Which are better, blog readers or blogcomments?? Which would I rather have more of? A great question posted today as a writing prompt from the folks at NaBloPoMo. I had to really think about this one.
A while back a friend of mine was complaining about a post that she had written that hadn’t received any comments yet. Never mind the fact the post had only been up a couple hours. The fact of the matter is that she was addicted to comments and was certain comments equaled success. I have to admit I love comments as much as any writer. They are like a Christmas present you simply can’t wait to open. I personally love the interaction. It is proof positive that someone has actually been to my site and read my words. In that light comments are great. They instantly turn a blog from a one sided monologue into a conversation. They let you know whether you are on track and doing OK with what you wrote. They let you know without a shadow of a doubt that people like and appreciate your effort. On a rare occasion, they can even let you know that someone thought you were off your nut and your writing sucks. I have never actually had any comments like that, but I have had some that were kind of rude. Hello!! That is what the old “delete forever” button is for!!
On the other hand, I have come across a lot of people that have told me, yes, not only have they visited my website but they visit often and enjoy what I write. I would have never known if they hadn’t told me because they didn’t feel comfortable leaving a comment. That little piece of information made me realize that although comments stroke the old ego and go a long way in reassurance, in the long run I would rather have more readers. There is nothing more flattering than having someone come up and say "Hey, I read your blog all the time! It is funny as hell, and you rock! I just don't do comments!" It is cool with me if they visit and don’t want to comment. Unless folks are avid bloggers and writing types themselves, they just don’t tend to leave comments. The bottom line is that it doesn’t mean they haven’t been there, it just means they didn’t want to comment.
Realizing that folks stop by my site, read, and enjoy what they find here but choose not to comment was a real eye opener. I appreciate those folks time as much as the folks that are provoked enough by what I write to put their thoughts into a comment and let me know what they think. I know there are a lot more readers out there that don’t comment than those that actually do…so in answer to today’s question…as much as I will continue to love my comments, I would rather have more readers. More readers equal the possibility of more comments so the two kind of even themselves out. If you would like to put in your two cents, feel free! I will appreciate it and answer every single one. If you aren’t big on commenting but just want to stalk me, read my words, and rock along to the tunes I post, I welcome you. I am blessed by your presence either way until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.
