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Reading blog articles and leaving comments in
response can become a conversation between friends.
BL
As bloggers, we publish our latest blog post, and then we hope someone will read it and leave a comment in response. It's part of what makes blogging attractive - writers can receive almost immediate feedback on pieces to which they've poured their hearts into.
When it's our turn to compose short, meaningful comments for other writers, there are times when it's harder than it ought to be. Sometimes it's easier to click away and not bother. No doubt, we've probably all received remarks so insipid as to be disappointing—maybe from people who didn't know what to say—phrases like: 'Great read', 'Nice photo', or 'Interesting topic'. Although they appear positive, they leave an empty feeling or no feeling at all. In using such generic phrases, there is no indication the piece was even read. There is no sense of any connection, the reader having left nothing of him or herself in those too-general words.
When it's our turn to compose short, meaningful comments for other writers, there are times when it's harder than it ought to be. Sometimes it's easier to click away and not bother. No doubt, we've probably all received remarks so insipid as to be disappointing—maybe from people who didn't know what to say—phrases like: 'Great read', 'Nice photo', or 'Interesting topic'. Although they appear positive, they leave an empty feeling or no feeling at all. In using such generic phrases, there is no indication the piece was even read. There is no sense of any connection, the reader having left nothing of him or herself in those too-general words.
Of course, we understand time constraints and those moments when our creativity is taking a nap. In our busy world, it's certainly not about leaving comments on every single piece we read. That's impossible. But when a piece has touched us, that's when we should use our few valuable minutes to say so. If we don't have the words, why not simply say, "I don't have the words right now, but I want you to know your words really touched me today. Thank you."
I often remind myself to be generous with both my time and my feedback, especially if I see the writer could use a bit of encouragement. I've been learning to cultivate the art of composing tiny gifts of short but meaningful comments. Here are three tips I've found helpful for those times I felt lost for words:
1. Rather than making a general comment about the post, focus on one or two details that catch your attention. It may be a particular sentence, a turn of phrase, a verse alluded to, a line of prose so artfully written its beauty gives you goosebumps.2. Look for common ground: similar experiences, books you read, or favourite songs. Perhaps you realize you share similar ‘soapbox’ topics…or completely different ones. Mention what it is that you connect to, if it uplifts, challenges, or comforts, etc.3. There are the times somebody else has already said what you wanted to say. Don't think your similar comment doesn't matter. Of course it does - great minds think alike and all that. Do a synonym search of some of the words already used. Google is good at coughing up other great descriptors that can help you form your own lovely new comment.
Comments on blog posts are gifts – ones you offer in return for the piece you just read. Go ahead, leave your 'footprint' in the comment box, and make a heart connection today. Your comment could very well be the reason someone returns to his or her desk encouraged to write something soul satisfying for you to read next time.
–written by Brenda Leyland
You know I love this, Brenda, especially your example of comments as gifts. Don't we all love receiving gifts? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Lorrie, I love to receive gifts. I really love to give them, too. Thanks for your note.
DeleteYes, it is really affirming when people comment because you know someone read it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracy. xo
DeleteDear Brenda, I admit part of the joy in writing our blog posts are the comments from our friends. Encouragement goes a long way in motivation to keep on writing.
ReplyDeleteBrenda and Lorrie, thank you so much for being blog moderators. You are definitely encouragers for us all. Blessings toy and your families. :)
Thanks, Alan, for your words of affirmation. They are a gift in my life.
DeleteThank you very much for sharing this today. I was really happy that you touched on the fact that sometimes it’s difficult. I’ve found myself wanting to comment at times but unsure that my words will come together the way I would like. Sometimes I can also read other’s comments and feel what I wanted to say is less important. You’ve encouraged me to work harder to encourage others. Thank you. (Dana-Lyn Phillips)
ReplyDeleteSo glad for your comment, Dana-Lyn. Lovely to hear from you.
DeleteThank you, Brenda. Those specific ‘gifts,’ like a comment on a turn of phrase or something that touched a person’s heart or resonated with their experience are indeed invaluable encouragements to those who pen the words. Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your note, Sharon, thank you.
DeleteThank you, Brenda, for writing about something so important to those of us pursuing this often isolating craft. We write from our hearts, for various reasons, yet the ultimate goal is to connect. That is why leaving meaningful comments on other writer's posts is impactful. You capture it well in these sentences: "I often remind myself to be generous with both my time and my feedback, especially if I see the writer could use a bit of encouragement. I've been learning to cultivate the art of composing tiny gifts of short but meaningful comments."
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate the comments you make on my posts, Brenda, because they show you read them carefully and they are positive and encouraging. Thank you!
I agree, Valerie, the ultimate goal for our writing is to connect. I'm so glad for your comment and for your many lovely notes on past posts. I always find them meaningful and encouraging. Thank you!
DeleteThanks for this nudge, Brenda. I certainly feel that those who comment on my posts give me the gift of encouragement! Each one is certainly "a heart connection".
ReplyDeleteYour comments always lift my heart. I'm glad for your lovely gift to readers here on the blog. Thank you, Sandi.
DeleteThis is tremendous food for thought. I’ve been the queen of “great article” and “love this”, but those are written for a reason, and I should be specific in my comments. Thank you!
ReplyDelete