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What makes you comment... or not?

I noticed on my site meter report that I had a large increase of visitors to my blog yesterday. But sadly, there were few comments left. That led me to do some thinking and a little research. According to this post by problogger, only one out of 100 readers comment. Most readers are lurkers. I have found myself at times lurking as well. Sometimes the content is just not what I was looking for or does not inspire me. Sometimes I'm just lazy. I have tried to make a bigger effort when visiting links from link parties to leave a comment- a kind word or encouragement. Admit it, it makes you feel good when people compliment your work and when they leave comments so that you know someone is actually taking the time to read what you wrote.

So, what leads you to leave a comment? Is it only when something inspires you? Or is it when the content engages you and asks you a question or for your opinion? Please let me know. I'm looking to generate some friendly discussion here.
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Comments

  1. LarisaMarch 22, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    I like to put comments because I know any comment may make a day of yours) I hope you feel the same)

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  2. Domestic GoddessMarch 22, 2011 at 3:09 AM

    Guilty of lurking here! (raises hand) I love crafting and decorating and fun project ideas that I can do with my kids at home or the kids in my classroom. I usually only have a few minutes a day to browse the web so once I come across a site that I like (yours), I bookmark it and visit it every morning over my cup of coffee.

    I haven't left comments on a site in a long time but the last time I did it was to make a comment about a pound cake recipe that I tried and loved. By the way, it was the Strawberry Cream Cheese Swirl pound cake from the cover of Southern Living magazine. My first pound cake ever and I can't wait to make another one!

    Thanks for the inspiration,
    Jayne

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  3. Fonda @Southern ScrapsMarch 22, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Larisa, thanks for your sweet words. Domestic Goddess, I know what you mean about having only a few minutes a day to browse. I could sit here for hours, but I'm usually here over my morning coffee and then work calls.

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  4. paulssandyMarch 22, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Good questions. Questions often make me leave a comment, lol. Many times I don't have a lot of time or am being lazy :o( I do usually leave a comment to those who have very few or no comments to encourage them. Then again, I also leave comments to those item really WOWed me. I always try to leave comments on the blogs of those who comment on mine (but not those who are DTs for challenges I entered)

    Looking forward to other answers as I always wondered the same thing.

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  5. Christie describeHappyMarch 22, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    It's a good question. If the content makes me want to know more or inspires me to create then I probably post a comment. I also find I connect more often with sites that load faster, don't have that word verification, and have an engaging funny author. A tall order.

    I have to admit that I also read through Google Reader.. so it has to be worth the extra clicks to get to the blog and click on post a comment (like this topic... it's very interesting!). And if I may... things like your music are somewhat of a turn off since I'm already listening to my own music. Hope you are able to solve the why... 1 in 100 is such a small number!

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  6. Fonda @Southern ScrapsMarch 22, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Sandy, thanks for your input. I don't usually comment back to DT members on challenges either. I figure that's what they are supposed to do.

    Christie, that's a good point about reading from Google reader. If I were not directly on the blog, I don't know that I'd take the time of extra clicks. And blogs with music, like mine, usually have a way to turn off the music. Click on the playlist box play button and it will stop or pause. I have turned off music of others blogs in the past if I was something I didn't want to listen to. Thanks for your input.

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  7. Rissa @ Hazel and HoneysuckleMarch 23, 2011 at 3:27 AM

    I usually comment the first time I visit a blog (there's almost always something in particular that drew me in in the first place!) from then on I comment on things that inspire me, and I comment more often on people's blogs who comment on mine. I guess because it feels like I "know" them a bit better so I'm comfy commenting!

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  8. Handmade in IsraelMarch 23, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Great question! I also wish a few more folk would leave a comment now and then. My views do not match the number of comments I get (often not many).
    I have built up great online friendships with some bloggers and we often comment on each others blogs. It's become like an old friend popping in to say 'Hi!'

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  9. Fonda @Southern ScrapsMarch 23, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    It does seem that establishing online relationships with others leads to comments, and it's important to comment on other blogs to draw readers to you.

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  10. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    I could have written this post. I, like you, have lots of visitors but rarely a comment. I try to comment knowing that that is what I'd like when people visit my blog. Blogs are supposed to be about discussion. Since I often feel like I am alone in my craft/art lifestyle I like connecting with those with similar interests either he makers like me or those who appreciate and patronize the arts. The most surefire way to hear from your readers are to write posts like this. Every so often I write a post that blatantly requests lurkers to come out of hiding and let me know they are there. Those are always the posts with lots of comments. We are all pressed for time but comments are the way we can connect and possible form friendships and gain support, feedback, gain inspiration, learn new techniques and discover others. We all need to realize the invaluable resource the network our blogs can provide. Not sure how cohesive this comment is...I'll step down from my soapbox, thank you for starting the discussion.

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  11. ejorpinMarch 23, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Great question!

    I have to agree with the few of the comments above in that:
    - I always try and comment on my first visit to a blog (especially if I like the blog and have decided to follow it);
    - I also tend to comment more on blogs from people that I 'know' from other on-line mediums as well (twitter, Flickr, Etsy etc);
    - and I use a reader so yes, it takes a few clicks to get to a post also, which means I have to be pretty motivated to comment - something that I connect with in someway (an 'I do that to' moment), or a piece of work that really inspires me, or an interesting question/topic (like this one!)

    Time is also an issue but I've set myself a goal of commenting on at least two blog posts per day, which is quite manageable. It forces me to seek out posts I like and spread the love and encouragement around! It's also been helpful in building up followers (and commenters!) on my own blog.

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  12. JohannaMarch 23, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    Such a great questi!! I just started blogging not too long ago and do not have many followers so when I do get a comment or a new follower I get excited and have a feel of accomplishment (in thinking that they must like what they see). I always try to leave a comment on when I visit. Thank you for commenting on my blog earlier today..... johanna xo

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  13. Kimberly CostaMarch 24, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    I think an interesting topic (like this), a post or photo or item that's inspiring or that I really like will usually get a comment from me. I also find myself wanting to leave comments as encouragement as someone else here mentioned. There are other times where I don't have much time and I'd like to leave a comment but can't. I definitely think this is an interesting topic as I also like to get feedback on my own blog so let us know if you get any more feedback.

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  14. LuAnnMarch 24, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    I think I was a visitor to your blog on Sunday - your book covered eggs came up on a search and I wondered over here to check out how you made them.

    I bookmarked your blog after seeing some of the projects you created because I oversee the running of The Hybrid Chick http://www.thehybridchick.com/ - it's my job to bring in fresh talent to the team :)

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  15. Fonda @Southern ScrapsMarch 24, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    Well said, Karin. ejorpin, Kimberly- Time is such an issue, time to come up with contenct, time to post, then time to comment- where does the time go? Johanna, you're off to a great start with blogging. Thanks everyone for taking time to comment on this subject.

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  16. MichelleMarch 24, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    I like to comment just because I'm a talkative person. I can see how it would be difficult for shy people though. I think it also helps when the blogger attempts to engage the reader in conversation. Sometimes it is hard to find something to comment on.

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  17. AnastasiaMarch 25, 2011 at 1:34 AM

    i think its mainly time - well it is for me...or I should say lack of time.

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