Thank you for commenting

I learn a lot from you, thanks for commenting.

I want to take the time to thank you for commenting. In my opinion, a successful blog is a dialog between more than two people. To date, there are 1,697 posts and 12,159 comments, so a conversation rate (comments divided by posts) of just over 7. Sure, not as impressive as some other sites, but it’s the quality of comments that matter.

This actually came up in discussion yesterday on a client call, where he pointed out that the comments you’ve left were insightful and thoughtful, I readily agreed. Sure, other blogs may have quantity lightweight comments, but here, they are often filled with details, opinions, and insight.

We’ve done research on technographics (how people use social computing tools) and for North American adults, the inactives far often outweigh those who leave comments. I read every single comment that comes through, and I end up learning a lot (not everyone agrees), in some cases, I’ll sometimes update the post and add links or point to your insight. In some cases, like yesterday, I get corrected for my mistakes, and that’s ok too. I certainly appreciate you adding links that add to the conversation, keep on doing that when there’s something to see.

In the near future, I plan to run that survey to find out more about the readers and commenters here, stay tuned for that.

So again, thanks for adding to the conversation.

14 Replies to “Thank you for commenting”

  1. The sentiment is definitely returned. I’ve just began reading your blog this year (a lil late to the game) and as an evolving online marketer, I’ve gained so much information from you and your in-depth and insightful posts.

    I look forward to reading your blog every morning and always seem to gain that much more knowledge through the various topics you write about.

    Appreciate it and keep up the great work!

    – Sonny

  3. Thanks for being a great resource.

    A question – did you remove yourself from the comment count or are you included? 🙂

    Anyway, have you ever tried comment blogging?
    http://cogdogblog.com/2008/02/02/comment-blogging-2/

    I wish my blogging platform allowed me to automate and tabulate commenter frequency. I’d do awards. I’d also do a qualitative awards – for most insightful comment, most witty comment, etc.

    B

  5. Here, I’m upping your ratio, but I’m also trying to test some comment tracking software for a webinar I have to teach tonight.

    While the numbers and indexes are important – as mentioned above, the qualitative aspects of commenting are important. There’s insightfulness, etc.

    But, another point to consider the shape of the conversation that happens in the comments – it isn’t a one to many — but how much is conversation between commentors? How do you facilitate that?

    Another thing, I’m personally struggling with – how you encourage people to engage in the conversation – and also I can get the great follow up insights out of email and onto the blog

    http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2007/10/cross-blog-conv.html

    You mentioned that you read all the comments. I observe how you respond here in the comments. How do you track comments? How do you facilitate the conversation here?

  6. Beth

    A small wire is plugged into the back of my neck at night and I import a comment RSS feed for further jeremiah processing.

    Ok just kidding. I have the wordpress comments page open all day all night. I’m watching who’s talking.

    Most of the time folks are stating an opinion, or talking at me. A few times they talk to each other, and sometimes argue or agree.

    I get smarter from reading comments, and really embrace the thoughtful topics. Sometimes, (like Guy Kawasaki did yesterday) he slapped me when I was wrong.

  7. Back here again because the little comment tracking tool updates every 10 minutes and noticed some additional comments. Normally, wouldn’t be hanging on the tool like that – would put it into a GTD work flow – but testing.

    Do you think it adds value to have a facilitated conversation in the comments or do you get better insights with a back and forth like we’re having now?

    I’ve found that when someone leaves an awesome insight as comment – but it was off the top of their head and I can do a follow up probe – with pointer back to blog to respond – generates better insights. Don’t do it for all, just when I’m obsessing about a topic – like now – the fine art of commenting on your own blog and how it generates insights, content, improves engagement, repeat visits ..

  9. Jeremiah,
    Commenting on your blog is great.
    There’s feedback and conversation. It adds so much value to the read.
    I appreciate your availability, and can’t believe how you have time to be so in touch with us in your cloud.
    Rock on!
    Steve

  11. brian solis wrote a really great ongoing article (although im not sure how he’ll keep it alive in real time) about the whole ”online conversation” which is really found in the comments..

    http://www.marcomprofessional.com/posts/brian.solis/the-value-of-online-conversations

    there are loads of social networks but i find the feature ridden and they forget that the whole point is discussion and conversation!! you go to a party or event not because of the buffet, or the accomodation or to wear your fancy outfit- but to network and socialize. even if your initial motivations are self-serving in the end you do groove on the networking. man is a social being- thats a fact.

    so i propose this blog becomes more social!

  12. I just want to thank you for your blog! I am the lurkiest of lurkers still listening before I jump into the fray. I’m so happy that your blog, Steve Rubel’s, Chris Brogan the Read/WriteWeb crew are out here. It has been invaluable to me and inspires me everyday that I can add to the conversation. I’ve not unshackled myself YET. But I hope to add more soon!

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