The set up:
You read a blog of a subject you are interested in. You write a comment. Do you expect a reply?
a) yes
b) noI do. If you do, too, HOW do you want the reply?
a) another comment on the post
b) a reply to the e-mail that was sent to the bloggerc) doesn't matter
I always try to reply to comments on the post. I guess I always thought that a string of comments could occur, in which case anyone could respond. Also, if a question was asked, I assume other readers would want to know the answer, not just the person who asked.
But I notice other bloggers will reply via e-mail. They can do that with me, because my e-mail address shows on their notification. Not all commenters have their e-mail visible, though.
Is it rude of me to make a visitor come back to my blog to read my comment? I never thought it was, because that's what I do. I like to check back to see what other people have said.
So, what say you, readers?
9 comments:
I'll be honest: I kind of flip-flop.
I never really expect a reply when I comment on a post, though I honestly do love to get them. However, I'm too easily distracted to ever go back to a blog and check for one. I prefer one of those replies that you get the email for, which is always nice.
I try to reply to comments on my blog too, but sometimes I get slack. ;)
I ALWAYS, always, ALWAYS, love getting comments and emails from bloggers though. Always.
I like to get a reply, but I don't necessarily expect one, especially if the blog is popular and gets dozens of comments. I don't always remember to go back and check, though. The first time I get a reply by email it surprised me, then I realized it was an automated process. I prefer replies on the blog itself, because everyone can see them then.
Btw, I like your new look!
I subscribe to comments so I always see replies without having to return to the blog.
If they don't have that option (that's rare) I don't come back, mostly because I'll forget about it.
I don't care what method bloggers choose to reply, but if they consistently don't reply, I eventually stop going to their blogs. A reply means you cared that someone stopped by.
Kristi - You're no help - ha ha! I love those comments, too. Guess I should just ask more questions to get them, huh?
Jennette - I couldn't respond to you via e-mail, because your e-mail address is unavailable (get that no-reply address).
And thanks about my new look. I kept meaning to ask people what they thought, but then Dragon*Con came and other stuff, and by then it had been up awhile. The moon shot is mine, but the background is a blogger template. I thought they went well together!
Maria - Hey, lookee there. There IS a box down there to check for e-mail follow-up. I never noticed it before. See, I learn something new every day.
Oh, and I always care someone has gone to the trouble of commenting. I just want to make sure I respond in the way that is best. That little box down there tells me responding on my blog probably is the best way, then. If the commenter is interested in the response, they'll either return or check that box!
I always reply to comments left on my blog and I reply in the comment section unless I need the reply to be personal (then I use e-mail). Whether I look for a reply depends on the topic and my comment. If it's a celebration post and my comment was a congratulations, I don't go back and look for a reply. But if it was something more in depth, I will go back and I find it disappointing if the blogger doesn't respond.
Linda - I couldn't reply via e-mail to you, because you show up as a no-reply address. Maybe my next question should be to ask why people do that. Especially future published authors, such as yourself! (See - I'm being positive, here.)
At least I feel better in how I'm responding to comments. That maybe I haven't been doing it wrong all along.
I think if someone posts a comment and they truly want to see a response they will come back. Though I agree it's nice to be acknowledged. If they habitually have to come back to see the answer.. then hey, they are visiting your blog again.... nothing wrong with more hits!
Miranda - I agree (only because that's what I do!).
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