I am joining in with Dr Tanya’s Blogging Insights questions again this week.

TODAY’S QUESTION

Do you think that comments add value to a blog post? If so, how?

Dr Tanya answered her own question in her post which I have linked to above. I pretty much agree with all that she said because I have found much the same thing myself.

When I was a new blogger I was always excited to get a like or a comment because it meant that someone had read my post. When you are just starting out and maybe getting only a handful of views of your posts each week comments and likes are very reassuring. Those people who read my early posts gave me the confidence to keep going. They can take the credit (or blame ) for that. 🙂

When I read a blog I usually stop to read the comments too, at least some of them. I’ll be honest and say that sometimes I skim but I like to see what others think about the subject matter and by following the links on challenge posts for example, I’ve found other like minded bloggers. The comment section can be like a conversation between friends. In fact it is by writing and replying to comments that I’ve got to know and become friends with several other bloggers.

One of the two blogs I’m involved in is specifically about doll collecting and I encourage comments there particularly because one of the aims of the blog is to share information. I have probably learned far more from our readers than they have learned from me. I write a post and someone has an interesting story relating to the subject or supplies some information that I didn’t have or corrects me if I misidentify a doll. I think we inspire each other and as many collectors don’t have friends or family that share their love of dolls it is also a place to share the pleasure they bring to us without being judged.

I think there is also a place for the “likes” and “good post” type of comments. Many bloggers including myself use them as a sort of greeting if you like, just checking in with a friend or maybe offering a bit of encouragement to another blogger even if you haven’t got a strong opinion on what was posted.

Writing comments often inspires me to write a post of my own on the subject. I do sometimes write longish comments but if I find myself really going to town on a subject I will sometimes turn it into a post. I am sure many others do the same thing.

So, yes I do think that comments generally add value to a blog post. I think there have to be a few rules if you plan on writing about subjects that can be controversial. You have to be prepared to close comments or delete them if people are rude or disrespectful but mostly I think that they are a positive thing.