On Returning Comments

In this part of the blogosphere that I inhabit, I often come by the concept of ‘returning comments’ when I visit other sites. Although the answer may seem obvious, what do people mean when they use this term? And why is ‘returning comments’ important? I’ve pondered this idea from time to time. I explore the different types of comments I’ve gotten back, and what they mean to me.

1. Just Saying Thank-You

Sometimes I receive comments on my blog that say just that: “Thank you for the comment!” Sometimes this statement is accompanied by a brief “Nice site!” or something similar. While it is polite to give thanks (magic words were always ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when I was a kid), wouldn’t it be much more courteous not to ignore everything the blogger has written when leaving a comment? Don’t get me wrong – I love thanks and compliments – but this way of expressing gratitude often seems to feel empty.

2. A Response to a Comment Received

Other times, the comments I receive are replies to those I left at other blogs. Occasionally I ask questions, and it’s convenient when they get answered without me having to search in others’ comments or read all of their blogs. Other times, I did not ask any questions at all, and I just get a “Yeah, it was really fun!” or something like that (occasionally with a thank you). Then I have to remember what was so fun, because I can’t possibly remember everything I read and said. And I still get that empty feeling – because didn’t I write a blog for the purpose of being, well, read?

3. Giving Back to Readers

Then there are those who give me comments that are actually related to my blog! I don’t know about you, but I maintain a public blog for people to READ! When people do this, it shows some consideration for the writer and his/her thoughts. It’s also an implicit way of saying thank you – by returning the same favor.

These are the comments I like to leave. I appreciate those who read what I have to say, and I like to give back by doing the same for them. If I’m asked a question, I do try to answer, as well – but I also try to refer back to the original question. In my experience as a blogger, this has been the most effective way of getting to know others in the blogosphere: actually reading blogs and interacting with them. That’s why I blog – to learn about others and to see what they think of what I have to say. And that’s why I return comments like this.

What have I learned?

Everyone has a different idea of what it means to return comments. While it is not imperative to return every single comment received (You gotta enjoy yourself, right? You are not a slave to visitors!), it can be respectful to do so if you’ve got the time. Think about why you blog. If it makes sense for you to return comments, then maybe you should try it – but remember to think about what your comment says, implicitly and explicitly.