Comments on: Blog commenting done right

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:23:04 +0000

David, good addition! And I like how your adding the sixth point here, rather than on your own blog. That’s called following the conversation!

Todd: Good point about about a Terms of Service. It’s something I’ve had in the back of my mind to do. Thank you for bringing to the front.

Doug: Especially like your final point. Allow the “trolls and haters” to post, but ignore them. More than likely, others will, too.

By: David Finch

David Finch — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:19:24 +0000

Bryper, thought I would stop by and add a bonus tip.

6. End Your Comment with a Question
What a great way to generate additional conversation with others who comment as well as the author of the blog.

What do you think?

By: Todd Defren

Todd Defren — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 16:31:50 +0000

To these good tips, I’d also add a tip for the blogger: create and publish a Terms of Service. Apparently - unless the blogger specifies otherwise, upfront, that “all comments become the property of the blogger” - it can actually be illegal to tamper with a comment. Not that you should, but, a good ToS keeps everything aboveboard. Here’s mine…

http://www.pr-squared.com/2007/05/prsquareds_new_comment_policy.html

By: Doug Haslam

Doug Haslam — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:58:29 +0000

1. Check, I’m first apparently
2. My blog link and name are in my login, should be all set (visit my blog!). What else do you mean by details? I think anything relevant about me to the conversation might be good. For example, I work at a tech Pr agency, Topaz Partners, where we are constantly advising clients on if/when/how to comment on blogs
3. Not only do you need to give something, but repeat step 1 and add to the post and the comments. It makes you look smart.
4. Great post, Bryan. Like how you don’t just link to David, but add your perspective. I hate links blogs, they make me want to vomit.
5. Checking off the “notify me of comments” box, and looking at David’s post too

I think there should also be tips about how to respond to commenters:
1. Read your comments, don’t abandon your posts, even old ones that get new comments.
2. Don’t just say “Thanks” and “Great point,” but push the conversation along. I’m sure I have violated that one, but no more, I promise.
3. Visit the commenter’s’ blogs and return the favor. Link love and traffic is are currency, conversation is the payoff.
4. Think twice before responding to trolls and haters. Think twice before banning them or deleting their posts also. Be the grown-up.