I was really wondering about this the past few weeks because I have been trying very hard to raise the comment count on each post. I’m getting an average of three but I look at some people’s blogs and I notice they have 30 to 40 comments on each post. How in the world I ask?
I know, they have a following but some of the blogs I go to have a ton of comments that are from themselves. That seems kind of odd to me. I remember reading in the beginning of my blogging adventures that it is advantageous to leave comments on your own posts, it just seems like cheating to me. It also seems a little selfish because if you are doing all of the comments on your own blog then you must be expecting a conversation in your comments. It must be nice to have that kind of following. You know, the kind that doesn’t care if you ever come and check out their blog.
I’m trying to visit more blogs. It is such a wonderful experience to go to other’s sites and read about their experiences. I get a lot of article ideas, like this one for instance. I visited a blog and she had 8 comments on an article and six of them were her own. hmmm. She’s supposed to be a pretty influential mom too. I just wonder about stats and why there is so much stock in them.
Comment count
Unique Visitors
Returning Visitors
Technorati
Alexa
I have to remember an article I read at Mom Bloggers Club by Jennifer James saying that for every minute you waste tracking down your stats, that’s another minute you could have been using to make great content. Content takes care of itself.
I don’t leave very many comments on my own site. I do every now and then but hardly ever. I was just wondering what everyone else’s thoughts were?
I very rarely leave a comment on my own blog. It is more to reply to comment that has been left but on occassion I will go to the blog of the person that left a comment and leave a reply on one of their posts.
I only comment on my blog if someone asks a question that seems pertinent to people who will be commenting next. I respond to most comments that warrant a response over email, or by posting on the person’s blog.
I comment on my own blog for two reasons. #1 it keeps the conversation going and a blog really is a conversation. Blogging is all about creating relationships.
#2 I have other moms that write for me so I make sure I read their articles and leave a comment for them.
I read Jennifers article and she made some great points. I don’t look at my stats as often as I used too.
I think that if it makes sense to comment (someone asked a Q or commented conversationally) it’s fine to comment on your own blog. Interesting subject, though.
I guess I just never thought that someone would come to my blog and look at the article more than once.
Maybe it is something I should invest in.
Here’s what I do:
1.)try not to look at stats too often
2.) check out all the bloggers that comment on Momtrends and then comment on their site (good karma)
3.) comment back on my site AND directly to the commenter. I use email or twitter–however I can get a hold of them
I’m with them, I will comment occasionally in response to a comment or question, if the commenter hasn’t left an email address or doesn’t have a blog to comment on themselves.
Sometimes I will just edit the post to answer a question instead. Depends how lazy I’m being (commenting is faster).
Sometimes I’ll leave a comment in reply to someone, but that’s it. I mean, why comment when you have an entire blog, you know?
i am with you I barely ever comment on my own blog like you said i doubt people come back to see your answer if they ask something i email it to them not comment i feel you comment on other they will comment on yours. I dont get alot of comments on my reviews and regualar posts much so I need to figure out all this too thanks for sharing
I only leave comments on both of my sites if I have to answer a question and they didn’t leave an email address.
I reply to comments on my blog via the commenting system as a show of gratitude mostly, in appreciation of kind comments etc but only in reply, I do not start my own comments or leave fake comments. I also ALWAYS drop by to check out their blog when they comment on my site and leave them a comment too
Hi.
I respond to all of my comments using a plugin that emails my reply to the commenter and on the blog post, so either that person or someone else can continue conversation if they wish.
I don’t get many comments on my blog, but when I do, I try to respond to them, especially if they’re asking a question. If you answer via email, directly to the person, then other readers don’t get the benefit of knowing the answer as well.
I think it depends on your goals. If you want to blog and not hold a conversation then don’t comment back to people. Maybe unless they ask a direct question that others might be interested to know what you have to say.
The person who is commenting on her own blog should edit her post … sounds like she had more to say … or maybe an another entry???
I enjoy reading your personal posts, not just your giveaways, but I don’t always have something to say. Sometimes I do but with two kids I’m drawn away to other things.
Ummm I feel like I’m in the wrong street but here goes anyhow cos I don’t mind a barney. You rally do need to save your breaths a bit – a reply or an answer is not a comment they are what they are. I’m no expert but it is simply good manners to answer/reply. Every time I get an answer to a comment I feel quite chuffed because the Blogger is concerned enough to monitor and respect us by doing this. But I must say it was fun reading it all, you all. Have a good day.
Best wishes
Bruce Miller
Lots of of guys talk about this subject but you wrote down really true words.
added to my rss reader