DISQUS

Steven Hodson · 9 months ago

I have been a big proponent of the power of comments if done right and have written more than a few posts on the subject. The latest one is here if you are interested http://www.winextra.com/index.php/2009/02/26/th...

In this day of Twitter and blah blah quick thoughts blasted out to friends and followers I still think that for bloggers the comments they make on other blogs and the comments readers make on our home blogs are much more long lasting.

Mike Wasylik · 9 months ago

Back in the days of proto-blogging I always found that starting a genuine conversation with someone was the best way to get attention. In other words, give interest to get interest.

That became even more true when "comment technology" came on the scene. (Back in, uh, 2000?) The ability to leave a comment of someone else's blog is power that, used responsibly, can deliver great benefits. A thoughtful comment that engages the poster or other readers can help build reputation and promote interest in one's own site.

A clueless or tossed-off comment is like littering in someone else's living room, or even worse.

JR Griggs · 9 months ago

This is a great post, David


lol, sorry I couldn't resist.

But seriously, I have seen a lot of those on the "big" blogs. Luckily I was able to learn early and not look like a dope. I honestly have not spent enough time commenting on other blogs. The blogs I have been commenting are blogs like yours here because I truly have something to say. Even though your readers may not have any interest in my blog. I do need to start getting involved in some blogs in my niche as well.

JR Griggs · 9 months ago

Another great tip is make sure that you type your email address correctly. Other wise your gravatar will not show up as you can see in my comment above this.

So besides proofing the comment also proof your name, email and site. :-(

Stuart Conover · 9 months ago

I've actually noticed that commenting on the smaller and mid-sized blogs in a niche (of course using useful comments) tend to bring more potential readers to a site over any of the larger blogs in a niche.

Maybe that's just me and the niches I have blogs in but it does seem to be the case from my experience ;)

Brent · 9 months ago

I think this is my first blog comment ever. I have been reading your blog for a few weeks now.. Very helpful stuff... Thank you! I started a blog for my company a month or so ago. (No Comments on it yet) I have been designing and building eCom stores for almost 10 years now and never paid much attention to blogs until now. I just signed up for a Gravitar because of the post you wrote last week and hopefully will be making regular comments on relevant blogs. This is going to be fun!

Tony Teegarden · 9 months ago

It's always good to see that your posts confirm a lot of what I'm doing right, however I never cease to pick up a nugget or two on top of it of things I can do better.

The concept of added value so people have a "desire" to visit my blog is crucial and I get it.

Since I've started up a new blog basically and have started from scratch I'm reminded to get out there, network and don't be a blog potato! (Someone who just posts & then sits and waits for traffic to magically appear)

On top of that its not only the importance of bringing in traffic but the quality of relationships that I've created by making an effort to get involved in the community & get to know those people.

Since I blog about personal development and the development of relationships on line & off, your post didn't just ring about about how to properly "engage" but more importantly how to "connect" with them!

Thanks!

Chef Patrick · 9 months ago

Some excellent points. Let me leave a nonsense comment and see if I get any traffic :)

Rick Bicycle Hangar · 9 months ago

I am an avid blog commenter. I agree with almost every thing you say except your comment about nofollow. Yahoo does not follow the "Google Nofollow Convention." You can easliy check the links that Yahoo shows to your site and they do not discriminate between nofollow and dofollow.

I believe that the nofollow idea is totally misunderstood by most people. Google has said that they will not leak Google Page rank through links that are nofollowed, not that they will not follow the link.

Rick

I believe nofollow is great for channeling the google page rank around your own website but a nofollow link from a high ranked page is still a valuable link.

Ashwin @ Thoughtsunlimited · 9 months ago

Hi David,

I agree with all your points on strategically commenting at blogs. As you rightly pointed out, comments are meant for people and not for the "spiders". Point well taken... But don't you think Comments are also a means to provide feedback to the blogger?

For example, I read a wonderful blog post (something like yours :D) and have nothing much to add to it... But I really wish to appreciate the Blogger for what he has written, that would serve as a positive feedback. A lot of positive feedbacks like these might make the Blogger feel that he/she is in the right direction.

In this case, would you call this a lame comment? Any thoughts?

Regards,
Ashwin

Casper Christensen · 4 months ago

I think your right. A comment can also serve as feedback. But still you should elaborate why you like the post, and not just: "Nice article, thank you".

Jennifer Moore · 9 months ago

This is a very helpful post for me. I follow a variety of blogs for a variety of reasons. I am following people like you, David, because I am a new business owner, and I find your blog to be extremely educational. My blog is only a part of my business, but it IS a part of my business, so I benefit a lot from the information I pick up on these blogs.

I am someone who reads a lot and comments little. I don't see the point in commenting when one has nothing of value to say. I guess it's just the way I am. I fully believe that "time is money," and I don't like for people to waste my time, so I try not to waste theirs, either. Why post a "me, too," you know?

Have a great day!
Jennifer @ JenniferLynn Productions

genecoleman · 4 months ago

This post has been helpful. It has made me think more about a gravatar. Prior to this, I never gave much thought about a gravatar. I thought of it as just something pretty useless. I will now get one and try to create a presence. thanks

David · 4 months ago

That was a great help, but i was wondering (this is off topic) but does google pick up these DISQUS comments or not, because if it is Java I don't think it does.

Please contact me it google does pick these up.

Dining Room Furniture · 2 months ago

Its worthy as well as very important information. Doing great job to sharing it. Thanks a lot for sharing this Incredibly useful article with us. Keep blogging.