We all have questions at some point that we Google for an answer. So when we do find that place online that answers the question, we are very quick to close that blog and move on to what we were doing before. We do it without thinking, even though we are taught especially via internet marketing to comment on blogs but we are only doing this because we want that all-important backlink. Or on the other side, we comment on the blogs that we follow as part of a community. Well, I believe those blogs that help you out along the way deserve a thank you.
If we thank a stranger that helps, shouldn’t it be the same online?
I am not saying all this because I don’t do it myself, because I do. I did it a lot until one day it just hit me that this blog had answered a question and I was going to leave without saying or typing a thank you. Trust me it’s a hard habit to break. We spend most of our lives online doing something, yet in a split second we are content flipping from blog to blog without a thank you insight and it doesn’t seem fair.
If we were in the street and we needed to find a place, we would ask directions to a total stranger. We would automatically thank them if they helped us or not because they took the time to stop what they were doing and help. Well, I believe because we do not physically see the faces of these helping blogs in person we bypass the need to say thank you because there is no one physically there to say it to.
It takes work maintaining an online presence for others to find, use and then not show appreciation.
Is this what the online world is creating, a way of taking what we need when we need it. Yet forgetting those who are typing away to solve your problems or answer your questions. It happens to me and it happens to everyone who has an online presence and wants traffic to flow to your place of words. We see it in all the tracking software we use on our sites. You could see 10 people come to your site and stay there for say 5 minutes each, yet not one comment was left. What were they doing there apart from reading and looking at your hard earned effect of words and your effect in getting them there in the first place?
Breaking habits are not easy, but it can be done
As I said before I do it but now I try and stop myself from leaving a website or blog without saying a thank you for the information. Let me tell you it’s not easy, sometimes I remember about leaving feedback hours later but by then that blog is totally out of my head.
Negative Feedback (Yes/No)
Now I know that not all places deserve good feedback, should you still leave feedback? Well, in my opinion, yes but ONLY if it is constructive criticism. Its hard enough to feel unappreciated of all the hard work you have put into your site, to then be told it’s a load of rubbish without any details or suggestions of why. Words still hurt and we as webmasters are still human with feelings, even if we do try to grow a thick skin. By being positive in your constructive criticism and offering some suggestions will allow them you know you are helping which in its self is a good step.
Where to Link
We want traffic, every man and his dog are telling you their way of getting traffic to your blog yet we are actually missing out on a natural way of getting traffic and links without thinking. All the comments you leave should point them back to your blog, why because when they come to visit they want to read about the person, who took the time to leave a comment It doesn’t cost you a penny to leave a comment but it will make that webmasters day or give them important insights on how to better their blog and in return you will be getting a visit. They do deserve it and remember what goes around comes around.
5 Comments. Leave new
I think not everyone realizes the value of a (positively charged) comment for the blog author. For me it makes my day when someone takes the time to write something “back”, instead of just silently reading and leaving. I try to tell this: You don’t always have to form a long response. A simple note saying you were there and found it good is enough.
Good post! I agree as a blogger myself but also as a web consumer.
Hi Mervi,
How are you? Thank you for your opinions. Its a shame we have to work so hard to still not get a reward ie a comment. I to luv to see “you have a comment” in my inbox it feels great. As i said i hold my hands up for i use to do it, but i am getting a better hold of that old habit now.
What i started doing is create a folder in my favourites called comments and every place i use, that helps, or simple makes me smile i add it to that folder. Then at the end of the day after i retire from work, i comment on the places i visited. This for me allows me to write a deeper comment than if i was just rushing through. I know the value of a comment and how it can uplift the web creator. Plus in the same way i know how powerful it is as a traffic flower to my own online space.
Blessing Janet
Hi, this is a thought provoking article and you are so right… I spend a lot of time looking for advice and information and it’s easy to just click through blogs and websites without a thought. When out and about at Art and Craft events I always appreciate comments and feedback on my work so thank you for highlighting that it’s just as important online. Your articles are full of very useful info, I’ve enjoyed my visit.
Take care, Anne 🙂
Hi Anne,
Thank for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. We are all guilty of forgetting the praise we should share to those who have helped us out along the internet way. Its how we use this moment in the future. Its a habit hard to break, but it can be done, we have to be aware of our actions online and then do the right thing.
I am glad you enjoyed your visit, do come back soon
Blessings Janet
Hi Anne,
Yes when online we are more likely to just read and move on without a second thought. Its because its just information you are seeing and not a real person, this is why we act different when, face to face with a real person. Its a habit that we all need to look at and try to better.
Thank you for commenting here I really do appreciate it.
Blessings Janet