Comments on: Ruminations Blog Audit / Day 10: Audit Comments on Your Own Blog

By: drdyer

drdyer — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:20:10 +0000

I am still getting used to the idea of blogs being different than webpages in that blogs are being written for two way communication where as many web pages for a one way communication.
I think that people in the the NICU and Grief communities are both overwhelmed with their situation and are often just grateful for some insights and then leave.
I know in the early days of Journey of Hearts, I had a commenter request that I take down her comments from our guestbook after a colleague had read them and said that he was concerned about her losses at work. I’ve always been sensitive to posted comments ever since.

By: Michele Martin

Michele Martin — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:30:08 +0000

I agree with Sue that it might be about not knowing that they can comment or how to comment. It may also be, as you point out, that they are coming primarily for one-way communication and information, which is fine. I think it becomes an issue if you WANT more comments and aren’t getting them–if you’re trying to create community through comments and it’s not happening. But some blogs aren’t about the comments, and that’s fine, too.

By: Christine Martell

Christine Martell — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:18:34 +0000

I think you have a good point in different voices are appropriate for different spaces. There are many people who are looking for information about the topics we write about. And when we are experts in our field, then sometimes we do come off as know-it-alls.

However, are we really know it alls if we are participating in the kind of self reflection and dialogue fostered by the comment challenge…..don’t think so. At least not at the core of who we are.

By: Sue Waters

Sue Waters — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:23:57 +0000

I think it also gets back to your readership. Your readers are probably less familiar with what blogs are about, may not realise they can post a comment and may not appreciate they can subscribe to your blog to be notified of new posts.

If people are benefiting from the information you provide thats just as important as any comment. I often struggle with posts on the Edublogger because it is meant to provide information. Fortunately my readers are more experienced with blogs which helps. Plus where possible I add in questions to provide them opportunities to share their thoughts.