Fabulous comments left on my last post! I like when a subject prompts that type of sharing. I’ve made several different lists for the unbelievable number of projects I have in the pipeline at the moment. I slept really good this weekend!
Some thoughts on comments:
I’ve struggled since the start of this blog to find balance with the comments. I go in phases. Sometimes I respond to every comment I get personally (my preference) and sometimes I savor the reading, let them sit in my inbox for several weeks and then finally admit defeat and delete them without responding. Guilt mixed with relief.
I use the word ‘responding’ to refer to the fun type of back and forth, sending a little note just to say “hi, you struck a chord with me, yes there really is a person on the other end of the line who appreciates the effort you extended to leave some thoughtful words.” And believe me, I ALWAYS feel that way when you take the time to leave a comment.
Responding is different than answering questions. I always answer questions. I try and also copy those answers to the comments. Sometimes I forget and the person that asked the question is the only one hearing the answer. Not good because others are out there with the same question, patiently checking back to see if I answered.
Time for a new approach (no really, I’m going to do it this time!): Responding and answering questions only in the comments. Why that is so hard for me I don’t know. I like the personal connection that e-mail affords and I’m going to miss that part, a lot! I’m also the kind of person that doesn’t like to step on any toes or (god forbid) inadvertently offend someone I don’t know!
My ‘Administrator’ comments show up in a box bordered by a thin orange line making them easy to pick out on the screen.
Wish me strength to execute this plan, thank you, I love you all!
Ah, yes. Comments. Hit home again, Kathy. I do the exact same thing. Sometimes I respond in a timely manner, other times I just sit there paralyzed, and do nothing until it’s been way too long to respond, then delete (guilt mixed with relief). I don’t even get very many comment, yet I still have a hard time keeping up.
I like your idea of keeping it in the comments. That seems to work for many people. Don’t worry about it too much. I know you read and appreciate every comment you get.
I’m terrible with comments. I love getting them and they matter to me. I just get behind in answering.
However, I do want to say that I rarely check a thread to see if a question has been answered. I have too many blogs to read and things to do with my own blog to get back and see if my question has been answered. I know you can subscribe to comments so that partially helps. How about answering questions in a new post?
I have been thinking about the same issue. Up to now I have tried to respond to every comment on my blog and I can say I have almost always been able to do so. It consumes so much time that I think I will walk your path very soon and answer questions in the comment-section. The result will be: more time to create and that’s what we all want, don’t we?
Miss Sassy: I think that’s why I’ve answered questions directly for so long. I read too many blogs to ever get back to check for an answer. I like the idea of follow up posts. I was also thinking I need to just post when I have a single topic to address instead of ’saving’ it all up for one big honkin’ entry
That model would fit really well with answering questions.
Regina: I’ve been trying to have a schedule for e-mail too and it’s worked really well. I’ve been limiting my daytime checks to once in the morning and once in the afternoon so I can process orders and get them to the mail box. I keeps me from getting distracted and off goal!
Until just a couple of days ago I was using Blogger for my blog, and I didn’t have access to e-mail addresses of commenters. (I still don’t, but I’m working on it.) So my only options for replies were to reply in my own comments, or to reply in a comment on the other person’s blog. What I really want to do is get my blog designed in such a way as to encourage a conversation in my comments section. So I am trying to put the comments more front and center and make them more accessible. Still not there yet, but working on it. I find that my commenters have so many interesting things to say that I want to feature them along with my own posts.
That’s a long-winded way of saying I think you are on the right track. I always read the comments section on my favorite blogs.
I know you can do it!!!! I love that picture!
My only problem with that is that Typepad doesn’t have the option Blogger has to have followup comments sent to your inbox.
If I ask a question, or want to know what happens next, I usually hit the subscribe thing in Blogger, but for Typepad comments, I usually just lose it in the shuffle. Anyone know how to receive comments from Typepad??
I recently made a similar commitment. Here’s to keeping it!
I’ve only commented on your blog twice and was pleasantly surprised when you answered me by email. I check your blog daily so if I do ask anything again I will be sure to check your comment section. I really enjoy your blog.
Hello Kathy,
I love your blog — I have been reading for awhile but never left a comment before now. A few posts ago, you demonstrated the difference between using a topstitching needle and a regular needle. I thought the pictures were compelling but, now that I have purchased some and tried them myself, well!…I am a convert! Thanks so much for the tip.
Nancy
Ah yes…comments. I also struggle with the comment issue (don’t we all?) with no workable solution for me. The only reason I haven’t opted for the response within the comments solution is that I NEVER return to the comments from a posting — there just isn’t time to keep up with all the blogs I love AND go back to their comments multiple times — so I’m assuming other people do the same. Therefore, they wouldn’t ever see a response that I might have to their comment. So…my search continues!
I just can’t imagine trying to respond to everyone. It would be difficult to balance reading other blogs, posting your own blog topics, reading comments, and e-mailing. This doesn’t take into account work, home and family and when do you have time to quilt? Jeez. Do whatever you have to do…the lurkers of the blog world (me) will just deal with it! I enjoy the comments and read them too. Thanks for all you do!
Kathy, I am right here with you. I go back and forth the same way. Sometimes I just answer in the comments. Then I start to wonder if anyone really checks back, so I go to mostly individual e-mails. Then I fall behind and get befuddled!
It would be lovely to do one personal response to everyone who comments, and I do try. Comments are so wonderful. I want to chat back and forth with every single person who graces my blog. Alas, though, I have a non-virtual, brick and mortar life to tend. No matter my level of response, I am always, always grateful.
Yes, don’t mess with email… I MUCH prefer to see the dialogue unfold in the comments. I get a bit confused when a blogger emails me. It’s like they’ve suddenly popped up in a different place.
The comment area lets readers dialogue with each other too - not just with you.
first, thank you for answering me about my question about needles a bit back. secondly, after just starting a blog recently, and beginning to get comments, i was wondering how to handle them. I though I would just stick a little after thought on the end of the next post to answer any questions. I am one of those people that very rarely go back to check the comments after i have all ready left one. Unless i ask a question. : )