When Comments Begin To HURT Your Blogging Success [VIDEO]

71 | Posted In Blogging, Videos by David

Yesterday, I got a Backtype notification of my name being used in a comment on somebody else’s blog. What I found was a post and a comment thread which seemed to be a little resentful toward professional bloggers, specifically calling out Problogger (Darren Rowse) and John Chow.

The post is: Why I No Longer Link To The Likes Of ProBlogger And John Chow.

The gripe? They don’t reply to comments on their own blog.

Today, I thought I’d do something a bit different and just post a video. So, I tested out Youtube’s ability to record a video direct to the web. Here we go…

What Do You Think?

Do you expect replies from bloggers when you post a comment? Do you get offended when they don’t reply?

And, do you agree or disagree with me when I say that engaging in conversation has to be taken up to a point, but at a certain point it becomes a hindrance to your success?

Let me know!

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  • sire

    Nope, I actually didn't link to any of the big boys. The whole thing would have probably gone unnoticed except for a comment left by one of the readers who mentioned David's name. Then some BackType magic got hold of David and the rest is History.

    Thanks for getting the ball rolling David.

  • rebeccarizzuti

    David,

    I haven't blogged in a while. I am stuck in that part of the “cycle” where I am simply reading blogs, studying, preparing, and taking notes. I accidentally overwrote an entire blog, which was crushing for me. I couldn't restore it since there was no recent backup. I learned my lesson, but so far have not had the heart to start up again.

    When I am actively blogging, however, I tend to interact with the community through the posts. Yes, I will comment back to an occasional comment, provided that the number of comments aren't overwhelming, but generally speaking I would try to take a day every week or so to make a post that addressed any issues that were being brought up in the comments section. That way the community didn't feel ignored, but I also didn't create extra work for myself.

    I think you hit the nail on the head when you called this “petty.” I was disgusted by the post you referenced, personally. I love reading Darren Rowse (though I don't subscribe to John Chow).

  • http://cheap-i-m-ebooks.blogspot.com/ Davor Gasparevic

    I agree with Robert about this last paragraph of his comment, it's more like getting known to the audience, instead of just waiting for reply every time you comment something.

    When I first started commenting (and believe me, I am veeeeery new to commenting on major blogs like this) I used to be stuffing keywords in my name because it seemed perfectly “logic” to me, since you already submit a link to your site (blog in my case) why not to make it an anchor text also?

    Then I got the opposite advice from one other fellow blogger who actively responds to his readers and community, that other people don't like such behaviour because it shows from the start that the only intention of your comment is to get a link and some traffic from it.

    So, replying to comments shouldn't be ignored also, it helps to build some kind of relationship, and that is better than a one or two time visitor who will never come back to your site/blog again.

  • http://baltimorerealestateinvestingblog.com/ ncarey

    David, you commented to Sire:
    >I have a feeling you and I are saying the same thing here, but just to differing degrees, no?

    I think you are right and your point makes perfect sense. I think Sire has a valid point too.

    I think what Sire is missing is that you and Darren understand that you may loose some readers by not responding as much. It is a conscious decision because you believe there will be a net is a gain by focusing on other things that draw more readers.

    I did notice however that you didn't mention his blog or name in your video. That came across as odd and perhaps deliberate to me.

  • http://blogforprofit.com grantgriffiths

    David – I do tell my readers to moderate and try to reply to comments. Especially when a comment on their blog adds something to the conversation. And that is also how and when I decide to reply to a comment too. When I can continue to add something to the conversation. Do I reply to every comment, no. Do I read every comment, yes. I moderate every comment sent to my blog.

    I find it funny someone would complain about Darren not replying to all of his comments. I mean really. While I do comment from time to time on one of Darren's post. I have never expected him to reply. Darren gives out so much content and information, the person complaining is really missing the point. Quite frankly, I would rather Darren provide the new, relevant content in his blog post than spend his time answering all of his comments.

  • http://bigbeerblog.com/ Allyn

    honestly David, what you said makes no sense. how does responding to comments illustrate that someone is or is not approaching blogging like a business?

  • http://davidrisley.com David Risley

    The blogger who began this discussion made a habit of replying to EVERY comment on his blog. It is that which I said wasn't a good use of time.

  • http://banditas-blog.com/ valerie mosso

    In response to your 'video response'; I couldn't agree with you more, David.
    Your also, very gracious in responding with such an informative video for us out here in the community that are trying to learn the in's and out's of successful blogging.

    It seems that the blogger that is withdrawing his links, is cutting off his nose to spite his face…(a saying that I cherish). He is, in my opinion, just not getting the correct outlook on the entire concept of professional blogging. And, what makes you stand above the rest, is your gracious reply to such 'unlearned' and obviously untrainable thinking.
    I don't EXPECT anyone to reply to my 'comments on blog posts. Rather, I leave a post usually to just express my view on a matter… I must say, it is a pleasant surprise when I do get replied to, but I have never EXPECTED it. This 'other blogger person is in for some rude surprises with his online activities, because the way I am seeing it, is he has the wrong attitude. Sorry for him.
    Best Regards,
    Valerie Mosso

  • http://bigbeerblog.com/ Allyn

    I guess it would depend on his monetization method. I have nearly 200 “blogs” and only get social on a couple of them. The ones where I am not social are ones that are designed to make money off the search engine visitor who is coming in to buy something. (we're talking non MMO niche here)
    However, the blogs I get social on are ones designed to make money from the community either by gaining trust so I can sell them something, or to increase loyalty and return visits so traffic levels are sustained, thus I can charge private advertisers more money.
    I think the we can gain more insight on the issue if we step out of the MMO and IM niches… as I am sure you are aware, that is where the real money is.
    AL
    PS- I do find it funny that Chow has all those subs and Twitter followers but gets a handful of drivel comments on his posts. What's that tell you?

  • http://nathanhangen.com/blog Nathan Hangen

    You're right. I only get a tenth of the email and comments that many of you guys get, but even that is too much. If I reply with a short line, I get another paragraph back, and then it becomes a long process.

    However, I consider myself very approachable and I do try to get back as much as possible. The guy says that personal interaction shouldn't be tied to “if it scales,” but I challenge him to say the same thing when he gets 500 emails a day.

    I link where I link and promote where I promote. I do it based on the needs of my audience, not my own needs. Anything other than that is selfish. Sounds like this blogger isn't choosing his battles well.

  • vmosso

    Robert, I have to disagree with this statement and view you have…(if you are reading this!)
    To quote you:
    ” Make a list of a few little guys whose blogs you can read and perhaps even comment on. Let me tell you, if this were to be done, then you would not get this type of retaliation.”

    I have to disagree……. For one, you are advising for David (or any A-list pro- blogger ) to make a list of a FEW little guys to interact with. How do you know if they arnt doing this? And, what about the other few that dont make the list… that still leaves everything wide open to petty complaints from unlearned, or unteachable people that just DONT GET IT!
    It is pure stupid to think that a pro-blogger with a lot of comments to read, etc etc, is going to spend all his time replying every post. I for one, cannot believe that this other blogger guy is even serious!! He is just not getting it~
    You will never be able to please all the people, all the time, and probably not even a few… but, to run a professional blog, one that is there to MAKE money, you cannot feasibly comment a reply to every post……
    NO one does that… that I know of…..
    Regards,
    Valerie Mosso

  • vmosso

    Nice Reply ….
    Nicely put…
    You “”Get it”"…

  • vmosso

    Darren…
    You have a way of putting it all into words. You surmized exactly what David has been trying to say the whole time!

    I am surprised at this 'debate, as I would much rather see good content on the blog to read and learn from, than go around worrying if someone is answering every comment I make on their post.
    Professional is the key word here.
    There are Professional bloggers, and then there are….. um well, what I call, wannabes.
    Some people are just never going to “get it”.
    Best Regards,
    Valerie Mosso

  • vmosso

    Allyn…
    Have you read this entire thread/comment whatever you want to call it?

    I am here tonight, because of a response to an email….out of curiousity, I came over here to see what all the fuss was about. And, sure enough! People making insane, idiotic comments. I am surprised at the total LACK of business sense you 'objectors are exposing for the whole wide world to view!

    Lets just put it like this.

    IF a person has a nice little blog….and they make a nice little post…and push “publish” on the publish button, and then quickly go to view the blog…and re-read their little post, and then sit and wait for the comments to come in, with their chin in their hands, and their eyes glued to the comment section…….. then GREAT! GO FOR IT!

    As for a blog that is aimed at making money………. as a professional, NOT amateur blog, then there is more to it than sitting glued to the comment section, answering each and every comment to the post.
    Also, have any of you given it a thought, that many Pro-bloggers have a few more irons in the fire, than just one “pro” blog?
    Heck, what do you think these guys are anyway? Internet Supermen?
    Get for real!
    Its NOT good business ethics to sit and drool over the comment section 24/7, lest a post goes unanswered……
    You all need Business 101 for crying out loud!
    GEEEZE..

  • http://utkemonster.com/ utke

    I agree with your comments on linking. dont get political and over think it.

    in regards to comments, like you always say with post scheduel, it comes to CONSISTANCY. How you set the tone of your blog when its small, is the expectaionas your blog will have when its big. Post twice a day, reply to every comment…thats what will be expected. so be carefull when your to set a resonable tone when your small.

  • http://www.integralwebsolutions.co.za/Blog.aspx Robert Bravery

    HI Valarie,

    Yes i'm reading this.

    First off it was a suggestion.
    Next I agree that A-list bloggers cannot reply to every comment. But they need to realise one thing. It is the readers that make their blogs. Not interacting with them, when they themselves teach that this is a must, just shows arogance. With out the readers, there is no blog.

    No, You won't be able to please all the people all time. But you should be able to show that you care not for the lack of trying.

    As far as the list is concerned. If one guy does not make the list, Perhaps he might on the next list. THis Sugggestion is by no means fail proof. What would you have the A-list bloggers to. Ignore their readers. If thats the case, then why blog. Are they not putting their articles on their blogs fro me to read. Why allow comments, if you are not going to take notice of said comment. Might as well switch comments off.

    But let me repeat, I do not comment on A-list blogs to get a reply, I comment to add value to the other readers and commenters there. If my reason to comment were to solicit a reply, I might as well give up now.

    My point is not that I want a reply on every comment. The point is that Bloggers should live by what they teach. If you teach that you need to respond to comment, they you better make sure you do the same.

    The argument is not that A-list blogger do not reply to all their comments, it is that they do not or very seldom reply at all.

  • http://buy-fence.com/ Keith

    I personally enjoyed Sire's post as well as this video David. What I don't get is why people take this type of article so seriously.

    I, for one, saw it completely differently. It doesn't matter to me how “A-List” you are, if I don't get anything out of commenting on your blog, then why waste my time? And that goes for “little” blogs too. It certainly doesn't mean I won't read Darren's blog anymore, I just may not comment as much. Problogger was one of the first blogs I subscribed to when I first started researching blogging, and I continue to learn from his and other so called “A-listers” (I really hate that term).

    I thought the real question was why spend my valuable time commenting if it doesn't create any conversation or is ignored because that blogger doesn't have time to reply (which I actually understand) or in some cases just simply doesn't care (believe it or not this is the case on some blogs, I don't think Darren or John fall into that category though).

    I could actually be doing something more productive or educational rather than comment somewhere that it never even gets read.

    Of course that is just the way I see it, and I am nobody :-)

  • http://potpolitics.com jsinkeywest

    Class structure ? One thing I found is people like Sire are cool good people and many of the so called well known bloggers are not. in other words most are Goof snobs who think they are way more important then they are.A person is always going to find time to do what's important I don't care how much money a person has if someone asks a ? or makes a statement that warrants a response and you don't then your a jerk plain and simple :)
    The backlash is going down in 2010. We sat back and watched all these lame gurus now it's our turn to do it right.My big thing is the lack of people saying Thanks.When someone does or says something nice I say thanks we have to many ways to send a person a quick message for anyone to have an excuse why they don't and if they are that rich and busy they should hire someone to do it for them PERIOD :)
    sites looking awesome BTW
    thanks LOL :)

  • http://blogmatters.net/ Jp @ Beginners Blogging Guide

    Hi David Risley,

    Im JP Manching from blogmatters.net

    I actually read the blog and I commented on that. Honestly the comment that I have there is kind of BIAS because I only listened to his side and im SORRY for that.

    Now I know the reason why. I don't want to be on either of the sides but I know your point is right. A busy person with too many responsibilities just can't be facing one thing the whole day and get stuck!

    Thanks for the Video, now it's clear to me. Thanks David

    Jp @ Beginners Blogging Guide

  • http://happyandblue2.ca Happy and Blue 2

    Personally, I tend to read sites like this one for the information it provides. Leaving a comment is just my way of saying thanks for the effort.( if I had a personal question I would email).

    I would rather pro bloggers devote their efforts to producing content than spend it responding to readers comments.

  • http://happyandblue2.ca Happy and Blue 2

    Personally, I tend to read sites like this one for the information it provides. Leaving a comment is just my way of saying thanks for the effort.( if I had a personal question I would email).

    I would rather pro bloggers devote their efforts to producing content than spend it responding to readers comments.

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