Sometimes it’s the small and simple things in life that can make a big difference.
Just in case it isn’t already obvious, I love blogging. I love the process of reading blog posts, writing blog posts, and being a part of various communities.
In terms of my media consumption, I would say that blogs make up the majority of that. In fact, I follow close to 100 blogs in my Google Reader (which I generally actually read using an awesome iPad app called Flipboard – you should definitely check that out!).
Something that dawned on me today, though, is that sometimes it is so easy to consume great content and not show your appreciation, or get involved with the community that you love in any way.
The Rewards of Blogging
As many of you will know, if you are really doing something special with your blog, then you are truly giving a lot of yourself. This can be super draining at times, and sometimes the rewards (especially as you are getting started with a new blog) are not that great.
I was reminded of this, today, as I was looking over at John’s Tentblogger blog. John has been running the blog for less than a year, now, and has produced some seriously awesome content. It’s not just a diary of random crap, it’s a collection of well thought out and extremely valuable blog posts.
Tentblogger is actually one of the major blogs that I read, and as I was reading John’s latest post about how he is now going to be experimenting with banner advertising, it got me thinking about how little the rewards would have been, up until now, compared to the quality of content that has gone out there.
Sure, John does get quite a lot of good feedback in the comments, but he is well established and loved. Still, I personally realized that I hadn’t been doing my part in being involved enough in the community and commenting with feedback and thoughts.
Not everyone is as lucky as John when it comes to community engagement.
Which blogs are you reading and getting value from and not commenting on? Trust me when I say that it will hugely bless the author and make it all feel worth it for them. Just think, the rewards might be quite low if their blog is still being established.
Other Benefits of Commenting
There are other, often overlooked, benefits of commenting on other people’s blogs.
First-off remember this: We are living in the world of Web 2.0 baby! The internet is about communication and interaction right about now! The broadcasters and the lurkers don’t win anymore, if you don’t interact then you are out of the game!
By commenting on blogs that you appreciate, not only will you be reaching out to the people that inspire you by showing your appreciation, you will also be unlocking the potential for getting involved in a new community and networking with other like-minded people – nice!
This is also a pretty good opportunity for clickthroughs to your site, if that is something you are after. Every little bit helps!
So, in closing, really, this is a reminder to myself and you, the viewers at home, that commenting is a valuable part of Web 2.0 life. It is going to encourage the bloggers that you love to read, and it helps you to network and get involved in other communities.
I encourage you, comment more. Take some time every day to write a few comments. It will have a positive impact on more than one level, I promise.
Marcus Williamson says
Couldn’t have said it better if I tried. A very good word indeed.
James Brooks says
Thanks Marcus
Timmy says
Great article!
I agree. It is very encouraging to get note that someone has read and commented on my blog posts. I can write for myself all day, but knowing that someone else has taken time to ready my words and moreover to leave feedback makes it so much more worth it and pushes me to continue.
In that vein, I love this site and the great posts that are added throughout the day. You guys do a fantastic job. Churcm.ag is in my favorite list—one that I view multiple times a day. I often find myself sharing tidbits and articles I have found with my coworkers and friends. Keep up the great work.
James Brooks says
Hey Timmy! Thanks for your thoughts.
It’s great to hear that you are appreciating what we are doing here. We love this community.
Phillip Gibb says
yeah, comments are very good. A commentator can never underestimate the impact of his/her words on a blog.
James Brooks says
Absolutely Phillip 🙂
Dave Shrein says
What I really appreciate about the commenting system is how you gain the perspective of others who have each had different life experiences and through the blog post and comments we gain a wealth of knowledge and insight that would might not have otherwise come our way.
Thanks for posting!
James Brooks says
Yes Dave! Absolutely! Great point.
Gangai Victor says
hear hear!
James Brooks says
🙂
Justin says
Thanks for the reminder to spread the love. I’m in the new startup phase of my blog and when I get comments it makes my investment seem worthwhile.
James Brooks says
Yeh Justin! Absolutely feel the same with my startup blogs. Thanks for sharing and commenting! 🙂
christina says
As a newer blogger, with not much readership, I get really excited when someone leaves a comment.
The first time I got a negative comment, I was especially thrilled. Some one disliked/disagreed with my opinion enough to tell me! Then my other few readers came to my defense. It was spectacularly rewarding for me.
Thanks for the good reminder!