Survey Says...
Monday, February 1, 2010 at 10:13PM I want to take a poll. Or a survey. I wish I were handy with all things web-related, or blog-related, but the truth is, I'm not. I type the stuff that's in my head. I know how to do what I know how to do. Brilliant, no? But nothing more, until someone shows me. And my shower (read: show with a long "o" sound - er) is occupied at the moment. It's also late. This leads to my version of a poll or survey on a blog. One that does not involve a fancy keeper of all the answers, just a comment section.
Hooray for simplicity!
All right. Here is my question. Or questions...I'm still not sure where I'll go with this. There will also be some statements, all of you grammar strictatarians. I'm preceeding my question(s) with some relevant (hopefully) information.
I receive comments from some commenters who do not leave contact information, since it isn't necessary on this blog. This is fine, but I sometimes wish that I had a way to get in touch with people about their comments, in order to respond to a question, or to say,"That made me laugh," or "I'm sorry to hear that," or whatever. I have read elsewhere that it is good blog etiquette to respond to a person's question either in your own comment section where the question was posted, or in an email to the person. My question is: Do people come back (for example, you) and read the comments/response on a post that they have already read in order to see how the particular blogger responded to the question that was posed? Another question is: Do you as a commenter want to be validated for each comment that you make, or when you make a comment do you not really expect a direct response each time? Whether it be a comment back, or an email. Does that make sense?
I like to have conversations with the people who take the time to read the blog and comment on it. Some of my friends just email me, without leaving comments. That's great. I love knowing that there are people out there who enjoy, get a laugh out of, relate to what is going on here. Please tell me what you think regarding these things. I want to do the right thing without seeming like a weirdo (like I could fool anyone for long)!
I look forward to hearing what you have to say about this. It's been perplexing me for a while. And depending on what you tell me, I may or may not get back to you.
(That's a little joke.)
Reader Comments (12)
I don't check back, usually. Some blogs have a built in function that allows you to check a box saying "email me with follow up comments" and if I've left a comment I really want to hear back about, I usually check that box.
For my own blog, b/c I assume people don't have time to check back, I usually email them a direct response, especially if they've asked a question. But then I sometimes wonder if everyone else thinks I'm so rude that I don't answer questions.
Hmmm...I'll check back here to see what everyone else says. :)
I often go back to see if the blogger responded to my comment, especially if I left a lengthy one. If someone asks for advice and I take the time to comment, it does make me mad to get no response whatsoever. On blogs that get tons of comments I understand that they can't personally respond to everyone. But some people never respond to their readers and that's starting to bug me. That being said, I don't feel like I need a response if I just made a quick comment. I always read your comments and sometimes people ask you questions that you don't answer. Maybe you answer them by email, but that leaves the rest of us hanging! Unless it's something personal, I'd love to hear your responses.
When I post, its more to validate the other person and their post. If no one responds its ok with me :)
Jonathan
I don't usually check back, but if I remember I asked a specific question I might. Like when I asked you about WTM, I kept checking back. Little did I know you emailed me! :) ( I use another email account more regularly!)
I answer the questions in my comment section. If it was a pretty big question, I might email. So far, it has seemed to work out fine.
More often than not, I don't check back and I can only think of two bloggers (other than you) who have e-mailed me. On my blog, I respond in the comments section when I have time but I kind of assume that no one reads that part. :)
I'll admit I'm too lazy to check back for follow-up comments. ;o) Haha, actually, most of the time I just forget. And I definitely don't like to check that "email follow-up comments" box (like on blogger) because then I get EVERYONE'S responses...and I'm not usually interested in all of those. But sometimes I like to see that the original blog author comments in response to others right there in the comment spot...that usually helps to answer questions or whatever. Am I making any sense right now? It's too early...LOL. :o) ((hugs))
Sometimes I look back. In general, I don't really expect a response unless I ask a direct question, but even then, I don't expect a response (ie, I don't get mad if my question doesn't get answered). You are really good about following up with people. I need to be better about that on my blog.
I never go back and read comments. So I think it's kind of a waste of time to answer questions in the comment section...unless several people have the same question and then it could prevent the question from being asked again and again. Does that make sense? If someone asks a question I always find them through email or their blog and answer it. That's only fair.
I think it's important to keep contact with the people who comment on your blog. To grow your blog you need to connect to your readers. So I have a few that I comment on every post they write. Those are my sidebar people. Then the other regular readers I try to get to once a week. Newbies I try to respond right away. Great questions:)
I definitely check back if I asked a question but otherwise I don't. I don't mind either way if something has been answered or not unless it's something specific. In that case I would probably just email you. I never know what to do too. I usually email the person back because I don't know if they are going to check my blog for an answer.
I typically don't check back either, unless I asked a specific question in my comment. Is that wrong, roomie?
Amy...no, it's not wrong! I sometimes have asked someone a question and then forgot to go back and see if they answered it. :)
I'm so happy that I got so much input! Very helpful. Although, I don't think many of you will see this. haha
not usually