A Comment on Comments
Is there an art to commenting on someone else's blog? Why yes, excellent question!
First, ask yourself why you're commenting. Are you trying to raise your own visibility, get others to know your expertise or simply make a connection? All of these are good reasons for commenting on a blog, but you need a plan of attack. Most importantly, you want the blogger to answer back so you can begin a true conversation.
For example, here's how to show your expertise (with grace):
Your post reminds me of what _______wrote. You may want to check out her article at (provide Web site). She argues ________; if you haven’t already read her, you may find it interesting. I'm eager to hear what you think.
This type of comment could be a triple header for you. First, you compliment the blogger (always a good idea). Then, you provide some potentially new material for the blogger to explore (note the “if you haven’t already read,” which is important because it does not assume the blogger doesn’t already know this information). And finally, you ask for a continuation of the conversation. Cool, huh?
Yup, there is an art to commenting!
