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Leaving Folks Room to Comment — Why It’s Imposstible Most of the Time

September 28, 2006 by Liz 80 Comments

In April — Advice from Readers Yea!

Power Writing Series Logo

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

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

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

Please Take the Keys

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

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

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

How will I learn if you don’t?

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

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

In August — Advice from Liz Uh-Oh

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

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

So I’m here to say that,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Filed Under: Blog Basics, Blog Comments, Successful Blog, Writing Tagged With: a-clear-message, bc, blog comments, blog-writing, Customer Think, focusing-ideas, ideas, Writing-Power-for-Everyone

Comments

  1. ann michael says

    September 28, 2006 at 1:38 PM

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

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

    Reply
  2. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 1:57 PM

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

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

    Reply
  3. Skinny Moose says

    September 28, 2006 at 2:52 PM

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

    There are a lot of lurkers such as myself! 🙂

    Reply
  4. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 2:55 PM

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

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

    Reply
  5. Skinny Moose says

    September 28, 2006 at 2:58 PM

    Do you remember me?

    I am the drunken moose hehe

    Milton the Moose!

    Reply
  6. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:02 PM

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

    Reply
  7. Skinny Moose says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:04 PM

    har har!

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

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

    🙂

    Reply
  8. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:05 PM

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

    Reply
  9. Skinny Moose says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:07 PM

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

    Reply
  10. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:08 PM

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

    Reply
  11. TechZ says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:19 PM

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

    Reply
  12. Skinny Moose says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:22 PM

    Glow in the dark moose… hey I like it…

    Reply
  13. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:26 PM

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

    Reply
  14. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:26 PM

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

    Reply
  15. Skinny Moose says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:27 PM

    Cause I’m skinny? maybe?

    Reply
  16. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:29 PM

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

    Reply
  17. Skinny Moose says

    September 28, 2006 at 3:31 PM

    OK tell them I said hi…

    and I miss them….

    and….

    Reply
  18. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 4:59 PM

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

    Reply
  19. ann michael says

    September 28, 2006 at 5:02 PM

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

    Reply
  20. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 5:18 PM

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

    Reply
  21. Scorpia says

    September 28, 2006 at 5:38 PM

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

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

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

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

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

    Reply
  22. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 5:42 PM

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

    Reply
  23. Skinny Moose says

    September 28, 2006 at 5:47 PM

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

    Desserts, Foods, oh my favorite.

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

    Ummm let’s see… brainstorming… brainstorming….

    Poilitics could be rough…

    ahhh

    I’ll go ask Milton!!

    Reply
  24. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 5:49 PM

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

    Reply
  25. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 5:50 PM

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

    Reply
  26. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 5:52 PM

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

    Reply
  27. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 6:04 PM

    I will have to catch up! 🙂

    Reply
  28. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 6:07 PM

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

    Reply
  29. Yvonne says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:00 PM

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

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

    Reply
  30. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:04 PM

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

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

    Reply
  31. Yvonne says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:17 PM

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

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

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

    Something to think about….

    Reply
  32. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:20 PM

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

    Gee, my life is so rough. 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  33. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:33 PM

    Hey Liz,
    What was the original question?

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

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

    Reply
  34. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:35 PM

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

    Reply
  35. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:36 PM

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

    Reply
  36. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:41 PM

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

    Reply
  37. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:44 PM

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

    Reply
  38. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:44 PM

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

    Reply
  39. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:46 PM

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

    Reply
  40. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:49 PM

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

    Reply
  41. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:53 PM

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

    Reply
  42. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:54 PM

    Maybe they have a real life . . . 🙂

    Reply
  43. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:57 PM

    My place was hacked haha

    I am back from my real life now. 🙂

    I had to go for my hour walk!

    Reply
  44. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:58 PM

    Probably right, Liz… 😉

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

    Tomorrow’s gonna be another daaay…

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

    Reply
  45. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 7:59 PM

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

    Reply
  46. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:00 PM

    Getting hacked on my walk would be worse.

    Hi Joe… 🙂

    Reply
  47. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:02 PM

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

    Reply
  48. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:04 PM

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

    Reply
  49. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:08 PM

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

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

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

    Reply
  50. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:09 PM

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

    Reply
  51. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:10 PM

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

    Reply
  52. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:11 PM

    No, he can’t it’s not final.

    Reply
  53. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:13 PM

    Yea it is all in the brainstorm process…

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

    Reply
  54. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:14 PM

    I love secrets (when I know them).

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

    Reply
  55. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:16 PM

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

    Reply
  56. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:16 PM

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

    Reply
  57. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:19 PM

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

    I win…

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

    Reply
  58. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:21 PM

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

    Reply
  59. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:22 PM

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

    Reply
  60. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:22 PM

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

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

    Reply
  61. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:24 PM

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

    Reply
  62. Scorpia says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:25 PM

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

    Reply
  63. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:26 PM

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

    Reply
  64. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:26 PM

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

    Reply
  65. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:27 PM

    Hey Scorpia,
    Email me the details again. Thanks!

    Reply
  66. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:27 PM

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

    Reply
  67. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:32 PM

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

    Reply
  68. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:33 PM

    This is getting fun!

    Reply
  69. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:34 PM

    Reply
  70. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:34 PM

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

    Reply
  71. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:35 PM

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

    Reply
  72. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:36 PM

    Anybody watching Grey’s Anatomy?

    Reply
  73. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:37 PM

    That photo is priceless!

    Reply
  74. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:37 PM

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

    Reply
  75. Steve says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:38 PM

    Milton looks humiliated doesn’t he?

    Reply
  76. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 8:42 PM

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

    Reply
  77. Joe says

    September 28, 2006 at 9:46 PM

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

    Reply
  78. ME Strauss says

    September 28, 2006 at 9:48 PM

    Sweet dreamns, Joe.
    Sleep tight.

    Reply
  79. Hans says

    September 30, 2006 at 5:48 AM

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

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

    Reply
  80. ME Strauss says

    September 30, 2006 at 6:02 AM

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

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

    Reply

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