Here’s a Ten on Tuesday on a Wednesday!! Of course, I can do that! 😉
Ten Commandments for Commenting
There is a similarity between blogging and a stage performance. In a show or a live performance, the appreciative applause, claps, whistles, catcalls, shouts, and sometimes rotten eggs, tomatoes and shoes are the barometers of a performance. When these whistles, catcalls or rotten eggs translate into words, they are known as the comments on our blogs.
Oh, there is no denying to the fact that we all love to receive comments on our blogs. Yes, even those, who say that “I write for my own self”.
We love to see the growing number of comments on our blog posts. A comment has the power to uplift our mood or to give us that happy feeling… or it can also make us cringe or even grimace! I am sure, we all have experienced these at different points of time. Based on observations and experience of reading and commenting on various blogs, I share the Ten Commandments for Commenting.
- Thou shalt read before commenting. You will not comment after just seeing a picture or the title of the post. By commenting without reading you are fooling nobody!
- Thou shalt comment sensibly. Your comments on a blog are like your business cards that you leave behind. They speak a lot about you. So, exercise your choice responsibly.
- Thou shalt add to the conversation. A ‘Good post” or “Agree completely” are the things of the past. Sharing what you liked about the article or adding an example from your own experience is a good idea.
- Thou shalt stay on the topic. Ok, you may like to comment about the grammar or the spelling errors, but it is important to connect with the post and be on the same topic while commenting. Starting your own discussion which is irrelevant to the post is not done.
- Thou shalt write comments that are easily comprehensible. Since, one can’t see your expression or your tone while you are commenting, it makes sense to comment in a language that is easily understandable. Using short forms of words like ‘l8r’ or ‘beta’ or commenting only with emoticons can be avoided.
- Thou shalt respect : You have all the rights to disagree with the views shared. Agree to disagree, respectably. Remember, when you’re commenting on a blog, you are actually a guest in their home. Your comment on a blog should be akin to your discussion you have with your friends while chatting over coffee.
- Thou shalt be creative : Agree sometimes, it is very easy to give in to simply write, “Beautiful post!” or “A great post.”, as you can’t find something better to comment on a post. That’s the time to don your creative hat! You are a creative blogger, isn’t it!?
- Thou shalt refrain from overdose of flattery. I guess, this is self explanatory.
- Thou shalt not spam. Please (see, it is a request!) refrain from sharing ‘Vote for my blog here’, ‘Read my latest post’ or ‘Visit my site’.
- Thou shalt proofread. It is better to fix the typing errors while commenting. Remember, your comments are your business cards…
Agree with these commandments??
Let your comments flow! 🙂
94 Responses
Agree. My problem is I always find my comments(the ones I give on other blogs) pathetic and boring. Sometimes I don’t comment at all as I find my comment so boring. More often than not, I find all that I want to say is already said by many others. In such a situation too, I don’t comment. I am a very bad commenter then. 🙁
Who has given that feedback to you!! I believe that is your assumption. 🙂
Yeah, that’s perfectly fine, ie not commenting when you believe you have nothing to say or add value. All of us do that!! 🙂
Agree wholeheartedly on this one 😀
Many a times, lazy people scroll through our post and get a hang of what the post is about and they try to pass some smart comments..but then we can always tell who reads and who doesn’t..well, almost always 😛
Thanks Bhavya! True, one can easily make out a fake comment! 🙂
Agree. Nice post. Keep writing. I hope I have not made any mistake in my business card.
But honestly, you have said it all. Bang on.
🙂 🙂
LOL 😀 Thanks Alka 🙂
After having read Ten Commandments here,I am convinced,I am not doing badly.I almost follow the rules of the game..Dont I ?
You are too good at commenting, Mr Chowla. I like the way you interact! 🙂
Chalo,Thank youji
Wow!!! The template is so nice…Sorry I did not come very often here…I love everything about it…
And I know this comment is against this post, as this comment violates “Thou shalt stay on the topic.”
Haha! Elizabeth, liked your witty comment. Thanks 😉
I have to think hard before commenting on atleast this post 🙂 🙂
Agree to all the points splly 3, 5,6 and 9. There can be point..if you are reading the post..do comment as it always give pleasure to writer !!
LOL 😀 Pls take it easy 😀
Agree, some do comment but many refrain from doing so!
Aye Aye ma’m….I agree with the commandments and shall follow them as much as possible… 😉
Haha ha, Kajal! 😀
Wow, Thou shalt write 20 more such points and I’ll agree 😀
Loved the interface of your site..I guess I visited after long 😛
LOL 😀 Thanks Priyaa 🙂
Some spam messages are very alluring. Consider this – “This blog post is great and is exactly what I was looking for. I proceeded to read all the posts in your blog and I love them. I will bookmark your blog and will make sure to visit it very often for latest content. Thanks, Visit:…… “. Sometimes, I am tempted to approve such comments 😛
Destination Infinity
Wow!! This is so wonderful. Even I would be tempted to approve such a comment 😀
good post . agree. oops…
I went to visit my aunt yesterday….oops…
umm…gr8 post…oops..
U r d best….oops..
do visit my blog…..oops
OMG! what a thoroughly researched topic, Shilpa! you haven’t left anything out! have you? ( i hope I haven’t too!!!!) 🙂 perfect 10!
ROFL 😀 That’s a creative comment, LP 😀
Thanks 🙂
Yes, ma’am, will comply, ma’am. LoL!
On a serious note, I agree with you shilpa. One has to be sensible while commenting, I hate rants in my comments. Actually for me the number of comments does not matter. I will be glad even if 2 or 3 comment but it should add value to the post. thankfully i have nice people commenting on my blog and the comments sometimes are insightful and more interesting than the post:)
Agree, it is a delight to see insightful and interesting comments 🙂
I agree with most of your commandments. If a person writes, “I write for myself”. this is the greatest lie. otherwise nobody would have read it. The person could have kept the writings to him/herself. And every single person expects the post to be read and commented too.
Agree, if you don’t want yourself to be read, make your blog private.
Yep, even I do like the occasional comments on my blog.And thou shall comply to your sermon, O mademoiselle. 😉 😀 (its not flattery its a little renaissance)
But you know, it should also not be like that one has to comment to each & every post. I feel less genuine & a bit irritated if someone keeps on commenting to each & every,how-so-ever irrelevant, post.
Agree, an oscar-award-winning-speech comment on a regular post is truly fake. Such comments definitely leave a bad taste in mouth!
I am Guilty Shilpa, of making errors even after proof reading my comments or even my own posts for that matter. In my mind I think, I see it correct and forget to read what I have,eventually typed out. Sholly 🙁
Aww! Pls dont say that! Errors happen to all of us, Dee!! 🙂
Good post. Agree Completely. (hahaha).
I find most of the comments in all the blogs I read are “complementary” of the writer and/or the post. Very rarely I see anyone writing a comment disapproving the content or questioning any point in that post. Is it like you scratch my back and I scratch your back? I don’t know.
Yeah, most of the time the comments are positive and encouraging. There are times when one does see scathing comments too!
Raising my hand and solemnly swearing to follow these! Good one, Shilpa!
Aww! Corinne, you are too sweet! 🙂
First, my congratulations on your Day 24 of the UBC. I started off with a bang and ditched it after Day 3 because I had to attend to other priorities and could find no way to keep up with it.
Second, your template looks gorgeous, Shilpa.
This post could easily be your commenting policy, Shilpa. Oh wait, it is, isn’t it? 😀 I always find it better to refrain from commenting when I have nothing sensible to add.
😉 Great post – I had to say it because it is!
Hugs, Vidya
Thanks a lot, Vidya. Yeah, glad that now just a week more to go, but it was fun as well as challenging to do this UBC.
You are too kind. Thank you, Vidya 🙂 Hugs 🙂
You have done a good job of it. Bu I will still write,’good post’ when I have nothing more to add to the conversation. Remember as a commentator I am also being true to myself. 😉
” Yes, even those, who say that “I write for my own self”.
I have heard a LOT of this and I disagree. I have one, no, two other blogs that is not open to public, not to anyone. And I am perfectly glad just to write (because it makes me happy to simply “write”) even if no one reads it 🙂 After all there are a lot of people who write on paper and never show them to others and are still happy to write, so why should that not be the case with blogs?!
Thanks Shail. Glad you liked this post. 🙂
As for “I write for my own self”… you are truly writing for yourself on those 2 blogs of yours and that is why they are private. Agree, you can keep your writings to yourself on blogs too just like diaries of earlier times. After all, writing is a fab creative vent which soothes and makes us happy.
In my post, I am talking about those who have public blogs and say the above. 🙂
These are super, Shilpa. i agree that you can spot a fake comment from a mile away.
Thks Cynthia. True, it is sad and bad to see a fake comment. At times you wonder what to do with it. Recently, I read a comment on a blog and I was laughing out loud. While the blogger had paid a tribute to a dead relative and the commenter wished him a long healthy life. 😐
I wish the spammers could see and agree to this post!! 😀
I’ve noticed in some of my longish posts that not everyone reads through, which is obvious from the comments they leave. It’s a bit disheartening because you did spend a lot of time writing the post! I guess it’s a sign of the times that people don’t have the patience to read a more-than-300-words post! :/
True, the attention span is so less on the web. Seeing comments which clearly reflect that the post has not been read leaves you so dejected. Yes, 300-500 words is max that has greater acceptance!
I hereby promise to myself and all my blogger friends that ‘m going to follow all the above rules. And i admit that ‘m someone who uses short comments like”Beautiful/good post” when ‘m lazy to think but very much wanted to comment!
Awe, Shilpa! You do research before blogging!
Aww! That’s such a sweet pledge, Sheethal. 😀
Agree with all the 10 commandments! 🙂
Thanks Pixie 🙂
this post made my day . spclly love this point Thou shalt add to the conversation. A ‘Good post” or “Agree completely” are the things of the past. Sharing what you liked about the article or adding an example from your own experience is a good idea.
Actlly all points r good . Jst yest I remember commenting on A fellow bloggers status update. whats ur take on Replying to comments ? I mean some times due to lack of time I just think visiting and reading them is also a way of acknowledging them. U think replying to each and every comment is important . just confused hence asking Opinion !!
and these ten commandments are like golden rules
Sorry but cant resist saying this – “A good post” “Beautiful post” 😉
Visiting and commenting on other blogs is a way to acknowledge, agree. But replying to comments on our blog should be a good practice too. It adds to the conversation and also, it helps you connect with the readers better.
Thanks Afshan 🙂
It’s true we all love comments on our blogs. These were really useful tips Shilpa.
Glad these commandments resonate with you, Diana. Thanks 🙂
Really useful commandments for commenting. And comments does uplift our mood. 🙂
That’s so very true, Hetal 🙂
Thou shalt be creative – love that one. I shall try to be creative in every comment – good explanations, now if only Moses had followed your format, those commandments may have been more easily followed.
LOL 😀 That’s a creative comment, indeed, Suzy! 😀
Oh Yes I agree completely. I sometimes get comments from anonymous sources asking me to buy some brand of Agarbathis 🙂
Such comments move to the trash bin immediately!
I hate comments that are not genuine. I mean, what’s the point. Whatever happened to quantity vs quality? Some would say the grapes are sour..haha.. but I believe as long as my stats are up, I don’t have to worry 🙂
Oh, it is definitely, quality vs quantity. Fake comments give no joy so what’s the point in having them on the blog!
Dear Shilpa,
I thoroughly enjoyed the humour evoked in this post. Also along with humor a very practical sense of commenting has been brought out. If I may permit myself to say so, you have rightfully resonated my own viewpoints on the subject. I once had a blogger who commented for the sake of it using words like “nice” or “great” and it irked me.
Thanking you for sharing your thoughts and enlightening us with your words of wisdom.
Warm regards,
Richa.
*I proof read for grammatical and spelling mistakes except for Richa and Shilpa no red or green lines visible*
Thanks Richa. Glad that we think alike on this subject. LOL @ proof reading part… 😀
Shilpa I must paste the ten commandments on my desk to keep them always in mind. Actually you have researched a lot and framed the rules so correctly that every one can guess that this or that point is for him/her.
😛
Woah Shilpa!! These ten commandments I shall abide by hereon 😀
We are all greedy for comments, it is only fair we respect their sanctity. It is hard to disagree on any of the points you have listed. Despite proofreading , occasional typos are condoned I hope 😛
Occasional typos or honest little mistakes are ok, we all do that!! And that’s pretty ok! 😛
hahahahahahah just my problem which I faced yesterday :D… and Ritchie was like leave it no you are looking too much into it… but this is a superb list… I have a similar one in the FAQ section of my blog …. it really helped my readers a lot 🙂 and eventually my blog too…
I liked what you said.. your comments are your business cards… so true 🙂
Wow! Will hop over and check your FAQ section… sounds very interesting! 🙂
Good points ! But sometimes people do picture posts and you want to appreciate it and then all one can do is say good, great, etc …use superlatives. Personally I avoid commenting if there is an option to like the post, more simple! Great guidelines, but there will be exceptions to a rule, just saying:)
Oh yes, there are exceptions to a rule, always. And agree, on picture posts there isnt much to say, always! Thanks V 🙂
See, now I want to say I agree completely….but I can’t just leave it at that, can I? 😛 Having said that, one or two things are a bit hard to do if I’m reading posts at work {yes, naughty, I know!} If it’s at work, sometimes, all I can manage is a sentence and rarely can I be creative! 😀
LOL 😀 We understand such situations, PB 🙂
Hi Shilpa,
I do agree with almost all your points. I do read blogs and only then comment, and I do comment honestly. Even I hate comments like ” great post”, “keep writing”, or some stupid comments like these. Some people are also very diplomatic in their comments, making me wonder why aren’t they diplomats, instead of choosing the job of commenting. Sometimes I cannot relate to a blog, then I just don’t comment, but some people will still comment, because they feel if they did not, they won’t get comments in their blogs.
And I really can’t understand, why some people beg for comments at the end of their blogs, if a person likes a blog he / she would definitely leave a comment. And also I don’t like the idea of asking people to vote for my blog,( I had participated in a contest titled the best stylish house) I did it once, I really felt so bad doing it
And one thing is for sure, I definitely write for myself first and not for others, when others come and read my personal blog which is public, and write comments, I am indeed pleased, just as any other blogger. We all write for our selves, for we are not bound by any body’s rules and regulations or expectations, or likes and dislikes.
And sometimes I do disagree with the person, and when I just cannot come back without writing my view, I do write. I also hate self praise, by some bloggers, people get bored of hearing it if it is too often.
I have always liked the way you comment Rama. Always adding your experience or suggestions or your views, which give a new dimension to the discussion.
Agree about asking for votes… it doesnt give a good feeling somehow. Yes, have seen some people actually use the word ‘beg’ for comments. Gosh, I always wonder, why would anyone say that? 😐
You wrote this for me!!! I mean at least initial few points na 😛
LOL 😀
Succinctly written. I have cringed many times on my blog when I have seen people just commenting because they wanted me to come and read their blog.
Some even wrote very irrelevant comments which made it clear that they have not even read the post. I hope people follow these commandments and we get a true feedback from our readers.
True, seeing comments which show that the post has not been read, makes you cringe! I guess, writing meaningful comments should be the mantra!
hahaha BTW Good post! I like your points. Should I leave my IBA link for you to vote on? 😛
LOL 😀
aah, so this is Shilpa Garg’s site…somehow never got here. Commenting is a difficult thing–sometimes I visit newbies who are beginning to articulate views and I try to encourage. Friends sites I visit and I want to show solidarity. Profound posts I don’t comment. I usually email them or talk in person. It also takes me time to chew on it. And some posts aren’t reader friendly–and yet I don’t want anybody to feel unacknowledged. I guess it depends what your purpose as a reader is. And then there is the business of blogging–it is a form of social networking too. In short I admit to a lot of violations of the commandments. Show me a way out, oh Queen of Commenting! (yes, that was flattery flat out) 😛
Hey Bhavana! So good to see you here. Well, well, you have articulated the various situations we all face, so well. But I don’t think that you could violate any of the commandments in these situations. So, what you are doing is PERFECT!! 🙂
Thou Shall Agree is one thing I usually do…lol
I tend to agree with the blogger’s perspective and comprehend her belief by sharing it across my community.
Hope that’s a doable commandment 🙂
Oh yes, that’s a perfect commandment, Ruchira. I tend to do this often too! 😛
I had not read this post and today got to read it because Corinne linked it.
I liked the way you have put it.
Commenting creaatively is something I feel I lack in. I am always at a loss of words. 😀
Also if it is a story then what can you comment, it can be good or bad
I know, it is tough to comment creatively all the time. For a story sometimes, we can add our perspective or something about the characters, the narration, the plot or something about the way it ended etc etc…
Oh yes! I am at a loss when it comes to commenting too. Many times I walk away from the post because I am not sure what to say that will be appropriate and polite at the same time. Very valid points for beginners and experienced bloggers. 🙂
I know that happens as well, when we just dont know what to say, sometimes 😛
It happened with me long time ago..many a times i read blogs and close the window without posting any comments. After i have started blogging i hv realized how amazing it feels when u actually see bowlfull of thoughts, ds nt matter if smone critized though ..i make sure to revert each n everyone…
Thx sharing and must say ur last line is bang on!! I hope i left my bussiness card correctly 😉
Hi Jasmeet. Welcome to this blog! And yes, your business card is awesome 🙂 Thanks 🙂
Some of these i followed religiously, but two or three of them i didn’t care.. Now i would definitely try to follow them. After all love begets love and a good comment begets the same..
Simple and direct commandments Shilpa. I hope to adhere to most o them 😉
I have seen many bloggers (who know the do’s and don’t of commenting) leaving a comment like ver informative post or this is very useful for new parents. And personally I feel it is better not to comment if you don’t find words to comment. I totally agree Shilpa, comments are our business cards. we never know who is reading our comments. A thoughtful comment res a long way. It is definitely a good feeling for the writer but it all pens the door to many new opportunities for the blogger.
This is bang on! Most of the uncomprehendable and irrelevant comments are usually trashed at my end.
These commandments are very helpful. Must be followed. For me its my to do thing as a learning for myself.
Commenting ethics are very important for a blogger. We should always watch for any grammatical errors before hitting enter. Being a writer, our sentences speak for us.
Of this, one thing that strikes me is that more often than not, bloggers tend to be respectful. Very rarely do you see vile or polarising comments in the replies section, right?