Blog Comment Tip: Respond to Comments or Risk Losing Subscribers
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It’s been said time and time again. Blog subscribers all over the ‘Net, whether by email or RSS, rant about this issue consistently, myself included.
And I make no apologies for it.
I am here now, one more (last?) time, as both a blogger and blog subscriber, to speak to ALL my blogging colleagues (i.e. Everyone with a blog), to say…..
Respond to Comments or Risk LOSING Subscribers!
Allow me to be brutally honest for a moment. You are NOT too busy. You’re really not. Seriously. I’m not kidding. Ask anyone.
For those that wish to dispute it, I’ll make it real easy for you. Multiple choice even…
1. You’re lying
2. You’re lazy
Those are in no particular order, so please pick the one that suits you best and leave it in the comments below. See what a swell fella I am? 
C’mon guys, seriously how difficult is it? Good readers take their time to read what we bloggers put out for them and then try as hard as they can to join the conversation, input their own 2cents worth of knowledge or ask questions for further info.
They obviously found SOMETHING of interest, do you want to lose them for no real good reason at all?
I’ve unsubscribed from some myself for this very reason. Not much irks me more then to put time into a thoughtful, helpful comment and then be totally ignored by the blogger that started it…
…wait, there is one thing. To then see that exact same blogger, commenting on OTHER BLOGS! That takes a brass set.
Here’s one more thing that you’re probably not gpoing to like. Not only should you reply, but you should reply to every single commenter!
Hmm, read that again. Did ya catch it? It was kinda a trick statement. Yes I did say you should reply to every single commenter, and I meant it…..
What I did not say was that you have to reply to every single commenter individually.
If you’re lucky enough (read that again too) to have a boatload of comments, lets say 30+, then no you do not have to reply to each one separately. That’s just crazy talk.
However, and you’ve seen it before I know you have, you can reply to 4-5 or even more in one reply…
@Bill
@Chris
@ Debbie
@ Dennis
@ Alice
etc etc. And you just replied to 5 at one time.
Now lets say you had 50 (I swear I said something about lucky), how much time did that take compared to how many will most likely come back for your next awesome post? 
In conclusion I have a couple questions for both Bloggers and Readers that enjoy commenting…
To my fellow bloggers - why do you blog? Seriously, I’m not being snarky here. Do you bask in the glow of your own intelligence or do you enjoy providing what you can to your audience because you feel it will help them in some way?
OK perhaps a wee snarky, but a valid question none the less. Why even have comments? Just turn them off and talk to yourself.
That reminds me. Don’t even get me started on those that turn comments OFF. Ugh.
To those that truly feel they are “too busy” to be bothered - if (or more likely, when) your loyal readership were to wither away and die, how BUSY would you be then?
Yea, don’t forget who got you there in the first place.
To those loyal readers that love to comment - how do you feel about being completely ignored for no good reason whatsoever?
Either way, please let me know how you feel below. I look forward to reading (and replying ) each and every comment I receive
Never stop pushing forward!
Dennis
———————–
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Tags: blog subscriber, blog subscription, Blogging, blogs, Comments, email, email subscriber, RSS, rss subscriber, subscribers
July 8th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
man, am I glad that I did respond to your comment ROFL! Are you coming down with PMS? Just kidding
I had a discussion going on at my blog a few months ago, about this same issue and share most of your points of view.
I have to say though, that I am guilty of not responding to all and every single one of the comments, although I do make an effort to reply to all of them.
I do agree with you though that when somebody really took the time to write an insightful comment, one should always reply to it, just common courtesy really plus many times people leave comments that in turn give food for thought (or a new blog post)
Funny, I was just about to copy-paste the comment you left on my blog about the linkbuilding, but see you just replied to it ROFLMAO so all that is left is write that post …
See you around!
Mirjams last blog post..What is More Important, The Product or The Sales Technique?
July 8th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Shame on you! Well as long as you make the effort
You raised a very good point. One of the awesome things about comments, is lots of times they are even better then the post! LOL
At the very least they may add a lot more insight or even a whole different perspective.
Very true also is the fact that plenty of times you’ll get a whole new post idea just from a comment
I admit with a small feeling of stupidity that I still don’t recall what post you mean when you say, “so all that is left is write that post …”
July 8th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Man, I just hate it when somebody comes to my blog, leaves a comment, I go visit that blogger, refer to his comment and they can´t seem to remember what I am referring to!
ROFLMAO
Anyways, took away the guesswork, just posted so hope that clears things up :P:P:P
Mirjams last blog post..Link Building Strategies and Confessions
July 8th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Damn my bad lol. This has been such a long day
Dennis Edells last blog post..Blog Comment Tip: Respond to Comments or Risk Losing Subscribers
July 9th, 2008 at 2:29 am
Heh, well, I don’t take it personally if the owner of a blog doesn’t respond to my comments (unless I ask a specific question, which I don’t usually), but then I rarely go back to posts to see if someone responded. I guess I’d email the blogger if I was really looking for a response.
That said… I do respond to comments on blog if there’s anything respondable (yeah, it’s after midnight, I’m calling that a word) in what they wrote. Things like “good site” don’t exactly inspire me to write a reply.
(Especially since they’re usually accompanied by a link to a spammy affiliate site heh).
Lindsays last blog post..What Every Writer Should Know About Making Money Online
July 9th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Lindsay - The thing is, when it’s clear the the blogger NEVER responds to comments, or perhaps only responds to comments on posts where he/she may be promoting something…
Yea thats just wrong.
“good site” or anything in that range just needs to be deleted and/or marked as SPAM.
Any good comment is respondable
in one way or another 
Btw, you mentioned something that is key to part 2 of this post (coming soon), where I will discuss the flip-side.
Thanks so much for dropping! Hope to see you again
July 9th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I totally agree with you Dennis. Sometimes I’m late responding, and really admire those that are right on top of blog comments, but I do respond to every commenter.
After all, it’s just being polite.
Kays last blog post..PowerPoint to Flash Program - Free Giveaway
July 9th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hey Kay!
Late is ok, depending on how late lol. It’s ok though, everyone is a bit busy.
Very few can really jump on it. I do because I get notified via email and I download email about every hour or so
July 9th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Agreed 100%. I try to reply to all my readers. Adds a level of personality to your blog and also gives your readers something to look forward to (when they know their opinion will be responded to)
how to earn onlines last blog post..Warning, Read The Fine Print!
July 10th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Nice one Dennis. I do try to reply to all my comments except those inane ones like ‘nice post’ which I usually delete as 99% of the time it is pure spam anyway. I will actually take it a step further and visit the commenter’s blog and try to find a post that I could add to with a comment of my own. This usually results in reciprocal comments.
Sires last blog post..Will Australia’s Involvement In Carbon Trading Help The Environment?
July 10th, 2008 at 8:02 am
[...] Responding to Blog Comments - Respond to every commenter - Blog Comment Tip: Respond to Comments or Risk Losing Subscribers [...]
July 10th, 2008 at 11:45 am
How - Very good points and exactly right. Why would I want to participate if I don’t think my opinion mattered?
Side note: In the future, please use a real name in the name field…. name @ site.com is also acceptable
July 10th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hey Sire (don’t be takin’ that to heart LOL), you made a very good point about reciprocal commenting.
This is great for both parties as it will eventually become second nature. Then you both have regular readers & commenter’s.
Your first point is why I believe ALL *kept* comments can be responded to in some way….any and all ‘nice post’ and similar crap should just be deleted and/or marked as spam.
July 10th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Dennis, thanks for your help on my BS blog as you allowed me to make it a Do Follow blog as well as showed me how to offer email subscription.
Sires last blog post..When The Law Just Simply Gets It Wrong
July 10th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
No problem buddy, glad I could help
July 11th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
LMAO!!! Dennis, you’re f’in hilarious!
This is so true, it is elemental marketing and elemental customer service, if you don’t see your commentators as customers then you’re missing out.
Another thing I love is when the blogger responds to the first three comments which may have questions, and then 14 comments down the line you have more commentators asking questions and silence from the blogger…STUPID MOVE!!! When I see that, I don’t even bother to waste my finger movements, I just look for answers elsewhere.
Thanks Dennis,
JR
August 1st, 2008 at 3:38 am
Thanks for the link. Sounds like interesting read
August 1st, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Great post. When it’s all said and done with either you care about the people reading your blog or you don’t.
August 6th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
This blog was hilarious but brought about a serious point.
– “To those that truly feel they are “too busy” to be bothered - if (or more likely, when) your loyal readership were to wither away and die, how BUSY would you be then?” <– Funniest point.
August 14th, 2008 at 5:07 am
I think the big thing that I’m waking up to is that a blog is about building lots of relationships. It’s social marketing and the social is about being friends with folks. Being friendly means we’ve got to reply when people say something to us.
Great post, thanks.
Lee Duncan
August 18th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Your tips are beautiful and helpful for everyone. I like it.
Lioras last blog post..Hartford, Connecticut
August 21st, 2008 at 7:41 am
It’s always nice to see author of the article joining discussion. It can bring direct feedback and you can then feel the value in the discussion.
August 29th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I do agree with you though that when somebody really took the time to write an insightful comment, one should always reply to it, just common courtesy really plus many times people leave comments that in turn give food for thought (or a new blog post)
Sharons last blog post..How Can I Get Credit Card Counseling Debt Consolidation?
August 29th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
These are truly helpful topics you have and I like reading them since they are little nuggets of knowledge. Thanks for this tip on answering comments, when I do get some. Please keep them coming. Cheers!
Small Businessmans last blog post..Is It Really Cheap?
September 1st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I turned off comments. Too may pill-pushers trying to leave comments on posts with comments turn _off_. Sheesh!
September 4th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Hello everyone! I am so sorry for the extremely late replies (ironic, ain’t it?) I just spent nearly 2 months in rehab due to a torn ligament in my knee….look for my next post explaining it
September 4th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Step - Be careful there also, you dont want your readers to think you only think of them as customers either…that will back file quickly
Very good point on the 2nd part…if you respond to one or two, you best respond to them all!
September 4th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Promo - you’re very welcome
September 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Mike - very well put, there is no in between
September 4th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Paid - thanks for noticing that LOL
It really hits those that are guilty of it
September 4th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Lee - very valuable point. Blogging was social marketing before social networking sites even existed
September 4th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Liora - thanks so much, I apprciate that
September 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Mark - exactly right. It’s all about the give and take
September 4th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Sharon - excellent point, I get a ton of post ideas just from fresh insightful comments to old blog posts
September 4th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Small - thanks so much, I really apprciate that. Come back anytime!
September 4th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Tom - not such a nifty idea. This may be just one opinion, but half the reason (and fun) of blogging, is hearing reader feedback
Just get yourself a decent spam catcher and you should be OK……the built-in Akismet works quite well for many, including myself.
October 1st, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Great post, Dennis. I see you’re using the UComment tag, whereas I have the You Comment, I Comment Back image on my blog. Truthfully, it’s about sharing thoughts and information, and of course hoping to get more visitors, and any time I get a visitor, I comment back. Now, if it’s a bunch of comments between myself and the visitor, at some point I may let them have the last word, but I think that’s only fair sometimes.
And we’re also both on CommentLuv; wonderful,… when it’s working, that is. lol
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:41 am
Hey Mitch, thanks for dropping by!
My UComment tag actually tells people that this is a Do-Follow blog, which has to do with Google, it has nothing to do with me commenting back….even though I always do
I get what you mean about letting the visitor have the last word…I try to always unless there is an opening for me to continue the conversation
have you upgraded your CommentLuv? I can’t until I upgrade my WP…soon.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:43 am
You see Mitch, you can say that because you are male, were you a female there is no way in hell you would let someone else get in the last word. That’s why their conversations go on for so long. They only stop through lack of oxygen
Sire´s last blog post..Is Chitika Better Than Google Adense?
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:39 am
My man, go here, http://techie-buzz.com/wordpress-plugins/wordpress-automatic-upgrade-12-release.html, and get that automatic WP upgrade plugin; it’s wonderful, and fast!
Yes, I’m current on the CommentLuv upgrade, but sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I notice Sire’s been able to get his through on here; maybe it doesn’t like Americans. lol
And Sire,… nope, you’re not getting me to comment on that one, because I’m sure there’s at least a couple of females who will drop by and read that, plus all it takes is for one of them to know how to contact my wife!
Mitch´s last blog post..Do People Ever Check Out Your About Page?
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Mitch - will that plugin work if I’m going all the way from 2.3.3 to lets say 2.7 in one shot?
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Sire my friend, I’m afraid I’m with Mitch on this one. In fact, I thought of deleting your comment altogether! LMAO!!
J/K of course
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Yes it will, Dennis; I used it on my business blog, which I’d never updated, and at the time it brought me from 1.5 to 2.5.
Mitch´s last blog post..$100 Million Dollar Challenge
October 2nd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Holy cow, I thought I started young at 2.0.4 LOL
Thanks for the info
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:07 pm
@ Dennis & Mitch, heck guys I am always getting into trouble for stating the obvious. Why stop when I’m blogging?
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
It looks like we got the Howard Stern of the blogosphere!
For those that may not know, he is the #1 “shock jock” of morning radio….:-)
Sire - duuuuuude I’m afraid I’ll have to side with the bats on this one…..and by that I mean the baseball bats that may *come a swingin* any time now.
Gotta side with the larger percentage of readership
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Well I guess when we say that we’re busy, that just means that replying to comments is not our top priority and make the “busy-ness” as an excuse
Michael Aulia´s last blog post..My first payment from ASE Adnet
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:34 am
LOL yes Michael, a painfully obvious fact, which just drives my point home with a sledgehammer
October 24th, 2008 at 4:00 am
Personally I stopped using the “@alias” method ever since I got on with Intense Debate Comments.
Not only can I reply to each commenter directly and and also automatically send them an email informing them (so as to keep the conversation going) but threading simply makes it much more easier for the conversation to flow
I’ve written about this here:http://dbzer0.com/blog/threads-and-comments
db0´s last blog post..Quote of the Day: Microsoft’s Sinking Ship
October 24th, 2008 at 6:14 am
DB0 - Welcome aboard! I hope to see you more often
I’ve been thinking of threaded comments for a time, but since I heard it was coming pre-installed with WP 2.7, I figured I’d wait it out.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:32 am
If it is implemented in WP2.7 it’s going to be very rough, similar to the threading plugins that exist right now. IDC has a much much better system at the moment and they’re part of Automattic (the company behind Wordpress) anyway
db0´s last blog post..I existed in 2001
October 24th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I gotta say I’m totally confused with this whole IDC thing…are they talking about getting rid of comments ON the blogs themselves altogether?
October 24th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Err,no. You commented on my blog. That was IDC. Take a look at the various conversations I had (big and small) to see how it looks.
db0´s last blog post..Quote of the Day: Microsoft’s Sinking Ship
October 24th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hey Dennis,
Great post man. I will always reply a comment and for new visitors, I do visit the blog and give a comment if I can find a post I like to join in the conversation. I guess it’s a way to making new friends in this otherwise impersonal world.
Peter Lee.
Work At Home Ideas´s last blog post..How Blog Commenting Got Me 1200 Backlinks in 5 Days
October 24th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
DBO - I see that. I just keep hearing about IDC and Automattic and how they may be moving comments off blog? No idea.
October 24th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
How Peter, how are ya. That is another very good reason to do it
October 26th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I notice that if I take the time to answer a comment, I get more people involved. In the past, I would only answer direct questions asked by my readers - these days, I am making a genuine effort to follow up each comment with my own. I don’t always have time, but I try my best.
I truly believe that this builds a blog’s loyal readership base.
Steve
October 26th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
It sure does Steve, you may notice I have A LOT of the same people on every post
October 30th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
true. when i return to a blog post that i’ve left a comment on, and i find that the author responded, i usually respond by subscribing to that blog. it just feels good to know that there’s conversation taking place.
i also now use co.mments, so there’s a better chance i’ll know if my comment was responded to.
kouji´s last blog post..autumn haiku poem
October 30th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I know what you mean, the conversation is the best part….and really the whole point.
I should check out co.mments. There are sill lots of bloggers not using the subscribe to comments plugin.
October 31st, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Very solid advice Dennis. I respond to everyone’s comments and I get anxiety when I occasionally miss one. lol
Cheers and Happy Halloween!
Jay
November 1st, 2008 at 6:36 am
That’s why you are you Suite! LOL
Thanks for comin’ by my man; hope to see ya ’round more
November 1st, 2008 at 10:24 pm
[...] Blog Comment Tip:Respond To Comments or Risk Losing Subscribers-Dennis Edell(22 comments) [...]
November 5th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
this is the only way to make some loyal readers :)…lots of effort but pays in the long run
November 5th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
ZK - Lots of effort indeed, no denying that. But it sure does come back to ya 10 fold.
November 8th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Excellent blog! Interesting article and very informative! I will necessarily subscribe for this blog.
November 8th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Thanks gool!
November 10th, 2008 at 11:35 am
My Direct Sales Blog is relatively new and I am still working hard on getting comments so this article was of particular interest to me. My question is when you reply to the comment, do you do it publicly on your blog, privately via email, or both? Since you said that you respond to every comment, I feel confident that you or one of your readers can clarify that for me.Thanks so much!
Nancy Sutherland´s last blog post..Are You Working Hard or Working Smart in Direct Sales?
November 10th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Good question Nancy.
People differ I suppose, but I answer all right on the blog…first. If it goes back and forth enough and leads to anything that should be private, then I take it to email or messenger or whatever.
The reasons for answering on blog are 2fold:
1. If one person had the question, you can bank that others are wondering the same thing…you could end up sending multiple duplicate emails otherwise.
2. A “busy” blog looks real good to new-comers (and search engines). If you have 130 posts and 4 comments…they have no idea that you’re answering emails all day.
Thanks for the question!
November 10th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I have to agree with you 100%. I hat it when people turn off thier comments! It totalyy defects the purpose of having a blog!
I try to reply to every single comment, it may take a day though because I only Blog in the evenings when I’m home from work and my kids are in bed, but I blog for the community, and if people take the time to comment on my blog, they deserve an answer, either by reply comment or email.
Webdesi3´s last blog post..Contest open for all!
November 10th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I generally respond to comments by email.
Unless my response really adds to the conversation.
I guess I would have a lot more comments if I counted my own.
witchypoo´s last blog post..Tarot Lesson
November 10th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Very well put Web, I couldn’t say it better myself; welcome to the community!
November 10th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Interesting Witchy, I think you’re the first I’ve met that does it like that.
At the very least, you don’t find yourself answering the same question or responding with the same answer multiple times on some posts?
November 11th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
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November 16th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Great post Dennis, right from the heart. I swear you sound like me. I agree with every word. The only time I will intentionally ignore a comment is when it’s on the edge of comment spam like ‘nice post’ or ‘I like your site’ and I’ll delete most of those anyway.
Brian D. Hawkins´s last blog post..Free Report: “How To STOP Digital Product Theft”. . .
November 17th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Hey Brian, thanks much for stopping by.
Yes indeed, I just hit the delete (or even spam) button on those…perhaps they may get the hint when they start getting blocked and don’t realize why for a while.
November 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 am
Very good point. If you take the time to contribute to someones post the blogger should be kind enough to respond.
SEO Tips Blog´s last blog post..5 Free SEO Tools You’re Probably Not Using Yet
November 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 am
Hey SEO welcome to the community! That’s exactly right.
(Please leave a first name somewhere in future comments.
)
November 25th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
After I started responding to the comments on my blog the blog took an exponential growth in terms of comments , readership and ranking…this is one of the most crucial aspects of blogging…thanks for explaining it well to the readers here
ZK@Internet Marketing Blog´s last blog post..Tips to make a Blog Contest successful
November 25th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Hey ZK, I’m glad to see you found the benefits! I wish more would, maybe we can do something about that.