This can be tricky because it all depends on how the blog owner has her/his site set up. Some people have their comments set to accept limited HTML, some have them set to accept no HTML, and some have them set to automatically link URLs left in the comments. I believe Blogger automatically allows limited [...]
How can I make a comment on a blog into traffic for my site?
May 15, 2008 By 9 Comments
You can’t make a comment on one blog into traffic for your site. However, you can become an interested part of a community and contribute to conversations in the comments sections of several blogs (also part of that community–whether it’s political, parenting, gardening, etc.). The more you comment, the more visible you are. The more [...]
When commenting, why do some people use a profile name and others use their real name? Does it matter which one I choose to use?
May 12, 2008 By 15 Comments
As you visit blogs and read comments, you will notice that some people appear to have an alias (e.g., chilihead) and some people appear to be using their real names (e.g., Melanie). Whichever route you choose (alias or real name or blog name), that is the name that will become associated with you. When readers [...]
I have started a website about “Work from Home” and have been advised to contact webmasters and request to exchange reciprocal links but have not done so because I don’t feel comfortable asking. What are your thoughts?
May 7, 2008 By 10 Comments
This is the second part of the question I was asked yesterday.Reciprocal links are a gray area. I don’t care for reciprocal links. I don’t like to be asked and I don’t like to do it. I feel like anything I link to (that’s not a paid advertisement) should be something I *want* to link [...]
I have started a website about “Work from Home” and have been advised to post comments on blogs. Am I on the right track by posting on any blog or should I just be posting comments specifically on “Work from Home” blog sites?
May 6, 2008 By 7 Comments
This is part one of a two-part question I received this week. Part two will be answered tomorrow. Leaving comments on WFH blogs (or any blogs for that matter) consistently will allow other readers to start to get to know you. They’ll recognize you from the comments section on blogs you both frequent. If your [...]
Podcast: Lurking and Commenting
February 4, 2008 By 14 Comments
This is the third installment of my blog discussion with Shannon. Today we’re talking about whether lurking on a blog is rude. We’re also spouting opinions on comments. You can listen to the podcast with the links below or on iTunes (you can search the iTunes podcasts for Blogging Basics 101 and you’ll find us, [...]
Am I supposed to respond to every comment left at my blog?
January 14, 2008 By 2 Comments
This is one of those questions that comes up a lot. The short answer is do what works best for you. The long answer (you knew it would be so easy, right?) is that every blogger handles this differently. Some bloggers answer comments by writing their comments under the first comment. Some bloggers respond via [...]
Blogger recently established a box at the bottom of comment sections that you can check to get follow up comments sent to you. I don’t want to read “everyone’s” comments in the string, only if the author responds. Is this the way it works?
November 5, 2007 By 3 Comments
No. If you check the box to be updated (via e-mail) with new comments or responses, you will receive all comments/responses (including those posted by the author). Depending on the discussion topic, the site’s traffic, etc. this may or may not inundate you with e-mail.
What’s the best way to respond to comments on my blog?
One of the best ways to engage with your blogging community is to respond to reader comments. But what’s the best way? Should you respond to every comment, every time? And how should you respond: within the comments or directly to the commenter? It can get confusing quickly. Luckily, there are options. Do I need [...]