Top 13 Guidelines for Commenting on Blog Posts

Like most bloggers, I love comments on my posts. Comments help bloggers feel like we're not talking to ourselves.

I've learned a lot over the years from the smart people who comment on my posts. And I've made many friends whom I never would have met otherwise.

Sometimes, I sit at my computer laughing out loud at the funny things people say. And sometimes, I just shake my head and wonder what in the world a person was thinking.

Even though blogs have been on the landscape for more than a decade, it seems that some people don't understand how to comment on blog posts. So here are some guidelines that apply to What's Next Blog and other blogs too.

• You do not need to add your name, your URL and your email to the comment. Your name will automatically be linked to the URL you provide. Bloggers never publish your email, but you need to have a valid email for your comment to be published. (I check)


• Brevity is next to godliness. Do not write a comment longer than my post. Get your own blog if you are so stuffed with opinions.


• Be reasonable


• Do not pitch me in a blog comment. This just pisses me off.


• Be nice to each other. Don't be mean to other commenters.


• Be civil. if I wouldn't tolerate it in my living room, I will not tolerate it in a comment on my blog. Comments are moderated.


• Have a point. Don't ramble.


• Read the whole post before you comment. Don't just comment on the comments. I swear half the people who comment on blogs don't read the posts.


• Take your personal issues elsewhere please.


• Don't think for a minute that a personal attack will be published


• Do not make anonymous comments They will not be published here unless using your name might endanger your life or your livelihood. And then you'll need to prove it.


• White space is your friend. It's hard enough to read from a computer screen. Use short sentences, and short paragraphs. Write in an active voice. At least try to be gramatically correct.


• if you don't like my comment policy, start your own blog.

Great post! I agree that it often seems the people comment on comments not on the post.

Great post. I would add "relevant comments only" to the list. I can't stand when people leave me comments that have nothing to do with my post.

+1 about commenting on comments. Also agree about adding your name & url to the comment, feels spammy.

ps.
Awesome Get Smart picture

I like this post as well, in particular about being civil to others that comment. Dan is correct that is a classic Get Smart pic.

Great Post. I agree I have made many connections and friends from those that have commented on blogs over the years.

AMEN. But, it is a bit sad when we have to remind people of civility and common sense.

I only take these exceptions:

-- If anybody wants to ramble on my blog, they can. Plenty of room on the server.

-- I don't like pitches, but don't mind people leaving their URLs if they've left a legit comment.

Now, I reserve the right to change my stand when and if I become more popular.

But I guess it would be tacky if I left my URL now.

The author of www.whatsnextblog.com has written an excellent article. You have made your point and there is not much to argue about. It is like the following universal truth that you can not argue with: Some of the worst writers anywhere, studied English Lit Thanks for the info.