A Guide to Commenting Etiquette

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One of the most difficult things to master in the blogging world seems to be commenting on other peoples’ blog posts*.

*This is probably just me, but hey, I needed a blog post subject …

I don’t know why, but it’s hard! Even replying to comments on your own posts is hard on some levels. But on other blogs? AAAAH HELP ME.

What do you say? Do you be funny or serious? Should you comment long or keep it short? Well, that’s up to you! There’s a lot of freedom in many areas. (Hint: be yourself.) However, I do have some basis guidelines that I adhere to while commenting – either on others’ blogs or while replying to my own posts. And … today I’m sharing them with you!

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Be polite and courteous at all times.

This applies to almost everything you do on the internet – or anywhere, for that matter. Be nice!

If someone has an opinion you don’t agree with, don’t act like they’re stupid just because they feel differently than you. Don’t yell at them (you know, over the internet). Try not to get upset.

Appropriately, you can bring up your own opinion and argue for it, but don’t go overboard. It’s really better just to pull out of an argument if it’s going overboard. Friendly discussions are okay; keep it civil.

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No self-advertising!

What

So

EVER.

Not even a little bit! If you mention your own blog (unless blogging is the subject of conversation or something like that), YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG.

Self-advertising is never a good idea. When you come to someone else’s blog, you don’t come there for you. And yes, interacting with other bloggers is the best way to grow your audience …

But self-advertisement in this particular setting never is. Let them decide whether or not to check out your blog. More than likely, if you self-advertise, they’ll just roll their eyes and send your comment to the spam filter!

Examples of inappropriate self-advertising:

“Great post! Check out my post, pls: [link]”

“Hey, could you check out my blog?”

“I NEED COMMENTS COMMENT ON MY BLOG.”

“If you don’t check out my blog, a unicorn dies. SAVE THE UNICORNS.”

Okay, I might just click on the last one, just because that was … I don’t know. But still! C’mon, bloggers! We’re better than this; really, we are!

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Try to use at least some grammar.

If they can’t read the comment, then they won’t be able to … read it.

Yep, that’s basically it!

If you got this comment, what would you do?

phiffle motherejk alkdjgkj i love to tottodloe fixcke quick do???

Okay, you’re right, no one EVER commented that, but sometimes confusing sentences + bad grammar + bad spelling = something no one can understand.

And if they can’t understand you … what’s the point of commenting?

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Share a bit about yourself.

Now, PLEASE – don’t give your life story in the comments! This is something I’m inclined to do – and something I enjoy reading.

However … it’s probably not a good idea. How to avoid giving your life story? Don’t start like this:

Chapter One: In Which I Am Born

*cracks up at own reference* *doesn’t even know if I got the reference right* *because I only know it because Melly quoted it in Gone with the Wind (the movie)*

HOWEVER … it can sometimes be a good idea not to be completely closed-up. When you comment on someone else’s blog, like I said, it’s about them, not you … but oftentimes bloggers encourage you to tell them about your latest WIP or what’s going on in your life, and why not? I love hearing about other people.*

*That may make me a stalker, but whatevs. Be stalkers. It’s cool. (Don’t listen to me.)

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Don’t Be Creepy

Okay, so, I am the creepiest person in the world when it comes to commenting on other folks’ blogs.

I’m basically like this:

Hey, I’m a stalker from stalkersville. I’m basically rambling about umbrellas in your comment section while stalking you and gee, isn’t this fun? YOU DON’T KNOW ME MUHAHAHA

DON’T BE A CREEP LIKE ME. Example of creepiness include:

Not introducing yourself! Don’t just pop up on someone’s blog and be all like, “HEY WE’RE BEST FRIENDS” when they’ve never even heard of you! (& don’t assume they know you!) Take a moment to say, “Hey, found your blog while searching ‘ways to murder a priest with a hotdog.’ It looks lovely!” (Note: if someone’s already been on your blog, it doesn’t hurt to say, “Thanks for checking out my blog! I’m returning the favor!” or something like that, though it’s not necessary.)
Not getting to know them before you’re their bestie. I do this all the time – sharing my life-story in the comments again, haha – but you really shouldn’t just dive into their blog like, “WHUT UP OLD FRIEND HOW’S YOUR DEAD DOG???” But then, I’m an introverted kinda person (even online) who likes to develop a relationship (even online *is a little sick* *desperately needs a psychiatrist*) before sharing my deep dark secrets. Or ever. Because it’s the internet. BE SAFE.
Mentioning your bad habits. My niece licks me all the time. #nuffsaid (Even though that makes no sense in this context …) Really, if I were my niece, I wouldn’t lead with, “Hey, I lick my Aunt Kell. WHAT UP?!?!” (This is actually something you should never share.) (Ever.) (Just keep it to yourself.) (Perv.) (Even if you’re like six or whatever …)
Being a serial killer. #dontdothis #causeitscreepy

And … nope, that’s really it. I’ve given you my best advice for commenting … so go forth, young commenters, and take the world by storm! *shoves you out the door into the comment section*

Stalker on,

~Kellyn Roth~

Social Media | Website | Book Blog

p.s.

Practice your skills! I ain’t givin’ you no questions. Come up with a subject matter yourself, lazy bum.

(No, I’m not serious about this whole post. It’s 98% jokes, 2% common sense.)