Thing #4 - Commenting. Who knew?

When embarking on Thing #4, I had no idea that there were rules relating to commenting, nor did I realize that people were so serious about it! Of course, I have read blogs/articles and the comments following them. I usually keep my thoughts to myself though. I never thought about commenting as a building a sense of community but I suppose in this world of technology, and being "online" all the time, it is inevitable and necessary. It makes me ask the question, how did we ever survive without all of this connectedness?

While reading the various websites on commenting, one of the points really struck me. In the "Cool Cat Teacher Blog", the first point was "Write a meaningful comment." On Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. do people really leave "meaningful" comments? On Facebook, you can just simply "Like" something. Well, why do you like it? What about it is so wonderful? I think that we have become so accustomed to clicking around, that we do not even think about why we really appreciate something. It certainly makes me feel better when people actually comment on my statuses/posts rather that just "liking" them.

ProBlogger cited "10 Techniques to Get More Comments on Your Blog." I actually have another blog that I created a couple of years ago called "Memoirs of a Music Educated Waitress." It is still there although it has not been updated in months. It is so discouraging when no one comments on your blogs (perhaps that is why I have not maintained it better). In reading these tips from ProBlogger, I realize that my other blog is frankly, not that interesting to someone who does not know me. I also found the etiquette very important, not only when commenting but also when responding to comments. It is certainly necessary to be humble and gracious when responding to comments. However, as someone who is commenting, it is equally as important not to be rude or crass.

I started this particular activity only commenting on five blogs. I commented on my classmates blogs: "Mumbles from Maholland", "Shancia's 23 Things", "Heather's 23 Things", and "Moe's Space." A couple of the blogs were written by people I am acquainted with so naturally I am interested in their thoughts. The others were picked at random. I commented mainly on the first three things. I was very interested in seeing how people saw themselves as Life-Long Learners. I also liked reading how my classmates selected their avatars and Blog titles. My comments were mainly encouraging or observational. The fifth blog I commented on is one that I already follow. My best friend has a blog called "Soul of my Shoes". Of course I am interested in it because it is her life and I am mentioned in some of the blogs. Although we maintain contact through email, it is nice to read her ramblings in the blogosphere.

This particular post will continue to be edited as I continue commenting and navigating the blogosphere!

Peace!