Hi friends, happy Wednesday! I hope you’re having a lovely week so far. Today I’m glad to be back with my blogging ways feature, and I’m especially eager to rant about this latest subject that’s been on my mind for a while. Like a LOT of other subjects, since I am kind of obsessed. In case you didn’t know that yet.
I know that many other bloggers have tackled this subject already, but if I’m being honest, there is no such thing as finding an original subject to talk about whenever you are blogging. What matters is how you talk about it and I’m hoping to share my point of view on that one because I hold this close to my heart, I really do.
As you know it already – or maybe you don’t, if you’re new, HI and thank you for reading this -, the community is a huge part of my blogging adventure. If numbers are something we all look forward to seeing grow, what matters most here for me is the relationships I have with other bloggers. And more often than not, they are all starting with a single comment. Whether it started on my own blog, or by me blog-hopping and leaving my own comment, it all started like this.
But then, there comes the dreaded, often asked question in the blogosphere: do I need to comment back? I have read multiple blog posts about this, multiple points of view on this subject and I’m not going to lie: this is something you have to figure out for yourself but before anything else, STRIKE that NEED verb out of the question you’re asking yourself. If you NEED to do anything, you’re not blogging for fun, you are making it an OBLIGATION and let me tell you, that’s not good. That’ s the road heading straight to burn-out, and that’s not good AT ALL.
I’m always trying to share my experience as much as I can with you, because I want to be as transparent as I can on these blogging struggles. In that mindset, I will say it right away: if I had NEVER, ever commented back, I don’t think I would be where I am right now. I can’t affirm that, since I’m no Doc Brown and unable to turn back time to see what would have happened only if…Yet some deep part of me feels like it knows this.
After more than two years of blogging, I have managed to build incredible friendships, with people I am talking to on a daily basis ; and it all started because we both built conversations on both of our blogs. In sharing our love, our thoughts, in coming back and checking with each other on latest blog posts. It was as simple as that, because we appreciated each other’s blog posts and opinions, we let the other know and that was it. Like I said before, NO sense of obligation here: just pure, WANT to share the love on OTHER bloggers’ posts. Commenting back, seeking other bloggers, growing my little bloggers’ circle and overall, having fun just sharing the love by leaving one single comment, contributed A LOT to my blog’s growth. Yes, I’m talking numbers here, for one, digits and all. But also, and most importantly, it contributed to my happiness in blogging, which has, despite what society is trying to make us think, NO price.
So, yes. If you’re asking me this question, I do think that comments are important. It all depends on your own blogging experience, I guess. Whether you’re into this for blogging views, or the community, you do blog your own way and I’m not here to judge. I’m just not into this keeping comments for myself kind of way – I much, much rather share the love and I’m hoping that it shows. Even if it takes a whole lot of time.
Obviously it is hard and sometimes impossible to comment back on every blog post, or just comment for that matters. There are too many book blogs to visit and to discover. We all have school, work, responsibilities outside of this time-consuming hobby to manage to do it all without breaking a sweat. Yet. I’m doing my best to share the love, because I LOVE this community. Despite the dramas, the blogging envy, the bothering moments, the hiatuses and burns-out, this is the reason I come back. To see comments awaiting on my blog? Sure. BUT also, and so very much, to catch up with other new bloggers. Discover their own thoughts on books, bookish subjects and more.
I came here to have my little blogging bubble. To share my thoughts on books, bookish subjects, blogging subjects and more. I stayed here for the community, for the comments, for all of the other fantastic blogs I discover and want to chat with. I’m here to SHARE the love.
Do you think comments are important on a blog? Do you try to comment back, or not at all? Why, or why not? I’d love to hear your thoughts about this, so feel free to share them in comments!
Hi Marie,
Thank you so much for posting this article. I’ve been stressing myself out with this question for almost a year now.
And how to comment back to all my blog followers & even more on my social media followers. it’s an overwhelming prospect to respond to the hundreds of daily comments across this spectrum of fellow writers.
I think similar to you, I’m doing my best and building certain strong relationships when it feels fun.
Thank you for wording this so beautifully and allowing me to embrace your perspective.
Wishing you an amazing week ahead.
M.
Hi!
Thank you so, so much for taking the time to answer to my blog post with your sweet comment! It means a lot to me <3
It really is overwelming, at times, but what matters the most is that we are doing our best, doing it and trying to keep it fun It shouldn't be an obligation, and it should feel good to build relationships and have fun 🙂
Thank you so, so much, I hope you'll have an amazing week as well! 🙂
I try to reply to every comment i receive, and I dedicate like an hour every other day to visit blogs in my reader feed and leave comments for them too, like outside of the blogs i regularly visit. I wouldn’t enjoy blogging at all if it wasn’t for the wonderful community.
It’s so great that you are taking the time to do that. Discovering new bloggers is one of my favorite thing to do as well, and I don’t take enough time to do so – I wish I could have more time in a day ahah 🙂 It’s just so great to have such a lovely, welcoming community. Thank you so, so much for your comment, Lise! 🙂
I blog because I love writing and I do it for fun. I like it when people comment on my post. Therefore, I try to comment on other peoples posts as well if I liked their posts or if I want to start a conversation about a topic relating to their posts.
It’s so great that you’re taking the time to leave comments, it always means a lot to bloggers – at least it does for me 🙂 I’m glad you’re blogging for fun and enjoying it! 😀 Thank you so much for stopping by! <3
I don’t always comment back. My comments depend on whether I like the post and whether I have anything to comment on it at all. Sometimes the post might be great but I may not have anything to say. If the comment is from a blog I don’t know, I do check the blog to see if it interests me.
I understand and agree – sometimes, even if I really enjoyed a post, I find myself at a loss for words. I just can’t find the right thing to say or anything to add, which saddens me, but we can’t always be talkative I guess ahah 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about this, Vrinda 🙂
Great post! I think commenting is super important in blogging. If your goal is to build your blog and really be a part of the community, the best way to do that is by commenting. Commenting on other people’s blogs lets them know you’re there, and commenting back shows you’re interested in your readers. I don’t think commenting back is a must, but it is nice. I try to comment back as much as I can; I can pretty much always find something on someone else’s blog that I can leave my two cents about.
Thank you so much, Angela! I’m so happy you liked this post <3
I agree with you – commenting back is not must, but I always find it super-nice to do and I try my best to give a little something back to people taking the time to leave a comment, even if it's just by at least aknowledging them and answering them 🙂 <3
Thank you! <3
I really try to comment back. There are times however, as you mentioned, that other things in my life often interfere with the amount of time I have to spend on my blog and on the blogs of others.
I guess we can’t always be on top of our blogging game – other things in life have to come before at times 🙂 It feels good, though, when you can, to comment back and leave out some love to other bloggers – I know I love it 🙂
Thank you so, so much for stopping by! <3 <3
Comment down Below if you think that comments are important lol and I think they are if they are descriptive and share a feeling and/or opinion that make it clear the person at least skimmed the post, but I also think its importang to be realistic and not spread ourselves too thin. After all this is a hobby and not whats wimning my bread. 🙂 I hope I.can continue to build lots of great relationships moving forward though!
Yes, definitely, blogging is a hobby and we need to keep on having fun no matter what 🙂 thank you 🙂
I think comments are important as it shows that people are actually engaging with what you say! Also I always *try* to comment back, but try is the important word ? Some of the comments I get just don’t seem to have an appropriate response that isn’t going to look like me commenting just for commenting’s sake – also spam comments when people say ‘nice – check out my blog’ are usually not responded too either ?
I agree with you – likes and views are something for sure, but whenever someone leaves a comment, they want to share something with you and I always appreciate that so much 🙂
I understand – and sometimes answering is not “required” (let’s be honest here, it is never required, we’re not doing a job, but answers are appreciated for sure, BUT when someone says something, at times it does not require an answer – if I am making any sense ahha 🙂
YES YES YES MARIE I LOVE THIS!!! My goal is to comment on all the posts in my Reader THAT SEEM TO INTEREST ME. I don’t want to force myself to comment on every single post, because, like you said, it makes blogging seem like an obligation and it’s not. I also try to comment back — but not all the time. And definitely not when people say “Great post!” and leave. I comment back when someone new comments on my blog, and then I comment back again here and there. (But again, not all the time because it’s SO HARD AND TIME-CONSUMING.) I loooooove getting comments because they mean so much to me! Not to mention that it’s how I met a lot of my blogging friends. 😉 I really loved this post, Marie! <3
OH thank you so, so much May! It makes me SO happy you enjoyed this post <3 <3 It is time-consuming and sometimes we just have nothing to say, we can't be everywhere all at once and it is okay not to comment either, for sure. But commenting is for me the heart of blogging and I try to do it as much as I can because like you say, it's good to share the love and comments mean SO much to me, I want to give back as well <3 <3 AND YES that's how I found your blog and amazingnessssssss. <3 <3
Yes, definitely! Commenting is the heart of interaction — and that’s how I find friends and become what I call successful! And AGH when did you find me??? I honestly don’t remember. XD <3 <3
YES, me too! I’m so happy whenever I find someone that have the same definition of successful as I do: whenever you just comment away and find friends and overall fangirl all the time hahaha.
I don’t remember either but YOU ARE AWESOME AND I AM JUST GLAD YOU ARE HERE. <3
Oh yes! Numbers are definitely how we MEASURE success, but friends is just a bigger success to me!
YOU ARE AWESOME TOO AND SUPREMELY NICE AND THE BLOGOSPHERE LOVES YOU. <3 <3
Agreed! I wish we and society weren’t just SO fixed on NUMBERS ahah.
OH thank you May, I don’t know what I did to deserve you <3 <3 <3
Yes society is SO focused on numbers! From money to grades to time… Also this is just a random question, but in France is everything is relaxed as they say it is? Like, America is very strict on time, but I’ve heard that France is the opposite! I’m not sure if it’s true though. XD
And oh, you’re so sweet! I don’t know what I did to deserve YOU!! <333 You're like… the kindest of all. XD
Ohh, well…I think we’re a bit more relaxed on that. It’s not uncommon to be late – in fact it is VERY common to be late, except for big meetings (well, depends on which side you are. Some people will be half-an-hour late and just not care about it all. I’m not one of these people ahah).
Huh, that’s so different! In America, the best time to be some place is a few minutes earlier than the appointed time. XD
Well….For me, that’s the best time to be someplace as well. I think I may have been born on the wrong side of the Atlantic hahaha.
XD COME TO ME, MARIE! *opens arms in welcome*
I’M COMING!! 😛
XDD *waves frantically*
Excellent point! ? I love to comment, but it has to feel natural ? Well written post!
Oh thank you so much! I agree – comments have to be natural and not forced, otherwise it’s not fun at all anymore. And we’re here to have fun 😀
You’re totally right – this is a time consuming hobby that brings us all together like burritos ? I think it all depends on the comment itself. When someone posts a quick comment I acknowledge it with a like. But if there’s more to it I will always respond. I’ve had some great conversations through comments over the last few months. Blog hopping and talking to other book lovers has been an unexpected favourite part of this whole journey! Great post ?
? ? I couldn’t resist with that Seth Cohen / burritos gif ?
I agree with you – it definitely depends on the comment. Whenever someone just comments with a sentence or a “nice post” of sorts, I don’t always have something to say back. I always love to start conversations in comments, it’s how I met some of my favorite bloggers – and great friends as well. It was SO unexpected for me as well – who thoughts comments and spending a couple hours reading blogs could bring so much ? 😀
Thank you so much! <3
Any time ? at first I was a little worried that I was spending so much time blogging. I started a blog about books and ended up reading less because I was talking to others bloggers so much. But it’s a lot of fun so I don’t mind it at all!
I am ALWAYS worried that I spend too much time blogging ahah, we are the same! 🙂 I am reading loads too but blogging definitely has taken over my life. I don’t mind too much though, you’re right, it is SO much fun 😀
I LOVE this post so much! I agree with everything you said – when its something to do with blogging, NEVER feel the need to do something because then, it becomes more an obligation than something you genuinely enjoy doing. When I started up blogging, I just wanted an outlet to talk about my thoughts – I never really expected anything to turn out like this! But with the blogging came people commenting, people talking and it just opened me up to this whole entire portal of meeting incredible people and making relationships with people I now love and can so happily call friends!
I get it, when people don’t want to comment back or visit blogs because hey, its not something that’s for everyone! The me that came into this blogging not intending to do anything other than blog would have been completely fine – but I think I’m HAPPIEST in the conversation and so really it depends on the people and their intentions in it all!
Again, so in love with this post! Am always so in love with your discussions! <3
Oh my forever crazy, thank you so, so much for your sweet comments, it always makes me SO happy <3 <3
I agree – not everyone is into commenting and blog hopping, which is fine. To each their own, everyone should blog the way they want after all. I'm perfectly content commenting and spending time blog-hopping and all – and I'm glad to know and find out that other bloggers feel the same way ! <3 <3
Definitely think comments are important; they’re a great way to interact with fellow bloggers. And while responses aren’t always necessary, they can start conversations and friendships!
Yes, agreed! It’s so much fun to interact ith bloggers, and great blogging friendships start with just one comment 🙂 one of the best parts of blogging for sure 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet commetn <3
Yes, comments are indeed important. As you have said, it is give and take of love, appreciation, views, opinions.
I’m glad you agree! 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by 🙂 <3
I definitely feel like comments are important to my blog! It’s one of the few indicators that I know people are REALLY reading my stuff (unless it’s a spammy comment lol). Personally, I’ve never commented back for the sole purpose of just commenting because said blogger commented on my post, but if I end up stumbling upon their blog or feeling bored, I might check it out and find something interesting to read! But I’m not going to force myself to find something to say on someone else’s blog four times a week AND juggle all the blogs I do follow. That’s an overload of stress for me that I don’t need when it comes to blogging! I feel like my blog has grown fine without me ever commenting back, but I usually like to make conversation and relationships in my own comments section! ?
Definitely agree – comments, and apart from the little “nice blog posts” and everything, really shows that people care enough to read and share their thoughts on a subject with you. That’s what I love the most about blogging, and basically why I started – to TALK about books and everything, so it really is the best.
It’s hard to always comment back and definitely is not for everyone – also, I agree that forcing yourself is no way to blog anyway. I always try to check out the blogs taking time to leave a comment, but if I try to comment back as much as I can, sometimes I don’t because time / life / reasons ahah 🙂 I found out about amazing blogs this way though as well 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with me here! <3 <3
I just…find it really ironic that there are now 39 likes and this is the only comment…?
But really, this was a very well thought out post! It made some really good points and was written well.
? ? Likes are flying way quicker than comments, it’s a blogging rule, it seems ?
Thank you so, so much!! I’m so happy you liked reading this post <3
I comment if I want to get to know the blogger. Or if the post was particularly interesting so I naturally assume everyone does the same. I do try to comment back but sometimes I miss:-(
Oh, it’s only human to forget – I sometimes forget just as well, don’t you worry about it! <3 Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about this. I try and comment whenever I'm interested in what the blogger posts and want to know more for sure as well! 🙂
It seems the best way to get to know new bloggers with similar interests!
It really is 🙂
This was very well thought out as always!
I do agree with you that if one of your blogging goals is to become a part of the community, then the best (and only) way to do this is to join in the conversation – not by simply saying “Great post! *insert link to my blog,*” but by actually sharing your genuine thoughts because you feel you have something to contribute to that post. Not because you feel obligated to comment.
Blogging isn’t an obligation, it’s a hobby. Same goes for commenting.
I never comment for the sheer sake of commenting. I only comment when I feel I want to talk about the topic that was originally presented a little bit further. And that, to me, is fun, but it also helps you make blogging friends and gain more traffic. So it’s a win-win if those are your blogging goals.
On the flip-side, if your goal isn’t to become part of the community then don’t reply to comments and never feel required to do it, because we aren’t.
Loved this post! Too many people see blogging as this awful chore and it just sucks out all the fun of it!
Thank you so, so much, Bridget! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post <3
Commenting is the best way to feel part of the community – it's so great to talk and meet other bloggers, but I agree with you: genuine comments are important. They don't come naturally for sure, but if a post does not inspire you, then no one forces you to comment. As you're perfectly saying here, blogging needs to stay FUN 😀 <3
Blogging takes time and commitment, but if it's a chore, it's definitely a sign to step back and reconsider things. Blogging, commenting and everything has to stay fun 🙂
Thank you again for your sweet comment, Bridget, and for sharing your thoughts with me <3
I try to comment on other blogs as much as I can, though it doesn’t always work out. But, on my own blog, I always make a point to try and comment back on every comment – I want to make sure that my blog is a discussion friendly and welcoming place (as much as it can be considering it’s the internet)
YES – I love that you said that, Nicole, I agree with you so much. I want to make sure that my blog is a welcoming place as well and that people are appreciated, every single one leaving a comment 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about this <3 <3
Your welcome! 🙂 Happy to share
I’m a big commenter! Sometimes I wait a day or two to respond to my WP comments in my app, but I always respond if a comment shows up (sometimes I wonder if some comments don’t show up though).
Yay for being a big commenter!! <3 I too get scared to miss a comment at times ahah, I sometimes check and find out that a comment has been waiting for days it makes me feel bad haha.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Stephanie <3 <3
That’s what happens to me! I think if I don’t check soon enough, they drop off! So I’m trying to get to them faster!
I love stopping by!
I feel the exact same way ahah 🙂
I live for the comments. Likes are so impersonal and don’t tell you how someone has reacted to your ideas. It doesn’t tell you if they just skimmed over your content or found something profound in it. Comments are the starting points of relationships because they are more of a conversation than a like. When a post really impacts me, I make it a point to talk about how it made me feel.
I agree with you. Though I do appreciate it a lot, everytime someone likes my post, it does not feel the same was as a comment does. I love hearing from people, knowing their thoughts on particular subjects and everything 🙂 Thank you so, so much for taking the time to share your thoughts! 🙂
🙂
Yes! I love this post so much! Comments are such a great way to connect with people through your blog! Now, I’ll admit, I don’t reply to every single comment on my blog because, frankly, I just don’t know what to say to certain comments, but I’m working on that 😀
OH I get it – sometimes I’m at a loss for words as well, so I just like the comments. Not every comment can have a reply when it’s not too long and there’s nothing to ask / answer, at times, and it’s perfectly okay as well – at least, I think it is 🙂
Thank you so much! <3 <3
I try to comment on as many blog posts as I can because I know how important feedback is. I also try to make it a point to respond to comments made on my blog. Sometimes it’s difficult, however, because I’m not always sure on what to say lol.
Oh I understand – sometimes I’m not sure what to answer either, and some comments don’t always require answers 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts 🙂
I definitely think that comments matter – but not just the ones we’re getting on our own blogs, but also the ones we leave on someone else’s blog. I was definitely much better at commenting back when I first started out blogging and I’ve gotten worse as time went on and I don’t really know why. I might have to make it more of a goal for the future and work towards commenting back more often!
I’m glad you agree with my point of view – comments are so important and I love them <3 Commenting back is hard, at times, and it's not made for everyone for sure. In the end, I think it all depends on the kind of blogger you are and want to be, time you have on your hands and everything. Commenting back is not required at all, but comments make someone's days – at least that's my motto 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! <3
Okay. Here I’m going to say it. I THINK COMMENTING BACK IS AWESOME (I’m going to start soon) BECAUSE LET’S SPREAD THE LOVE and make a blogger’s day right.
BUT, I’ve never voiced my opinion on this before so here goes. IT NAGS ME. Someone comments back on my post and I CELEBRATE AND PARTY and we’re better than good! because comments are awesome, right? And so you are always commenting on this person’s post and therefore always getting comments back. And it feels very.disappointing. In the comments back, you get told your post was interesting, relatable and maybe your design is awesome. and if they’re always commenting back and always saying these things, they must thnk you’re posts are good right? so it nags me when this commenter back NEVER follows my blog, even though they say my blog posts are good?! I’m not ASKING for the to follow me, it’s their choice, but I just am completely confused? COULD YOU EXPLAIN? Maybe when i start to comment back, I’ll understand
Yay! I hope you’ll have fun commenting back, because that’s what matters the most – whether you are doing it or not, that you are having fun 🙂
OH, that’s actually such an interesting question – I’m not in the mind of these bloggers so I don’t really know what they are thinking / feeling / doing. I do know that this had to have happened for me a couple times, and probably the reaso I am not following the blog is either – I forgot because I’m in the middle of commenting back and I have 1039585 windows opened (like I just realized it has happened for me, not following your fantastic blog while I have been stalking it for a while, obviously in a very friendly way!) ; OR … I actually wanted to put a “OR” there, but I have got nothing. The only reason I wouldn’t be following someone that I constantly – or very often – comment on, is that I forgot to click on the follow button despite coming on the blog often.
Maybe these people are also following too many other bloggers?! They’re scared to add one to the list?! I really don’t know, but that’s a very good question!
I hope I do? Hopefully, it all works out. Hmmm, you have a fair point. They probably visit a lot of blogs and comment back on so many posts, they they don’t have the time or idea to follow? Thanks so much for YOU sharing your thoughts!
You’re welcome! Thank you for raising this question – this is actually interesting and now I’m curious to see if the regular commenters on my blogs are actually following me… you make me ask myself a lot of questions ahah 🙂
Also, with this long comment, I forgot, but THANK YOU for sharing your thoughts about this with me <3
Great post on this topic Marie, I’ve seen a lot about commenting in general but I enjoy reading different people’s thoughts on the subject and I loved reading your opinions on it all. 🙂
I definitely agree you need to strike the word ‘need’ out of blogging. The second anything starts to feel like an obligation rather than a desire you need to take a step back because blogging is supposed to be about enjoying ourselves isn’t it? I always try and comment back, but I find I run out of time quicker than I’d think because there are just so many blogs out there. I agree with what a lot of people said in the comments on this post in that I mainly comment when I have something to say, a conversation to start you know?
Either way I loved the daily chats I find myself having with the friends I’ve made on WordPress along the way! 😀 <3
Thank you so much, Beth, that’s so sweet <3 <3
It really is – there are times when it just feels like a chore, and I'm tired, so I try to take a small break, even if it's just for one day. It makes me feel refreshed and better about it. Blogging shouldn't be a chore 🙂
Definitely! Sometimes we just can't find anything to say, and some other times we want to share our thoughts and voice our opinion, get to know someone and start a conversation 🙂
YES, I love these conversations just as well – it always makes my day 😀
Thank you, Beth! <3
That’s all right! ❤️ Yeah forcing yourself to blog because you feel like you have to is never going to be the way to go, and small breaks can really help as well. 🙂
When it comes to books I have, more often than not, an opinion to voice because even if it’s not a genre I usually read I can’t say there’s a genre I’d never give a try you know? 🙂
That’s great to hear, and that’s all right! 😀 ❤️
Yes, I get it – blogging has broadened my horizons so much, I couldn’t say there is a genre I would never ever try 🙂
Same here, there’s so much I discovered since blogging. 🙂
Friendships mean a lot.
Nowadays, the interwebs are where folks are finding their friends.
it’s a brave new world!
YES, agreed! 😀 <3 Thank you so much for your comment, Icky! <3
I definitely think commenting is so important and it’s a brilliant way to build friendships. It is very time consuming but it’s so worth it! Lovely post! 🙂
OH thank you so much, Kyra! It is time-consuming, but yes it’s so worth it – just to know you can start a great conversation, and make someone’s day! 🙂 Thank you! <3
Great post! I think commenting is very important in blogging but It’s pretty much impossible to comment on every post. I mostly comment in the posts that interests me. Responding to your comments is also important so I try my best to comment back ASAP.
Thank you so much, Raven! <3
Oh yes, it is SO impossible to comment on every post out there, there are way too many bloggers. It feels good to share the love on blog posts when we can and have time, on the ones e like and interests us. We can't be interested in everything either, that's for sure 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts 🙂 <3
I love comments !! I try to comment on other people’s blogs and I always try to comment on any post in my feed. I feel like comments are a really nice way to show someone that you enjoyed their post and start discussions (plus comments always make my day better 🙂 ) But that being said, sometimes I have to save posts for later or wait to respond to comments because (even though I do this 25/7) long comments to me can be kind of exhausting to answer and both write on other people’s blog if I’m not suuuuper interested in the topic. I just love this post soooo much and I agree with everything you’ve written ❤ ❤ !!
Oh thank you so, so much, Amelie <3 Comments make my day just as well, and all of your sweet comments make my day a thousand times better, that's for sure <3 <3
I feel the same way: I'm so happy if I can brighten someone's day just with a comment. Long comments really take time though and energy, even if it's fun, we all need breaks and can't do it all 🙂
thank you again, you are the sweetest ❤ ❤
Thank you so much !!! ❤ ❤ ❤
Thank YOU for being so sweet <3
Gahhh great post!!
I definitely try to comment back on all of my comments and actually, I LOVE DOING IT. It’s fun and makes me happy because I see that humans. Have actually. Typed words?? AND TYPING WORDS IS HARD, OKAY??
Commenting on my friends’ posts, though, IS HARD. I FOLLOW A GAZILLION POSTS (aka like 60) and just *screams* but I always try.
But yes, I feel like commenting back is something that you SHOULD do, if you want to have more viewer interaction and all that.
Oh thank you so much, Julianna! I’m SO happy you are a comment-lover as well! YES, TYPED WORDS and long comments and everything amaze me every single day. It’s so great and I’m always so grateful when people take the time to comment <3 <3
It is hard to comment on every single post out there – it's time-consuming and sometimes our feeds are ENDLESS (or is it just me?!). I always try to do my best just as well, and what matters is that we do it and enjoy it – and try and stay sane as well 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your comment! <3 <3
🙂
I KNOW RIGHT. It’s like, people are actually spending TIME. WHAT EVEN. But I appreciate everyone sooooo muchhh.
I KNOW RIGHT. *secretly wishes for super commenting powers* I KNOW. MY FEED IS ENDLESS TOO.
Your welcome!! <3 <3
We all need more hours in the day and, like, 100 more fingers to type every comment all at once ahah 😀
I try to comment or to like back on my Instagram, but it is time-consuming and it may be late. On wordpress i started to post again. I don’t know if there will be comments or not.. I love to comment and like what other bloggers do. So well done, i like your post.
Thank you so much! 🙂 We all have lives besides blogging and everything, it’s okay to be late and everything 🙂 So happy to hear you like commenting as well! 🙂
I think comments are incredibly important. Personally, I reply to every single comment but I don’t always comment back on the blog that commented on mine. First, most of the people who comment are ones I already follow so I’ll eventually read their blog when I go blog hopping. For those that I don’t know, I visit their blogs but I don’t always comment back because sometimes I have nothing to say on their blog (like if they review all romance novels or something). Anyways, I do think commenting is important, though. That’s how you network and make friends (and kind of the whole reason I started blogging). But some people do have a hard time replying and commenting because of time, which I understand. I think if those people just find a balance because no one wants to comment on a blog that never responds >.<
Thank you so much, Molly! <3 I agree with you – there are bloggers I will end up visiting anyway so I don't always comment back right away. Also, I don't like commenting just with a "nice post", just for the sake of leaving a comment – it's better when you can say something more, connect and everything 🙂
I'm so happy to hear you started blogging for the same reasons I did, to chat about books and make friends! 😀 <3
Balance is for sure the key-word. It's hard to always answer to comments and everyone has a life besides blogging, but never awknoledging my comments make me feel a bit sad at times.
Thank you again for your comment <3 <3
This was a wonderful post! I think comments are important for a blog mostly because I love getting them and I know most bloggers do too. I try to comment back as much as possible though sometimes, there are posts where I can’t think of anything to say. I also try to comment on most posts I read as much as I can but I don’t always have the time unfortunately.
Oh thank you so, so much, Shouni, I’m so happy you liked this <3
Time is not always on our side, I feel like we bloggers could always use more 🙂 But it's so good to already feel like we are spreading the love a little bit – it's so great to make connections and make people smile with a simple comment taking a couple of minutes to type 🙂
Thank you again, you're so sweet! <3
Comments are the backbone of successful blogs, followings, and authors! How else will we, as writers, know how our content is being received? It is similarly frustrating to see that even great purveyors of content see little to no feedback… Makes you wonder, “am I the exception or is my content not as good as it ought to be?” Thanks for writing on this — I and many others appreciate it!
Oh thank you so, so much for your sweet comment <3 Interaction really is the best and it's so good to have feedback on what we are writing on 🙂 <3
I love commenting, even if sometimes I’m not the best at doing it, and it makes me feel so good when others comment on my posts!
I agree that building friendships is one of the best parts of blogging. It would be sad to be surrounded by so many great people and choose not to interact with them!! Even it it’s hard, time consuming, etc. I think it’s worth it. I like what you said about blogging being a lot about discovering others’ thoughts.
Fantastic post!
Oh thank you so much, Lenna! It is hard to keep up with commenting – it’s one of the things I think I struggle with the most, I spend so much time doing it, but it’s so important. Both to forge relatioships, and also to have fun – I love talking to other bloggers through comments so much! 🙂
Thank you again <3 <3
Awesome post! I think commenting is the most important of all! It always lets me know that people are actually enjoying my blog and reading my posts. Comments warm my heart every time I get a new one <3
OH thank you so, so much, Emma! I’m with you on that: every comment always makes me SO happy, it’s the best <3
You’re welcome <3
Comments absolutely are important! I love the exchange of ideas and the dialogue it creates. Like being in an world-wide book club ?
OH YES, that’s exactly it! It is SO great to think of it this way 😀
Thank you so much for your comment <3
You’re absolutely right. Comments are really important, not just to grow your audience but, more importantly, to feel part of the community. You’re going to have a hard time “fitting in” if you don’t leave thoughtful comments on other people’s blogs. After all, the whole idea of a community is to share ideas and thoughts, and to bond over things we like and dislike, and you can’t do that without interacting with others. I definitely try to comment as much as I can and put thought into all my comments, but, yes, it’s hard sometimes. Though you definitely make it seem easy; you always leave the best comments.
PS: Seth and Ryan <3 God, I love that show.
OH, Lauren, you are way too sweet, than you! <3 I always am doing my very best to leave comments I would like to get, and also because obviously I want to share the love and share with other book bloggers. Interaction is so important to me – it's the most important thing in blogging for me <3
Sometimes it's hard – but commenting shouldn't feel forced, it should feel natural, and we can't always want to leave a comment because we are tired / the blog post doesn't inspire us / we have nothing to add and so on. It's only human 😀
REALLY? I feel like we love ALL of the same tv shows, this makes me so happy! I miss that show so much, I loved it <3 <3
I agree with everything you said. If I don’t have anything to add to the conversation, I won’t. Having said that, I do try to think about a post first before instantly thinking “oh, I don’t have anything to say” and just leaving. Like you said, we’re human, but it’s always a good thing to try your best 🙂
Yes, really! First, I crushed really hard on Ryan, but then when I rewatched the show about two years ago, I started appreciating and loving Seth a lot more 🙂 <3 I also feel like they don't make these kind of shows anymore, so I love them even more. Or maybe I just really love the 90s 😀
Same here – I always try to think if I have anything to add to the conversation 🙂
Ohhh – I love both of them so much, I can’t pick one ahah, they’re just adorable – together as well. I’m always rewatching this show – and loads of the 90’s and 2000 shows as well, they are awesome 😀
Hi Marie,
I’m quite new to the world of blogging and I love to write. It feels good to write. To answer your question, I do think comment is important for a blog.
For a new blogger like me, every single comment is so precious because it shows me that people are actually reading my blog and they do find it interesting to some level. For those who have so many followers like hundreds or thousands, I think it is understandable if they can’t reply every single comment.
If I find any post which is interesting or related to me, normally I will comment on their post, just like how I’m commenting on your post now! ? I will definitely keep in mind how important is comment for a blog especially after reading your post! Wish you a great day ahead! ?
Hi, and well, welcome to blogging! I hope you’re enjoying yourself so far 😀
I’m so glad you think comments are important just as well – it feels good and always makes us happy whenever someone takes time to answer to us / leave a comment, it’s one of the best feelings in blogging for sure 🙂
Thank you again for your sweet comment! Hope you’ll have a great day / evening 🙂
Sorry, my mind is melting for Olaf 😀
Comments are important, as long as they are not just “hey, follow me?”. They shouldn’t become a chore either. I don’t always have the time to comment, but I do my best, and I have a list of blogs that I check because the other party made the effort too and we created a bound through those comments left on our blogs.
Haha right?! Olaf is just, well…it’s Olaf <3
Exactly: comments should be something we do because we want to, not become a chore 🙂
I do the same thing – and it's so great to create these bonds and friendships <3 <3
Thank you so much my Sweechie!! <3
I definitely try and reply to all my comments, to go interact with other people I follow on their blog pages as well. Half of the reason why I got into blogging was to build friendships with other readers, so commenting really becomes a necessary facilitator of that aspect for me.
Yay! I’m so glad you feel the same way – I wanted to blog to build friendships and have bookish conversations and comments are the best way to do so 😀
Thank you so, so much for your comment! <3
I loved this post! I always try and comment as often as I can because not only is it good for building friendships with others but I know that I smile every time I get a new comment on a post so it’s very likely that you’ll make that other person’s day by commenting on their post as well.
OH thank you so much <3 YES – well know that your comment made me smile, so mission accomplished 😀
That's exactly the feeling I get. It takes a couple of minutes to leave a comment so I always try to spread the love as much as I can to give them that lovely feeling 🙂
Thank you so much <3
A great discussion point and blog post. I love the way you finish this post and I feel the same as you- I started for the book love and I continue for the community and friends I have made along the way.
I find it incredibly important and enjoyable to comment and receive comments. I have built up some of my favourite blogs and bloggers where I always go back to. Most of these share my posts and comment on mine, but not all. I find this a little unfortunate but like you said each to their own. For me I love to share comments and always reply to any comments left for me on my posts.
I’m glad you are enjoying the blogging, reading and community too.
Amanda.
Oh thank you so, so much Amanda, I’m really glad you liked my post <3
It is so great to give and receive comments, it always brings a smile to my face. Also, you never know, by just one comment you could be starting an amazing friendship / bookish fangirling thread of comments, which are awesome 😀
Thank you again for your sweet comment <3
As always a wonderful discussion post Marie. Comments are so important and without them like you say we wouldn’t become friends with so many people around the world. I try to comment on as much as I can but life definitely gets in the way but I always feel guilty and end up trying to do big blogging sessions where I’ll binge on everyone’s posts and annoying them with my face everytime I pop up (like 10 in a row)haha!
I used to be useless at commenting back say if a conversation got going, I would think I was annoying the other person but you taught me not at all and i’m getting better at that!
I love when people comment on my posts, every single one brings a smile to my face and I can never understand why someone would want to read something little o’ me has put up.
Oh thank you so, so much, Hannah, so happy you liked this post! Commenting always makes me happy and I’m always so surprised when I get comments and feedback and just people like you taking the time to type a long comment to share their thoughts. I’m so happy and grateful, it’s the beauty of this community for sure <3 <3
I feel guilty too whenever I can't comment as much as I want to, but we're all doing our best and can't do it all I guess 🙂
Yes definitely! I think alot of the time we are also very hard on ourselves, we have to have a break when life gets really stressful and we blog for fun and even though it might take a day or two to comment back to people we do it still and thats a lovely thing 🙂 Some people don’t comment at all and I find it really disheartening when someone doesn’t reply to comments I’ve left on their post. I’ve mentioned before how i’ve had it happen when I never got a reply on anything for months (nobody did actually) <3
I agree – I know I am REALLY hard on myself, both in life and when it comes to blogging. I need to learn to take a breather once in a while ahah.
I agree – it makes me a bit sad whenever I never, ever get an answer for a comment I leave on a blog, I just wanted to have a lovely conversation and well…it just doesn’t happen :/. I guess we’re all into blogging for something different. <3
So rightly put Marie, I think some people may not be in it for the interactions but that’s really sad 🙁 I know when people have thousands of followers it would be hard to comment to everyone but from my experience the person didn’t. <3
It really is, especially since book bloggers, well, we’re not here for the same and money – or I don’t think a lot of us are, haha – and interaction is the best thing about this <3
I can’t imagine blogging for the money. I’m here for the people, fellow nerds who don’t care when I geek out too hard or get angry over books haha!
Hahaha, same here 😛
Aww what a gorgeous post! I love your topics, whether they’ve come up before or not! I agree so much that interaction and growing your blog or becoming part of the community all starts with a single comment!! It’s so lovely to put it that way and it’s so true!! I definitely, definitely think that getting into a conversation is one of the best things about blogging!! And I do try my best to reply to comments as much as possible- sometimes it just takes time (and then I feel guilty) or I just can’t keep up with them all (and then I feel worse) but I always love getting them!!
AWw thank you so, so much, this makes me so happy <3 You're the best <3
Guilt about being late / not answering or not finding anything to say is so real, but we're all human after all and need to be easier on ourselves a bit. And have fun sharing the love. Comments always make me smile 😀
Aww you’re welcome!! Thank you!! <3
Ahh yes it's so true!!! Yes me too 😀
Hello!Great post.I totally second your opinion about commenting.Looking forward to be part of your blogging journey.
Oh thank you so much! 🙂
Agree, I have met some wonderful Bloggers who have visited my site, left a comment… which led me to visit them and leave a comment. Thanks for sharing your post, maybe people who have not commented before will start to do so and meet some great people.
Thank you so much, I’m so happy you agree 🙂 comments are wonderful 🙂
Love, love, love this post to bits and pieces, Marie. I feel exactly the same way as you do – I think it’s a bit overly simplistic to say it’s the comments that matter, but comments ARE the easiest way to build a connection with other bloggers and I think that’s what really matters, essentially: that we’re all connected to one another over our love for books.
Tbh I’ve been feeling really, really guilty because I’m posting and getting comments but not replying/commenting back much, but I’m trying! I also miss my “blogging circle” and I miss discovering new bloggers and making them part of my circle. It’s something special, what we have here. ?
Oh, Reg, thank you so, so much <3 <3 Yes that's exactly it. Definitely, there are so many different things we take into account whenever we are blogging, but the connections and conversations we have in comments are awesome and ultimately are what connects us the most <3
It really is something special <3 But don't feel too guilty about it, though. We can't always be on top of our blogging game, you'll find, little by little, your time to comment back and everything, I'm sure of it <3
I think blogging is one of those things where you get out what you put in. If you are visiting blogs and commenting, people will take notice and give you some love back. I’ve seen lots of bloggers who have a great blog & content, but I know for a fact they never blog hop or comment on other people’s blogs… then they wonder why? Blogging is all about relationships, and relationships are not one sided.
It can be RIDICULOUSY hard to read & comment on all the book bloggers I follow, but I do the best I can. It is also hard to leave “meaningful comments”…. sometimes there just isn’t much to say. I’ve heard people criticize the quick comments like “great post” or “great review” BUT in my opinion that person took the time to at least write that… maybe they loved the post/review, but didn’t know what to say? A comment is a comment to me. Sure, I appreciate the longer & more thoughtful comments, but I love the short ones too.
Thank you so, so much Amanda, for sharing your thoughts about this with me <3 I agree with you – for me, blogging is this, giving and getting back. That's how i grew my blog but also how I have been happy blogging for the past two and a half years, because of the comments, conversations and friendships I have forged. It ouldn' thave happened if I didn't give anything back from the beginning.
It is SO hard at times ahah, I didn't know it would be so hard. It's a lot of fun and I love reading blog posts but it's so hard and time-consuming.
I kind of agree with you – I'm still happy to have a small comment. Writing long comments take such a long time, and I'm still glad whenever someone took the time to write a comment, even a short one <3
This is such a thoughtful, introspective post, Marie! I’m right with you there, pal. I always get excited about receiving a comment because blogging can sometimes feel like, and I recognize this is a hackneyed notion, a shout into the void, you know what I mean? But comments remind me what I love the most about blogging: the community. I don’t feel obligated at all to comment back, but I often find myself being curious of people dropping by my blog and taking the time to comment and join in on the conversation.
It’s always nice to wander in your side of the bookternet. You have a lovely weekend. <3
Oh thank you so, so much, Miel! <3 I agree – sometimes I feel like I'm just shouting into the void, internet is such a big place, so whenever I get "noticed" and aknowledged with a comment, it is one of the greatest feelings.
The community is one of the best things – probably the best, if you ask me- about blogging, I agree. I always love chatting with new people and discovering new blogs 🙂
Thank you so, so much <3 <3 I hope you had a lovely weekend, Miel, and will have a great week <3
Hello! I am starting out new (or not so new at the time being) so it isn’t like I get a lot of comments. So all the comments I recieve get at least a thank you or some other acknowledgement.
Commenting surely is important. It lets me know that someone actually read my post instead of just pressing the like button when my post appeared on the feed. Some of my followers have never read a post of mine. I only get about 20 likes on my posts when I have 70 people following me. So it is those 20 people who matter the most because they take the pains to read and comment. So even if they fail to read my posts for a while, I will understand that something is keeping them busy or unavailable. I won’t hold a grudge against them even if they never again comment. But those people who believe in a ‘follow for a follow’ principle, it is them that I detest.
Nice post, though. Won’t mind if you can’t reply.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about this! 🙂 I agree with you – it’s so great to get aknowledgment for what you’re writing and to see people interacting with it. Many people are just “following” but not really being there, trying to be part of your blogging circle. It’s the others, the one taking the time to like, chat, talk with you, that make you happier 🙂
Yes exactly.
Fantastic post, Marie! And so true. I love this community and it’s the people that make it 🙂
Oh thank you so much <3 You're so right, it is the people making it alive 🙂
Hello there! I just nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! My latest post has all the rules: https://laurenutkeblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/03/versatile-blogger-award/
OH thank you so much! 🙂
I think commenting back (as in, commenting on the other person’s blog) is crucial to networking in this community. It really helps traffic too 🙂 Lovely post!
Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
I agree with you! 🙂 Thank you so much, Brittany! <3 <3
Comments are honestly the most important part of blogging. I almost always try and comment back. The only times I don’t are if I don’t know what to say lol.
Ahah oh yes, I have these moments as well – I guess we can’t always be inspired. Comments have to be natural in a way as well, if they’re forced it’s not good either 🙂
Thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts about this! 😀
Marie,I am new to blog. But when there is a comment,I like to reply back. A sense of connectivity builds in, I guess. I am not good in expressing my thoughts, but I agree with your opinion.
Oh I have to agree with you here – replying back takes a couple of minutes and from there, you can really build a conversation and everything, that’s what blogging is all about 🙂 x
thank you so much for your sweet comment!! 🙂 x
Thanks Marie,?
You’re so welcome, thank YOU for your sweet words! 😀
This is totally the post I needed to read – I’m glad I went back to your other post to check out the links! XD
Now I just have to keep reminding myself: NO obligation! Lol 🙂
Oh thank you, I’m so happy this helped 🙂 and yes there is definitely no obligation, you need to do whatever makes you happy 🙂 x