Shaping Comments

When someone comments

Adam told me he liked the post that I wrote about liking wraps over sandwiches.  I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I was trying a different approach to blogging with that post so I’m glad it received positive feedback.  Another point I’d like to stress is that I don’t know you like that post unless you tell me you like that post.  If Adam didn’t tell me that, I’d probably think that a personal approach to what makes me, well me, wasn’t the answer to a successful blog.  Fortunately he did and I can continue to work off that path.  This leads me to explain how important it is for readers to leave comments.  I need to know what works and what doesn’t.  So next time you find yourself saying, “should I leave a comment (even if it’s saying I suck),” do it.

This contains no relevance whatsoever

I don’t leave a ton of comments on other people’s blogs and sites but I probably leave more than you do because I know how it feels to receive a comment and I tend to be opinionated when I don’t like (or like) a topic.  Here are some thoughts I’ve picked up on various websites I comment on and how it’s important to shape your comment to that website for maximum results.

Reddit – This is an intelligent website where intelligent people post.  The best comments use double entendres, puns, and other forms of sophisticated language that I don’t know the words for.   All negative racial comments, misspellings, and stupidity get down voted.  I rarely leave comments because getting downvoted makes you feel like shit.

Barstool – Any intelligent comment will get downvotes.  Barstool is the dregs of humanity and unless you are making fun of Pres or fellow contributors, your comment won’t stand a chance.  Comments that are as real / true as possible get the most fanfare.  Here is the #1 comment about Mac and Cheese Kid and the picture of him getting removed – “Props to this kid’s dad, honestly. My dad wouldn’t be caught in the same state as me if I embarrassed our family name that bad.”

To be 21 again

Bansheemann7 – I’m never sure how much commenting I should do on Sam’s blog because I already maintain my own blog which means I can display my opinion anytime I want.  He has his own group of friends who can form their own opinions about the topics without the need for my influence.  When I see 0 comments though, I’ll generally throw in my 2 cents with no fear or disregard like I think a lot of readers have.