific. I was talking about CS that updated you via e-mail, which is what I’m using now to stay updated. 😉
I have enough RSS feeds to contend with (research for my pro-blog), that’s I why I really enjoy receiving the updates on my Gmail. It keeps my RSS life simple (I can’t handle 89 feeds like Scot Herrick can), and because the link back to the blog is saved on my account, I can check back on my own time.
So my real question is: is there a WordPress plug-in that allows you to provide CS functionality via e-mail? 🙂
Good question Rico, Liz does have a nice comment system. I wonder too if it’s a plugin or requires a bunch of fancy coding?
Liz answered the question as I had the page opened and was getting some coffee.
Thanks
I don’t know, Rico. I’ve never looked into that question. Someone reading might have the answer.
I did some “research” (click on “Manage your subscriptions” underneath the comment box) and I was presented with a page with the WordPress interface. So I guess WordPress does provide that functionality. Let me ask my geekier friends; they’ll probably clear things up, and I’ll post it once I find out.
Thank you again Liz, you’re really doing a great job with this blog! 😀
Thank you, Rico,
That’s what is so special about bloggers. Bloggers are the most unselfish, helpful people on the planet. You just can’t convince otherwise.
So I come back and there’s 40 comments. I love how the conversations just flourish at this blog! Looks like those 10 reasons don’t apply here :).
Easton,
You just pick the right posts to visit. I know that. 🙂 We are a conversational group who likes to figure things out, now aren’t we?
Oftentimes the posts are about very personal things or areas that I don’t know much about as well. If someone has a long funny story about their cat destroying their couch, I may laugh but as I don’t have a cat (ha just a toddler destroying mine), I might not have anything to say about it other than a LOL which is rather silly to post.
I find by responding to all my comments and making it easy for people to comment, I get a lot of comments ;). Some people don’t really like getting comments though, so I suppose it depends what you want, but you can just turn off comments for that matter ;).
Hi MamaDuck,
Yeah, I have had that problem, where I enjoy the post, but I have no experience with the subject, as in your example with the cats. So when I have time I try to think of something to say and when I don’t I move along wishing I did.
I agree. I don’t like to write silly things in comment boxes either. It’s not what I want to leave behind as my signature.
Thanks for your comment. It’s nice to meet you. You’re not a stranger here anymore.
In brief, to have readers leave comments you must :
– not write so complete
– not teach something readers didn’t know
– not be geeky
Pretty ridiculous.
John,
Don’t miss the part about not being negative. 🙂
Great post, and great commentbait as wel ;-). I thought it was a Dutch thing, that readers don’t respond well. I also notice that my readers prefer to respond by e-mail, they might feel self conscious about having their response show up for everyone to see. So I have my e-mail adress in plain view on the website to at least get some response… I’m assuming you don’t speak Dutch… so it would be quite useless for you to visit my weblog and comment her her her.
Hi Sanne,
I’ve been to Amsterdam, but have no Dutch. I’m sorry. Thank you for speaking English. 🙂
I think the feeling of being self-conscious is universal. We all have a bit of stage fright. Some blogs make us feel more at home. Some bloggers build a high-trust environment.
Some folks will not ever want to stand on stage and that’s all right too. Listening and reading is interacting in my book and I value it deeply.
I could visit your weblog, but I would have to comment in English. 🙂
I feel both schooled and convicted. Allow me to introduce myself, She Who Almost Never Replies to Comments. I dare say I’m famous for it, at least @ LiveJournal. I do try to respond to questions, etc, but due to busy-ness, laziness… an inability to properly chit-chat that is surprising, given my gender…. In the end, there are no genuine excuses (although work has played a pivotal role in my lack of free time and well-formed thoughts.) I’m just plain bad at commenting back.
At any rate, I am commenting here because I am new, because I’m tickled by the thought of being replied to, and because I like to own up when I’m in the wrong. I will endeavor to reply more often, at my own set of weblogs. Thank you for the tips!
Hi Danielle,
Welcome,
You might be surprised at how many people just like you have told me that they hardly ever commented and then, after we talk a while here, I see them commenting everywhere.
The conversation gets addictive. Blogging friendships and the dialogue are very rewarding and inspiring. I’ve learned so much from the folks I talk to through the comment boxes that I use. 🙂
Now you’re not a stranger. Maybe you’ll visit open comment night tonight and meet the folks who hang out here on a regular basis. 🙂
I would say I’ve commented maybe five times in my blog-reading history. Here’s why:
#1.) A lot of the blogs I read are popular, and so I feel like when there are already too many comments, mine won’t get read and I’ll feel like a loser.
#2.) I am a stark-raving perfectionist, and because of this I haven’t started my own blog yet. I don’t want to comment without being able to have a website to send people to.
#3.) I have a problem knowing when any social exchange is over, and I get embarassed and think I’ll look clingy. Say I comment on your blog, and you comment back with a nice little welcome note. I feel like I shoul day something, but I don’t know what. And if I DO say something, and you say something back, then do I write back again? I worry that I’ll look like the person who doesn’t know when to quit. So I avoid the whole thing entirely.
#4.) Brevity is not my strongpoint, and I worry that I babble.
I do love your blog, by the way.
Naomi: I know how you feel, being a perfectionist myself. (But don’t let that stop you from starting your own weblog! Even perfectionists need outlets, and the therapeutic aspects of blogging alone are worthwhile. It’s good for you, DO IT.)
Liz: I’m sure I’m not in the minority by any means, but I do intend to improve. I suppose my main problem is that I find large numbers of comments overwhelming, I can honestly say that I’ve skipped reading entries at friends’ blogs, just because there’s already ninety comments on it, and I a) don’t want to get lost in the shuffle, or worse b) don’t want to be obligated to spew out forty comments of my own. (One person in particular had lengthy discourses with all her friends in every single post, so ninety comments might only represent four people. Conversation is great, don’t get me wrong, but that sort of thing, in my view, belongs in a chat window.)
Hey, Naomi,
I’m laughing because I see myself in you. 🙂
I had to start a blog without reading any or I never would have started one. I’m a boutique shopper for that very same reason. Too many options and too much need to get the right one.
I also feel a need to answer, but I guess you’ve already seen that. Once or twice on this blog. The guys have tested me and said not to answer back . . . I didn’t. Those were probably the only comments besides trackbacks that haven’t answered.
I have the problem too of getting to a blog and finding that I figure the conversation is already over hours ago. That’s the downside of putting the hour stamp on your comments by the way.
Stop by comment night tonight. You’ll get answered, faster than you can answer and three conversations will be going on at one time, so you might even get ignored while you’re being paid attention to. 🙂
Welcome. Thanks for the comment. It was a fun one. Answer back if you want to or don’t if your busy doing other things.
Danielle,
I read the posts that are inviting and then sometimes I skim the long comments to see what’s in them. I feel no obligation to read all of the comments. They certainly weren’t put there for my attention — if they were that’s even less reason for me to read them.
Sometime near the end I’ll jump in and add one. Sometimes I won’t I’ll just move on.
We get in conversation here, but that usually on a post that draws no other comments. 🙂 [translation: the boring ones. :)]
I think the Newton’s First Law (Law of Inertia) holds true with comments; once things get going, it’s hard to stop. And as you can see Liz, since you’re dilligently replying to our comments, you keep the ball rolling.
This simply reinforces commandment #5. Yes, I’m calling them the 10 Commenting Commandments now. 🙂
Great post! Here’s a bit of irony, I found it by reading the comments on Converstations….because it was referenced in a comment there.
Nice job. (Or is that too lame a comment? LOL)
Hi Ann,
Welcome. I love Converstations. Mike’s a great blog. It’s nice to meet his readers.
Thanks for coming over. We don’t grade comments here. If we did we have some weird scale that involved a code-writing donkey and snacks and beverages. 🙂
We like people better than rules.
Great news, boys and girls! Remember the comment subscriptions I was talking about on comments 10, 12, and 16? Apparently there’s a WordPress plug-in that allows you to add this functionality.
This is yet another incentive for me to switch to my own domain. I’ll have more freedom to customize my blog to maximize reader enjoyment. 🙂
Yea! Rico!
Thanks for sharing the news. Congratulations on the chance to start your own blogdom. 🙂
I think it’s okay not to comment on blogs that you know don’t answer them in real time – otherwise let’s face it – it’s just spam.
Now, with all these spammers out there (in all languages) offering “Good Job”s and compliment your posts, I would offer these two suggestions…
1) Tell us WHY you think it was a good job – or, at least – tell us WHAT you think was a good job, and make us believe it wasn’t just another spam comment to delete
2) Don’t bother posting on my blogs if your email contains the domain .ru or has both yahoo/hotmail/etc PLUS a product in your name@ – you can have a valid comment – but I will still delete you… sorry.
um, PS.. eg
“Good Job” on your list of reasons why readers don’t leave comments. I was going to add a few more (as a reader) but, saw them already on earlier comments.
erm.. PPSS ..
How about 10+1 Reasons why readers would WANT to leave comments? 🙂
HART!
It’s so good to have you back! Whew! 10 Reasons folks would want to comment. That would take some real thinking, now wouldn’t it?
You’re probably right .. I pretty much know why I comment on blogs (and I comment a lot) .. but, it can probably be summarized into 3 reasons only 😀
I wonder if there are more than maybe 5.
What are yours?
I was going to wait until later tonight on Open Mic but, here’s 3 quickie reasons why HART might comment on your blog:
1) You looked at the same garbage everybody else does, but interpreted it differently. YAH! Finally another thinker.
2) I like to take what you say and put my own slant on it – either agreeing or completely disagreeing with you and giving you my 2cents. Some call this “contributing to the conversation” .. I often do this too often – where I could have more blog posts on my own blog and just link it, but instead write too much on other blogs (like this one) that I’m too tired to re-write it back on my own blog.
3) I just like to comment usually, when I can either continue (or the blog owner comments) all in real time .. i.e. I like ya and just want to chat – Really, it’s not you or my blog – it’s to relieve some stress on this side of the monitor.
I just thought of a couple more while writing the above.. Maybe a list of 10 is possible?
3+1) To correct or point out obvious mistakes, URL’s, etc
3+2) I can rip off my Superman T-Shirt and come to the rescue to give advice or tips or to add some humour to all these serious people on the internet .. and finally
3+3) Basically, when someone mistakenly asks .. “What’s your opinion” .. I am not afraid to give it because I also believe – it never hurts to ask so, good for you for asking me!
Another reason I don’t comment: so many people have commented already, that I’m sure what I have to say has already been said, and I don’t feel like reading all the comments to find out.
Actually, I almost did that just now, when I saw there were already 68 comments on this thread, but because of the subject I thought it would be too ironic not to comment.
Caryn,
Welcome!
I do exactly the same thing. I don’t blame you for not commenting if you think you’re not going to add something new to the discussion.
I don’t like reading through all of the comments either to find out what so many people have said before me. That’s the reason I don’t take the risk of looking foolish and just move on.
I’m glad you took a minute to stop and write a comment this time. Thank you. It’s nice to know that other people do the same thing that I do. 🙂
Liz
What you write plus the great observations already made before I get around to reading not to mention commenting, result in me feeling like I need to say something profound.
And this is in spite of the fact that I’m happy when people who comment on my blog say something like “thanks for posting this.” It’s a clear case of perfectionsim gone bad.
Hey Susan,
Your comment makes me smile. Hang around with us bloggers, especially me with my typos and you’ll get use to the fact that we value you for your person and your ideas (and that gorgeous art I add) and not for those perfect details.
I can’t help but laugh when I read them. All I can do was nod in agreement! Hahaha.
Hi Sasha!
It’s really quite fun isn’t it? We’re finding out how the same we all are. Guess blogging shows we have a lot more in common than we ever thought we did. 🙂
Yea, Liz. It’s loads of fun. I do wish people would just leave comments so we can all have fun together! I simply have got to find a way for them to speak up! =)
Sasha
Sasha,
You should come back in about an hour and join on our open comment night that’s when all we do is comment and get to know each other. It’s lots of fun. All kinds of interesting people show up.
Sounds great! I’ll be there! =)
Sasha
That’s cool. It’s on the front page. The post shows up at around 7, but it takes a few minutes to get really rolling. 🙂
There is no comment form.
The comment form is hidden.
The comment form doesn’t work.
The comment form doesn’t work in my browser.
There are other comments, but it’s mostly spam.
I’m inclined to make an involved comment, but it’s either apparent that large comments are disallowed, get truncated or don’t get permalinks of their own, so I instead head over to my own blog and post a on the topic.
Johan,
Yours should be at the top of the pile.
You must be a designer or page builder.
These are all points that everyone missed. Thanks for seeing the proverbial elephant in the room. Excellent.
As they say, “I feel so stupid.” 🙂
Thank you!!
The main reason is probably that users are in a big hurry and to stop and write carefully a smart comment that would be flamed or considered dumb, this is not easy for many.
Many lurkers are just not articulate. They find your post interesting, but cannot think of anything to add or to say about it, but “I agree” or “Great post” which sounds vacant.
Another reason is they don’t like comment moderation with captchas and delayed posting.
Finally, I add also: they are not appreciative, they are pampered and just take everything for granted.
They don’t realize that a blog is a conversation, not a preaching pulpit.
Hi Vaspars,
Thanks for adding your insights.
I love your choice of the word vacant, that’s really what is the problem isn’t it the comment seems so empty and useless.
Comment moderation does put some people off, I suppose, but I would guess those would be folks who aren’t people who’ve had to deal with spam in any quantity. The blogger and typepad word verification are the worst form of that. They can be downright unhuman forms of proving that you are not a machine.
I hear you saying that some folks are just not grateful for the work that went into writing a post. I suppose there are some of those too. I hadn’t thought of them really.
As always, you have put that mind of yours to see things that I wasn’t seeing. I appreciate that. I love your brain. 🙂
aahh…. i got hit by #5 !! so that’s why there’s just a small people who commented 😛
thx you for bringin this up ^^
i’ll link it on my blog later on ^^
Hi queryoon,
Welcome. Many people like to know when they comment that someone is listening. The way to let them know that there is someone behind the computer screen who cares what they say is to respond when they say something.
It sounds like you heard that. I’m thinking that will make a difference once they notice you’re there and listening. 🙂
Comment? Uhh, err, what to say?
Hi Milo,
Welcome,
Yep. That’s a significant problem. I often have exactly the same one. Maybe I’ll borrow your response the next time. Would you mind if I did? 🙂
I came up with 13 More Reasons on my blog, but please let me mention Reciprocal Commenting: you try to always post a comment at the blog of a person who posted a comment at your blog.
You reap what you sow. You post lots of comments at other blogs, you should end up with lots of comments at your blog. But this needs some qualification: some bloggers are rude, “too busy”, selfish, or lazy. So those turps won’t reciprocate.
Main reason for no comments is bad content and no interaction with other bloggers.
New blogger, try posting a very controversial poeeeem or essay. Not naughty or racist, but a post on Why Air Is Unneccesary or How My Head Transplant Improved My Personality or Why Net Neutrality and Web 2.0 Are Clashing Madly.
Write about millionaire bloggers, blog psychosis, blogs and murder, or the future of blogging.
Topics that will grab attention. Say something smart, even if just a few remarks.
Shorten your freaky paragraphs, and slash your long posts to more skim friendly format.
Hi Vaspars,
I came over last night, but I had new reason not to comment. I felt too sickly.
What great advice in this comment. You should pick it up in it’s entirety and make it a post. I love the ideas you offer to grab attention. You should become a blog idea consultant.
I’ll go you one better: why do so many blogs require a name and email? Both can be forged, so why bother?
On my site, the default name is anonymous. You can put any name you want in its place, but that’s all I need to know. I already track your IP (and will block you next time if you are a spammer), and I hash that and display it next to your name as a “key” so that other folks can tell if it’s the same person who left another comment with the same name.
As to spammers: I get dozens of *attempts* every day, but very few get through..
Responses: I respond to anything that needs a response and almost always acknowledge any comment – with the exception of the few pages that attract dozens and dozens of “Thanks so much!” posts.
The “in crowd”: we don’t get too much of that. There are a few regulars who comment frequently, but there’s seldom any “insider” content, and if I see anything like that, my response will explain or reference something that does explain it.
Argument: we get some, but it’s a tech blog so the issue is usually easy to settle..
Hi Tony,
That is one better! We do put up a silly barrier, but most folks do put in their real email. That’s nice because every once in a while I think of something I want to say in an email and THAT person hasn’t put up any contact information on his or her blog.
You have one of the best-run blogs I’ve ever visited. If I knew more about tech stuff, I’d even comment. 🙂
I forgot to add that (as is so often the case) your article caused me to review my comments code and add some more verbiage reminding users about our strong spam controls (so Preview before posting) and that we do impose length limits (but just pop me an email and I’m happy to add your comment manually) and also reminding them yet again that they CAN put their website in if they like – assuming their comment isn’t just an attempt to get a (relatively value-less “no-follow”) link.
So once again I have to thank you for another helpful post. I can’t tell you how many times something you have said has prodded me to action that improves my site.
In fact, the very first thing you ever said to me (“I’m confused”) made me add a link to a more bloggish style page for those who don’t like old style indexes (most of my readers do like it that way, so that’s my default).
I forget now what some of the other things were, but I know there have been several, so: Thanks so very much.
(But please stop: you make me work too much!)
Tony,
Thanks, I appreciate what you say. It makes writing worth it.
But I’m not about to forget that you’re the guy finding stuff and doing it. You’re a blogger with a bias toward action. Wow! How many times did I try to hire that?
I’ll do my best to try not to get confused quite so much. Though I do happen to have an exceptional talent for it. 🙂
“Good job!”
Hah. No, seriously. You’ve captured and reflected my sentiments exactly.
Hi Colin!
That was a fun comment. Thanks for reading and for taking the time to leave word that you were here and got something from it. 🙂
Interesting…
Hi Jen,
I’d love to hear you elaborate. 🙂
Hi, I wandered over from a link on Pesky Apostrophe. This is a great post!
I can add a thought as to why I’ve given up commenting at a couple of sites. Some sites tend to be clique-like and it’s too much like a rerun of high school to me. I most often feel like my comments are ignored. I do tend to keep going back and commented on sites where the poster interacts with the commenters.
That said, I sure wish I knew what to do to get more people to interact with me on my blog. Granted, probably the last week’s worth of posts aren’t a good example. 😉
Hi N, Mallory!
Welcome.
I know about the kind of sites in question. I’ve given up on those kind of sites too, and I get furious when then they don’t let me leave by the back button. Grrrr.
You’re more than welcome here. Your comments and your insights help out. They’ll always be valued and noticed. It’s the only way I have of know whether what I’m doing is useful.
Come back soon, you’re not a stranger anymore. You’re a friend now. 🙂
Liz
N. Mallory, and anyone else who “wishes for more comments”:
(1) improve your blog post content, its relevance, sparkle, brevity, writing stylistics, credibility, and passion!
(2) Wake Up: you’re in a blog that gets huge response, averaging about 100 comments per post. Wake Up and watch what she does to attract such vibrant and lively commentary. Watch how she treats commenters. Watch what she posts about. Watch how she builds online community around shared interests. Smell the coffee or the coffin, it’s up to you.
(3) Get up off your butt and start posting rich, relevant, clever, sincere, funny, encouraging comments at other blogs. Guaranteed to generate comments at your blog. Called “reciprocal commenting” in my book.
(4) Reply to those who do post comments, respond quickly, to each commenter if possible.
(5) Sometimes directly invite your readers to post their opinion. Use the word “opinion” like in: “Now I shut up and listen to YOU. What say you? Post a comment about this topic and share your insights and opinions with us. Thanks.”
Hey vaspers, this should’ve been a post! 🙁
Anyways if it was, I would’ve commented: “But I think #5 will only work when you have a huge audience.” 🙂
Hi Vaspers and Rico,
Great to see you guys. Wait until you see what I’ve been wasting my time on, simply to see whether I can do it. It’s one of those self challenge things I’ve gotten myself into. But hopefully other folks will find it fun. 🙂
114 comments on this post, and ppl are “wishing I had more comments”. Well, then, you’ve come to the right place for rolemodeled advice.
Way to go Liz. Blonde blogger DO get more comments, tee hee.
Hi Vaspers,
It’s nice to know that you’re looking out for me. It’s fun to let people have a place to vent. They deserve one. Most folks are doing great and deserve the attention.
Sometimes I just don’t think I’ll be back to check out what’s your response on my comment, so I’d rather leave nothing here 🙂
Hi Zeal,
That’s a fair reason not to comment, especially if you’ve got reason to believe that I won’t respond even if you do come back — which is true more often than not I would guess. At least it seems so to me.
Thanks, despite the number of comments, no one has pointed this out.
Liz
With all due respect Zeal, you should look at the other comments; except for extremely rare occasions, Liz Strauss answers each comment directly. You should be grateful for the time and effort she puts into doing so.
Rico,
I’m not sure that Zeal was talking about this site in particular. He might have been using the generic “you.”
But thank you, for your gracious description of me. You’re my hero!
I am new to blogging, so I feel like I am in the “just taking notes” phase. But when I do find a blog topic I like, I do comment because I genuinely like what has been said or the information was helpful to me. I am officially linked to your blog now, so I will be checking in often! Thanks for all the great advice.
Hello webduck,
Welcome to Succesful Blog and welcome to blogging. To paraphrase something they say about Texas,
I wasn’t born blogging, but I got here as fast as I could.
Since you’re a new blogger I hope you’ve found the New Blogger page,
https://www.successful-blog.com/new-blogger-page/
and I hope you’ll stop by Open Comments Night tonight (Tuesday after 7pm Chicago) to meet some of the folks who hang out around here. We’re a good group and we like to talk to each other and meet new people.
Do feel free to email me if I can point you to some information you might need. lizsun2 at gmail dot com.
When I wan to steal the idea or worst still the entire post, I will not comment fearing you will come to know about that.
Shirazi!
Hello, wonderful to see you!
How wise you are to point this one out. I know you are speaking from the experience of the person who has had her work taken. . . . Unfortunately, an idea is not something one can steal, but words are.
And you’re right about that. It would silly to comment, because that would draw attention to your misdeed.
I knew that research said that 97 % of weblogreaders just read and only 3 % responds, but it is good to see the reasons why those who don’t do this! Thanks and keep up the good work!
Hi Huub
Welcome!
Thank you for taking the time to be one of the 3%. It’s an honor to have your words here.
I appreciate them.
Liz
is the stuff good, smbdy will leave a comment
Welcome iopa,
You’re so right. If the post is good quality many folks will come forward and say something. 🙂
Pretty Interesting
The only reason for not posting any comment, in my case, is when my blog hoster or internet connection is down.
Regards,
No excuses; one must leave comment after reading. That is what keeps the bloggers going besides many other things.
Thank Shirazi!
Your comments are a lovely gift! It’s always nice to see you stop by here! 🙂
“No excuses; one must leave comment after reading” ??
Nonsense. If everyone left comments on every post they read, how much originality and usefulness would there be? Go read Slashdot as a bad example of that – without the moderation filtering, it would be even worse. There’s no value in that for anyone.
It’s good to leave appropriate and intelligent comments. Regurgitating something that has already been said (and worse: asking a question that is already answered!) is annoying.
Way back in comment #53, Naomi said that sometimes there are “already too many comments”. When that’s the case, unless you have something truly important to add, leave it be.
I’ve had to cut off open comments on some popular articles at my site: the steady stream of “me too” posts and repetitions of the same opinions were too much. After cutoff, I suggest that if anyone truly does have something original to say, they can drop me an email. If what they have to offer truly does add to the conversation, I’ll thread it in manually.
“Too much of a good thing” seems on the mark here.
Hi Tony!
You make a great point, and if you don’t, I’m going to make a post of it. 🙂
I’m certainly one of those who doesn’t take the time to read everyone’s comments and I can’t stand to write (let alone read) a “me too” comment for the sake of leaving my name behind.
It’s more likely that I think of what I want to say about three days after I’ve read the post. The conversation is long over and my comment is no longer relevant to anything.
Of course, as your probably remember from day 1, I’ve had that comment relevancy problem all along anyway. 🙂
So I keep my comments to a minimum and make sure that they’re worth something when I leave them. You do the same — I know that I perk up when I see a comment with your name attached, because there will be something worth reading inside.
This comment from you is a great example of that. Thanks for keeping the balance. You know I need it more than most understand that fact. 🙂
Usually, when I don’t comment, it’s because I’m either feeling lazy or with reading 350 or so blogs, plus another hundred newsfeeds, etc, I don’t have the time.
But I’m taking the time to comment here. Nice post. 🙂
Thanks, Shelly, both for your insight — I don’t think anyone actually pointed that reason — and for taking the time to leave with us.
You make us smarter. I appreciate that. We all do. 🙂
A well-written comment moves the discussion forward. I find myself often saying to commenters on my blog that their comments are a great start on a new blog post, because the idea that they have put forth is well-thought and well presented in a compelling fashion.
This thread is a great example of where good commenting can take a discussion. You canââ¬â¢t keep me from commenting when the discussion is focused as this one is. But you canââ¬â¢t get me to comment when folks are just dropping a note and leaving.
Thanks, Darren, for the mention. We had a good discussion on why people donââ¬â¢t comment over there too. 🙂
HI TW,
That’s true good comments and great comments do that. And good blogger leaves room for that to happen too.
I agree about comments that are a start on blog posts. I’ve even pulled a comment out and made it a post, because it deserved to be one.
Thanks for your comment today. It did just what you say a great comment should do.
You all make a wonderful argument against leaving a comment, but it is so funny because everyone has a reason for not leaving a comment, however there are 25 comments on this blog…. Go Figure. I guess the author just has a way of phrasing the post so that readers will comment!
Why dont we all agree on one thing: Leave a comment and let the writer know what you think when you visit a blog, notwithstanding all valid reasons given here.
Hi K!
Welcome. You make valid points all of them. I think that we want to be heard as much as we don’t want to leave comments in the wrong circumstances. It’s a human response to a human problem — as contadictory as we all are. 🙂
Hi Shirazi,
Bloggers are fiercely independent people. We’ll never agree on something that we “should” do. 🙂
I am indebted to this blog and its comment posters for enlightening me on Good Reasons NOT To Post a Comment.
I have focused so much on Why You SHOULD Post Comments, I kind of lost track of some good reasons not to.
And the best reason is: too many “me too” and butt kissing comments.
I hate flattery comments, where someone just agrees in a knee jerk reaction, without expressing an original or genuine opinion.
Lurkers I love and I often encourage bloggers to thank their shy, or inarticulate, or too busy lurkers, who often promote our ideas exo-blogistically.
But PLEASE DO NOT (yes I’m shouting!) think that your comment is “dumb” or not wanted. Us bloggers love all comments, and your so-called “dumb” comment or question or complaint might be an Extremely Valuable Revelation to all the smug smarty pants!
Keep posting them relevant and idiosyncratic comments, unless it’s just “I agree” or “me too” when the post already has 352 comments on it. ha ha ha
Steven,
Thank you for this comment. You make a great point that no comment, like no question, is dumb. I don’t think I’ve ever actually heard anyone come out and say that.
And speaking of “no comments are dumb comments” ….
Why would anybody call themselves..
V-+a%S(p#E*rsT=`hE..]gra_Te[
??
And .. How the heck did Liz figure it out that spells the name “Steve”
??
(yup – still subscribed to this thread)
HART (all caps): thanks for your recent inquiry about my comment signature. I use those symbols in my name because
(1) nobody else does, so it makes it easy for me to find my comments in a long thread
(2) clicking on that symbol-laden link takes you to my blog and simultaneously triggers a config file that, when enough people click on it, will eventually erase all the root servers and directories, thus deleting the entire internet.
Vaspers = a night service, I do my best work late at night from 11 PM to 6 AM
Grate = abrasive, my writings rub some ppl the wrong way, and I’m like sandpaper at times, putting a nice smoothe finish on things.
Thanks Steven, for the explanation. I always wondered what was behind the name!
You in particular will like this funny bloggery notion: I once speculated in some ancient Vaspers post what a blog would be like if it consisted of only one post, with hundreds of comments.
One post spawning infinite comments, and the entire conversation was based on that one single solitary post.
What could that post be? Any ideas? I guess this is a threadjack. Sorry. OT penalty.
I love this. I get lots of readers who love to read and leave. I’ve added a monthly drawing to draw in more commenters, but as you’ve said so eloquently, sometimes there’s not much to say when the post says it all.
Hi Dabbling Mum,
A monthly drawing! Now there’s an idea no one one has mentioned. . . 🙂
I must admit, I tend not to comment if it’s just to say “great article.” Maybe we should though to inspire a little?
Hi Ian!
Welcome!
I’m with in that a “great article” comment is usually one I reserve for a rare occasion when I’m commenting a friend’s blog and he or she knows that I wrote that because I’m really impressed.
Comments on exact point in the article can lead a blogger to blog even better — yes! I know that thoughts I hear from the comment box often lead me to think, “Hey someone’s listening and DOES invest in what I write.”
in my opinion, blog content is a king. If you give your readers a good info.. i belive we can get a positive comment.. rite?
Hi carllys!
Welcome!
You might think that, but it doesn’t prove so. Many folks read great content and have no to remark. I don’t blame them. Sometimes a great post says all that needs saying. (See my post it makes about leaving room for folks to have something to comment on. ) 🙂
Thank you for the great article. Greetings from Germany.
Hi Kostenlos,
You’re welcome. Thank you for reading it! 🙂
I’m pretty new to blogging too. I have to aggree with your point about passwords etc – If your reading in your lunch hour it’s just WAY to much trouble.
Interesting article. It’s certainly got lots of comments!
I guess one of the best ways to attract visitors to comment is leaving an URL field… even though it is nofollow, it is like magnet to everyone… I’m sorry if there was such a comment, I just couldn’t ready all the 165 preceeding comments.
Hi Dimitri!
Welcome!
No one expects your to read all of the previous comments. Though when you have time you might give them a look — there’s lots of great ideas there for getting more comments and readers. 🙂
What I do to provoke readers to make comments is ask them questions – finish a post with a question asking for people’s opinion. It only works if people readign your post care enough about what you ask – but if it does hit the right spont in your readers’ minds it can cause explosive effect.
Welcome Zeira!
Questions are a great way. I agree, Zeira, especially if the questions are specific and sincerely asked. Readers love to help writers, and they love to be asked their opinion. It can be a marvelous way to engage them in what we are doing. 🙂
Its is true what you have said above people do not leave comments “7. I really like your blog and your post, but Iââ¬â¢m too tired, busy, or any one of a number things that you canââ¬â¢t control. Iââ¬â¢ll comment the next I come back to read.”
Nice post Liz Thanks
Hi Amanda!
Great to see you around here again. It always feels good to know someone is reading old favorites like this one.
Your reasons for not commenting are reasons I understand. They are some that are mine as well. I’ve taken to choosing several times a week when I will got out to read with purpose of leaving a specific number of comments before I move on to the next thing I do.
Thank you Liz you have a great blog with Brilliant articles with full of knowledge for every one to read
Thank You
Amanda
Amanda,
Thank you for reading. It wouldn’t be much fun to write if no one stopped by to make use of it. 🙂
“Compelling content causes comments.”
You’re right. In that spirit I add comment here.
Thanks!
[this is a time when I feel I’ve learned something I already knew but saw in a different light and typically do not comment on…]
Hi m,
Your comment sounds so much like something I’d say that I’m smiling bigger than usual. Welcome to the conversation. 🙂
Thanks for reading my blog, like you said at the beginning. I’m having problems getting people to start leaving comments. I’ve tried a lot of the above, but it doesn’t seem to work.
Hi Robotii,
The most important thing you can do is become a part of an existing conversation among people who talk about the things you care about. They click through to see your blog. Some will start reading and commenting.
It does take time, but getting to know people is the way to get the comments started. 🙂
As I was reading then skimming through the myriad of comments above, another reason came to mind. On a blog with many comments I often do not comment even though I may have something to say. I may be repeating something already said and often do not have the time to read all comments that have already been made.
Another point that applies to me is that posts that interest me often compel me to delve into the subject area further – so I wander off searching for more and end up not coming back.
A great article Liz, which I will ponder on further in the attempt to stop making some of these mistakes myself (to be honest that should have read “almost all of these mistakes”)
Hi Sue!
How do you think I came write this post? It’s because I’ve been there and made all of these mistakes myself. 🙂
Meanwhile, you pointed out something everyone does and no one has mentioned (that I recall). I sure do avoid commenting if I think I run the risk of looking like I’m going to be repeating something already said. I also wander off and forget to come back. 🙂 Sometimes I remember three days later and return to comment then. 🙂
I’ve been scouring the web for blogs on the arts scene in Vienna, Austria and have found very few to leave a comment on.
very strong arguments but even now it is possible to leave comments in your blog. very nice. 🙂
Ye Baldai,
Even now, comments are here. 🙂
Great post, I read this a while ago and, since then, I try to change my own attitude as a blogger in order to get more comments. I was wondering… can I translate your post into portuguese – with link to your original post, of course?
If I spend time reading a particular blog, I like to leave a comment to let the author know I read their stuff and it was thought provoking for me to hang around and check out other posts.
Sometimes I read the erudite and intelligent comments of others and I feel not up tho their level and don’t want to appear so. That is something I try to get over and just comment.
But you’re right, sometime all I feel is “Good job” but don’t want to just leave that as a comment.
And it is almost a year to the day since you wrote this, and people are still commenting.
Good Job 🙂
Hi Michael,
Yep, I know exactly what you’re saying. I have the same problem sometimes. Sometimes, too, I’m feeling too “uncreative” to express the thoughts I want to say. I don’t feel up to the challenge. Sometimes the work I read is fabulous, but I’m weary. 🙂
Yes and sometimes I think so hard trying to come up with a comment as eloquent as the other comments I just work myself up to, clicking away from all the brain ache I am giving myself.
Yeah, Michael,
I can certainly overthink myself into that state. 🙂
Great article Liz! I followed a link to it from over at Susan Renyolds blog. Mostly the reason I don’t leave many comments is #7 on your list. And also one other one some one mentioned a couple of commments above…that the other commenters were so eloquent that I don’t feel that I can write something and express myself as well as they can and I give myself a headache just stressing about it.
Hi Paulette!
Welcome!
I know the part about overthinking comments. I do that all of the time. Sometimes when I know my comment can stand on its own I choose only to skim the other comments to make sure no one as said exactly what I’ve said — that helps me not feel so much pressure to be brlliant everty time. 🙂
First of all lemme thank you for putting up such a great topic. Well i would say that it depends on a person and how open-minded he or she is.
According to me one must never shy away from what he wants to say.
All you have to do it just say it.
Hi AftaB
Welcome!
Yes the writer does make a difference does it? I feel differently depenind on how friendly he or she is. I try to comment when I feel strongly, but if I don’t I’m likely to just move on. 🙂
I almost didn’t leave a comment.
A blog entry can stay online for years before a reader gets to it. It seems pointless for many people to write a comment where there has not been any activity for a year or two.
And in some cases, if there are already many comments, far too many to wade through, a potential commenter may be afraid to post a message in fear that a point has already been raised.
Hi The Dog,
And sometimes a year later, someone is still listening. 🙂
You’re right, though, your comment belongs on the list of why folks don’t respond to a blog post with a comment of their own.
I’m still glad that you did. 🙂
the reason why people still comment after all this time is simply becouse they would want a link back to thier blog or website. its effective but you’ll end up with a bunch of crap in your blog.
Gee Sami!
Welcome!
That sure seems a dismal view. It wouldn’t be why I would comment. I have to suppose that there are some folks who are like me.
Is that the reason that you commented?
Of coarse not. hehehe :). in my country its summer and i have nothing else to do for now so i stay visiting blogs to find some interesting subjects to post to.. this was one of them 😛
Hi Sami!
Then I guess, you proved yourself wrong. [grin] Too fun!! It’s summer here too. 🙂
it might be but i can assure you that its not as hot as here. i live in malta. “http://www.malta-map.com/maltese_islands/Malta/detail_level_02/images/malta_map_16.gif”. right now there’s a heatwave passing through the islands. 2 days ago it was 41 degrees. we went out to swim and the the sea was litterly hot. i’d rather stay in under the AC blooging around. where do you live?
Thanks alot for this discussion.
I’m always leaving comments to improve the discussion.
http://booster.110mb.com
I’m just too old and lazy to do all the required typing :o)
Another reason I think users dont leave comments is because of slow sites. People cant be bothered to wait for the site to load.
Hi Amr, Wealth Magnet and Shakeel!
All three of you point out interactions that are typical. Sometimes I don’t comment, because people make a big deal when I do. 🙂
Hi Sami!
Sorry it took ages to get back here. A business deal took over my life for a while there. I live in Chicago and it’s incredibly hot here today. 🙂
I’m feeling #9.
Well, Craig, that’s most intereting comment. Why?
when people talk to me face to face http://babes.nofate.com I can be myself, here people often are rude, would you say that when you looked into my eyes? 🙂
Hi Kee,
I’m sorry that you find people rude. We don’t take to that here. 🙂
Thanks Liz
I also feel like #1
Yeah, I think all do sometimes.
i really have fun reading comments of other people on my posts..good or bad, well, it goes to show that they have indeed read ’em. but i’m also guilty of not leaving comments on other blogs as well, i guess it’s more of the #7 reason..:)) anyway, is there some program or some kinda comment box which automatically appears as one signs out of my site, that he won’t be able to sign out unless he leaves a comment? just wondering… (but I think I saw one like that, just can’t remeber on what site exactly) 🙂
1, 9 and 10 have to be the most common based on my experience.
Yea I know what u mean i have a domaining blog @ dropdr.com
and I dont get any comments , maybe u guys can help
thanx,
dropdr
Thanks for a great article. I’ll put your advic into practice.
when people talk to me face to face http://www.sacekimmerkezi.org I can be myself, here people often are rude, would you say that when you looked into my eyes? 🙂
Thank you for the informative post. I have been trying to get my readers more involved and you have given me some great ideas. I also think my lack of comments has to do with my use of blogger. I hope blogger creates a better commenting system. They did impliment the LiveID thing so I guess they are working on it.
Hi Godabidz!
Yep reading them is an important part of showing that we value them. I agree with you. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
Hi Robinson Go!
It seems for me that they go in cycles. Though the ones you point to stand out a bit more than the others. 🙂
Hi saç ekimi,
Welcome!
Sometimes I find that people on the street are also rude. It’s when we don’t think of each other as people that we act rudely. It happens in both worlds sadly.
One reason may be the fear, that your comment will be deleted by the Webmaster because of spam, for at some blogs, simply leaving your website seems to be suspicious enough to do so.
A business deal took over we life for a while there. Sorry it took ages to get back here We live in Chicago and itââ¬â¢s incredibly hot here today!!
Hi Computer Freak!
I’m thinking that comments sometimes fall into spam filters by mistake, but real comments, in my experience rarely get deleted. I’d quit reading a blog that did that.
Hi Kazeban!
Yes, it’s a beautiful day in our city today, isn’t it? 🙂
I often wonder why people don’t leave comments on my posts but then months later an old post gets picked up and suddenly gets inundated.
I think that public mood is very important.
Regards from Madrid,
JAFP
I would leave more comments if I wasn’t so bored living in Ontario. now i’m moving back to London.
How did I get to this page searching for toronto moving companies? who knows, but I did comment.
Owen Wiltshire
U of T
Hi Owen,
I have no idea . . . sometimes it makes me crazy when that happens to me. Then I think, “eh? Google gets me there most of the time.”
Hi Liz!
I read your blog. hehe.. but I never comment. 🙂 I fall into one of your categories, 1 or 2, sometimes 7.
Your comments on comments are very inspiring and very helpful to me. It helps me to keep that in mind when I write my blog.
Good job! You have more than 200 comments on this single post! Congratulations!
Cheers,
Amos
Hi Amos!
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to share your thought and to let me know you’re there. 🙂
Your comment contains very useful information about all thank you… rusça tercüman
Hi,
Nice post! Number 9 is more realistic, readers look for simplicity. If you put a Wall or a Fence like you say will stop comments.
Hi Mexico Seo
You’re right, most readers don’t have time to jump fences. 🙂
after reading this, i cant leave without leaving a comment:))) really nice idea
thanks Farouk!
Yeah, why don’t more folks leave comments. I always try to drop some love or discontent depending on the issue of the day.But most people are to lazy to do that? Am i wrong
Prove me wrong, leave yours here
Hi Team Leader,
I wonder . . . my experience of bloggers is that we’re all so fiercely independent that drawing a line in the sand might not be the most magnetic invitation.
Hi,
I appreciate the most of the things that the readers who interested didn’t comment will fit
well in the 10 reasons you quoted in your write up. I too am the one, now wants to change my naive and looks up to drop a comment henceforth.
Right! thank you.
Hi Vara,
Thank you. I wrote what I know and it seems that it’s what most folks know too. A comment is always welcome.
You’re not a stranger anymore.
Liz
Leaving comments is useless
Hi Mr. Surbade,
I would add one word to your remark.
Leaving useless comments is useless.
The words above in this comment thread and the conversations that have changed the way I think refute what you say.
Im leaving a comment just to say that I have left a comment.
lauren
Hope you found it all that you thought it would be. 🙂
Hi, I have a fishing blog and am having difficulty to generate comments, despite having over 50 hits per day I recieve an average of 2 comments. Having read your comments I will now structure my site to make it inviting and get back to you with the resluts. Thanks
Hi Ron!
Good luck! Hope it works well for you!
You covered some reasons that I had not considered. And I intend to focus on them more often. Because you surely know the field of commenting to have recieved all the comments I had to scrolled through to post mine.
I generally comment. But I just move on with a “good one” phrase. But Now Definitely I need to write something.
For the maximum number of people, the reason they won’t comment is lazy to read whole post. If they comment on the half read posts, they just cannot keep up with exact point of talk. Of course this is almost same. I just read your 10 points, skipped first and last :).
“Your blog has geeky attitude and Iââ¬â¢m not geeky enough to keep up.”
I have to say I connect with this one, I often find myself analyzing if I feel “smart enough” to commit to the convo.
I enjoyed your article, it will help me think of how my readers view my site more.
Regards,
Drew
Yeah, Drew!
Welcome!
Some blogs are too geeky and they aren’t meant for me or you. That may be okay. After all my blog isn’t right for everybody. But if you’re looking for readers and comments, it’s sure something to consider.
the reason i dont post is because they ask so many questions before posting, the ones that i hate the most are the ones that after writing a paragraph you click the submit button and it asks you to log in, i hope this one isnt one of them.. lol lets see..
i have read this why people don’t leave comment, its only because there concentration does not lie on leaving a comment, instead they are busy in getting their search result for which they are on to
Hi Sandy!
After all of these comments, I think you could be the first who has brought that one to light!
you pointed 10 awesome reasons why i not leave a comment in most cases …
OKay, I don’t to forget comment to you!
“What you write is so complete, that I donââ¬â¢t know what to say except good job. I feel silly writing that, so I read and move on.” I do this sometimes! but if thats going to be dicussion and question being fired, I would be answering it really.
I hope #2 is the reason for no comments on my blog, but I don’t think it is.
[ââ¬Â¦] On August 7th, 2006 a lady by the name of Liz created a buzz on the blogosphere with her a post on why readers do not leave comments which is at Successful-blog. [ââ¬Â¦]
i too do not post comments if there’s a fence and i have to sign in. often the signing in function does not work right on some blogs at the time i try to sign in; and i can’t for some odd reason. or once i have signed in, i can no longer find the original post i wanted to comment on, or i just don’t have the time to sign in. i think it is good information to know reasons why people do not leave comments.
I like your outlook on leaving comments. Good point of view! Thanks!
I’ve just recently started blogging, and I try to comment as a matter of course. If you do not comment on other peoples’ blogs, than why should you ever expect them to comment on yours? How will you even expect them to know where you are? There’s just no way.
So I always try to comment.
Cheers!!
You are the best commenter on the planet! I should just give up and take lessons from you.
I mean, er, awesome thoughts, Liz – I need some time to think about this!
This is amazing, Liz! The power of compelling content you were writing about is obvious here. It’s been over 2 years since you wrote it and it still gets comments. Such a great job!
I never used to comment on blogs. Now that I created a blog as a hobby, I feel more obligated to comment occasionally.
I won’t comment where registering is required.
I do think it is an excellent post. I also know that getting comments on any blog can be a problem, but in all honesty I have found that once you get a reasonable amount of visitors a few will comment. Once this happens, more will follow. Maybe it’s peer pressure of sorts.
Blogs are good for info but leaving comments to release thoughts upon the world which most are lost in the mire are theraputic
Haha. I’m one of those who would most probably send email to the author rather than leaving a comment. Well that depends on wherever seems more convenient for *ahem* me. 🙂
The only time I comment on others’ blogs is when I believe I can be of some help (maybe this one too). This would have to mean that the post didn’t already solve a problem or describe enough.
I see too many blog posts that talk about nothing…that “I’ll share whatever rolls around in my head” thing that we all have.
It all goes back to mother’s old adage: “If you don’t have anything helpful to say, then don’t say anything.”
Just simply saying thanks is nice to hear as a blog writer. One word.
Hey Big Roy,
I think you could pick up that comment and use it as a blog post. What you wrote is great advice any way that you look at it.
Hi,
Great trigger and great thinking.
I guess, this is what they call, ‘thinking out of box’. Most of us think of the benefits or the problems of leaving a comment. But, you have clearly presented the viewer’s perspective as to why he/she might not leave a comment.
Keep going.
Sometimes, people may not want to leave comments because they don’t feel confident in themselves. As you wisely mentioned, I have found that adding some encouraging language towards the end of my posts has helped with this big time. “C’mon Let’s Talk!” is also a great way to get people writing 🙂 Thanks for the article!
Mam Liz… Can i post in on my site? If its ok with you? I’m just a starter in making blog. Your post here will serve as my guide in doing or creating blog.
Humblejuice,
You can copy out the 10 reasons if you give it proper credit and link back to this post. That’s the way it’s done. You’re good for asking permission. Thank you. 🙂
Ur welcome Mam Liz! Thank you also!
LEAVING A COMMENT IS A VERY GOOD HABIT BECAUSE IT LETS PEOPLE KNOW EACH OTHER AND CONTACT. IT HELPS TO DISCOVER NEW PERSONS ON INTERNET. THE BEST WAY TO BE FOUND IN A SEARCH REASULT IS TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR THE NAME ON ANY TOPIC. THATS WHAT I DO IT FOR.
I AM DEBPRATIM GHOSH.
MY EMAIL IS debpratim.ghosh@gmail.com
uh, can i copy this? I’ll credit you. 🙂
Hi jN,
Thank you, as long as you use my name, the title of the post and link back here. Then we’re good!
Well you certainly have no problem getting comments. I wish I could say the same about my website. I wish someone would take a look at my website. It’s a search engine that finds free books. I thought people would like it. Free Book Quest.
I try to always leave comments as I also like to receive them. I am leaving you this one trying to get the word out to everyone about your potential to see something horrific if you use stumble. I did yesterday and you can read the full story here:
http://www.webupon.com/Web-Talk/Stumbling-in-Bad-Taste.617053
Please let as many people as you can know about this.
it depends on many factors..like dofollow or not
I am leaving this comment because I have ready your blog and I find it informative. I will keep checking back for some more.
I leave a comment if I find a blog interesting, informative or humorous.
I’ll let you guess which combination of the three I found this to be. 😉
Popped on over from Darren’s 31 Day Challenge – a mighty list of great posts necessary to read and digest and am bit-by-bit copying and pasting on to a Word Doc so I can read them later (in a nice cafe, in the sunshine and not in front of my computer again)…
Yours is the first where I actually copied some of the comments too!
Cheers,
Karenne
I don’t get comments on website now I have to figure out which of the ten or all maybe the culprit, got me thinking mmmmm
I think of this as “The Twitter Reason” —
I wonder if my comment will be taken the way I mean it. It is hard to either show (or hide) emotions and intent in letters on the screen. My Twitter example – I have made comments that I think of as totally innocent, and all of a sudden 10 followers drop off. That doesn’t put me off, but I would imagine that a lot of people do not want to be taken “out of context” and looked at poorly — even it they may not be, the question may be, “Is it worth the risk?”
I don’t comment when there is word verification. Comment moderation should be enough. I hate trying to read those squiggly letters and numbers. Why should I?
I also comment less often when there are already a lot of comments, like here. Chances are someone has already said what I thought to say but I don’t want to read all those previous comments to find out.
I’m sorry. I had to come back and leave a comment. I was going to leave a nice comment about why I don’t leave comments on other blogs and decided not to then left your blog.
But, once I left, I laughed at myself because that was exactly what your post was about. I want to leave a comment but then I get second thoughts and don’t care anymore. The IRONY! Anyways, for that, your post deserves my comment.
I was going to say, the first time I was here, that I want to leave something valuable and feel good even for a second or two. I believe comments differ in importance depending on how many comments a single posts receives. Like this post, I feel like I’m just another being all the way down here. I could do this on my own blog. Who the heck is going to read this comment? Maybe Liz and possibly the next few commenters until my comment gets pushed up.
I’d more likely leave a comment if I were 1 of the top say 20 first commenters on a post.
Great list, thanks! You know how they say that the greatest compliment you can receive is to have somebody copy you, right? I hope you don’t mind, but I made my own version of this list specific for my blog, which, of course, makes fun of my blog.
It was a fun post to write!
I just revisited this post through the ProBlogger challenge…you never fail to nail an issue (if we can call it that because it’s relative) squarely and head-on.
Liz, can I just say again – what a blessing it’s been to discover you, your wisdom and your incredible sense of (blog) community, and how to build it by living in it.
I’ve not had a chance to visit here as much as I’d like lately – I just wanted you to know how much your words and your sharing are endlessly appreciated by me….and certainly everyone who crosses paths with you.
Christopher
I shall believe that my readers don’t comment because I’ve written the post so well that they don’t feel that they’ve anything to add.
Monkeys might fly out of my rear too. 🙂
Honestly, I think that the lack of comments is characteristic of the aloof demeanor of the average info-junkie. We want to move on to find more and to write a meaningful comment would delay the search for the next nugget.
My top 3 reasons for not leaving comments:
~ Sometimes, I just don’t want to be the first one to comment
~ There isn’t a lot of comment activity on the blog let alone the post, so I don’t feel compelled to write one
~ The location of the comment link could be at the top, by the time I’ve read and scrolled to the bottom, I don’t feel like scrolling back up to click on the link and leave a comment
@Karenne
Thanks! I’ve talked to lots of folks since I wrote this list and it’s still gets a great discussion. Writing for blogs is different than writing for print. That’s a sure thing. 🙂
@Annaleen,
Don’t try too hard. Just keep your readers in mind when you write and leave a little room them to respond. You’ll be fine.
Hi Mike Kirkeberg!
I’ve actually looked down a few comment threads and had the same response. My comment was going to be so different. I decided that I didn’t want to be the one who “stuck out.”
Hi Laura
I with you on the word verification — to me that’s just like asking me to login. The number of comments sometimes makes me stop. Mostly it depends on whether the blog post moved me to have a new thought.
Hi Shawnymac!
On posts with huge comment threads I’m often really interested who writes a comment at this end. Like the comment you wrote, these comments are often rich with substance. Thanks for coming back to leave yours.
@Larrie Campbell I think that’s fabulous! I’ll be over to read it!
@Mattb4rd
Honestly, I think that the lack of comments is characteristic of the aloof demeanor of the average info-junkie. If that’s what you think of your readers (I realize you included yourself in that grou), I suspect that shows. If that does show, it seems they’re just living up to your expectations.
Maybe if you were looking for a conversation, you’d get one. 🙂
Hey topseekrit
I have had all three of those response myself. I particularly hate to have to find the comment link. 🙂
@Liz Strauss
Most of the interaction with my readers takes place on FriendFeed, Twitter, Facebook, and email.
Certainly those venues have a larger audience than my blog and perhaps by commenting there, the desires of my readers to see and be seen are more adequately fulfilled.
I’m guessing at this point, really. Feel free to visit my site and let me know if there’s anything that might compel you to comment.
Hi Matt,
I misunderstood what you were saying. You’re getting the comments — just not on your blog.
Both ways work. It’s a matter of what your goal is. If you want conversation your blog, I’ll go take a look to see if anything stands out. If you’re not worried about having folks comment on your blog. I wouldn’t give it (or me) another thought.
I’ll shoot you an email.
One more thought on comments – nearly 100% of the time, I receive comments on posts I never imagine will generate them. Conversely, the posts I believe will become active discussions…nothing. Zippo.
And yet…
I get lots of emails about posts. And they’ve all been positive…except for one post. I wrote a satire on Notre Dame Football and every ND fan came out of the woodwork to trash me, threaten me, “yell” at me.
But it was comforting I got their attention. 🙂
Hi CGabriel,
So manypeople have shared that same experience. I’ve thought about it a lot. I think when we think that we’re going to get the comments, we somehow have written too loudly, too proudly, and our thoughts only resonate inside our own heads. Conversely, when we are surprised by the discussion that happens, we’ve said something simple that echoes like the shot heard round the world.
Nearly nothing fazes me as a reader. I can even ignore bad grammar, but the core ideas must make up for the awkwardness of sentence construction. I’m a bit of a gossip – I need to take a peek at person behind the blog. He need not put in anything salacious or very personal details. I just want some personal traits of the writer to shine through his post.
So I guess what prevents me from commenting is if I stumble across a post as perfect as a textbook prose: impersonal, passionless, dreadfully devoid of any hints about the man who writes it.
Then I let it be and move on.
And hey, I forget this: the perfect post. Just like what you said. I have nothing to add. I’d like to elaborate a bit. This post is so well written it’s almost perfection itself. I feel that if a leave a comment it will stain the carpet and mess the overall grandeur of the blog. I beat a hasty retreat. But I come again to check how the author responds to commenters. If he’s not stuffy in his responses, if he does not play favorites, then I will chime in. I need to be reassured I will not be ignored, laughed at or talked to. But then again it’s much more a function of my shortcomings as a visitor, I concede.
A little note: Darren sent me to read up on you. An assignment we had on day 6 of 31 Days to Better Blogging Program.
But this feels quite unlike an assignment. I enjoyed it here. I’ve run off the mouth as it is. Will restrain myself next time, promise. Thank you, mam.
Liz, Love the post…. you might want to add one more that is more a sign of success.
So many others have already posted comments that I’m not sure I can add anything new.
Oh that all our posts have this particular problem! 🙂
I have read over & over how most readers of blogs don’t leave comments. Mostly I don’t because I just don’t have time, but I have been trying to get out there and comment more. I like meeting new people and sharing thoughts and seeing who I have things in common with.
* this post is one of the examples of the type i dont leave comments on because there’s already 323 for gods sake including one saying ‘i’ll meet you later’. there has to be a way to clean this up since i think what im saying has already been said in that pile somewhere.
* another reason: stop asking for my email address or get on one of the universal login networks.
* suggested: universal RSS comment feeds. some sites have them now but not all. that way i can track the discussion and then remove it from my reader once it dies rather than risk providing my email.
* google reader’s new ‘comments’ tool is worth checking out although its only shared between ‘friends’ at the moment.
Liz, I came across your post while doing problogger’s 31 days to build a better blog challenge, and I am using it as a reference to change the way I approach posts to encourage readers to start leaving comments.
You missed my favorite number 1 reason for not commenting – I have absolutely no idea as to what the writer is talking about! I am constantly finding posts that have a nice hook in the title but can’t seem to get the idea across in the post.
Reading through this long haul of posts which started almost three years ago, I have similar reservations about having anything worthwhile to add other than tagging on the end. I’ve noticed (here and elsewhere) posters start replying to each other …even more so if they are regular readers and again I feel like I’m pushing into a club. I leave stuff like that for my time on Twitter etc.
Really cool
PLUS ANOTHER:
You have an obnoxious CAPTCHA to protect you from spammers, and it’s not worth fighting. Sometimes I hit enter, the CAPTCHA isn’t accepted, and my comment disappears. How likely do you think I am to type my same comment a second time?!
….because you are the 337 post, what can I say that has not already been said?
I did enjoy it, I was getting a complex no one was commenting on my posts, after seeing the number of replies you received, there is no more “getting” one…I HAVE one..
Great article Liz! I followed a link to it from over at Susan Renyolds blog. Mostly the reason I donât leave many comments is #7 on your list. And also one other one some one mentioned a couple of commments aboveâ¦that the other commenters were so eloquent that I donât feel that I can write something and express myself as well as they can and I give myself a headache just stressing about it.
best regards
sh_kaveh57@yahoo.com
I’m an extrovert, so I often don’t understand people who aren’t. The same applies to my blogging.
Thanks for helping me understand the other side of the equation, why people aren’t responding to my posts.
Lots to work on
Sometime reading through the comments, what I want to say has been said already. So whats the point, it would only annoy the blogger whos post you are commenting on if in 4 seperate comments the same has been said then you would reply, yes. then as per #(above), this again, see above. this happens and the reader leaving the comments is a bit sad that they have repeated much to the annoyance of the blogger and made their blood boil.
Hi Terry,
I feel that way often in person and sometimes on blogs — that the conversation is so established I would be interrupting. I know exactly what you mean about that.
I guess on the Internet, I feel a little better about being about to see everyone as equal to each other even if I’m new to them.
Yeah inDglass,
I’ve left many a comment floating in cyberspace because I was unwilling to type it again.
Oh Seamus,
Did you see how old this post is and how old this blog is too? Chris Brogan went 8 years before he got his first comment.
Some topics, blogs, and writing styles lend themselves to comments more than others.
sh!
I can identify with that. Really. Other folks seem to go deeper on certain topics than I ever will (or want to). That leaves me wondering whether my observation from left field will look shallow or look new.
Hi Lorraine!
It’s funny how a different blog can change the way I feel about commenting. But I like the fact that the comment box allows me room to think about what I’m saying to you. 🙂
Hi ItCourses,
I find that every person says it in a slightly different way that gives me just a little more insight into what that comment means to the community. I like that.
No comment ever made my blood boil. Though people in person have … once in a while … usually they just amaze me.
You’re not a stranger anymore. 🙂
Hi Liz,
This is my first time here and this post was indeed thought provoking. I find there is a gap between the no. of readers and the comments I get. I personally think that even though I ask questions not many come fwd to answer. And believe you me, my questions are not ‘Big Bang theory’ types.
Recently a friend of mine confided that her friend to whom she recommended my blog has been lurking but feels intimidated to write since she feels her command over English would be ridiculed by mine – aah!
Frankly I don’t write hi-fi words myself and I think that if I make it more simpler than now, then the “other classier” readers will feel, it will be ‘below them’ to read my contents!
What can one do in such a case?
While I’m reading this post, I was quite giggling at myself especially with #1.
I maintain a tech blog which was quite new and it seems that scarcity in comments or sometimes not even a single one bothers me but I’m certain that I give my readers a full blast of what they should know.
However, engaging them in a conversation within the comment section is an added challenge, is it normal for tech blogs to have less comments? Or is it just giving so much information like #1?
Any thoughts on this?
Why I don’t comment:
1. The post is so long that I don’t have time to read it, nevertheless ascertain what it is saying so that I can comment.
2. The post is so poorly written that I can’t decipher what it’s point is.
3. The post is so boring that there’s no point in commenting.
4. The post is written in one or two long paragraphs, and it’s structure appears so daunting to tackle, that I don’t even want to attempt to read it!
5. The post is one long diatribe of someone’s personal life, without any lesson to learn, or inspiration.
So Liz, what do you consider “rich and compelling?” I need to know what makes you leave a comment!
krissy knox
follow me on twitter
http://www.twitter.com/iamkrissy
Probably the number one reason why I don’t comment is I have nothing to say, either because the topic isn’t relevant to me whatsoever, or because it’s entirely uninteresting.
Hi,
My name is kratom. I don’t usually leave comments, but I’m amazed at how many people comment on a comment blog. It took me 1/2 hour and several cups of tea to read through them all… Good job.
Kratom
Hi Ronnica,
Valid reasons. In those cases, I stop reading entirely and move on. I bet you do too. 🙂
Hi Kratom,
What I’ve found is that we all want to be heard. It’s more about sharing as we’re learning than teaching what we know. That leaves folks a whole lot more room to talk.
Brilliant & Thank you! I often wondered why I was getting loads of traffic yet very, very few comments. Then I looked at your list and thought about my own behaviour (I never comment) and the penny dropped. Now I just need to work on my writing to make people WANT to comment.
Iâve left many a comment floating in cyberspace because I was unwilling to type it again.
I came up with 13 More Reasons on my blog, but please let me mention Reciprocal Commenting: you try to always post a comment at the blog of a person sh_kaveh57@yahoo.com who posted a comment at your blog.
You reap what you sow. You post lots of comments at other blogs, you should end up with lots of comments at your blog. But this needs some qualification: some bloggers are rude, âtoo busyâ, selfish, or lazy. So those turps wonât reciprocate.
Main reason sh_kaveh57@yahoo.com for no comments is bad content and no interaction with other bloggers.
New blogger, try posting a very controversial poeeeem or essay. Not naughty or racist, but a post on Why Air Is Unneccesary or How My Head Transplant Improved My Personality or Why Net Neutrality and Web 2.0 Are Clashing Madly.
Write about sh_kaveh57@yahoo.com millionaire bloggers, blog psychosis, blogs and murder, or the future of blogging.
Topics that will grab attention. Say something smart, even if just a few remarks.
Shorten your sh_kaveh57@yahoo.com freaky paragraphs, and slash your long posts to more skim friendly format.
Excellent list.
I hate typing a comment only to have to wrestle with the log-in screen and possibly lose the comment.
Being too complete or asking too big a question are probably two of the biggest killers.
Bookmarking this…
Hi, I wandered over from a link on Pesky Apostrophe. This is a great post!
I can add a thought as to why Iâve given up commenting at a couple of sites. Some sites tend to be clique-like and itâs too much like a rerun of high school to me. I most often feel like my comments are ignored. I do tend to keep going back and commented on sites where the poster interacts with the commenters.
sh_kaveh57@yahoo.com
That said, I sure wish I knew what to do to get more people to interact with me on my blog. Granted, probably the last weekâs worth of posts arenât a good example
This is really nice.
Thanks to ME Liz Strauss for posting this .
Comments are good because one can share his or her ideas with one another.
Good to read it.
lots of comments on this one 🙂
and now you got mine as well.
i enjoyed reading. thank you very much for this lovely post.
Great post and great comments. But unfortunately i couldn’t read all of them. 🙂
Thank you for the list of reasons. The responses here were interesting as well and are food for thought. However I get next to no comments on my blog (I ALWAYS respond to the ones I do get and comment on the blogs of others). While I post music mostly, I write about other things to keep the door open. No luck, lots of views but responses are like getting blood from a stone. I look at other blogs that get many responses but the subject matter leaves me cold. Not sure what to do.
Hi Fred,
Looks to me like you get comments more than most folks do. Some blogs and some topics are more inclinded to draw folks who respond … some less. Let me know if you want help with that.
Thank you for the account of reasons. The responses actuality were absorbing as able-bodied and are aliment for thought. However I get next to no comments on my blog i always acknowledge to the ones I do get and animadversion on the blogs of others. While I column music mostly, I address about added things to accumulate the aperture open. No luck, lots of angle but responses are like accepting claret from a stone. I attending at added blogs that get abounding responses but the accountable amount leaves me cold. Not abiding what to do.
This is a funny post 🙂 i liked reading it, keep posting!
This was helfpul, but I don’t know how to fix this problem. I have been getting plently of traffic, but still very few comments.
haha nice findings and really when i read ur thoughts i was like “that always happens to me” this is the first time i am commenting on any blog post. keep it up and thanks for ur good thoughts.
I post music mostly, I write about other things to keep the door open. No luck, lots of views but responses are like getting blood from a stone. I look at other blogs that get many responses but the subject matter leaves me cold. Not sure what to do.
I think so many people left comments on this posting because they want to do exactly the opposite of what this article is about. Human behavior is quite predictable?
Hi Sen,
I agree that many folks have done and many more have tried and not made the comment stick.
Still if they’ve added something relevant, I’ve keep what they’ve had to say. Commenting is contagious. heh heh
much obliged!
Interesting to see that you have thought about theses things. I don’t get why people would not want to read negative things though.
However, if I think about what I like I have to admit that positive and light posts are my favorites.
Looks to me like you get comments more than most folks do.
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.
Great post, I notice that it seems to be a different world online, so many people don’t leave comments, even when you give them a great subject and a perfect place to reply. Though Some of your 10 reasons are very valid and understandable.
It’s always difficult to draw in a lot of comments. Asking questions always seems to help. I usually leave comments when I want to let the author know I liked the article, I have something to add, or simply have a question about the content.
Hi Justin,
Asking questions is one of the best ways to get folks to interact. Though, I have to say great questions take almost as much time as a great blog post does.
11. I was going to leave a comment but you have so many already that i dont want to scroll down to the bottom of the page for an hour or so.. lol
Yep, Eze,
That’s getting to be a valid comment in this case. heh heh
I get so tired of needing extra logins, I just don’t bother. If it won’t allow me to just enter my info, or use Google or Open ID, it simply is not worth it. Newspapers are bad for this.
Lately, though, I’ve stopped leaving comments because of trolls. I don’t want to get sucked into their vortex of vitriol. I commented at a Web site – quite nicely – and the trolls followed me on the Web for weeks, leaving nasty comments. It was like a virtual lynch mob. I’ve never had to deal with that before, and certainly don’t again – especially when clients are reading my stuff.
Unless it is a blog I know well, I likely won’t leave a comment.
Hi Angela,
Sorry I didn’t get here sooner. This travel does have a downside connecting online happens less than I might like.
I’m with you about logins … I don’t bother either. I also don’t pay attention to trolls or go where they’re popular.
No worries here. Trolls don’t like the nice atmosphere. heh heh
Your post was the basis of my comment policy.Do check it out @ gracelyne.wordpress.com/comment-policy
🙂
Great post, I always mention that, but really its neat, and i relate with it. I have to confess much of my blog commenting is self motivated as I intend to build a passive income with my websites and that requires traffic.
The reason i don’t leave comments most times is because I don’t think they will get published if I use a keyword in my “name”.
I want to leave the keyword.
It helps me.
I like to also leave a thoughtful comment. I don’t comment much, but when I do my journey starts with the keyword I’m working with and I always end up learning something, like today.
This is a great blog. You are a very committed person and I bet you really enjoy what your doing. Its remarkable, really.
My name is really joe, but my internet friends sometimes call be successful.
He He.
Thanks!
Well your reasons are a kind of “maybe/maybe not” situation. I used to have two web blogs under different names with the same posts. One would get real and fake posts all the time, the other gets nothing. So who really knows why this happens?
389
Iâve noticed I have a lot of readers but I never get any comments. Also the comments I do receive tend to be meaningless, that I suspect to simply be a way for passersby to vandalize my blog with their blog link, a bit like what Iâve done here. Iâve not said much but there it is, next to my comment, my blog link.
The whole web ranking concept is broken. Good webpage supposed to have many incomming links, so people spamming blogs with hundreds on garbage comments like “Nice post” or so.
After reading this post , my heart a long time can not be quiet, shake ah! Why is there such a good post!Why is there such a good post!
I know its a little late but its still a great post
Thank you, Joe, for saying so. 🙂
I think that was a good oppinion but I have another oppinion!See all these people are leaving comments and I like to! I just like to, I guess tell everyone how I’m feeling…or it COULD be that I love typing.Either way, I always leave comments wp (when possible)
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbour were preparing to do some research about that. We got a good book on that matter from our local library and most books where not as influensive as your information. I am very glad to see such information which I was searching for a long time.This made very glad Smile
For me it all comes back to what value can I add to the conversation.
If I can add a point that complements the post and keeps the interaction going then I will comment.
The only time I will comment with a thanks or a well done is if the post is written by someone I know.
That way they know that the comment is genuine because they know me.
Cheers Adam
Adam,
I wish I could think like you. You sound so refreshing to me!!
I get there and I get so self-conscious. My point of view sometimes has to do with the elephant in the room when everyone else is painting the ceiling. I’m careful about coming in from left field with a group I don’t know.
Introverts have a different view of commenting. heh heh 🙂
I am very aware now of writing comments for the blogs I read. I know how much it means if someone comments on mine. However, there are times I still feel self concious that what I am writing is not valuable to the blogger. The old “I’m not worthy” syndrome. I am working on that. One thing you did mention was that some people are offended when they don’t receive a reply on their comment. I am guilty of that…a lot. I didn’t really think people wanted me to respond at first. Again, I am working on that. I thank you for letting me know I am not alone.
M
Michelle,
I just had this conversation with a white-haired brilliant man tonight … we ALL think we’re not worthy at certain moments in certain places.
It’s knowing that and smiling at it that makes us powerful and helps us realize that the person or people who misunderstand what we’re saying have just as many insecure moments as we do.
Thank you 1000 times for leaving this comment. I hold it close just as I did the first comment I ever got.
You are not a stranger anymore.
Well- I just had to add a comment into the most provocative, long-lasting blog post AND comment session I have ever encountered.
How do you know when you’ve struck a human nerve with your blog post? When, like here, you are still entertaining comments 3.5 years after the original writing. Not only awesome—AWE-struck!
Lisa,
Heck, you think I know?!! I have no idea.
All I can tell you is to write with your head, heart and all of you. Take the leap and be there. When folks respond, say thank you.
That’s all I know.
Somehow I think it’s enough. 😉
Oftentimes the posts are about very personal things or areas that I donât know much about as well. If someone has a long funny story about their cat destroying their couch, I may laugh but as I donât have a cat (ha just a toddler destroying mine), I might not have anything to say about it other than a LOL which is rather silly to post.
Wow, all those reasons why people don’t leave comments and several hundred are left here.
If we don’t leave comments, how do the authors know the articles good or bad?
You have some good reasons but I don’t understand those who won’t comment because they are rarely replied to. Unless it’s a question, I don’t usually reply. I don’t often reply for one of the same reasons you don’t comment, what’s to say? If someone says great post or I read that book too, what am I supposed to reply to that? Also unless they asked a question, most don’t go back to read replies.
Some interesting top 10 list. I like it!
Well, I left comments here!
thx for post, I’ve been trying to figure out what im doing wrong and why people come to my blog and not leave their footprints.
Sometimes, you’re not doing anything wrong, Charris.
Sometimes it just takes time for folks to get to know you.
Most of the time I don’t even notice that the article I’m reading actually accepts comments. So I just read what I’m looking for and very selfishly close the tab/window. I don’t even think about commenting. Maybe I’m ignorant or maybe im selfish.
Hi Sohrab,
Not selfish, just missing out on a chance to interact and get more from the experience. 🙂
OMG… I had a comment, but that was way back before I realized I was in 2006 !!!
1. I quit reading after about 10 comments. I didn’t see what I wanted to say, but hey, 4 years to go, it’s probably there.
3. I will say this. Your approach is a good way to gather material for a book plan that the readers aren’t aware of yet.
4. What I had to say is no longer relevant .. the objective has already been met … already written.
5. you forced me to log in
Good reflexion. Thanks for shring.
You wrote: *****What you write is so complete, that I donât know what to say except good job.*****
Well, 418 comments so far, and 23,912 words on top of your original 637 words.
Thank you, Count, for the update!
I think you really hit the nail on the head with the logging on thing.. I read a lot of blogs and hate having to log in– if I have to log in the post, it’s a guarantee I won’t post. It’s too much time and trouble. Also– if I can’t figure out your CAPTCHA image, I won’t post. Make it easy..
-Sylvia
This post got right to the point!!! I just comment on blogs that get my interest! 😉
Thanks, David!
I do the same!
I hear you saying that some folks are just not grateful for the work that went into writing a post. I suppose there are some of those too. I hadnât thought of them really.
Hi Cafe,
Actually that thought never crossed my mind. I don’t suppose most readers think about the work involved in writing a blog post. Interesting idea about gratitude. Would love to know more about your thoughts.
Blogs are there for comments, if you don’t leave comments, well no one will have a blog then. so don’t be selfish and when reading a good article try expressing your mind. whether good or bad. Am I wrong liz?
Evans,
I don’t think you’re wrong, but I also don’t think it’s that simple anymore.
We all read and many of us don’t comment. That’ doesn’t mean what we write isn’t worth reading. Never forget that!
Your points make a lot of sense, I never thought of it that way. Thanks!
After reading this I was compelled to leave my own comment. I must say you did a great job there. This articule is a great help to upcoming online publishers like me. Thanks so much and God bless.
Yeah Liz, I agree u, go girl! “I donât comment because Iâm self-conscious about new groups and fitting in.” I think I’m not.
Hi SAC
Guess you found a way around that today. 🙂
Liz,
I enjoyed that list of reasons. Even though blogging has been around for a while, and it seems like everybody is doing it, I saw several reasons listed in your list that I totally agree with. As an example, you leave a general question at the end for comment that is so large and complex to respond to with details, that I just figure I’ll think about it and write a summation when I come back, many times I don’t make it back.
As someone who is just now starting a blog for personal business reasons and use, your list will come in as a great guide to use when posting anything. Thanks, John
I found one of the best ways to get comments is to ask questions. Not huge questions like what about the Big Bang, but general questions that solicit opinions on everyday stuff.
Being friendly and approachable definitely helps. More flies with honey than vinegar. There’s too many ranty people on the internet anyway… but this is probably human nature… people will more often speak up to complain than to agree. They used to call it Usenet Nod Syndrome back in the day when folks still read Usenet. -:)
I have a reason to leave a comment.
For my expirience, allow comments only for registered users make most o readers don’t leave one and for me is the most important reason.
Well Liz I found this post when researching what other websites Google thinks are similar to my blog and Google thinks we are similar for some reason.I like what you have to say about posting comments and agree with others who have mentioned negativity is the worst about the net.
this can be so true! I’ve ound myself doing this many – a-time!
Not now though! Keep up the good work!
I think som are jst lazy, some don’t want to repeat whats been put by many others and the rest well…….who knows! I certainly don’t! Well done you though, this has certainly been a popular one!
I think some people (like myself) are concerned about peoples comments on my comments so therefore leave none. Thank you for putting this out there though. At least I’m not in a minority lol!
you found a way around that today
I get so much spam comments that I most of the time switch off comments on my posts.
Hi Sohrab,
You’re on WordPress. Install the wordpress plug-in. It’s crucial for that.
A couple of things that keep me from commenting, though I usually comment as often as I can:
1) there are sooooooo many comments (like on Pioneer Woman) that i figure mine will be lost in the crowd anyway. But I guess that’s not a problem for the blog owner since they already have a bazillion! LOL
2) You touched on this about logging in – mine is similar. your blog doesn’t remember me. Everyone else’s does, why not yours? It drives me batty having to type all my info every time I comment. That won’t keep me from commenting all the time, but like you said, if it isn’t compelling enough, I won’t bother.
Great article 🙂
People mostly leave the blog easily because of the arrangement and the content. That’s really a problem.
Interaction is key. The more likely you are to respond, the more comments you’ll receive.
I like comments, wish I had more. Definitely geeky blog, but you’d be surprised the hits I get from the data i post.
~Steven
Thanks for the insight – I’m transitioning slowly (and painfully) from lurker to poster, and it’s difficult knowing where to begin and how not to feel daunted as you begin to network. Posts like these are so helpful. Thanks!
Zoe,
A wise man once told me, “if you’re worried about people looking at you … look at them with true interest.” When we make other people the center of the universe, we’re not so self-conscious. 🙂
I found one of the best ways to get comments is to ask questions.
Another Reason not to comment is can’t find the comment box because it is too far down just like the one on this post! 🙂
Hello from Ukraine !
I looked all the points you make,now I will go off, think about it, and try and arrange my Blog postings to invite more comments, although for comments I do not do too badly, but can be more, I just need pick up the tips, such as yours.
Thank you.
Marina.
Rivne – West Ukraine.
I am Rhea S. I have visited your website and I would like to congratulate you on building such a valuable online resource. I am sure your visitors find your site as useful as I did.
Have a great day.
Thanks and regards,
Rhea S.
Thanks, Rhea!
I’ve spent a lot of time on it. 🙂
Plus another one that I’m sure has probably been mentioned in the 454 comments before mine.
“I was about to comment, then I saw the hundreds of comments already here, and figured mine would just get lost…”
Good post, thanks!
Yeah, I’ve had that same response, Vrinda …
But I’m delighted you took time to write it!
Liz
I think to be anle to leave a coment like this, without registartion and loggin in is a major factor when someone leaves a comment or not.
All awesome tips Lisa! thank you so much for the advice you have shared with us here. Even though I donât own a Blog yet, I will be saving this info away in a secure place
thanks for sharing, looooks awesome, this is very useful for us, webmaster beginners 😀
oh, great, i would use it for my site..let me try this tips 🙂
I think it’s more about just getting over your issues and posting a comment as a show of respect to the blogger. If you read it, you should comment it. I have trouble getting comments on my blog, and I wish people would just go in and do it. I get plenty of spam though 😉
Hi Brandon Connell,
A conversation goes two ways. This post was just about how to invite people to be more willing to talk back when you blog. 🙂
Hi Liz,
Just came across your post from Problogger. And I must admit, I’ve had a lot of these issues myself so I can relate to it. But I’m trying, really I am… lol!
I don’t know if someone’s said this already because I haven’t had time to go through the comments,(way too much for me!) apologises if someone has. Some known bloggers only respond to people of ‘importance’ like themselves. I read it up somewhere about cliques and only responding to comments from your clique… Not good I say.
Hi Tola!
Way too many for me to read too, if I hadn’t been reading them as they came in. Don’t blame you a bit for that. heh heh
Yeah, I agree. I don’t like blogs that seem to only cater to a certain set. It’s like being in an exclusive club … people who exclude others just excluded themselves … 🙂
good job 😀
My blog probably belongs to the No. 1 category. Few people left a comment, though a lot of people searched me. Very frustrating!
I have a blog and when I do get a comment I get far too excited. These days the comments are so rare that I even get excited when I see a spam comment…just in case the spam folder was too sensitive and put it in by mistake. Sadly, the spam folder is far too good for that. I find the comments do come if you are asking an open question or inviting comments. Closed posts don’t generally lead to comments unless you are being very confrontational…moi, never!
I understand Liz, I just wanted to add my two cents from the other side of the curtain. From a bloggers point of view. Of course, when you first started out you understood what I said too. Doesn’t look like you have a hard time getting comments these days though 😉
I feel kinda funny leaving comments just because… Well, it’s like coming in to someone’s home… I don’t want to write on their walls.
a lot of times people leave comments just for the link itself. Thats probably more prevalent than people not leaving comments. When there is a lot of comments on site, I dont even know if owner gets to read it. because a lot of times(like now) I leave commment without reading other comments, but Im not sure if owner reads what I write.
this is a good list of reasons though nice perspective.
Ed,
Read your comment and the way you signed it made me wonder if what you say might be your own reason. Valid that you left that comment either way. Thank you for taking the time to contribute. 🙂
Interesting insight and clarity, and overall excellent post. Thanks
You answered my question…well you sort of did. At least I know why you don’t comment on my blog 🙂
Well this makes since now. I’ve often felt some of the same thoughts when reading someone elses blog, and it holds true the reasons to why I left no comment so essential this makes sense.
I think you analyzed the reasons in a very nice way. I enjoyed reading you post.
very nice and helpful post, will employ these techniques on my blog too.
10 Reasons Readers Donât Leave Comments | Liz Strauss at Successful Blogroy@gigemail.net
wow..thank for de tips..a learn a lot
oh, great, i would use it for my site..let me try this tips
No excuses; one must leave comment after reading. That is what keeps the bloggers going besides many other things.
I think this is the biggest one:
“You put up a fence by making me login to comment. I have too many passwords already and I donât know you well enough to add one to my list”
No one wants to remember anymore passwords!!!
leave a comment not only to share information but also to get traffic
Leaving a comment is a good sign that people are reading your article.
First of all there are only a few things that have any relevence for developers to take note of and that still is of no help to us.
â¢1. What you write is so complete
Answer: websites are used for their information to be complete, to save time on answering stupid questions, And to give peole a say on their sites.
â¢2. Youâve taught me something I didnât know
Answer: Once again, back to question one, we must be complete or be bombarded by stupid silly questions.
â¢3. I get ready to type a comment, but I notice you only respond to a few friends who mostly share inside jokes.
Answer: This is a fair statment and people should learn by this, be fair and try to answer all posts even if it is in a single post. And for everyone else be paitent for the the answer.
â¢4. The folks who comment on your posts like to argue and I donât.
Answer: Dont have automatic posting functions on your site, make it so it has a moderator included and only gets posted by approval from the administrator. This stops anything rude or offensive or even arguing.
â¢5. You rarely respond to comments. So, thereâs no point in writing one.
Answer: Questions are usually for a Frequently asked Questions (FAQS) section within your site. Comments are useually for people to leave their comment. i.e. have their say about the content or other features.
â¢6. Your blog has geeky attitude and Iâm not geeky enough to keep up.
Answer: Everybody starts somewhere, the more geeky the better help you get to become geeky too.
â¢7. I really like your blog and your post, but Iâm too tired, busy. ect…
Answer: Thats what it’s there for, when ever your ready. You dont need to everytime and if you are replying to an erlier post, then state it in your new post.
â¢8. You end your posts with a giant general question like âWhat do you think of the Big Bang Theory?â
Answer: Thats called trying to play smart, when your not. unless ofcourse thats what the topics about an in that case once again if you dont know read and ask the geeks will teach you.
â¢9. You put up a fence by making me login to comment.
Answer: Without a login it makes the user experience more difficult by a little but can make it a hell of alot more interactive, also by doing this we can make sure that the people who are using our site are genuine and not just spammers.
â¢10. Your content wasnât fresh and exciting.
Answer perhaps it is a stale post in regards to new posts but people still go there for information and usually these posts should be set by date. So only new posts get listed at the top. This is usually a problem with backyard develpers that really dont know any better. Or perhaps the website acually feeds of several
â¢PLUS ONE: Your post was negative. Negative is scary.
Answer: Dont have automatic posting functions on your site, make it so it has a moderator included and only gets posted by approval from the administrator. This stops anything rude or offensive or even negative.
Dear Developer,
Thank you for taking the time to give such a thoughtful answer.
Your points make clear sense for a static website. A website has a different purpose than a blog.
Blogs are dynamic and a fine tool for inviting conversation that extends an idea. This post is about developing relationships with readers, not just providing information. Two different purposes that require two different approaches to get two different outcomes.
I see the difference clearly. Thank you for making it obvious to us all. 🙂
Great tips! I will try to use them.
I think you analyzed the reasons in a very nice way. I enjoyed reading you post.
I would have to say that the main reason readers would not leave the comment is the content is not engaging and is not interesting to the reader.
Great post – especially the bit about, “What you write is so complete, that I donât know what to say”.
I’m very guilty of that myself. I must apply more of your thinking to give people more reasons to engage. I’ll be sure to follow. Thanks for such a well written article.
I also write a personnel blog of mine. But till now i had only got 5-6 visitors per day. I was wondering y people do not read my posts and Now, i know my answer.
Great post – great article. thanks a lot for information
Hi Jonhy,
Keep writing and answering those comments. People will notice. 🙂
This post is about developing relationships with readers, not just providing information. Two different purposes that require two different approaches to get two different outcomes.
I would have to say that the main reason readers would not leave the comment is the content is not engaging and is not interesting to the reader.
I will leave a comment right now.
henry
henry@bonnycastle.us
Hey Bad Language,
Thanks for noticing!
A great article Liz, which I will ponder on further in the attempt to stop making some of these mistakes myself.
Those are 10 of my reasons too! I can’t count the number of times I’ve started to comment, and have been too busy, bored, couldn’t think… My #1 reason for not commenting sometimes is the captcha on blogger blogs. I get so tired of filling out my info., and one more thing to fill out makes me nuts! 😉
I often don’t comment on posts that have so many comments I figure no one will read mine, or care.
I almost didn’t comment here due to the large numbers…but figured why not?
Thanks for the list…I’m going to go respond to all of the lovely readers that bothered to comment on my blog today. Kim
Hi Liz,
At first, I was going to respond to your question “Did I miss the reasons that keep you from commenting?” by saying something like:
My dear Liz,
I was going to comment but Im too busy.
Thereby stating a paradox that would create a wormhole which would take the entire internet down and the rest of the universe along with it for sure :-)….or maybe not.
But then I actually had few ideas why people are not living comments.
1. Im actually eating as I write this. Needless to say, its very hard to type with one hand…I just wanted to learn some stuff while eating and you just HAD to be mean and force me to comment. I dont appreciate it 🙂
2. At the time of this writing, this post has 500+ comments. First. Congratulations 🙂
Second. It almost made me give up. I had to scroll waaaay down just to leave a comment. Lazy? yes. Typical? Mos def.
Implement DisqUs comment system?Perhaps 🙂
Im here as homework for the dog blogger project myself and few other bloggers are doing. We are using Darren Rowse’s 31DBBB workbook and we each got to pick one blogger to study. I chose you since you were off my radar up until now.
Needless to say…Im glad I found you 🙂
Hi Dino,
This has to be one of the most interesting comments I’ve read … ever.
I’m glad we found each other. 🙂
at fisrt i feel i want to leave a comment..then i read the others comments..to get some of the idea..
then the comments list getting longer and longer..i think i have to leave a comment for you..
egen,
This is one of the most interesting comments in the list!
Thank you!
People are too lazy bother to leave their comments even when the post writes positively, in an encouraging way and that they are good quality things. It’s just no way to bloggers who spend hours of hard work with no one cares ‘only’ to leave a single comment, how’s that difficult?
Good post, I think the type of audience you attract seems to matter as well. On one blog we attract people quite new to sharing online and they seem more uncertain about commenting…. or maybe our posts suck, hehe! who knows?!! 🙂
To be honest I think it’s more down to time than anything else, people just don’t seem to have the time to comment, they’ll just read what they need to know then shoot off to do something else. If you like a site or story then take a few secs to comment, it’s not asking much.
Hi Andrew!
I find that lately my reasoning has been much the same as yours. The content has to be quite compelling for me to invest in commenting. Sad really.
I usually only comment if I have a question. If the blog is well-written, I enjoy it, suck up all the good stuff and move on, just like I would with any article. Makes me think I should be giving more kudos….so KUDOS!
Hi Susan!
Thank you! Kudos and smiles to you for taking the time to leave that comment. 🙂
Thank you for the information. I enjoyed reading it. It makes a lot of since but I at times I think it is just plain laziness.
The information you gave is so true. I have found that most of the people will not leave a message as they are sometime too lazy. I try to read each article and leave a message.
Thank you for the information. As well as comments on this article are excellent. Really interesting post.
Well, Liz, I’d love to leave some comments at Seth Godin’s blog …
But he doesn’t allow comments!
I guess he feels that feedback from his readership isn’t all that important. Or maybe once you’re a master “celebrity” blogger, you can just shut down your comments and not give a hoot. 🙂
Write On!
Melanie
Melanie,
Maybe it’s not a case of celebrity … maybe it’s a case of different paradigms …
Seth uses his blog in another way. It’s his privilege to do so. Just as we might write in a book for publication … readers can’t answer. There are advantages to that. I can see them … ideas can stay whole and fresh to the writer’s mind; focus remains pure.
Number 7 is right about me. I`m always tired to leave a comment, besides, someone had always wrote what I wanted to say. Just keep up reading. I`ll follow your advice
This is the best post I read all day and perhaps the entire 20 years I have been online.
excellent to know
But the real reason is time issues – thereâs just never enough hours in the day to comment, track, follow up etc. So I had to bite the bullet and really only comment within my niche so I can at least fool myself into thinking Iâm being productive. I stray sometimes of courseâ¦
in my own opinion about why readers don’t leave comment is the fact that they probably don’t see it important and they may not have any idea of marketing online.
My opinion is that most people do not post because they’ll many times not be approved. You can spend a fair amount of time giving an opinion all for not.
thanks for the info – I challenge readers to leave feedback – even short feedback to get a thread going but “nothing” – I started a forum on another site and it was a hit – I must say it was very short and sweet and it caught a lot of attention so maybe that is the key – well would luv to hear your feedback if you have time
I don’t comment when I don’t “get” the post.
SOmetimes, I read, and go”what was that about?”
I think people don’t leave comment because they do not understand the benefits of backlinking other peoples content to your own.
Yeah the value of a good comment goes a long way especially for blogs it’s like opening pandoras box
Hey. I love the comments here. You can learn more about how to manage panic attacks and anxiety by visiting http://www.panicattacksgone4ever.com
I think people donât leave comment because they do not understand the benefits of backlinking other peoples content to your own.
9. You put up a fence by making me login to comment. I have too many passwords already and I donât know you well enough to add one to my list.
I never leave comments because of this.
This is the first site ive seen that does not require a sign up and password.
People could be too busy or too lazy to leave a comment. Or maybe some people are afraid of leaving cyber trails. Or maybe having such a short attention span that while visiting one site, thinking about clicking another or searching different terms on Google.
Great post, I really enjoyed reading 🙂 Thanks.
Thanks for the insight.
When I dont comment it’s because I dont have anything smart to add.
I guess I would agree that the major reason would have to be that no one really replies to one’s comments on blogs so all you can do is just say something impersonal like “great job”. No point in asking a question right? Cos your not going to get an answer.
Syed Hussain
Penny Auction Bidstash
It could be that some people simply like to read different topics and browse versus reply. Some people just dont like chatting online.
I’m really excited about leaving this comment. I’m also excited for you and your blog. Here’s mine:
http://www.letthenonsensebegin.blogspot.com
And since you “Read my blog every day” I just want to say thanks. You rock.
Well, we have something to think about.
Thank you for posting the article.
I’m really surprised that you have answered so many comment back.
promotional products
Good work LIZ
I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Thanks for the post.
I really understand something after reading. thanks
I receive very short replies that are simple compliments, not usually anything really lengthy.
I do, I do! I love leaving comments if the blog intrigues me… This one does – it’s informational and makes me want to resurrect my old blog.
But the real reason is time issues – thereâs just never enough hours in the day to comment, track, follow up etc. So I had to bite the bullet and really only comment within my niche so I can at least fool myself into thinking Iâm being productive. I stray sometimes of course⦠Google Optimizasyonu
Hi Google,
I understand what you’re saying … but if that’s what you’re doing, how did you come to comment on my blog?
I agree.Some of your problem on commenting was also my problem.Also when I tried to comment on article that I noticed only friends shares.Anyway, Thanks for the tips now I can manage leaving my comments.
What happens in blogs and forums, and the internet in general? It’s supposed to be sharing, solving certain questions and/or concerns, providing feedback and, hopefully, getting some [sensible] feedback on your feedback. But not always this is the case. There is a whole species of people who either always thought that being very active online was like *talking to the wind*, or they came to that realization after some experience, maybe even a long one… The online world: always open-ended, volatile, indefinite, and quite remote/unintimate.
Summing up, one more answer to the initial question: people prefer to save their time.
Sometimes I donât comment because Iâm self-conscious about new groups and fitting in. I suppose most people feel that way now and then. Iâm working on that.
Hi Zain,
I feel that way often enough. When I do I try to concentrate on the conscious part and not so much on the “self.”
It’s true, sometimes I just don’t know what to say. And even if I do comment, I’m not always sure that I’m being very clear and to the point.
lol… here is my comment, wow that’s alot of comments. ~ZW
99% of the time I don’t leave a comment because I feel like I wouldn’t fit into the group! I’m not letting that stop me anymore! Thanks for this post. Great job! LOL
What youre saying is completely true. I know that everybody must say the same thing, but I just think that you put it in a way that everyone can understand.
Hi there, i@n!
Thank you! It’s one of the most popular on this blog. 🙂
Sometimes I just donât think Iâll be back to check out whatâs your response on my comment, so Iâd rather leave nothing here.
Hi David,
I’ve done the same thing. Though most blogs have way to subscribe to the comments so that you know when someone has replied to what you said. The reply comment is emailed to you. Look for that when you have something to say.
It’s like reverse psychology. After reading the headline I feel obliged to leave a comment! lmfao
Hi Amsterdam Guy!
Glad you took the time to add your opinion. I can see that effect at work here. 🙂
Here I am debating what to write. I love to read, but commenting is not my forte. I guess I am relating to your first reason. Your post is great, real and very informative.
Deb,
I’m not good at comments either. Folks often think what I write is way out in left field. So I wait to find the places I belong … where the folks will hear what I’m saying and understand what I mean.
Thanks for the insight.
When I dont comment itâs because I dont have anything smart to add.
Hi!
Imagine a conversation with the writer. Conversation isn’t about so much being smart as it about sharing ideas.
successful stories and blogs will always attact more comments.
great blogpost! a succesfull blog is really hard to accomplish and the psychology behing commenting or not is complicated. Sometime I myself don’t know why I comment or not on a post!!
I am new to blogging, so I feel like I am in the âjust taking notesâ phase. But when I do find a blog topic I like, I do comment because I genuinely like what has been said or the information was helpful to me. I am officially linked to your blog now, so I will be checking in often! Thanks for all the great advice.
It is true.
This would have to be the most interesting blog post that I’ve read so far this year. Your points are so true. I especially agree with your point about having to sign in – sometimes that’s just way too personal. I like the option of being anonyomous if I want to.
I can see that.
Because of the laziness, that’s obvious:)
this is really great overall, this is the best blog
Great topic, the main reason why the readers will leave a comment is that if they just found out that the topic that they read is not interesting to their mind but if they found out it is quite interesting then thats the time they really want to leave a comment for it.
I’m really impressed that there’s so much about this subject that’s been uncovered and you did it so well, with so much class. Good one you, man! Really great stuff here.
I don’t comment just because I don’t want to move my hands from mouse to keyboard.
And most of the time I think I have nothing to talk about the topic of a post.
I post here jsut because what you described doesn’t explain my situation.
I just comment to leave backlinks to my site.I will tell you the truth it works.
Comments always have positive effect
So if these are the mistakes, are there somethings I can do to entice people to leave a comment?
Wow! nearly 600 comments to read through — I gave up at around 75. Too much! especially when many are “thanks for your comment” from Author/Liz. Personally I feel really good when Author simply LIKES my comment on Facebook, and reserves more thorough comments that advance the conversation. Thanks for the Post – very helpful!
Maybe they don’t leave comments because their comment will get lost in a sea of comments.
Do your comments allow simple tags?
What I’m curious about is what info is expected in the “Website” box?
People mostly leave comments when they have started their own blog. It makes you realize how much it’s appreciated. I’m one of those, but nobody seems to leave comments actually related to the subjects I write about!
It’s been said, but since we’re in a fresh new ‘time frame,’ dang! When I’ve responded and have trouble getting the form to work, I’m history. And will or won’t be back depending on my enjoyment level. But probably won’t try commenting again.
Blogger often has a big issue like this. So do several of the group type blogs. Sometimes it’s a piece-a cake. Others, no go. Bye then! 😉
For me that makes one great reason to go self-hosted. Not to mention that they own your content. Great post!
Well I rarely feel silly. So “Good job”. I read alot of blogs and from now on I will make it my mission to leave more comments when I come across great content.
Cheers,
Jack
Hi Liz,
Fun post. I never thought about why people don’t leave comments. Your thoughts are interesting but pretty accurate.
I know I related to a few 🙂
I love it. Hopefully mine is the first one :D.
Great job, but I really need to think about it…:)
Ok, on 2nd thought, I suppose that after 595 comments, I must post a comment too.
Seriously now, one reason I won’t post a comment is that what I want to write will be too long and I don’t want to annoy the author and other readers. But I won’t leave without any comment at all; I will at least say a “thank you”, so the author knows I liked the post.
So thank you for the post 😀
Now, seriously, I liked it.
I think lot of people do not leave a comment although they liked a post. I actually think that many people who submit a comment just want to get link to their website. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that if the comment is a little bit more than just “great post” or “Thanks”
This blog is a good example of knowledge..i like it.
Wow… I just realized this important thing. Simple but necessary
Thanks Liz, I will use your tips in our blog. Very useful.
Gerard
I actually think that many people who submit a comment just want to get link to their website. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that if the comment is a little bit more than just âgreat postâ or âThanksâ.
I’m gonna make a banner on top of my blogs that say’s, “All Commenter’s Are Eligible To Win A Million Dollars” (Which is true – albeit meaningless).
Or, “If You Don’t Make A comment You’ll Always Be Invisible”
Insightful..what else could i say .. well i don’t know apart that it was a great post :), and that many people commented that’s for sure !!
I see.. this is the reason I was not getting comments on my blog…
Now, I will start compilcating the matters.. hahaha hah
Respect to the blog! It will be interesting to read the new threads!
Thanks!
Okay, so I will keep telling the obvious. As long as you want to start a conversation, you should keep those reasons in your mind. Doing so could lead to 600+ comments as you can see… 😀
Hi Liz,
Thank you for share an interesting reason in your articles, especially the last one after the tenth reason, I do agree that negative comments is scary and I am not a part of it too 🙂
Success for you 🙂
judging by the list going here i don’t suppose anyone has a problem commenting on your blog. The two major reasons why i would’nt post or comment include the following;
either i’m just searching for stuff in jiffy & forget to comment because i didn’t find what i was looking for and need to move on
or I didn’t find the information engaging enough (in other words i didn’t establish a rapport)
Hope it helps
– razor drifter
I agree with the information provided here about the reason that why readers do not leave comments. we should provide the content of our blog or web sit in an informative way. this will encourage readers to leave comments.
Great post! I think these points are so true. This is one of the coolest posts Ive read in a while.
Thanks for Sharing
Thanks Liz, I will use your tips in our blog. Very useful.
Anna
I really like this posting. According to my point off view generally a verbal or written remark often related to an added piece of information, or an observation or statement.
I did not leave a comment on an article or blog because:
1.artikel it was too obvious, so nothing needs to be added
2 I do not understand the contents of the article. so I read another article
3 article contains information that is negative and does not educate
This is the perfect example of how you can get the readers of your blog evolved, give your visitors something basic and down to earth to comment about and they will put in their two cents.
Hi Liz Strauss,
This is altogether a refreshing experience to know about a wonderful and as you add in the title “Outstanding Bloggers” like you.
I read your 10 Reasons (points) very carefully, sometimes I too thought of posting such comments, now your write-up really made my mind to think on a different way all together. Sorry to say that i couldn’t find any follow button here anyway i am subscribing via email. Keep posting keenly watching to hear from your.
And another point to note is your comment space is not provided the spell check facility too, pl do look into this so that in a speed world commentators wonât make any mistake while typing
Let me repeat my words.
Thanks a lot for the Wonderful new experience.
Best Regards
Philip
Hi Philip!
Sorry to hear that this old blog does work for you … up in the sidebar below the email box are links to follow.
I’m not sure about the spell check in the comment box. Good idea.
Liz
I find it kind of ironic that I’m leaving a comment here but I actually agree with all of your points and have seen these many times in my time as a webmaster. Nice post.
Thank you, Chris!
It means I’ve done my job! 🙂
Thanks Liz for that article! =)
Brilliant Article, Thank you Liz…
Hi Liz,
Well I never thought about why people donât leave comments before I read your post. What you say definitely gives my food for thought. I shall make some changes to my blogs in future
Allan
Great post! I think these points are so true. This is one of the coolest posts Ive read in a while.
Thanks for Sharing
Finally, I can resist it no longer. I’ve been waiting for someone to identify the 12th reason. Is it possible, on the eve of the 5th anniversary of posing this question, the duty and the honor falls to me?
O.k., I’ll peek out of my shell, but not for long.
#12 I’m an introvert.
Really, shouldn’t this have been #1?
🙂
Hi Wayne!
If what you mean is that you don’t want to share what you think, I agree. If you what you mean is that you’re an introvert, I disagree. Introverts like to think through their thoughts before they share them. After interviewing literally hundreds of bloggers — the overwhelming percentage of whom self-describe as introverts — I’d have to say that the sole fact of being an introvert doesn’t stop folks from commenting on a blog.
Thanks for your creative thoughts! Greetings from Poland!
wow, this is really helpful. sometimes i tend to miss the basics. Im a new blogger and i am very much eager to learn about a lot of stuffs and basically just enjoy it. thanks so much for the wonderful insight. more power! 🙂 have a great day!
It would be great to get more comments, writing a blog without feedback and be a bit soul destroying. Whatever the reason for not leaving a comment, it is nice just to read a comment so let us know you are reading, so if you every pop by my blog feel free to comment!
Nice, I love the 10 reasons people don’t leave comments, your right on the money .. thanks
A blog is more than just for providing real value information to the readers but also to create conversations with the readers.
I usually pay more attention to the number of views my blog receives, though I am absolutely estatic when I have comments to approve.
Ok so what about a comment box that requires a facebook or youtube or Google account to post a comment ? i use one that requires one or the other so do you think i should remove that? to me i would think that was the best way to go because if you are already logged on to face book then all you have to do is type the message, please give me your opinion on this. thanks
David,
I think that whatever works for your readers is what works! 🙂
Hello Liz,
Youâve covered me perfectly in your 1-10 list; I have landed on blogs and read posts in the past, which were inspirational, helpful or posts that got me thinking about what the writer was saying, but never left a comment.
I got to thinking I should banish some of these fears I have and start commenting on posts to thank the writer for their time in putting the information together. I only bucked up the courage a little while ago and went for it and the more I do it the easy it gets.
Thanks,
Gerard.
Hi Liz,
I often wondered why my posts seemed to appear deteriorated. Reading your post here just enlightened my darkened path to blogging (sad to say).
The reason that I disabled my auto-approve comments is that I want to avoid the spam comments (too many!)
On posting comments to others blog, I have no trouble doing it since I find what I read entertaining enough to read so I can freely add thoughts of my own. Only problem is mine looks so dead. Thanks for sharing this.
You post plenty of comments at other blogs, you need to wind up with plenty of comments at your weblog. But this requirements some qualification: some bloggers are rude, âtoo busyâ, selfish, or lazy. So those turps wonât reciprocate.
Primary reason for no comments is poor content material and no interaction with bloggers.
Awww well now I know why people don’t comment on my blog… it makes me sad 🙁 I love reading comments – every last one of them spurs me to go on. I do agree with much of what you said though and it seems to me that now most people (not all) only comment on blogs for a link back to their site… sad times!
You are so right , there are blogs that encourage us to leave comments, by aplying a system in which your comment will become a “do follow” just when you leave 3 comments and relevant ones, that way they keep spammers away and encourage visitors to come back for more.
I always try to add what i think are constructive reply’s. short reply’s like nice post nice article are of no use at all.by the way there are some useful tips on here, thanks.
I as well as my buddies were going through the excellent thoughts found on your website while instantly I had an awful suspicion I never thanked the web blog owner for those techniques. My boys were definitely as a result warmed to study all of them and already have sincerely been tapping into them. Thank you for truly being well accommodating and for using this form of magnificent themes millions of individuals are really desirous to discover. My personal honest regret for not expressing appreciation to you sooner.
Sometimes comments can explode when there is some controversy, this can be seen often on YouTube comments but as you stated when people my not like something they may find it easier to switch off instead of confront.
What sort of world would it be if everyone didn’t speak their mind?
I can think of a few reasons why people don’t comment on blogs but only two really stick out.
My first one is simply that people do not think that they have the time to spend a few minutes of their lives writing something of value down. They much prefer to write down rubbish just to get a “backlink” and if rubbish won’t do then they just do not write anything.
My second reason is that with all the political correctness today, people are afraid to voice their opinions and put themselves out there.
For most of us, it’s better being part of the majority that is silent. It’s a security thing I think
I agree on number 4. A lot of people are just looking to argue and i’m sure leaders don’t have time to be arguing.
Haha I think I can relate to all ten of the reasons in one way or another. Great post by the way and so many responses.
Regards
Allan
Thanks Liz for this very informative article, even though you wrote this way back in 2006, it’s still very valuable. Now I know why I don’t have people comment on my blog, I can now fix it with your tips. Thanks again for sharing.