Blogging is supposed to be interactive, right? I mean, the whole idea isn’t that all kinds of people create endless streams of information and data that we each consume with no interaction is it???
Over time, I’ve picked up a few things that seem to make the whole world of blogging a lot more fun, beneficial, and interactive. Here they are:
1. If you have your own blog, read other people’s blogs, too. Readers make good writers.
2. Subscribe to blogs that you frequent by email or in a reader. This way you don’t miss the updates, and you make the blog host feel good. This keeps good bloggers blogging. (By the way, you can subscribe to this blog in the right hand column.)
3. Leave content rich comments on other people’s blogs. Don’t just “like” the post, or leave a comment that says “thanks” or “great job”. If you relate to the experience, share how. If someone’s story impacted you, tell them how it made you feel. Offer constructive, encouraging feedback. Recommend resources. All of this increases the interaction on the blog and builds the online community.
4. Leave content rich comments, but remember to use brevity. Keep it fairly short. I cringe at comments longer than two or three short paragraphs and just skim. Just sayin’.
5. Give options on your blog for people to share your posts on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, etc. (Note that you can share this post via the links at the bottom.) Post your own entries on those sites that you use.
6. Share other people’s blogs that impact you. Maybe someone else will also benefit from it or add to the discussion. Use Twitter, Facebook, etc.
7. If you’re a blogger, connect with people who share your links or comment on your blog. Responding to and acknowledging them helps build the community.
Update: I almost forgot this one!!!
8. If you leave a comment on someone’s blog, check the box under the comment box to receive follow up emails when someone else comments on that post. This way, you see the discussion that develops (without having to go back to the blog) and you’ll know if someone responds to your comment and is waiting for another response from you.
These are just a few things that I’ve learned. What would you add to this list???
Something I’ve learned is to not always take peoples comments too personally. Some people, no matter what message you are bringing, will try to use Scripture, down talk, or defensive talk to prove you wrong. But if what you are writing is truly what you believe in your heart, then keep pressing on! Also, I used to defend myself against such people, but found it best to leave it alone. Usually someone else will see their comment and defend your message for you. It just works better that way. They usually apologize after that.
Oh, and always connect with other bloggers!!! These will help you more than anything.
Good post, Mark. Thanks.
Good tips, Michael. It can be tricky to respond to criticism without being defensive, but it is a great skill to develop.
Great post! It is hard for me to comment on blogs if I don’t know the author personally, but I have found that when I go ahead and make myself, a friendship usually quickly forms.
I think that commenting on other blogs is one of the biggest things. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 🙂
I often feel the same way, but have found that I really start to see the heart of the person blogging when I begin to interact with them. Plus, I think most people are hoping for comments, even if they disagree. Which is another point: disagreeing with grace and humility.
Commenting is da bomb in the blogoshpere!
Mark,
This is a very good post with excellent suggestions! You asked for additions, and I would only add one: Publish posts that link to other posts. I think one of the most power aspects of blogging is the community aspect. I love it when one of my posts inspires someone else to write, even if they are writing to disagree with me.
-Alan
Thanks, Alan! That’s a really good suggestion, and I want to start doing that. Maybe weekly. I like the way you do it on your blog and I appreciate you linking over here.
This brings up another aspect of blogging. It is really taking on a responsibility if one is serious about it. Linking to other blogs helps you provide rich and diverse content for your readers and promotes community as you commented.