Skip to main content

Recently, while doing the rounds of A to Z April Blogging Challenge it has come to my notice that some bloggers don’t get any comments at all, despite well-written posts, and others get dozens, despite a post which has nothing special to recommend it. This isn’t great for the blogging community.

With the Challenge in another 15 days or so, as a co-host I wanted to discuss this situation, and to help me do this, I’ve invited DL Hammons, another co-host, to Daily (w)rite.

——

First off, I want to thank Damyanti for allowing me to hijack her blog for the day.  I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the importance of community, cross promotion, and at the same time talk about a brand new way to share comment love.

April 2013 A to Z Blogging Challenge Sign-ups

Blogging from A to Z April Challenge

Being a co-host of the A to Z April Blogging Challenge has given me a chance to broaden my exposure to the outpouring of support the blogosphere has to offer.  Hands down, there is no better resource for aspiring writers. Information and experience is shared openly by multi-published authors, agents, editors, other industry professionals, even newbie writers attending their first conference.  The trick is learning how to shake off the insecurities that accompany being new, and just dive in.

I’m constantly reading how new bloggers are intimidated by this seemingly tight-knit community, taking a long time before they work up the courage to comment.  That’s funny, because comments are the life blood of blogging.  It’s the positive feedback received from these snippets of sunshine that motivates all of us to continue to churn out helpful material.  It’s also the Yin-Yang philosophy of the blogosphere that adds a different significance to commenting.  If you want to be noticed, then the best way is to do that is to comment, and comment often.

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Insecure Writers!

 There have been many vehicles developed to help bloggers make connections with others just like them.  Blog hops, Blogfests, IWSG, and the A to Z Challenge are just a few examples.  But recently a worrisome trend has crept up where people feel they don’t get nearly as many comments as they make when participating in these events.  Whether this is true or not, a good rule of thumb is to treat every comment you leave as both a digital HUG…and an investment in your own imprint.  People tend to gravitate towards bloggers who comment frequently…and have something to say beyond “Nice Post.”

Blog Blitz

Blog Blitz

I recently invented something new, and it squarely revolves around commenting.  I call it the BLOG BLITZ.

Here’s how it works — after you sign up on the linky list (click on the badge), you’ll become a member of the Blog Blitz Team.  Then from time to time, I select a deserving blog (that must be part of the Blitz Team) and a specific date.  I then email the team members the information and on that date we all go out of our way to visit that blog and leave an encouraging comment on their most recent post.  I’m talking about hopefully a 100+ comments appearing out of the blue in one day!

At first I’ll pick who gets blitzed, but then I’ll start taking recommendations from other members for deserving targets. My only restriction about who joins the Blog Blitz Team is that your blog cannot be primarily for commercial gain.

Thanks again to Damyanti for sharing her space with me. If you take anything from my words today, let it be this…spread the comment love!

——-

DL Hammons

DL Hammons

D.L. Hammons  enjoys taking a break from writing technical journals and procedure manuals for his day job and dabbling with novel writing or an occasional short story.  Son of a military family, he grew up across the southeast and ultimately graduated with a Business degree from Louisiana State University.  After a stint working in the big city (Atlanta), he packed up his family and settled in central Arkansas to be closer to family.  His love for writing was seeded in high school where he wrote both news and feature articles for the school paper, but it wasn’t until his children began heading off to college that he found the time to resurrect his passion for prose.  Although his first love falls into the Mystery/Suspense realm, he has recently discovered an interest in YA.  His short story Itinerary is scheduled to be published in AN HONEST LIE this spring.

Damyanti Biswas

Damyanti Biswas is the author of You Beneath Your Skin and numerous short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies in the US, the UK, and Asia. She has been shortlisted for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel Awards and is co-editor of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her literary crime thriller series, the Blue Mumbai, is represented by Lucienne Diver from The Knight Agency. Both The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon were published in 2023.

I appreciate comments, and I always visit back. If you're having trouble commenting, let me know via the contact form, or tweet me up @damyantig !

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

126 Comments

  • Wow! I love the ides of BLOG BLITZ but I’m not sure I understand exactly how it works.
    Please shed some light.

    How come you don’t have a Reblog or Press button?

    < BP

  • It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to
    be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or tips.
    Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read even more things about it!

  • I always spent my half an hour to read this blog’s posts all the time along with a mug of coffee.

  • I have promoted all post of your in .indiblogger.in and I am searching new post to promote and I thank you for your kindness for promoting my articles in ndiblogger.
    With kind regards

  • Hello there, just turned into aware of your weblog thru Google, and located that it is really informative. I’m gonna be careful for brussels. I will be grateful if you happen to continue this in future. A lot of other folks shall be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  • lunastarla says:

    What a great idea! I try to comment on pieces that leave an impression on me. I love how you describe it as a digital hug. I have only ever recieved positive and supportive comments from this community and it makes me feel like people actually care.

  • Rich Allan says:

    Definitely no fun to comment on your own work, unless you are into self-abuse. All thoughts, wicked little or otherwise are always welcomed…unless you make me cry.

  • I always try to leave a comment (sometimes my net will wig and won’t let me) or if I can not think of something to say I will like a post and always share the ones that inspire me on my facebook. I love getting comments and hearing how people respond to all of my blogs (mainly my musings and craft ones), I tend to think of my blogs as selfish things no one really sees that way I am always suprised and delighted when I receive followers and commenters.

  • Lynn Thaler says:

    I really enjoyed your post. When I first started blogging I didn’t know how to get other bloggers to visit my site. Then a co-worker and fellow blogger told me that she visits other blogs and leaves comments. This is a great way to connect with others in the blogging community. She was right. I started getting more visits to my blog and I found blogs that I really enjoy reading.

  • Thanks for the visit to my blog! Comments ARE like hugs and this post helped me see the value in the time it takes to slowly make online relationships. Time I don’t always want to spend. 🙂
    Cindy

  • lawanahm says:

    I think the Blog Blitz is a great idea. I’m not new to blogging, but new to blogging on WordPress, so I’m just starting to really post again. I think it’s a matter of building connections to get that “comment love” we want.

  • Subroto says:

    ‘Comment Love’ what a great term! Most of my comment love was from spam and because I was desperate and commentless I actually kept a few of those on my blog. I joined communities like Blogadda & Indiblogger so I could interact with other bloggers and share my blog posts but still lacking ‘comment love’. Maybee i doesnts rite that wel.

  • adamjasonp says:

    Yeah, likes and follows that feel empty or promotional— commenting is the only way to really show you appreciate what the person did—or, as DL puts, the ‘lifeblood of blogging.’  The lack thereof seems less of insecurity and more of not having enough time (stretched thin, read or comment less).

    And “Nice Post” is not just empty— it might even be filtered out as SPAM.

  • Rich Allan says:

    But what if someone comments on my comment, then I have to respond, then they respond, then my mother jumps in and corrects everything that’s been said so far, then people start getting pissed off; I start getting hate emails, have to move, grow a beard, and start talking in rhymes. Nope, it’s not worth it.

  • well. I am going to comment and say how much I enjoyed this post.

  • Actually I clicked on the link and it said it wasn’t there, so I may have missed the last bus to that opportunity

  • This is a very good post. I’m pretty good, he said immodestly, at both commenting and liking but I have noticed that more and more, people ‘like’ a post, very possibly without reading it by use of the ‘reader’. This is dispiriting . What you say chimes with me and I am going to join your ‘Blog Blitz’ thing

  • Very good tips and thoughts. It helps give those of us accustomed to lurking an incentive to reach out. Thanks! *going back to my Lurking Cave*

  • 1WriteWay says:

    I’m a late-comer to this post, but will join the blitz. I make a sincere effort to comment on other blogs, especially those that follow me, but it’s not often reciprocated. Perhaps the blitz will change things for me. Thanks for the post!

  • autoholowanie says:

    Very neat blog post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.

  • Thanks for sharing this. I joined the blitz too!

  • Oooh! I wish I’d found your blog a month ago! Thanks for sharing this post. I joined the blitz 🙂

  • ravingreader says:

    Thanks for checking out my blog and living true to your word about Blog Love. Much appreciated!

  • eateattravel says:

    Thanks for following my blog! Interesting post, something I’ve wondered about too – the amount of comments vs. post content. I’ve wondered if it has something to do with the popularity of the blogger, or amount of comments they leave themselves.
    A bit off-topic, but I’m new-ish to blogging and I’ve also been wondering about ‘likes’. It’s nice when someone likes your post, but I’ve noticed from looking at the stats that it doesn’t usually mean that the blogger has actually visited your blog and read the post…I’m wondering if likes have some social currency that I’m missing?

  • sandrabranum says:

    Sometimes I just can’t think of anything to say regarding a post, but that doesn’t mean I dislike it. From now on I’ll try to do better and leave more comments cause I too need the “hugs.” 🙂

  • words4jp says:

    Good morning – I enjoy commenting on my fellow bloggers’ posts. Sometimes I have much to say and others it may be a few simple words. I believe it is important to acknowledge everyone’s efforts. I look at it like this – another writer took the time to write something (and we all know how much time and work/effort that can be), so the least I can do is make a comment in return. Besides I enjoy what others have to say, even if it is something that does not tickle my fancy:)

    BTW, thank you for stopping by my blog and the follow – I may not have discovered you otherwise and I am very happy that I have!

  • Wendy says:

    Thanks for following my blog. I like your “taking a long time before they work up the courage to comment.” I am new to blogging and I always just say thanks to those who have visited my blog. Your post has encouraged me to write more. Thanks again.

  • MaryNell says:

    I am one of those people who lurks but does not comment. Will work on that! I’m about to travel for two months with little internet access, but if the blog blitz is open when I fet back, I’ll join.

  • kayuk says:

    What a great idea! I love cruising the blogs around wordpress and commenting here and there but rarely get comments back. It’s lovely to get ‘likes’, but I crave a comment – good or bad – that lets me know it a reader really ‘gets’ what I spent hours writing. Vickie

  • I am sending some comment love. Thank you for following my blog. 🙂

    I think you’re observation about some people getting comments for writing nothing significant and other people writing interesting, thoughtful things getting no love was very insightful. It speaks volumes about our society. That being said, I would prefer to have few comments from people who really appreciate me than to get fluff in return for writing fluff.

  • Faith says:

    The lack of comments on my newish blog has left me a little pouty. I know I have readers, because my site was first set up for local/personal use among my clients and friends. But they are not really the bloggy/commenty type, as it turns out. They like me on facebook rather often, but just won’t migrate to blog love–this is the second time I’ve tried in my wellness/fitness advising life. The tell me in person, oh I love what you wrote. But as a writer, I am expecting to attract more words. I certainly spread enough of them around! lol. I like to interact online, and read and comment rather frequently. Thoughtfully, that’s my way. (case in point here). NaPoWriMo is helping me get some new traffic, other creative types…. but no comments. 🙁 toldya I was pouty. Anyhoo, I like the blitz idea and will sign up. Thanks!

  • Great post and enjoy Cyber hugz!! I think when there are so many things to read people just look at the summary on the WP reader, but that is OK too! When they take the time to comment, it is even better! Looking forward to meeting everyone here!

  • Thanks for visiting and liking. I do try to comment or at the least say thanks. Quite often there is no more to say other than “enjoyed your post”.You’re right tho’ – I get lots of visits but only a few comments. I see where I’m going wrong now. 🙂

  • Tom Gething says:

    Look at this! A post about comments seems to generate all kinds. Go figure! 🙂

  • Great ideas, love the digital hug. best hijacking I’ve seen in a while. 😉

  • abbiefoxton says:

    Reblogged this on abbie foxton.

  • Athena Brady says:

    First let me say, thank you so much for following my blog, I am honored. I have a plug in comment luv on my blog which automatically displays the last post the commenter wrote, if they comment. I love comments and likes but it shows more support if someone actually takes the time to leave a comment. I always return the compliment.

  • Great post. You’ve hit a soft spot with people. I know I get lots of visitors, but few comments. Everyone’s busy so I don’t take it personally. Just wish I had more!

  • coolteenreads says:

    I’m fairly new to the world of blogging and it’s really disheartening not to get any comments. This article has given me hope. many thanks! The blog blitz is a terrific idea.

  • sweetbeariesblogposts says:

    Another thing I can suggest for getting more comments is to participate on a multi-blogger site. I maintain a blog on a site where several other bloggers post from time to time, and I notice I tend to get more views when I post there then if I just posted something on my own blog. Find a subject you find interesting, and a multi-blogger group to write with.

  • That’s really good advice. I remember back when I first started blogging, I didn’t make many comments because I wasn’t sure if they were wanted. Now I know they are.

  • melissajanda says:

    I’m new to blogging and still learning the ropes. I try to comment often because it’s a good way to encourage each other. They have definitely made me feel welcome in the blogosphere. I signed up for the Blog Blitz but was a day late for the A to Z Challenge (sigh).
    Thank you DL and Damyanti for a terrific post! {{cyber hugs}}

  • Rebecca says:

    Hi Damyanti,

    Thanks so much for liking my post. And thanks fro all the good information of this page. I’m a new blogger too and have just about quit because it’s hard to break through the maze, especially if you’re writing about depression! I’m bookmarking this blog as a favorite.

  • rhonda says:

    Great Post..
    Just kidding. Not about the post being great. I’m kidding about that being my comment.
    I love your Blog Blitz idea. What a great way to encourage bloggers who may not get many comments, especially new bloggers. I’m pretty new, and the sound of crickets chirping around my blog is discouraging. I know this is a common thing for new bloggers, but it still stinks. And gosh darn it, I was supposed to be the exception (kidding again).
    Having researched blogging before I started, I knew from the get-go that commenting on other blogs is important. Sometimes the problem is that I don’t know what to say beyond “great post” (or something similar) because I’m talking to a stranger. I write like I talk, and in real life I’m very quiet until you get to know me. 🙂 When I have gotten brave and actually left comments, I have been discouraged by getting very few responses and even less reciprocation. It kinda feels like being the new kid in middle school who didn’t get the memo on what clothing was “in” and what clothing would deem you the outcast.
    My other blogging issue is that I tend to be too wordy; can you tell? 🙂
    Thanks for an informative and well-written piece!

    • Damyanti says:

      Rhonda, blogging takes patience, as well as enthusiasm and research. I’m sure before long it would be swamped with comment love 🙂

  • Betty Alark says:

    Hi, DL! Really enjoyed reading about leaving comments. There are so many talented writers out there in the blogosphere; and so much to be gained from thier post and yes I too think that no blog should be left unread nor passed over without commenting. Whether in the blogosphere or in person no human being appreciates being disregarded as having no value. So yes, Betty can very well understand your point. It is well taken and your sharing the message is appreciated!

    By the way you’re an excellent writer! Talent can’t help but be appreciated!

  • JW Najarian says:

    This is a pet peev of mine. It is not just comment love, but any love. I get messages from people about how great my stuff is and as much as I truly do appreciate the time spent to let me know, I wonder why that same person does not share the article, comment or even click like?

    We all need to participate and show the love. I cannot follow everyone, but I can like, comment and share.

    Commenting and sharing are the hardest to do so at least click like!

    Thanks for listening to the rant. 🙂

  • arollinson says:

    As a new blogger, I found this post very helpful and accurate. Of course the feeling elicited from a random person commenting on my blog feeds my will to continue posting, but I never thought of how it increased my online persona as well. Very good, thank you!

  • Reblogged this on theprobookeditor and commented:
    Amazing article – SO TRUE! If you blog, you should read this….

  • It is unfortunate that more people don’t take the time to comment and follow and build a network of wonderful blog peers…I experience the same thing with mine. Its disheartening to see an average viewing of 150 -200 per day and if I’m lucky 1 comment! Ultimately, too many people are so busy promoting something that they don’t realize the promo opportunities they miss by simply connecting and sharing socially with others. http://authorshelpingauthors.wordpress.com

  • Good evening DL! I replied to your email earlier this evening, don’t recall getting the first, but it could have been my error. I will be visiting the blog you picked tomorrow…god I hope I don’t forget!! Only kidding!! I will be.

    Also, I noticed too, that with the last hop or group, I am in the ISWG…I visited 135 blogs, and got less than half of visits. I also noticed that on another blog hop…..very few. The few I did get visits from were super, and all popular well known bloggers, and I value their opinions dearly. All nice people. I am in the A to Z challenge….learning to write, wanting to…and felt this would be helpful….I have been reading a lot!! And too, about creative writing because I know nothing, but always wanted to write.

    I am going to visit as many as I can, do what I should be doing, and always respond to the comments I get from good people. All you can do I guess! I don’t know with the A to Z if it will be all over 900 people but I will be very busy visiting at least 50-75 per day. I always start at the bottom of the lists.

    Thank you, all of this sounds like a lot of fun!!

    Sandy http://www.sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot.com

  • Thank you so much for posting this subject. I get few comments also. I have only been blogging for about a month and appreciate all the advice I can get. I also want to thank Damyanti for visiting and liking my post, The Time Bandit. Blessings to you!

  • Akkbar89 says:

    dl, i know how you feel about the comments on those blogs that dont give you that, Wow, i am glad i read this piece i’ve got to follow! i try to enter something everyday even if it is short but not always, do you do the a to z everymonth? thank you for the like on “pot of gold?”

  • Shoba Menon says:

    Thanks for sharing this !

  • ermareads says:

    I am often guilty of forgetting to comment on posts I like – and of actions that make it more difficult; mainly too much to do, and not enough hours in a day.
    Since I’m trying to build a blog myself, I understand the “give some, get some” concept, and will have to work on trying harder to support fellow bloggers.

  • I wrote a post a few days ago about exactly this phenomenon. Why there are some extremely underwhelming blogs that get hundreds of hits and comments, and other beautifully crafted articles that nobody notices at all. Nice idea of yours to get a few of these blogs noticed. Might join myself!

  • After read this, it bring back my memory how my 1st blog went R.I.P lol… merely I got overwhelmed by so many awesome blog out there. But now since I need to write, I just dive in just like U write in this article not think to many. I read more also like before but now with better understanding to knowing new things not feel under toward others 🙂 Like this article, Thank’s for visiting, and greetings 🙂

  • Fida I says:

    I am one of those who rarely gets any comments. Thank you so much for talking about this (-:

  • You are so right. I get several thousand visitors a day but few comment. I know my writing resonates or people wouldn’t come by so often, but I sure wish they’d say hello.

  • I do find it hard to comment on many of the blogs I read because either I’m reading on my phone (it isn’t that ‘smart’) or I can’t think of anything interesting to say apart from the boring ‘nice post’ or ‘well said’. Thank you for reminding me to make more effort! 🙂

  • debzywebzy says:

    This is such a great idea!!! I’m so putting myself down for that blog blitz thing. Really need to get better at commenting on other peoples posts more often too. I want people to come read my stuff! But I also don’t want to just blindly comment on any old blog. I want to take the time to find stuff that I really like. Like this one =-)

  • Vidya Sury says:

    Love the Blog Blitz idea. I am going over to sign up.

  • I LOVE HUGS!!! *GROUP HUG*

    I blog.
    I don’t have a lot of visits, nor followers, and even fewer comments. I will click on an article in my twitter feed if the title strikes my fancy. And I try to comment on what I read. But there are times I feel like I don’t contribute to the conversation.

    But the biggest problem I find is time. I just don’t have time to do it all! I want to write. I have to work. I have to be MomMom and wife and caregiver. I want to write. I want to encourage my friends. I want to make new friends. But there just never is enough time…is there.

    I’m making an effort to get out there with the A to Z challenge. I hope others will invite me in. 🙂

    I don’t know how you do it! Honestly! but good on you! YAY! *throws cookie confetti* (Yes, I still have my #writemotivation hat on!)

    So, I’m stopping by today from the A to Z challenge. Congrats on signing up! Good luck. This is my first year with the A to Z challenge, even though I’ve watched it grow over the last 3 years. I’m also taking part in the Reveal on the 21st. I’m trying to share some positivity with my #WriteMotivation friends on Twitter (and to help keep me positive in the process)
    Hope to see you around. 🙂

    Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
    http://writebackwards.we3dements.com

  • I once read that it’s common courtesy to leave a ‘calling card’/comment if you visit. I always do unless the blog is offensive or unintelligible, and I rarely see those. I love the sound of your Blog Blitz. I shall pop over and have a closer look.

    One other point, I find that if you visit other bloggers then they’ll visit you. Some people post up a blog and hope someone will find it by chance. This is a two-way thing… Like a friendship!

    And leaving a link to your blog when you comment can’t hurt, now can it! 😉
    Rosalind Adam is Writing in the Rain

  • ashish verma says:

    I am new and after reading this post i”ll comment where i”ll feel like and will never withdraw myself… even if there are 100s of comments olready.. thanks for such a useful tip.. 🙂 just diving in ryt now.. 🙂

  • bemoneyaware says:

    Rightly said that ” comments are the life blood of blogging. It’s the positive feedback received from these snippets of sunshine that motivates all of us to continue to churn out helpful material. ”
    And yes we all look for something beyond nice-comments
    Keep us updated on your blog blitz!

  • Jen Czahur says:

    This is certainly a positive read. It’s so encouraging to see that so many of us have similar issues and that we all enjoy and thrive off of community support. Thanks for making it so accessible!

  • What a fabulous idea!

    I do try to seek out the blog posts with no comments on IWSG Day, but I also struggle with all the spam filters that some blog users have 🙁

    Xx

  • GB says:

    Its to do with a need for approval,or the lack of it.An article or a story which is wildly popular need not make it a literary classic and vice versa.History is replete with examples where the erstwhile unknown writer suddenly hits the mass consensus.

  • slepsnor says:

    Personally, I try to think of a comment on everything that I like, but many times I just draw a blank. There are only so many times I can say ‘great poem’ without feeling like I’m doing something wrong. Another problem is that I’m following a lot of blogs and to even read through them takes over an hour in the morning. So, for me it’s an issue of time and not being able to think of anything.

  • Blog Blitz is a wonderful initiative! Congrats DL!
    I can remember the “lurker” phase of my blogging journey… I was terrified of posting a comment for fear of coming across as a fool.
    That being said, I firmly believe that, input = output, and it applies to everything you do in life! 🙂

    • DL Hammons says:

      You are right Michelle, it really is a universal philosophy! There is something to be said about lurking until you get the lay of the land, but once you figure out the logistics of how everything works, then come out with both barrels blazing! 🙂

  • MadlabPost says:

    The blog blitz is a great idea and I hope it is beneficial to bloggers who are seeking comments. It reminds me of the “CommentLUV” plugin that publishes a link to your most recent blog post, in order to help bloggers get more visitors….and possibly more comments. It also reminds me of the Love Bombs that I am a member of, but the latter is curated and meant for a good cause.

    There are many resouces available in the form of blog posts that help bloggers learn how to attract more comments on their blog and I think if bloggers who want comments strived to implement some of the tips offered in those posts, they would see an improvement in the number and or frequency of comments they receive.

    • DL Hammons says:

      For me, comments are not the end goal, inter-connectivity and digital presence are. Neither of those can happen unless you are giving as much as you receive. 🙂

  • Hello, Here from Indiblogger, enjoyed the post enough to comment on a first time visit. I like reading blogs, and commenting, but do want to give it the right amount of attention, just reading and saying nice post is not for everyone. Prefer to lurk if I can’t make a meaningful comment, even if I liked the writing/post. Also, when a post for some reason does not appeal to me personally, I am more likely to just click away than write a negative comment. Any critique tends to be taken very personally, and also it feels a little rude and judgemental to be doing it in a public forum. Thanks.

    • MadlabPost says:

      The blog blitz is a great idea and I hope it is beneficial to bloggers who are seeking comments. It reminds me of the “CommentLUV” plugin that publishes a link to your most recent blog post, in order to help bloggers get more visitors….and possibly more comments. It also reminds me of the Love Bombs that I am a member of, but the latter is curated and meant for a good cause.

      There are many resouces available in the form of blog posts that help bloggers learn how to attract more comments on their blog and I think if bloggers who want comments strived to implement some of the tips offered in those posts, they would see an improvement in the number and or frequency of comments they receive.

    • DL Hammons says:

      I agree 100%! Empty comments are well intentioned, but very time consuming. As much as I love the digital hugs…I’d prefer one with lots of squeeze to it! 🙂

  • inducares says:

    Hi Hammons,
    Interestingly i started by commenting on blogs as soon as i started blogging.In fact i had been commenting for some time before i was asked why i did not publish my posts on IB,

    I give my take on the post,but i just cannot go into superlatives at every piece.

    Your BLOG BLITZ is a great idea,i am going to join it.
    Thanks!

    • DL Hammons says:

      It is a rare bird indeed when someone starts commenting before they even have their own blog. Good for you!! Thank you for joining the BLITZ!! 🙂

  • It is time consuming and I try to fit it in when I need a break from the rest of my life. I like reading a good blog and commenting or getting in on the discussion. My problem, I then forget where the discussion was — I need to tag those blogs better! 🙂
    But I was a lurker at first too — it all a learning process, and I’m still learning!

    • DL Hammons says:

      Former lurker here as well. I just shake my head now when I look back at those days.

  • Your post reaffirms the old adage “you get what you give”. Unfortunately for many it comes down to a time factor and wanting to provide meaningfull comment. Getting out there and taking an interest in other blogs does make a difference. The Blog Blitz is a terrific idea. Well done for coming up with the concept.

    • DL Hammons says:

      Thank you! That’s why I consider each comment I leave as an investment. 🙂

  • Pete Denton says:

    At first I wondered how it all worked, this blogging lark! I realised the best way was to pay it forward, visit, comment and encourage and I thoroughly enjoy getting out and reading other blogs. A great way to spend an evening 🙂

    • DL Hammons says:

      Sometimes I devote entire weekends to blog reading/commenting! 🙂

  • That’s a great idea, DL!

  • Jaimie says:

    Cyber-hug. I LOVE it. 🙂 I’ll be joining in the Blog Blitz, and I’m also participating in the A to Z Challenge. I’m hoping to get all my posts for the Challenge written in the next couple of weeks so I can spend all of April visiting and commenting on as many blogs as possible!

    I do try to comment on every post I read. I don’t on all of them, but most. 🙂 And I’m working on getting better at replying to every comment I receive on MY blog, because I know how much it means when other bloggers respond to my comments on their blogs. I don’t get a lot of comments, so it doesn’t take much time for me to respond to all of them. 🙂

    Thanks for this post!

    • DL Hammons says:

      Responding to comments can be problematic. I personally try to respond via email, but if the blogger doesn’t have their email address on their profile I’m stuck.

  • DL great article.
    I have noticed in some of the large blog communities that the big push is for views and yet the blogs with a large number of views only have 2 comments. A “view” or “like” is impersonal, as a writer it doesnt tell me if I am succeeding or not
    Love the Blog Blitz idea
    thanks to each of you for the effort you are putting forth

    • DL Hammons says:

      Views do let you know that people are at least stopping by, but comments have more impact. 🙂

  • Thanks for the post! Very useful read indeed. The idea of digital hug is something really cool!
    Love,

    Bong’s Belleza

  • Great post and what a wonderful idea for sharing the love. One more reason I enjoy this blog.

    Sometimes I find it difficult to get the time to read posts thoroughly, let alone comment intelligently. My hours taken up by platform development, making contacts and of course tending to the manuscript garden so it flourishes. Then there’s family. (I know I’m preaching to the choir.) Will work at spreading the love a little better. Thanks DL.

    • DL Hammons says:

      I know all about the time drain involved. What I end up doing is writing fewer posts so I have the time to comment more. 🙂

  • DL Hammons says:

    Thank you! I’m really anxious to get started and bombard the first victim! 🙂

  • manjishtha says:

    Some salvation at last!! What’s even worse than not getting a comment for one’s own posts, is not getting the comment one makes on another blogger’s post, acknowledged. The Blog Blitz is a great idea. Compliments.

  • Tina Downey says:

    Great post – cyber hug! I’ve always thought of it this way. This is NOT “Field of Dreams” – if you write it, they will come. No, it’s IF YOU VISIT, they will come. Thanks for such a gentle lesson in blogiquette. You rock, DL, and it’s a pleasure to work with you again as a co-host.
    Joining the blog blitz -what an awesome idea!

    Tina @ Life is Good
    Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
    @TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge

    • DL Hammons says:

      Thank you Tina! Turning it around…if you comment, they will come! 🙂

  • Jemima Pett says:

    I always feel very honoured when people (especially people I don’t know) leave comments. I know I should do more blog visiting, and now I’m 80% ready with my April blog I’m going pre-April-hopping. Starting here! Thanks for the reminder, Damyanti, and good luck with your Challenge this year 🙂
    Jemima at Jemima’s blog

  • Rosie Amber says:

    This was great, there is still so much to learn about blogging. I’m looking forward to my first year of the AtoZChallenge. Thanks for the tips.
    Rosie

    • DL Hammons says:

      I’ll tell you right now that it will be challenging….but oh so rewarding! 🙂

  • Love the Blog Blitz idea; and would love to help! So thankful for the more experienced folk in the community showing us newbies the ropes! Damyanti practices what she preaches- she was one of the first that visited and commented on my blog.

    Thank you & Cheers!

    Erick @ A Brief Sinfonia

  • Thank you for this one- it’s a perfect way to share with people that bloggers crave comments. So many people read blogs every day, but particularly non-bloggers, for some reason, don’t say anything afterward, never realizing that whether or not someone does is what keeps it going.

    • DL Hammons says:

      A blog without comments is like a pitcher without an umpire. We have to know how we’re doing. Did we strike a chord, or leave you bumfuddled? 🙂

  • Arlee Bird says:

    Guess my first comment ended up in spam. That’s another reason people might not be getting comments. They’re all in a spam folder.

    I have no clue why this is happening to your comments, Lee. But i check my spam everyday, so I’ll never lose your comments.

  • Arlee Bird says:

    Great idea to do the Blog Blitz. I’ve posted on the comment topic several times as have many others. Those who feel they don’t receive enough comments should check out some of those posts to see if they’re doing anything wrong and if there are other things they can do. Getting comments takes a lot more work than writing a post.

  • ocdreader says:

    I try to give comment love when it makes sense or if I feel I have something to say. They do feel like hugs and I love getting them, and you are right, the only way to get them is to give, and to give often! I was and still can be a lurker OR I follow by email and only go to the blog when I feel I must comment, but I am getting better 🙂

    • DL Hammons says:

      I’m not a fan of commenting just for commentings sake, but most of the time there is something that can be added.

      • Kristin King says:

        I’m with you on this. Also, since my blog is relatively new, I’m okay with building content for awhile.

  • eclecticpills says:

    I know the feeling of not having many comments. (Thank God for my sister!) But your post helped me to understand one reason why: I need to comment on other blogs more often. Spread the love. Thanks for the encouragement. And, oh, I joined the Blog Blitz. Sounds like fun! Great idea.

    • DL Hammons says:

      YAY!!!! Thank you! Now do me a favor and help me spread the word. 🙂

  • Thank you for the insight! I’m new to the blogging world, and I’m slowly learning how this all works.

    • DL Hammons says:

      Now you have a leg up on all the other newbys! Thank you for the HUG! 🙂

  • DL, I like the thought of a digital hug. The blog blitz is a cool idea too. When I started blogging, it took me a while to realize that I had to not only visit other bloggers, but to leave comments. Mostly, I was lurking and not realizing that I had to say something for the blogger to know I was there. 🙂

    • DL Hammons says:

      I lurked around for 3-4 months before I worked up the courage to comment on a really popular blog. I think back on it now and realize how silly I was.

      • Damyanti says:

        DL I still just lurk sometimes. I’m such a dreamer, I need to wake up and get on the comment rounds. A to Z is good for that, because nowadays I comment more often.