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7 Great Ways to Connect with Other Bloggers While You’re Out Reading Blogs

September 18, 2006 by Liz 98 Comments

Blogging Is Lonely Without Someone to Talk to . . .

relationships button

It started in 1993, long before there were blogs. It was named “The Endless September.” That was when AOL unleashed masses of untrained users onto the Internet. Until then, it has only been a yearly advance of college freshmen.

Before that time, such clue-lacking lusers were a small trickle every September when the college freshman hit the computers to which they got free access when they paid their college tuition. At that time, it was manageable with suggestions to lurk a while and observe how others behaved before jumping in with cluelessness, with polite, behind-the scenes education when nettiquette was breached, and with an occasional BOFH wielding a large mallet when the polite education didn’t stick.
The Endless September

I bring this up for a reason. . . . hinky un-blogger-like things have been happening around here. I see the pattern now and it seems that the Endless September is back on.

Ew, how embarrassing to wake up one day and realize that comments and trackbacks are like diamonds . . . they last.

Burned bridges and drive-by comments aren’t pretty.

Relationships, on the other hand, are what blogging’s about.

7 Great Ways to Connect with Other Bloggers While You’re Out Reading Blogs

I’d like to offer some great ways to connect with other bloggers, ways that will get you positive attention and start relationships of mutual respect.

    1. Look before you speak. When you’re on a new blog look around for minute, don’t just read a post and comment. Take in a bit about the blog and the blogger. Read the comments that came before yours as well. Think about what you’d say if you were in a discussion with all of them. Folks will recognize that your comment has substance and take you and your comment more seriously.

    2. Listen also. Each blog has a culture, just as each person’s home does. Certain types of behavior are acceptable in one place and not another. Notice how folks talk to the blogger and to each other. Respect the rules of the house.

    3. Know you’re a visitor. Be generous of spirit. Let the blogger be the star of the show. It’s his or her house. If you see an error in print send an email, or point out incorrect information softly by saying, “you might be interested to know that they’ve found out . . .”

    4. Don’t leave links without knowing or asking. Sometimes a look around will tell you whether it’s okay to do so. Even so, a link without a comment is impolite. It says, “Come to my blog. I’ve nothing to say here.”

    5. Come with the mind of a learner and you’ll be well rewarded. Bloggers are helpful, friendly people who love to solve problems. Expect things and you will be easily forgotten. Value the time and experience of the blogger who helps you, and you’ll have a relationship that will last.

    6. Know that being clever or teasing folks in print is a talent, be sure to use a emoticon if you’re doing it. Feelings get hurt and thoughts get misunderstood. We all think we use words the same way. We do not.

    7. If you leave a comment that argues a point or asks a question, do come back. Please allow us to answer. If you don’t return, it appears that you think you know more than anyone else does. I answer those comments and wonder about the people who left them . . . what did he or she think leaving the comment would do?

PLUS ONE: Relationships are about people. We write from one side of the computer. We feel alone talking to one other on the end of a long optic fiber, but we’re not. Our bodies are in the privacy of where we choose to be, but our words are in the openness of cyberspace. People — some not even born yet — will read what we write. We can’t ever forget them.

People who read us learn things, and get to know us. Sometimes they comment and a conversation starts. Next thing you know there’s a relationship happening.

Some of those people become colleagues and friends for life. I know. I’ve already met some and plan to meet more.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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Filed Under: Personal Branding, Strategy/Analysis, Successful Blog Tagged With: bc, blog-promotion, customer-relationships, Endless-September, personal-branding, Productivity

Comments

  1. ann michael says

    September 18, 2006 at 10:39 AM

    Great post, Liz!

    People should act on blogs as they would act if they were standing eye-to-eye with the blog author (as you point out – in the blog author’s home). Also, humility goes a long way in any kind of communication.

    We are all accountable for what we do and how we act!

    Reply
  2. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 10:42 AM

    Good Morning, Ann!
    Yeah people should be polite . . . wish we all were. Communication done well is a wonderful thing and so enjoyable. It’s as much fun as . . . talking to you!!!

    Reply
  3. Whitney says

    September 18, 2006 at 11:30 AM

    It never ceases to amaze me how badly (rudely) some people behave online. I figure they’re the same people who get obnoxious with cell phone calls in the middle of nice restaurants…no world beyond their immediate personal space.

    You’re 100% right on your first two points. I’ll lurk on a blog a month or two before venturing a comment. It’s not just about feeling out the blogger, it’s also about the people who routinely participate. Taking time to “observe the natives” makes for a better all-around experience, and a better learning experience (your #5).

    Another well-crafted post, Liz.

    Reply
  4. Sanne Roemen says

    September 18, 2006 at 11:33 AM

    You are so on the dot…again! It’s nice to have commenters who are really responsive and who are not just passing by but really joining the conversation. That’s what it’s all about. I’ve met more than one person with whom the contact started with their first comment. Some of them I work together with now. So it actually pays as wel.. 🙂

    Reply
  5. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 11:33 AM

    Thanks, Whitney,
    This is the post I was rehearsing this morning. I appreicate your feedback.

    I’ve been amazed lately myself — drive by comments by pseudo authorities who seem to think they know everything, but show they have no experience. I think tsome folks think the interenet is like a giant college party. I want to say that I’m not a teacher and there is no “extra credit.” 🙂

    Reply
  6. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 11:36 AM

    Hi Sanne,
    Yes, so many business relationships started with just one simple comment on a blog. Then two like minds got talking and soon enough a project was happening.

    That seems to be the part some of the new folks don’t seem to be getting is that not everyone is a hobby blogger — some of us do this for a living. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Big Roy says

    September 18, 2006 at 12:07 PM

    I’m going to offer a different point of view.

    While what you say is true on blogs like Successful Blog and many business or personal type blogs. There are other blogs out there that invite conversation (and even disagreement) about controversial subjects because they are political blogs or opinion blogs. So I think you do have to recognize what kind of blog you’re at.

    But I offer a question. Say you go to a personal type blog that is usually not controversial and the author has posted that “Abortions Should be Granted to 16 Year Old Girls on Demand.” Shouldn’t I be able to comment even if I haven’t been there before? If I disagree with such a controversial statement shouldn’t I have the right to comment on how strongly I disagree?

    I’m all for being nice. But isn’t the purpose of a blog to air ideas in a public forum? Wouldn’t the world be boring if everyone agreed and no one voiced opinion for fear it would hurt someones feelings?

    Reply
  8. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 12:12 PM

    Hi Big Roy,
    I’m not trying to take your rights away and in fact, I don’t hink what you’re saying is disagreeing with what I’m saying. I think you’re a sensitive guy and would look around to see where you and what the culture is. If your words are going no where, it’s up to you whether you want to put them there.

    That’s not the same as disregarding or ignoring the folks who are there, dumping a comment and running away — which IS what has happened here recently.

    Reply
  9. Big Roy says

    September 18, 2006 at 12:19 PM

    “That’s not the same as disregarding or ignoring the folks who are there, dumping a comment and running away — which IS what has happened here recently.”

    To me that has more to do with simple rudeness. (You know me, everything is black and white, wrong or right.)

    I was thinking more in a general sense of being polite, but still being able to offer an opinion. Even if it disagrees with the author.

    Reply
  10. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 12:22 PM

    Yeah, Roy, if you look at what I wrote, you’ll notice most of it is about being polite and showing respect for others. In 1993, they were still calling it Netiquette. I didn’t want to use that word, but perhaps, I should have.

    Reply
  11. Big Roy says

    September 18, 2006 at 12:39 PM

    I’m going to offer this one more example and then quit hogging your post. I just thought it was a very interesting post.

    Say 50 years ago there were personal computers. But most of the users were white because they were the only ones who could afford it. A blog espoused the idea that blacks should not be allowed to attend white schools, use white bathrooms, or sit in the front of buses. Everyone on that blog agreed with each other and had a good old time talking about their ideas.

    Then I come along and tell them what idiots they are. Wouldn’t that be the right thing to do? (I know my example is to the extreme but sometimes examples have to do that.)

    My point being I think we have to be careful about being too polite. There are issues that in 50 years people may look back on and ask why didn’t they speak up? Just because the crowd is going along with a certain topic on a particular blog doesn’t make it right.

    I could also be making a mountain out of a mole hill.

    Reply
  12. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 12:43 PM

    No Roy, you are totally right. That’s how Hitler got control, because people went along with him. . . . It’s what’s wrong with “group think,”

    But you would state your case with respect, not flame them. On the hand, I fully espouse acting in Rome . . . if they flame you, protect yourself. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Sasha Manuel says

    September 18, 2006 at 12:59 PM

    Why does your post make me feel glad that I haven’t come across freshies? Heehee. On second thought, I think I did [someone left a link asking “me” to check his blogs]. Ah, well.

    I do like getting drive-by comments esp if it’s from some *high-profile* blogger [got one a couple of days ago! woot!]. But, of course, you’re right, Liz, to list ’em etiquettes for first time visitors. It’s good to know blog courtesy.

    I love conversations online or off. =)

    Reply
  14. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:03 PM

    Hey Sasha,
    It’s one thing when I high profile blogger — or any experienced blogger for that matter — who knows how to do it, stops by and says “hey good stuff there! It’s another when someone you’re no reason to know who it is leaves a comment that passes judgment and you have no idea who its from or why you should listen. A stranger walking down the street might mean more.

    I love conversation too. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Sasha Manuel says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:09 PM

    I agree! I guess it’s a different story when there’s judgment involved. It’s a bit rude. [Thats a funny image — hearing a stranger call out something to you in passing. Heehee.]

    You don’t need to tell me that last bit! I can tell by the sheer number of “relationships” you’ve developed here! Hahaha. It sure pays to be “the nice one”! 🙂

    Reply
  16. Rick Cockrum says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:10 PM

    Thanks for writing this, Liz. Even for those of us who have been using the internet for a long time, we can still have times of confusion about what is the right thing to do. If I’m ever rude or hurt someone’s feelings, I hope the blogger emails me to let me know.

    And what is the etiquette about using the email we enter when we leave a comment. To me, using it doesn’t feel right, but what about using it in relationship to the comments on the post – something you don’t feel would be appropriate for public view?

    One thing I get hung up on is how to leave. Face to face or on the telephone, people say goodbye to one another. In email or regular mail people tend to assume the other person will reply if they have something to say. Blogs tend to be a mixture of the two. So I wonder sometimes wonder how to politely leave.

    Reply
  17. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:13 PM

    Yeah, Sasha, I’m just thinking about what that stranger of yours might be calling . 🙂

    Reply
  18. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:17 PM

    Rick,
    Your questions are ones that aren’t unusual. I understand them and why you ask them. I think they all walk a find like of trust in the relationship.

    I can only say how I approach it. I figure that with folks like you. I know you well enough that you know I’m not a stalker and that I won’t abuse it. If I have something to add or tell you . . . I would email you and I’ve got my email everywhere, so I expect folks will email me too.

    It’s hard sometimes — Comment night being the worst — parties in the real world — to figure out when and how to leave. I guess we all just do what we do. Look for an opening and go. 🙂

    Reply
  19. ann michael says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:31 PM

    You know – I really like Big Roy’s point (and your response, Liz). He’s right. Blogs are places to voice opinions and ideas and to disagree.

    You can almost always do that respectfully and tactfully. In fact, you SHOULD always do it that way and if you get slammed then either retreat or try to remain calm and respond.

    I can’t stand when blogs are either too “gushy” or too antagonistic. Both instances teach me nothing – and that’s why I’m here – to learn! I tend to avoid both extremes.

    Reply
  20. seanrox says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:34 PM

    Good post Liz.

    It adds a little more to the post I did a couple days ago titled Guide to Weblog Comments which covers some basics for commenting guidelines and things to try with respecting site owners or admins.

    Reply
  21. Rick Cockrum says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:35 PM

    Re comment night – when to leave is sometimes hard for me. How to leave, no. Like a physical life party, it feels rude not to say goodbye. I was thinking more about normal posts like this. You don’t see many people say they are leaving. They just stop talking. Like you said, some kind of reply after they ask a question at least lets you know they stuck around to listen to your answer.

    Reply
  22. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:41 PM

    Yeah, Roy’s point kicked the whole discussion up a notch and I’m grateful for that. He’ and you are right on every level.

    Reply
  23. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:42 PM

    SeanRox,
    I wonder if you’ve been dealing with the weird Septemberness that I’ve been seeing.

    Reply
  24. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:43 PM

    I hear you Rick, Sometimes I do wonder whether the person who asked a question is still around when I’ve finished the answer. Especially now that Akismet is eating my comments again 🙁

    Reply
  25. Sasha Manuel says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:49 PM

    [Whispers to Liz] I hope he says I’m nice, too! Heehee. 🙂

    During comment night, I think, should you decide to leave it, it wouldn’t be *too* hard esp when you know you didn’t “maliciously” participate. The other bloggers won’t take it the wrong way if you said you had to go, right? 🙂

    For normal posts, leaving a comment, after a certain period lapsed, in reponse to a question directed to you is still acceptable I reckon. And like what was said, sending an email is an alternative. 🙂

    Reply
  26. seanrox says

    September 18, 2006 at 1:53 PM

    Indeed Liz, I’ve had all kinds of weirdness with comments, which is the reason why I posted about comment guidelines.

    So far since my post, people have improved, so maybe October will be a better month for all.

    Reply
  27. TechZ says

    September 18, 2006 at 2:35 PM

    Well written post Liz, it’s stuff like this that makes it truly worthwhile coming back to your blog. Stuff that most of us Im sure think about, you put down in a friendly, easy to read post. And it really makes you think “thats what I thought too!” and its so re-affirming. Thanks.

    Reply
  28. Tony D. Clark says

    September 18, 2006 at 3:38 PM

    I don’t have anything to add, but I’m commenting anyway, just to add a link…

    Just kidding. This is some great advice. I’ve always considered a blog a two-way conversation, and the comments being my input. You wouldn’t just walk into someone’s house and yell “Great house. Come see mine.” and leave. But this happens all the time on blogs.

    And I’m with Rick about knowing when to “step out.” Even in a regular chat space, you can give the old “I’m off to [insert excuse here]” and know that you’ve exited gracefully. Some bloggers don’t respond to comments, in the comments, so you just have your say and go. But in place like this, where a conversation can grow from a single comment, I think its more important to follow the comment thread. Services like co.comments make it easy.

    Reply
  29. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 3:43 PM

    Sahsa,
    *whispers back* Of course, he likes. who wouldn’t? You’re the draw wherever you are.

    I’m not leaving open comment night. Well sometimes, I sneak out to get myself a cold one to drink 🙂

    Reply
  30. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 3:48 PM

    Hey SeanRox,
    I’m with you on a normal October, because then Nov. and Dec. get their own kind of weird. 🙂

    Reply
  31. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 3:50 PM

    Hi Techz,
    Thanks for saying that. It’s good to make sense and sometimes I do that. I helps when people tell me when I do that so then I can do that again. 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  32. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 3:55 PM

    Hi Tony!
    Thanks for leaving and coming back so seamlessly (just kidding).

    It’s hard to leave any compelling conversation, but I think we understand that the others here all have life they have lead, and things they have to take care of. Usually when someone goes, I think I wish I were so graceful at that.

    I think we’re all self-conscious and that others might not notice something we feel is a very big this for us. Could that be possible?

    Reply
  33. Tony D. Clark says

    September 18, 2006 at 4:08 PM

    Good point. Just like email sometimes it’s hard to express things in a comment. So something seemingly minor to one may be a profound revelation to another.

    Well, I’m off to walk the dog (for real 😉 )

    Reply
  34. ME Strauss says

    September 18, 2006 at 4:25 PM

    Thanks for the comment, Tony,
    Tell the dog to have a great walk!

    Reply
  35. Phil Gerbyshak says

    September 18, 2006 at 10:23 PM

    Very interesting article Liz. While some do a “drive-by comment” (including me from time to time), I think remembering that you’re a guest in someone’s home is good policy, at least for the first time you’re visiting.

    One thing that I find that I don’t know how to handle is the difference between folks like you, who comment on comments, and others like me, who usually respond off-line via e-mail unless I have something more to add to the conversation. Is there a better or worse way to do business? Conversation is more lively here, to be sure, so if that’s the goal, I’d say it’s better here. 🙂

    Reply
  36. candice says

    September 18, 2006 at 11:06 PM

    Hey liz,

    Not to nitpick, but I’ve more often heard that the endless september started in 1996. I know the aol’er thing started happening on usenet earlier, but things were not really “bad” until later.

    We could just go dig through the archives in the monastery, but I don’t think I want to expose this blog’s readers to anything quite that bitter. 😉

    Candice

    Reply
  37. Advice Librarian says

    September 19, 2006 at 1:20 AM

    Nah, SeptemberNet came upon us in ’93 – though at the time, I don’t think any of us truly recognized what we were looking at. Just start looking through alt.sysadmin.recovery for september ’93 and you’ll see what I mean – and what’s wrong with the level of bitterness and virulent hate for lusers of the Monastery? It’s the only way to keep sane when you’ve been admining a reasonably large system 🙂

    That said, the drive-by commenters you’ve been getting lately, Liz have the fresh-plastic smell of AstroTurm(TM) about them… at least if my guess that it’s your Net Neutrality postings that attract most of them.

    Reply
  38. candice says

    September 19, 2006 at 2:04 AM

    Ad Lib, I stand corrected. But it did start getting really bad later on. I mean, now, usenet is practically dead for discussion. Music, on the other hand, is a whole other ballgame.

    (re: the monastery – I used to hang out there on occasion years ago too. I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with it, but Liz’s site is always so positive. I have a bofh ribbon from my first usenix when I was seventeen around somewhere…)

    Reply
  39. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 3:51 AM

    Hey Phil,
    I think conversation works however it works for you and the blogger, as long as everyone’s playing by the same rules. Some comments aren’t meant for the world to see and some are more fun if they’re shared with the group.

    I guess it’s my answer to every SAT question . . . “It depends.” 🙂

    I can’t imagine you getting it wrong, Phil.

    Reply
  40. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 4:02 AM

    Hey Candice,
    I did my looking (can’t really call it research) through Google Blog Search I wanted something to frame the concept for people who’d never heard of it.

    I’m sure you know WAY more about it than I do — if 1996 is your experience, I’m going with that. Thanks for the update — so kindly put I might add! 🙂

    Reply
  41. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 4:06 AM

    Actually, the drive-bys and rude comments haven’t really been on the net neutrality stuff . . . they’ve been newbies leaving smart remarks eslewhere. You can they’re newbies by the tone and know-it-all approach to the way they lay down their ideas. For example:check out this commenter who decides that the link story was linkbaiting and promoted a lack of community on this blog. He then excuses himself by saying he’s grumpy. He never came back for answer.

    Reply
  42. Advice Librarian says

    September 19, 2006 at 7:14 AM

    I know linking to That Site makes you break out in crayons all over, but here’s a little more on the Eternal September including some interesting links that are external to Them 😛

    Reply
  43. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 7:17 AM

    Hi AdLib!
    I don’t mind linking to them really . . . and I find the concept and reality of this September thing fascinating. People are such an interesting species. We think we’re so clever and we behave in such predictable ways. 🙂

    Reply
  44. HART (1-800-HART) says

    September 19, 2006 at 8:12 AM

    Well, enough lurking .. I think I will have to say 100% I’m in agreement with Big Roy .. I don’t want to “think” about it or “look around” .. I’m sure all who knows me can pretty much agree that if I feel like commenting about ANYTHING – I will .. and, as you know – it never hurts to ask so I often do that even if it might humiliate me! 🙂 So, I will say 6 out of 7 on your list 🙂

    As for Maxpower.ca .. honestly, I think it’s the opposite of what you think (comment #42). I didn’t think that was rude at all, and in fact pretty sure it was a compliment in its own way. I think another Canadian just figured you out my friend 🙂 I mean .. aren’t we all trying to paint a pretty picture of a blogging community while at the same time exploiting it to enhance link reputation?

    Reply
  45. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 8:17 AM

    Hi HART!
    If that last sentence is indeed the case, then I’m a LOT more clueless than I thought, because if that story was linkbait, I’d guess the end count of outgoing links was somewhere near 340 and the incoming was closer 10 . . . not to mention the 120 hours it took to write the story.

    That makes an idiot trying to paint a pretty picture . . . .

    Reply
  46. HART (1-800-HART) says

    September 19, 2006 at 8:26 AM

    Well, I was one of the 10 incoming links .. and I hope the others that received the trackbacks are looking for their opportunities to give it back..I certainly recognized that it must have taken how long you took to write that.

    By the way .. what’s the topic for tonight? I’ve missed last two weeks and finally will be free to drop by.

    Reply
  47. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 8:29 AM

    You’re so fun, HART!
    I didn’t do it for the links! I did to see what the story might end up being about. 🙂

    I don’t know I was trying to think about a topic . . . what do you think about CARS!!!

    Reply
  48. HART (1-800-HART) says

    September 19, 2006 at 8:34 AM

    I can chat about anything really hehe .. Cars (automobiles) The Cars (rock band), Cars (2006) (the movie) .. Your House! I’m just the guy that slips in unnoticed that sits at the end of the bar, and fits in. That is, until closing or they ask me to leave.

    Reply
  49. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 8:38 AM

    Yep, I’m think that’s what it will be. It only gets us started and gives us something to fall back anyway . . .

    Reply
  50. Susan Reynolds says

    September 19, 2006 at 6:06 PM

    Liz, are you reading my mind or what? I’m being visited lately by an interesting commenter of late. She’s not a September wonder but instead one of those people who seems to feel it’s her role to “critique”.

    I don’t like to shot down comments but ya know . . . it’s getting old. I feel for you.

    Reply
  51. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 6:22 PM

    Hi Susan,
    Some folks feel that the world can’t turn without them. Some folks are feeling the change of seasons happening. Some folks just don’t know what to do these days.

    We’ll just have good time and be nice to all of them. 🙂

    Reply
  52. Susan Reynolds says

    September 19, 2006 at 6:25 PM

    PS – Liz, your “drive by comments by pseudo authorities who seem to think they know everything” comment is right on. They wish!

    PPS – On the other hand, I find many fascinating blogs just by reading your comments.

    Reply
  53. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 6:28 PM

    Yeah, Susan,
    I’m really lucky that so many smart, cool people stop by here. I get to discover and read their blogs that way too. 🙂

    Reply
  54. Mary says

    September 19, 2006 at 6:56 PM

    Thank you. and now, please, talk about email. Emails are also like diamonds and they stay around longer than a paper trail… sigh.

    I’ve also eventually met people (in person) who I met via a weblogs. The relationship was already a good one and we worked together, as a team, just as we had online.

    Reply
  55. ME Strauss says

    September 19, 2006 at 7:07 PM

    Hi Mary,
    I spoke about email not too very long ago. Does this help?

    https://www.successful-blog.com/1/10-1-things-to-make-me-love-your-business-email/

    Reply
  56. Alister Cameron, Blog Consultant says

    January 24, 2007 at 2:00 AM

    Hiya Liz!

    Love you’re blog. You’ve got such a great hearty approach to all you do… I love it.

    I posted earlier on the relational side of blogging and how relationship-building as at the heart of what the blogosphere is all about.

    Only later did I find this piece of yours.

    So better late than never, but I’ve linked to it!

    My post is here:
    http://www.alistercameron.com/2007/01/24/the-real-reason-nobody-reads-your-blog/

    Take care,

    – Alister

    Reply
  57. Free Thinker says

    October 27, 2008 at 3:42 PM

    Good day! I just googled my way here by typing the words on the search engine box, “connect with other bloggers.” And presto, here I am!

    I’d just read your article and I must say it’s very informative for me as the newest blogger in cyberspace. Beyond my passion for writing, I wish to connect with more people around the world.

    Moreover, your timely assistance is more than a coincidence. Thank you. “)

    Reply
  58. ME Liz Strauss says

    October 27, 2008 at 3:58 PM

    Hi Free Thinker,
    Hope you’re coming to the party on this blog tomorrow. You’ll be able to connect to many other bloggers then. 🙂

    Reply
  59. Tricia Chaves says

    April 11, 2009 at 2:21 PM

    I especially like what you have to say about people not interpreting words the same way. Lots of times our words can come across in a tone that we don’t intend! Nice article.

    Reply
  60. ME Liz Strauss says

    April 11, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    Hi Tricia!
    Welcome and thanks!
    It’s good to take a little time to look at all the ways folks hear us while we’re listening.

    You’re not a stranger anymore. 🙂

    Reply
  61. jan geronimo says

    April 12, 2009 at 1:13 AM

    No. 3 resonates with me. I bite my tongue whenever I see some errors. But if the error occurs in the headline of the post I don’t hesitate to email the author. Or send him a DM in Twitter if he/she is a friend or online buddy.

    I don’t point it out in the comment section. If there’s no contact form, then it’s unfortunate for the both of us. But I move on. A thing like that may not after all kill his chances at connecting with his readers, after all. It’s just one post.

    The last one I should work on. I have not thought about it in that light. Thank you, that’s particularly helpful.

    Reply
  62. Ching Ya says

    April 12, 2009 at 4:22 AM

    These are some ethical ways to comment properly. It’s funny how many times we overlooked (or maybe just me)comments as another way to bond, or even a networking tool. Anything that creates a communication between the 2 human beings, is where the relationship started.

    Whether we like to end it good or bad? Liz, I think you’ve given us some thought provoking points to ponder over this. Thank you.

    @wchingya
    Social Media/Blogging

    Reply
  63. Darcy Bell says

    February 10, 2010 at 11:51 AM

    A really great post. I am constantly looking for ways to connect with other bloggers, and will take all the useful info I can get! Thanks so much!

    Reply
  64. Scarlet says

    April 23, 2010 at 7:02 PM

    Thanks for all the good tips. I do a lot of this already and I think it has really helped me build a good network as well as being fun!

    Reply
  65. Dino Dogan says

    July 29, 2010 at 8:16 PM

    Come with the mind of a learner and you’ll be well rewarded.

    Thats a great line…I write about the beginners mind often…its an ancient Buddhist concept and I love how you worked it in, no muss,no fuss. 🙂

    Reply
    • ME Liz Strauss says

      July 30, 2010 at 9:02 AM

      Hey Dino!
      I believe that when we understand that others know things we don’t, we learn faster and and learn more. I have much to learn about Buddhist concepts, but what I know I agree with. 🙂

      Reply
  66. Krishnakant Sonakiya says

    September 10, 2010 at 6:27 AM

    You have made 7 very interesting points. But here’s what bothers me a lot… whenever I search for the thing I am looking for (like new phones, cameras) I am bound to find great blogs and possibly very reputable sites. What bothers me is what am I going to comment to make it useful? I want to ask a question but looking at the number of posts already submitted…86 here…I feel a little timid and don’t ask or comment.
    I want an opinion from the Author in particular. Other commentors do help each other but are they qualified more than the Author. No offense to other commentors here, but we only ask if its worth asking.
    I’ve already asked what I wanted to, and I’d be waiting for the reply.

    Regards,
    K.K. Sonakiya

    Reply
  67. ben says

    September 15, 2010 at 1:34 AM

    I like that tag line to get people to comment! Does it work though? relationships matter a lot these days I have a feeling the email is becoming more like the hand written letter these days, more and more people on social media so are all the bloggers. it’s where people can interact with each other rather than an email. I used to get lots of email from friends now hardly any more social media messages.

    Reply
  68. Deb @ThirtyCreative says

    January 22, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    In many cases I only comment on a post when I am planning to comeback and read other posts. Just as you mentioned, I am evaluating the blog before I knock on their door.

    Reply
    • ME Liz Strauss says

      January 23, 2011 at 8:49 AM

      Great point, Deb,
      I find I do the same. We only have time for so many relationships and conversations. I like to be fully present in those I start. Sounds like you do too.

      Reply
  69. Kostas says

    January 21, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    Thanks for the tips Liz. I’ve been looking for a concise guide to commenting on other blogs.

    Reply
  70. Daby says

    January 21, 2012 at 6:39 AM

    Now I for once decided to leave a comment on such an enlightening post. Ive been a regular reader of your blog Liz, you really opened my eyes about the importance and guide to commenting! THX. Am not scared anymore 🙂 And I’m defintely coming back later!

    Reply

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