Apr 20 2009

Monday Musings: Comments vs. Email

Posted in All Posts, Everyday Life, Monday Musings

As you probably noticed, there is a giveaway going on here on the site.  I wanted to reward those of you who spend your valuable time visiting me in this corner of the web and I also wanted to get some responses from those of you who don’t often write.  So, instead of just asking for a comment as part of the giveaway entry, I asked you to send me an email as well.  And the results were fascinating.  So many of you wrote and said hi or commented on your week or shared a little about yourselves.  It’s been awesome!

And it got me thinking about commenting on blogs in general.  Since I started doing this, blogging I mean, I’ve developed an appreciation for getting comments and leaving comments on other’s sites as well.  I’m finding that the conversations with fellow readers and bloggers is the best part of this little venture.  I don’t know if you guys feel the same, but I like to think of us as a community.  I often wonder how you’re doing if I don’t hear from you for a while and I enjoy seeing pictures of you that you send through email.  It’s nice to be a part of that.

The only downside that I’ve found (other than the occasional negative comment thrown my way) is that it’s hard to write back to every single comment made on the site.    I often wonder if people are waiting for a response and if they are disappointed when I don’t say hello.  I vacillate between responding directly by email and writing in the post itself.  But then I wonder if people actually go back and read the responses I made in the comment section.

Which leads me to my question:   When you comment on blogs, do you look for a follow-up response?   And if so, do you prefer re-reading the comment section or getting an email? How do you respond to people on your own sites?

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Jill - April 20, 2009 - 4:26 am

I usually email back, but I don’t get nearly as many comments as do you, so it isn’t as big of an issue. Sometimes I go back and read the comments, but the majority of the time I do not. I may be weird like that (?) :)

Jill´s last blog post..Fashion Friday: 3rd Edition

Mindee - April 20, 2009 - 4:51 am

SUCH a good question. I have wondered the same things. My comment section asks for e-mail addresses but they aren’t required and I can’t figure out how to respond that way anyway so I leave my responses in the comments section. I figure that even if the original commenter doesn’t read them, those that follow might and it shows that I do read my comments.

I have a boring job that leaves me WAY too much time for internet serving and blog reading so I do go back and check.

Mindee´s last blog post..10 Years Ago Today

Janet - April 20, 2009 - 4:51 am

I don’t expect a follow-up email but am enormously pleased and flattered when someone takes time from their life to do so. I certainly don’t expect a reply from sites that have gazillions of comments like Pioneer Woman’s. Although she did respond once to a comment I left which just left me tickled to death. There are a few sites where I follow the comments since they are usually pretty interesting.

Rachel - April 20, 2009 - 5:13 am

I usually check back to the blog to see if a response is in the comments, but I’m not terribly disappointed if there isn’t any. I also think, “Wow! That was so nice!” when the blogger stops by my own blog and posts a comment in return. I try hard to do that too. :)

Rachel´s last blog post..Grocery Shopping: The Healthy Trip

Tabitha Blue - April 20, 2009 - 5:21 am

I feel ya, I love the give and take that happens and try to get back to as many commenters blogs as I can, but life makes that impossible to complete. I usually don’t get to checking back at a post to look for follow up comments either, so usually the “conversations” happen by commenting back and forth. I always appreciate the comments back when it happens and I try hard to do that myself :)

Tabitha Blue´s last blog post..Sunday Citar

the domestic fringe - April 20, 2009 - 5:23 am

I don’t expect return comments. It’s enough for people to just write a blog, but it would be a full-time job to respond to each comment. I never check back with the comment section, but I do get some responses via email and always enjoy it. Unfortunately I respond to very few of my own comments. It’s really just a time thing. I wish I could respond to each person. I do try and visit everybody’s site at least once in a while.

-FringeGirl

Kristy - April 20, 2009 - 5:23 am

Emails are great, since you cant miss them, but I’m sure they’re time consuming. I use blogger, so it’s not even an option for me. If someone makes a habit of replying in their comment section, like you do, then I’ll check back. Any reply is nice, even if it’s not every time. It’s what kept me coming back here.

Kristy´s last blog post..Baby

Amy - April 20, 2009 - 5:56 am

If I just comment I don’t expect a response. However, if I do ask a question I hope that they do respond. However, if that person has a million responses I’m ok if they don’t respond. Thanks for answering my question the other day btw ;)

Amy´s last blog post..The Ipod touch

Ann - April 20, 2009 - 6:07 am

I don’t expect replies to comments, and I think as a general rule you shouldn’t feel like you have to respond to every comment….maybe just the ones that have a question in them for you about the post, or particular comments or themes within the comments that strike you as one that you particularly would like to respond to so as to continue the “conversation” on whatever topic you began…..

Linda - April 20, 2009 - 6:21 am

I like to comment on other blogs because I love it when someone visits mine and comments. However, on your blog, I don’t know how to get a notice when someone comment on it. Would you explain? Most of the blogs I visit have a place to check to receive notices.

I do enjoy reading your blog.

http://lindagoossen-grandmaspage.blogspot.com/

Here is my site.

Janet - April 20, 2009 - 6:40 am

I enjoy comments left to my blog and always respond – unless they don’t leave an e-mail address/way for me to contact them back. I never expect a reply to comments I leave… But when it happens, it can be fun getting to know a new person!

Have a great week,

Janet

joy - April 20, 2009 - 6:40 am

I don’t usually expect emailed responses or follow up comments to comments I have made on a blog but am pleasantly surprised when I get them. Honestly, I feel like I engage more with the writer when I get a response. If a blogger normally responds with follow up comments, I am more apt to check back often to see if there is a response. I think getting a personal email is a bonus. I know that some bloggers get a ton of replies on their blogs, so I know it is sometimes impossible to respond to each one. But I love having the connection when a blogger can leave a follow up comment and a personal one at that meaning they personally respond to what you said and not just a generic response. However, I feel the readers understand when you cannot because it can get overwhelming. I know one blog I read takes questions during the week and reserves Fridays for personal responses through a blog entry (Q/A style). BTW, you do an awesome job and I love reading your blog!

Serene - April 20, 2009 - 7:25 am

I generally don’t expect a response unless I ask a question. Of course, I think everyone enjoys a response and email are fun.
I LOVE it when people leave comments on my blog but I don’t always get a chance to respond to all the comments. I hope people don’t mind that.
But you get a lot more people commenting on your blog than I do on mine so, I think you are justified on not responding to all the comments.

Serene´s last blog post..Back to Reality – Part One

Joanna - April 20, 2009 - 7:29 am

I love getting responses back, but don’t expect it … except from you. Now you’ve spoiled me into thinking I’ll get a reply every time :P

I usually answer blog comments on my blog unless the answer is really long or includes information I don’t want to share with everyone. I don’t get that many comments so it’s pretty easy to follow up.

As for if I prefer getting responses by e-mail or comment, the only sure way I’ll get it is by e-mail. I try to remember to recheck comment sections, but I often forget or don’t have time. But I like to read the replies to other posters so I like them to get replies in the comment sections :)

Joanna´s last blog post..Mess

Kristina - April 20, 2009 - 7:52 am

I read A LOT of blogs, so I usually only remember to go back to see if they answered my question, if I have a very specific question.

I don’t always respond to people. Sometimes I do in my comments, theirs, or by email.

Kristina´s last blog post..Swept Off My Feet

Ali @ Kent Chronicles - April 20, 2009 - 8:16 am

I leave comments because I so enjoy getting them!
I don’t often go back to check though, mostly because I can’t always remember where on the big fat web I’ve been today. But I keep a list of people I enjoy “visiting”. It’s nice to send each other comments and feel like you’re actually getting to know someone new – from another country, from the other side of the continent! – even though we’ll likely never meet face-to-face. UNLESS everyone comes here for 2010!! LOL!

I answer every comment w/ a comment, so that the conversation continues for any reader passing by as well. Not sure if anyone ever checks for a comment on their comment, though! Oh well!

Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com - April 20, 2009 - 8:36 am

I make alot of comments. I always have. I just have a hard time visiting a site and not letting the person know I stopped by.

It seems like responses to these comments widely vary. Some people do not respond, some e-mail responses, and some comment back in their comments. Personally, I’m the worst e-mailer EVER (I’m sure you’ve noticed), so I get a little annoyed when people flood my inbox with comment response e-mails that have one word like “YES!” in them. Sometimes I don’t mind – and sometimes I do it myself if the comment is awesome or I know the person or I have free time – but when you get twenty of those in a day…COME ON. I can’t even respond to legitimate e-mails from friends and family regularly, much less respond to one-line comment response e-mails.

And I’m not very good at peeking back through the comments unless: a) I know this is how the person operates, b) I like the topic, and c) I have a vested interest in whether or not my comment received a response.

So people who don’t respond at all are usually my heroes. I love to hear back periodically, but I just can’t keep up with it if it happens to often and then I feel guilty.

But then again, it is nice to receive a little acknowledgement from time to time. Sooooo take back everything I just said. Clearly I cannot make up my mind lol.

Kate - April 20, 2009 - 8:54 am

I love reading blogs. And I love reading comments on other peoples’ blogs. Now that I recently started my own blog, I realize just how exciting and wonderful it is when someone comments on YOUR blog!

Since I don’t have that many readers, it is easy for me to follow-up comments with a comment and an email. I do think that emailing offers one more level of personal effort, and I appreciate that. So I try to do the same for my readers. However, replying in the comments section is nice because it starts a conversation with other readers. So both ways have their merits.

Kate´s last blog post..She Says… Family Vacay

Courtney - April 20, 2009 - 9:30 am

I depends. If it’s a topic that I’m interested in I’ll check back to see if you’ve responded to what I wrote. If I’m just sending you a shout out then I’m not as prone to check back. I do appreciate the e-mails that you send out though. It does show that you care and are interested in your readers, that we’re not just a number.

I know though that with sites like blogger there is the option to receive comments from a post to your e-mail. Sometimes I do that too. Cause I’m human and I forget to check. :)

Courtney´s last blog post..Things I Learned Today…

Catherine - April 20, 2009 - 9:59 am

I don’t often expect comments back to my comments because I know that bloggers are real people too with real jobs and they do the blogging thing for fun. I also comment on blogs that get thousands of comments a day (like PW) so I don’t expect the blogger to read them all let alone respond to my individual comment. I was really surprised to receive a comment back from you when I first commented on your blog. I like the fact that your blog emails me when you respond because I often don’t go back and re-read posts and comments once I have read them for the day. I sadly don’t have a blog (my life is quiet boring) but if I did have one I would have a hard time responding to the comments by email and would probably respond via comments in the comment section.

Jes the Bes - April 20, 2009 - 10:13 am

When I post a comment I am definitely not looking for a response and therefore don’t go back to check. However, I have had a few people, even you visit my blog after one of my comments and post their own comment on my blog. That is really cool because someone took time to check out what I’m all about.

Jes the Bes´s last blog post..Out Like A Lamb

Jenna @ Newlyweds - April 20, 2009 - 10:36 am

I do both also, like on your site I check back because I know your so good an answering and responding back to everyone comments, but on my own if it a question I usually email back the response, only because I am not sure if they will check back for an answer, though sometimes I will email and leave a comment response if I feel it can benefit other readers as well.

Jenna @ Newlyweds´s last blog post..Menu Plan Monday

Ambulance Mommy - April 20, 2009 - 11:05 am

I like comments on my blog too….but I think follow up comments from the author may or may not be what I’m looking for. I know sometimes I reply to comments, but most of the time, unless I asked a specific question in the post, or wanted to address something that came up in the comment, I tend to just really appreciate that someone took the time to comment, and I like to think about their words.

In instances when a direct question is asked, or something along those lines, or a really personal item shared, then I like to follow up. I just don’t know…is there a rule book for this? Am I insulting people when I dont reply to their comments? Oh dear. I’m glad you asked this question. I’m intrigued to read what other people say.

Ambulance Mommy´s last blog post..Boston Marathon

Briony - April 20, 2009 - 11:05 am

i don’t usually check back for a response…but if i know that the person responds that way sometimes i will. i personally either email a response or comment back on their blog :)

Briony´s last blog post..hello my old friend…i missed you

The Wife of Odie - April 20, 2009 - 11:46 am

That’s a great question. When I leave a comment I rarely check back. Unless it’s your website and then I check back because I know you respond :)

The Wife of Odie´s last blog post..thailand = vacation

Sabrina - April 20, 2009 - 12:16 pm

Sometimes I check back, it just depends on the subject and the comment(and the blog). You’ve spoiled us by responding so often. :-) It’s great to know that your comment has been read though. A response through email seems more personal to me, although that may not be something that everyone likes.

erin - April 20, 2009 - 1:21 pm

I usually check back on a post I have commented on, just to see what other people are saying. I don’t usually expect a reply unless I’ve asked a question, because I know people are busy and probably don’t have the time to answer everyone individually. I respond to my comments in the comments section also, but I don’t always respond to comments, especially when I don’t know what to say. If someone agrees with whatever I’ve said in a blog post, am I supposed to say, YES! ME TOO! ? Because I’ve already said that in the original post. So. :)

erin´s last blog post..wherein we work our butts off but have a lot to show for it

Robynn's Ravings - April 20, 2009 - 2:46 pm

If the subject is especially funny or poignant, I’ll check back just to read more responses – or if I know the blog author sometimes comments back to visitors in her/his own comments section. AND I do that on my VERY favorites. Most of the time I never go back and check anything.

I do have my own pondering though…..does anyone ONLY hear from people by email? I have one very prolific and blog savvy commenter who follows me but rarely leaves me a comment on my blog. If she has something to say she usually emails. I figure she must be embarrassed to know me! lol

Robynn’s Ravings´s last blog post..The Ice Cream Man Cometh (Insert Jaws Music)

Robynn's Ravings - April 20, 2009 - 2:47 pm

P.S. If you do have this situation and want to tell me, drop on over cause I’m really behind and probably won’t be back until this darling girl posts on another day! :)

Robynn’s Ravings´s last blog post..The Ice Cream Man Cometh (Insert Jaws Music)

Robynn's Ravings - April 20, 2009 - 2:49 pm

Third comment is RIDIDULOUSLY overdoing it!

But I forgot to say that I intermittently respond to my commenters depending on time constraints. Most of the time I don’t but I like to mix it up so it isn’t always the same.

Robynn’s Ravings´s last blog post..The Ice Cream Man Cometh (Insert Jaws Music)

Hokie Deb - April 20, 2009 - 4:56 pm

–>Once I’ve commented I rarely go back to see a follow-up response.
Personally, when someone comments on my blog I like to respond by email, if appropriate. If I don’t have a way to contact the person commenting, it’s a bit of a bummer.

http://thaxtonfam.blogspot.com

Hokie Deb´s last blog post..Ready for Summer

Mark Lewis - April 20, 2009 - 5:26 pm

I do enjoy creating a conversation on posts. I certainly look for a reply to my comment if I asked a question. If it adds to the discussion I would expect it to be a comment, but if the response is more personal or less useful to others I see no problem with getting a response via e-mail. Either way, it’s enjoyable to make the connection.

I follow up on all comments on my blog. But then again I do not get many. Replying to comments for some blogs can be a full-time adventure!

Mark Lewis´s last blog post..I’m Not an Expert

Jamie - April 20, 2009 - 5:49 pm

Responses are always appreciated. I would LOVE to hear from you!

Stephanie - April 20, 2009 - 5:58 pm

I never check my blogs or other blogs! I’m so terrible about it. I need to start.

Stephanie´s last blog post..what’s been shakin’ lately

admin - April 20, 2009 - 6:19 pm

Wouldn’t you know it, on the day that I ask about commenting on posts, I was not able to reply throughout the day because I was super busy at work. But I read all of them and am glad to hear that not everyone expects responses but for the most part appreciates at least an occasional reply. That’s good, because I know that that has worked for me and I will continue to do so when I have the time. That being said, if I don’t get to reply right away, please know that I do read and enjoy hearing from each of you! Tabitha

Sandy - April 20, 2009 - 8:11 pm

Well, I love to hear from you, BUT, you can’t be expected to comment on every comment that you receive. But I think that is one thing that people like about you that you do comment back. Look at Pioneer Woman..there’s no way she could respond to all those comments. I did write her and she responded to me in email in which I was very surprised. It was kind a nice though. You have a life you just can’t talk to everyone all day long!! hee hee. I try to check back when I can. But there is much to do in life and I just am not always on the puter and you know we just get busy.

Sandy - April 20, 2009 - 8:14 pm

Hey Tabitha, What is that picture of??(the photo of the day)

V. Higgins - April 21, 2009 - 8:13 am

I don’t typically expect a response, mostly because I understand how busy people are and when you’re recieving 40+ comments on an entry, that’s a lot of emails! But I’m pretty tickled when I get a response, it feels so much more personal that way.

Angela - April 21, 2009 - 12:28 pm

I appreciate the email back that you occasionally send as well as the occasional comment on my blog. I usually don’t come back to your blog post after I have commented – don’t really know why, maybe I’m not expecting a response from you, the blogger. Interesting to wonder about this. On my own blog, I generally read the comments and respond accordingly. Some comments are there for response sometimes, they’re just that person’s opinion for me to digest, at least that’s how I look at it!

Angela´s last blog post..Allergies or a cold?

Madison - April 23, 2009 - 4:14 pm

I don’t expect a comment(unless I asked a question), but I think it’s nice when I do get them. If get an email, that’s great because not many people email.

It’s not a requirement though.

Madison´s last blog post..

Jackie Masters - April 27, 2009 - 9:40 am

If I just comment I don’t expect a response. If I do ask a question I hope that they do respond.

Heidi - April 27, 2009 - 2:45 pm

Thanks to this post I’m cherry picking your readers, reading their blog posts and spreading some love. We all love the love! And Tabitha, you’re an ace commenter.

Heidi´s last blog post..I’m still here!

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