Friday, December 17, 2010

Quick Update and a Question About Comments

I'm not sure what the etiquette is on comments, but I want to thank everyone who left a comment on my last post. I truly appreciate the positive energy. My dad is actually back in the hospital. His heart stopped during dialysis Wednesday night, and they had to perform CPR. His chest hurts like hell, but all things considered, he looks good. We had a long and winding talk last night, the centerpiece of which was our esteemed opinions on the plight of our beloved Green Bay Packers. My mom thinks he could be released today or tomorrow. My father-in-law's recovery seems to be coming along, and I'm hopeful he'll be home for Christmas.

Reading the comments people left got me thinking. I always read and appreciate comments, but I don't always respond. Is that rude? I follow quite a few blogs, and I leave comments when a piece of writing strikes a chord. I like getting a response, but I'm not offended if I don't. While I don't get a ton of comments, I am starting to get more. Should I be responding to every comment, and if so, what's the best way? I'd love to hear what others think about comments in general, and how other bloggers handle their comments in particular.

7 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about your dad Tim. Hope he gets better. With you re comments. I try but don't always have the time to respond to every one. Also I seldom go back to blogs to see if people have responded to mine.

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  2. Your blog is your comment. If I leave a comment about your comment, it should be able to stand on it's own. However, if I should pose a question in my comment in response to your comment, then it maybe necessary to answer my question in a follow up comment. I think that makes sense!

    I hope your dad stays positive. And Meg's dad too. It's important. Stay strong Riley family.

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  3. Wishing all the best for your Dad and Dad-in-law.

    Regarding comments, many people respond privately or on their blog. I think if you want your blog to grow in followers, responding is the best as it creates a bond and is more interactive. I have stop following a few blogs because my comments were over looked and ignored. Yes I am a Princess and demand you pay attention to me... just ask David, I think he is ready to take out a restraining order. :)

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  4. I think it depends on what kind of answering and communicating style you prefer. I love to answer my visitors. I check for answers to my comments in other people blogs.
    But I don't have two small kids in my house as you have. (My daughter is an adult.) I am happy when you are visiting my blog and leaving a comment.

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  5. Most importantly, so sorry to hear about your dad's setback and will keep him in good and healing thoughts.

    Regarding comments, I think everybody has their own style. I occasionally answer, but don't have a hard and fast rule about it. If somebody poses me a direct question (rare) I do try to respond. If I get a whole bunch of comments on a particular post, I might post a blanket reply ... I think as with most of what happens in the "blog world" you sort of need to do your own thing ...

    Best

    PMT
    http://thisthattheotherone.blogspot.com

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  6. Politeness is the poison of collaboration... Edwin Land.

    CPR has to suck... He must be a tough old bird.

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  7. Still praying for you bud. I hope everyone gets better soon.

    I try to respond to anyone that has an email that I can respond to. I enjoy doing it. If they dont' have an email connected to the account then I don't.

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