Remarks
Whenever I leave a comment on someone’s blog, I see to it that I add value to the post. If it’s about an experience, I try to recount a similar experience. If it’s a funny post, I would add a story or a related joke. If I couldn’t think of something beyond the obligatory LOL, I wouldn’t comment at all. If a friend is going through a rough time, I’ll leave an encouraging note. If it’s a controversial matter, I’m not content in saying, “I agree” or “I disagree”. I strive to explain my position, and tend to expound on the subject at hand. This brings me to one thing that I need to improve on. When the blogger is a friend of mine and I disagree with the entry, I tend to avoid commenting for fear of offending the blogger. That is a fear I need to overcome if I want to be honest with him, and more importantly, if I want to be honest with myself. After all, how can we grow if we’re not open in examining opposing views?
I have the same expectations for the comments that I want in my blog. I am blessed with friends who comment often, and I’m very thankful to them for sharing their unique insight regarding my posts. So far, most of the comments I get improve on the entries I publish. Good examples of those are the ones on my entry “Secrets”. But unfortunately, I also receive some useless comments. One of them called an entry “boring”. I don’t fault the commenter at all for expressing his opinion, but I would’ve appreciated it if he explained why he thought so. I could’ve learned a thing or two on how to make my blog more interesting. I am afraid I’m also guilty of leaving some pointless comments in the past, but I’ll try my best not to do it again.
All these are not meant to discourage you from leaving a comment on my blog. I'm just asking you to think before doing so. Is it relevant to the post? Does it add a new idea, or a distinct point of view on the subject at hand? Keep in mind that I will share this blog (in the form of a book) with my daughter when she grows up. I will print all my entries including the comments. But I will be picky on the comments that I'll print and delete the rest. I will choose like I'm choosing a friend. I rather have a few quality ones, than a hundred rotten ones.
posted by: Deanna (reply)
post date: 07.19.05 (12:08 pm)
Whoever called your blog "boring" obviously doesn't know you. I don't think it is boring at all. You might say I am just saying that as a friend, but I became your friend from out of no where and found your blog and started to read it. I do understand where you come from in knowing what is so boring about it, but unless that person has good reason they were probably just bored and wanted to be annoying to someone they don't know.
I actually had a few comments from someone that was nothing, literally. This person would post like 30 blank comments. I went to their blog and asked what their reasoning was. They came back and said cause my blog said "feel free to comment". I asked them not to do it again and they did so I blocked them. Too bad for them but that is what they get for beeing immature.
posted by: mnash (reply)
post date: 07.19.05 (12:33 pm)
you are definitely an encourager and honest too. You can go ahead and rebuke me about my joy over the clerk shooting the robber.
posted by: jennjr (reply)
post date: 07.19.05 (3:22 pm)
You shouldn't have any reservations about disagreeing with anyone's blog, firend or otherwise. First of all, they're your friends...sometimes you disagree, but you're still friends, right?!
Secondly, when something's posted in such an open forum like the internet, it's going to happen - this many different opinions?! Not everyone's going to share.
I guess my thing with comments is that I welcome the disagreement: challenge me to think outside the box I live in! It keeps things interesting.
AND...for the record, I don't think you're boring. :)
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.19.05 (6:05 pm)
Reply to: Deanna
Thanks :) You made me remember the first time my writing was published in a place other than my blog. Very fond of that memory.
I hate those juvenile comments and those empty ones must have been really irritating. You're probably right that the "boring" comment is just one of them.
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.19.05 (6:10 pm)
Reply to: mnash
Thank you for the kind words man. I strive to leave uplifting comments as much as possible.
Yeah, that clerk could have reacted differently. But like you, I would rather have the robber hurt than the clerk or a customer, if forced to choose. Maybe it's just his time to go.
posted by: FinalyFree (reply)
post date: 07.19.05 (6:13 pm)
While the 'boring' comment would sting a bit to read, I like you, appreciate the honesty. If welcome disagreement as it proves to be quite the conversation starter. And besides, we're all looking for feedback, right?
While I certainly wouldn't agree that any of your blogs are boring, and might even be inclined to jump to your defense I suppose we put ourselves out there and have to be prepared for positive and negative huh?
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.19.05 (6:15 pm)
Reply to: jennjr
I am honest as I can be when I do leave a comment. The thing is I lost a couple of friends before because I was too direct, 'tactless' some of them said. I feel I mellowed down a lot since then but the sting of those loses must still be lingering. Oh well, another challenge I need to face, to quote you, "keep things interesting".
And thanks for the great comments, will definitely keep this one :)
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.19.05 (6:32 pm)
Reply to: FinalyFree
It was a one time visitor and I took the comment as referring to the entry and not to the whole blog. I would admit that it irked me a little bit. I just hope he explained his position.
I look at criticisms as opportunities to improve. I can take it whatever form they come, but I admire the ones who criticize but do it in a respectful manner.
posted by: Deanna (reply)
post date: 07.20.05 (5:56 am)
I agree with Jenn. Everyone has opinions and no matter if you disagree with a friend, they are still going to be your friend. No matter what!
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.20.05 (6:33 am)
Reply to: aliciarose
Actually, I give my tFriends a little more leeway in their comments. Like if they haven't blog for a while, I'm more than happy to see them stopping by and saying hi. Whatever's the topic of the blog.
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.20.05 (6:36 am)
Reply to: Deanna
I'm really glad to hear that :)
posted by: mnash (reply)
post date: 07.20.05 (10:27 am)
Biblically speaking as long as you don't force your standards on to others and judge them by what you would do.
posted by: intellashit (reply)
post date: 07.21.05 (6:00 pm)
Whoever called your blog "boring" obviously has no idea what boring means! I don't find your blog boring in any way, shape or form. That being said, I now feel a bit pressured to write something of the insightful sort....hmmm, guess what? i drew a blank! I'll get back to you when I have something good to write.
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.22.05 (6:17 am)
Reply to: intellashit
I'm glad you find my blog interesting. But I won't blame other people for thinking otherwise. I just ask them to elaborate if they will criticize my post/blog. That way, one of us or both will learn something.
posted by: FinalyFree (reply)
post date: 07.22.05 (6:57 pm)
Reply to: theseeker
Oh I agree, I'm much more open to criticisim when it's constructive.
posted by: eka00 (reply)
post date: 07.25.05 (9:57 pm)
I could always tell an 'extra something' went into the comments you leave on my blog. Not just your peircing insight into whats between the lines, but the fact that you actually read and digest whats written before offering your opinion.
I really appreciate yours, always. :)
You know, I've come to appreciate honesty much more than sugar coated talk.
posted by: theseeker (reply)
post date: 07.26.05 (9:39 am)
Reply to: eka00
You're welcome. Your posts forces me to think, and I appreciate THAT.
