Feb 2, 2009
A question for noncommenters, which is to say a question no one will answer
Despite always blogging, I rarely comment at other blogs. It stresses me out—I don’t know why.
What keeps you from commenting?
* * * * *
© 2012 Abuyo. All rights reserved.
even though i often have a response in my head, so many people comment that i don’t think it’ll be read anyway.
(that happened to be 22 words.)
At some sites I don’t feel like getting flamed, sometimes nothing to add, some sites I don’t feel like really want me to comment.
I dont mind commenting on your amazing banner.. I love it… I want it for myself.
I find that (many) others have already said what I wanted to say.
Ha – I’ll comment on this one. I’m usually a skimmer of blogs…except on 22 words, since it’s short enough for me to read the whole thing in 5 seconds!
But typing a comment…that takes time and thought. More than I usually want to give.
Pure laziness.
But sometimes I get into a commenting mood and then I go crazy leaving graffiti all over every blog I read.
::sshhhhhhh:: (spray paint)
I wouldn’t call myself a noncommenter, but I don’t always comment because I often fear that my comments may sound weird, stupid or not relevant.
I usually don’t comment because I don’t have anything to say that I expect other people will find useful or enjoyable.
I normally don’t comment because I normally find that other people have said what I was going to say (as in most of the people above…) or because I don’t feel that it’s worth my time…
If only it were not having something to say…
It takes time to get comfortable with putting your words into unknown territory. I read this blog for months before I ever commented.
Some blogs don’t hold my interest long enough to get to that comfortable-commenting zone.
Usually, I don’t comment if I don’t have nothing to add, don’t know much about the subject of the post, or have nothing funny to say
:-)
What Anita said. But here I have a blast trying to respond with exactly 22 words. I need to get out more.
Either I don’t have anything to add or someone has already said what I would’ve. Also, If there are already a lot of comments, I think it’s pointless since I doubt anyone will read it.
My friend and I have an interactive website where we ask a question of the day, http://www.deepquestions.net, and although we get MANY views a day, we average about 10 comments.
Blog commenting is a mystery.
I don’t want to comment for the sake of commenting…only if I have something truly meaningful to add.
(1) I read them in Google reader, which makes commenting a little more of a pain.
(2) I try to move through the blogs quickly.
Active participation in a blogging community takes a lot of effort. I respond to intriguing posts in my own online communities and initiate dialogue with people where we can have a true discussion. (Comments are not a great forum for discussion.)
It feels intrusive, despite the fact that those who blog, including myself, are putting themselves “out there.” And I find that my favorite way of “commenting” is to post a link on my blog, or send it on to others I think would enjoy it.
“Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.”
Proverbs 17:28
Most of the time my comments are so obvious to me that I assume other people have already said it. While I read your posts, I don’t always read the comments. Therefore I assume that my comment in my head has already been written.
Here are other reasons:
I don’t think it will be read
I don’t feel like getting attacked
Typing a comment takes time
I’m lazy
I’m afraid they will sound weird or stupid
sometimes i feel like what i have to say wouldn’t necessarily be valued by others. so, why comment?
I’m with Ross. Commenting with Google Reader is a pain.
I don’t comment when I don’t want or don’t have to say anything or don’t find the topic worth for me taking part in the discussion.
that’s really funny; I think I don’t comment because I don’t know that my comments are that worth reading. Same reason I don’t actually write on my own blog that often.
I would comment, but I feel a bit restricted by the 22 word rule. Does that apply to commenters too?
ususally my reactions to posts aren’t very interesting, or are repetative. that doesn’t mean i have an unenthusiastic response…. for example, i usually think, “haha this is funny.” or “that’s cool…” “that’s interesting!” “how smart.” or “i really appreciate this person for blogging.”
What a good post to get non-commenters like me to write a comment…!
Actually, most of the time I’m just too shy to put comments out for the whole world to read (that’s also one of the reasons why I quit blogging after my very first post).
It’s a bit like what Anita said – plus, sometimes I really don’t have anything to say.
Usually comments are really not needed. Someone throws out some thoughts and hits “publish” – done. Any comment just serves to pat someone on the back or something.
If someone asks a direct question (aka: this one), I will sometimes pop out and answer it.
But I don’t leave a comments either. I’m usually scrolling through my reader quickly.
I usually feel like I don’t have anything creative to say.
’nuff said.
Time.
I don’t comment very often because I don’t want to appear as a stalker.
I like commenting and have commented before here. But I’ll tell you why I rarely comment:
- If a post has a load of comments already I figure if I post I’ll just end up saying something someone else has already said and I can’t be bothered to read to check if that’s the case.
- Sometimes I don’t have enough expertise to comment.
- Sometimes the blogger hasn’t left room for comment (not the case here)
- Sometimes (especially on Christian blogs, but not this one) the blogger doesn’t answer you back (which is so stupid when you ask a question and you’re the only person who’s commented on his site all year).
I too feel as though I don’t have anything worthwhile to contribute, so I keep my comments to myself….will that do?
I try to comment whenever a post interests me or I want to compliment the person on an awesome work they’ve shown. I usually comment on my good friend’s blogs too, as a way to communicate. I’m a big commenter, however a lot of my friends aren’t, and one reason I’ve heard is being inhibited by being in google reader and having to do a separate click to get out of reader, onto the site, then click into the comment.
I also get frustrated when there are too many “captcha” or other security measures, although I know they are necessary they just slow things down.
I have to say that, sometimes, I genuinely do not understand the question that has been asked!
Or…something in the post gets under my skin, and I think “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!”
Or…I tend to feel that my opinion echoes so many that have already commented.
It takes effort to sound smart, and I’m not always up to the challenge!
Time.
Interest.
Lacking anything good to add.
Having your comments go into a void. Why comment when no response is coming back?
I either feel a need to have something profound to say or what I do have to say is too arrogant/snarky sounding for publication.
i feel that there is no value in what i have to say. i’m not being down on myself, it’s probably just that nobody will read or take note of what i say, and it’s probably been said already. like that.
i’m more likely to comment on blogs with less visitors, so that my contribution makes more of a difference.
I don’t comment b/c I only like to comment on posts that really provoke me as a way to encourage the author to similar such posts. (With the exception of to encourage a friend in their attempts at blogging so as to encourage them to blog more.)
Usually I feel prideful for thinking that what I have to say is important enough to leave a comment.
This one is more of a confession, though…
I don’t comment if lots of other people have already said the same thing… If I have an idea or thought that hasn’t been said yet, then I usually leave a comment…
But usually by the time I check my blogroll, lots of other people have already left comments…
I haven’t checked all of the comments on this post, yet… Maybe this has already been said! :P
I like to add something to the equation. A bunch of people already said that.
It’s quicker not to comment. And I’m lazy.
I might have a better answer for what makes me want to comment.
Because:
1. My Google account which I use for commenting is not the one I use for checking my Google Reader (which makes it time-consuming to comment on blogs hosted by blogger. Or at least, more time-consuming than I prefer).
2. I find it difficult to keep up with millions of comment threads.
Normally I figure…they’re (the blogger) isn’t going to read what is commented…esp. where there are a ton of comments.
The comment pool on blogs is dark water. You can’t see who else is out there, whether they’re friend or foe, and there’s no accountability. I personally found, on popular blogs especially, that it’s more a place to project your own thoughts than engage in conversation. I don’t want to be that commenter. :)
ditto.
Mine have already been said, but I’ll say them anyway.
1) It’s already been said is the main one.
2) Sometimes I just don’t know enough on the subject to comment.
3) Some posts don’t lend themselves to response.
I don’t comment b/c you don’t know who I am. I think I would feel like a stalker if I commented on a regular basis.
i have nothing witty or clever to say.
i don’t have insightful views that add more substance to the conversation.
no time, fear of sounding stupid b/c question is out of my league, someone’s already said what I’m thinking and I can’t say it better, genuinely no comment.
Commenting on blogs is one of the few times where I know that, normally, I have nothing interesting to say.
I feel like a slight stalker when I read other people’s blogs and am ashamed to comment to admit I actually follow them.
I always feel like people I don’t know will think it’s strange that I’m practically stalking them by reading their stuff. But I mean, I blog as well, and I wouldn’t mind. Anyway, that’s why.
- lack of committed reading of/”connection” with the blog/blogger
- laziness
-intimidation/fear
Perfectionism.
what I have to say is what has already been said. I shouldn’t even have commented this.
…i second celess contribution of “perfectionism”. i think that’s actually a part of the intimidation/fear piece.
pride/fear.
long story: I read things on my RSS, and it takes far too long to click through to the post and then find the comment box and then type it in
short story: I’m lazy
Either I have nothing to say or there are so many comments I figure mine will be redundant.
Things that stop me from commenting:
–someone (or multiple people) have already said what I’d say
–I don’t have anything to say beyond ‘I agree with this’
–sometimes the registration process is too burdensome
–my reaction to the post is not strong enough to put forth the effort
nerves. most of the time, I’m afraid someone will think (rightly) that I am unoriginal.
you know, like…totally LAME.
either someone’s already said (commented) it better or fear (ie the one that brings a snare…) of being criticised or attacked by other commentors.
Some of the comments helped me think something through re my own reasons for responding….it’s easy for me to do, but I’ve been thinking about stopping , because I, too, feel like a stalker. 22 Words is the only blog I post responses on.
It’s essentially a one way conversation with each side contributing one statement.
It sorts of leaves me feeling like I’m always “flaming” (if I understand that term correctly).
I can either comment or shower. Usually I choose showering. Usually.
Most of the time, I don’t feel that I will have anything to contribute. Or everyone else has already said what I wanted to. However, I have been making a conscious effort to comment more on other people, because I crave comments on my own blog.
I always wish I could think of the witty comments that make me laugh… but I never think of them when I have a chance… so I mostly don’t say anything.
The fear of clicking “Submit” too quickly, before proofreading thoroughly.
Feeling like I have to have the perfect thing to say.
I read most of the blogs I follow on Bloglines.
Also, I find it takes a lot of time to keep up with my own blog and answer the e-mails I receive. On slow days, I can jump off of Bloglines and comment on other blogs.
No comment.
Didn’t they used to call it lurking? Maybe they still do, but I blog the same way I interact at social events; I sit quietly and listen. Usually I don’t have anything to say, so I don’t. Some blogs that I follow are for educational purposes and I don’t have anything to add.
The closest I have come to making a comment on a blog of someone I don’t know personally has been here. Once in a while I form an opinion, but until now I haven’t posted. Sneaky of you to get us non-commenters to come out of our shells.
But, to answer your question: I don’t know. I have a blog for family members and I am gratified to have comments, but I don’t comment on the blogs that I read.
It is a weird sort of fear.
76 comments already. I comment every once in a while. What purpose is there in one more comment? I am just another.
I’m not as pithy as you.
I find this all very interesting … as someone who does comment.
I leave really lame comments when I get up the nerve to leave one. My worst comments are the ones in which I try to be humorous. My comments aren’t all that funny when they come out of my mouth, but they’re even less funny when typed.
Judging by most of the comments on this blog normally, it seems like such a generational rift that my comments would appear as something other than what I would hope.
Sometimes I just don’t have a clue what you’re all talking about.
But I almost always read the comments, except when one person has taken it upon themselves to dominate things–that’s a turn-off.
If I have something to say in response, then whether or not I comment is completely dependent on how easy it is. If my computer will prefill it — I will definitely comment. (and I don’t know why my computer will prefill some but not all)
If I have to have an engraved invitation and letter from Congress in order to comment, (ie strict security settings) definitely not.
In between– depends on my mood or how relevant my comment is.
Leslie
PS I like to be able to preview my comment before submitting but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Teacher-class syndrome: people tend to post more to get noticed by the blogger, not to interact with the 83 posts that came before them.
i’m lazy… I read through Bloglines, and I typically don’t click through to the main blog…
wow, so many people think they have nothing to say or feel that their comment would be inferior. I wonder what THAT is a commentary on?
Fear of man.
As a quiet college student, I look at blogs quickly before I move into my overwhelming homework. This blog makes me laugh.
usually fear of man
…because what I wanted to comment has been said already…
and the other reason…laziness..
wait…that has been said already…;p see?
What keeps me from commenting is Google Reader. If I could comment via my aggregator, I’d probably comment more often. But for you (and for today), I’m glad to go through all that hard work of clicking on the link, scrolling to the bottom of the page, and adding a few words.
Blessings! Love your work!
i guess when it comes down to it i prefer dialogue w/people and i know that the blog/comment thing ends up lots of times being people just puking their opinions out and not really listening and treasuring each other’s words.
that still does not excuse me from leaving comments of encouraging words to people. so…thanks for the challenge. i enjoy your blog lots! :)
Similar thoughts to mine may appear in other comments above (I didn’t take the time to read them), but I don’t comment on blogs simply because I (generally) don’t have anything wothwhile/impacting to add to the discussion. If I did, I would comment.
The main reason I enjoy your blog is the brevity: you make a statement that is funny or throught provoking or even profound, and that is it. No other words are required. At least, not from me…
Spelling
I frequently get discouraged from commenting on blogs because, when I don’t get a response, I feel like an idiot.
What’s the point? I can talk to myself in the shower.
I am pretty new around here, but trying to get out a complete thought in 22 words is a real difficult challenge.
Good question. I usually don’t comment for the same reason as you – it stresses me out. Or, if it’s a blog that has regular commenters, I feel like I’m interrupting.
Sometimes I don’t comment because the blog itself says enough. However, I just subscribed to your blog and if I had been commenting pretty much all you would have gotten would be “haha hilarious!” or “so true!” etc. Does your ego need that?? If so I can start commenting more often. :)
Wow seems like you have a lot of insecure readers….perhaps there should be 22 words stated on this matter…
No comment!
Seriously, when I see 99 other comments, I kinda feel mine will be lost in a pool of insignificance.
-Phil
Too little time to devote to it …or perhaps I read too many blogs. :)
what they all said…….
As I’ve seen in other comments, I tend to act on blogs the way I do in social situations – hang around the edge, listen, and only drop a word here and there if it absolutely MUST be said.
Hence the comment.
Keep up the great work.
time
I don’t like making grammatical mistakes in comments. Probably a pride issue. Also, sometimes I want to leave a more personal comment for one of my friends, and then I figure I should just write them a note or email, especially if i don’t want everyone else who reads the blog reading it.
Me too, you are not alone.
Time is a big factor. Writing for an unknown audience is not easy. And also, adding to another’s thoughts seems somewhat arrogant.
Feels icky … or mostly because I’m a INTJ.
Sometimes I need to make sure I am not shooting off my mouth. Then I just never get around to commenting.
I’m intimidated by the need to sound smart, funny or w.e the need is…
Sometimes I just don’t feel burdened to say anything. :)
no relation to the autor. either dont know them or dont know them well..
i dont comment when i have no relation to the autor. or when i dont know them or dont know them well.
*author
I have children. I barely have time to read, let alone comment!
I write quite a few comments on blogs although I delete them before submitting.
There are some blogs that I wont look at the comment section, like pulpit magazine, because of the bitter taste I am left with.
I don’t want to be drug into an argument with a bunch of people pridefully flexing their intellectual muscles.
Proverbs 17:28 says,
“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
I have my own blog, and the visitor stats remind me that most of what I have to say is of little interest to others. Hence I try not to go overboard commenting on other sites.
I worry too much about what others think of me. I want to write the “right” thing. I don’t want people to think I’m just trolling for readers for _my_ blog. I don’t want to appear uninformed or stupid. And sometimes I just don’t have anything to say. Ahhhh, pride, selfishness and fear.
Thinking my comment won’t be witty or clever enough . It will just get lost in the list of other comments – why bother – no one will read it.
Time…or the lack thereof…
brevity is the soul of wit
sometimes it is hard to say in a few words what might take more.
BUT then again,
writing and speaking are like house paint
- too much is not a good thing
i never thought of leaving a comment until now. I guess I’m too lazy to do it and my comment might be too insignificant. But I do love reading others comments esp. your blog.
it takes to long.
I think it’s odd to comment if I don’t actually know the author of the blog. I make a few exceptions.
Fear of making a grammatical error.
I went to French school but we spoke English at home. My conversational English is good and I thought I wrote pretty well until I started reading some blogs by eloquent Americans (namely you). Now I’m petrified to make a mistake!
my assumption that nobody is going to read and/or benefit from my snippet of thought 125 comments south of the original post..
Because my internet is so slow it usually times out leaving me with a blank box where all my genius once was.
(22!)
I think of a comment and write it, then edit it so it sounds better, then edit again, and by that time I think “what’s the point? I need to be doing something else.” So I delete the comment altogether.
I usually don’t feel like it’s worth my time on more popular blogs like yours. It just doesn’t feel like a “community” when there are 100 plus comments by people I’ve never heard of.
I don’t usually comment on blogs unless I know the person. And I generally don’t read comments section, anyway.
I enjoy this blog, especially because you can read it “at a glance”.
it’s like shopping when i was a kid—look, but don’t touch!
I don’t read comments often, so I don’t figure anyone will read mine. Plus if people respond to my comment I feel obliged to comment again and I don’t necessarily want that.
Commenting provides hard evidence that I’ve been surfing favorite blogs instead of doing all the other things I’m supposed to be doing!
Because I don’t want to…
1)Saying something stupid.
2)Saying something that’s already been said (I don’t usually read all the comments).
I never take the time to think of something beyond “that’s so interesting,” or “I hadn’t thought of that before.” Hardly worth posting.
I don’t usually comment because I psyche myself out and worry that noone will find what I have to say worthwhile, or I worry I will offend people with my strong opinions.
Abraham,
I think (and could be very wrong) a small part of your stressy-ness about leaving comments on other people’s blogs is the fact that you are a pretty important blogger in the blogging world (not trying to flatter, just stating the facts).
Perhaps your comments would carry a grand weight of authority and you don’t want people to feel that way about them.
Or maybe they would change the way people view you, like if you threw around free comments, they wouldn’t be that significant.
Actually right now, I think if you showed up on my blog and left me a comment I’d up and pass out.
The fact that other people read in on the conversation… feeling silly.
you never addressed me, as a non-commenter…until now. ;)
my comment has usually already been said by the time I get the blog read…
Its probably the same as yours- its a major time investment that neither me nor you have. Operating a blog is one thing…leaving comments on other blogs…well, that’s a different story. You know you’re probably going to have to check back to see who has responded to your comments or challenge you to a duel. If I get stuck on someone else’s blog conversing or debating, my kids are going to get very angry with me. Been there, done that.
TBH
See now what you’ve made me do? I’ll probably check back and see if your leave some pithy comment. :-)
I more often regret what I say than what I leave unsaid.
Same reason that I don’t blog; who cares what I have to say.
because i might say something stupid without knowing it… :)
usually I don’t even think to comment. I just enjoy reading them between classes or to take a quick break from what I’m doing. I guess today was an exception.
I actually do comment. I just don’t submit my comment. :)
I comment like I would at any other social gathering…I listen and if I feel my response would add to the conversation, I’ll say something. But if not, I’ll continue listening to/reading the other commenters.
I like to write down in my journal my response to a thought-provoking blog/sermon/song/poem/etc., but to publish it in written form for everyone to see…I have my reservations (maybe insecurities) about that.
Is it fear of man? Sometimes. Is my response too personal? Sometimes. Has it already been said? Most of the time.
Typing that dadblasted Verification word.
1. lack of time
2. possibility that someone else makes same comment
3. possibility that i wont’ be able to formulate my idea
4. possibility that when i formulate my idea it turns out to be stupid
5. lack of time/effort
6. possibility that i misread the post or previous comment and made the wrong comment
7. possibility that while finishing my comment, someone else posts the same comment
8. lack of time (perceived)
those are the initial reactions
I’m the opposite. I usually have enough to respond in the comments, but not enough content to blog about. Bummer!
[...] (This post is semi-inspired by Abraham Piper.) [...]