Thursday, October 05, 2006

Extended commentary, anyone?

Recently, someone apologized for typing a lengthy response in the comments section. While I appreciate the sentiment, I'm much more concerned with the quality than the quantity of the words and sentences in my comments section.

I'm much more interested in discussions than in quick hits and drive-by commentary. That doesn't mean those things aren't welcome, but my preference is for real discussions to blossom from some blog topic or line of commentary.

Some people have different preferences for their blogs and that's cool. I probably frequent some of those sites, but I'm pretty turned-off by the ones where the bloggers ask questions, but offer no answers. Again, do your thing. I'm just not always in the mood for that type of limited interaction.

I find myself getting bored when a bunch of folks are just talking at one another, as opposed to talking TO one each other - as a general rule, anyway.

My favorite blog moments are often when someone makes a comment, someone responds to it, then the first person follows-up on that statement. There's an exchange of ideas. Even if they never agree, I'm pleased when one person considers the words of another, then shares his or her impression.

I find that to be pretty stimulating, but maybe you don't.

Some folks may be turned off by someone posting a blog entry, inviting commentary, then telling the commenters how he or she agrees or DISagrees with them. They may interpret that as the DIScouragement of discussion.

Whether you have a blog or not, what do you think about "long" responses, back-and-forth commentary and discussion, etc.?


edit:
By the way, there's room for all opinions. I just wondered what some of you thought about this.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't mind long responses. Some people are more prolific than others.

Back and forth commentary is fine but I can't always promise that I'll respond to the comments on my blog. If time permits I will do so. Same thing for participating in discussions on other blogs. I usually make my comment and keep it moving. Interesting. Does that mean that I don't care about the opinions of others? I just thought about that. If I did that in everyday life I would be considered pretty rude. I'll try to do better.

West said...

re: "I don't mind long responses. Some people are more prolific than others.

Back and forth commentary is fine but I can't always promise that I'll respond to the comments on my blog."


"Always" is a toughie for anyone, I think. As a general rule, though, some folks say, but don't stay due to time constraints, lack of interest, or any number of reasons.

That's okay, too.

re: "If time permits I will do so. Same thing for participating in discussions on other blogs. I usually make my comment and keep it moving. Interesting. Does that mean that I don't care about the opinions of others?"

I try not to assume. Some folks read other people's thoughts without feeling the urge to respond.

re: "I just thought about that. If I did that in everyday life I would be considered pretty rude. I'll try to do better."

I just wanted to share my opinion and find out if I'm in the minority (which I seemed to be). I wasn't really trying to influence anyone.

But it's true that more chele commentary is always welcome. :)

princessdominique said...

Okay, first of all I thought I was at your old or starter blog when I saw the pink. I commend you guy for going pink, I applaud breast cancer awareness I just wish domestic violence awareness month which is also the month of October too got that same treatment. I wish there was a way to turn my blog purple :( but I think that yes stimulating discussion is refreshing. I like reading posts that inform ie. a new product and how it works as well as people telling you about their Friday night not really looking for feedback but rather putting it out there and letting people say what they have to say. There are those who ask for advice too and I really like those. I think the interaction is good but you're right, it depends on why people blog. I've found myself responding to some comments on my blog but then not others. If a topic on someone else's blog really strikes a nerve good or bad, I'll make a comment and follow up and may make another comment based on the ongoing dialogue. It's better than watching internet porn.

West said...

re: "I just wish domestic violence awareness month which is also the month of October too got that same treatment."

I'm thinking about splitting the month between the two. Maybe half-way through, I'll change to purple.

I don't see why you couldn't. There's probably a color code in your template that can be changed from xyxyxyxy (for black) to yxyxyxyx (for purple).

If your system administrator can't/won't do it, I'd be surprised if one of the more tech-savvy folks couldn't help you out.

Anonymous said...

I thought I was really abnormal but not only do I read the entire blog from the beginning if I find the latest entries intriguing but I read and respond to comments (old and new)

James Meeley said...

My thoughts are that i prefer a longer reply from folks. It shows, not only the passion they have for the topic or issue, but consideration towards those wwhom they are discussing the matter with.

Too many people, both bloggers and commentators, use short and canned replies way too often. If you reacted like that to people in real life, people would think you're nothing but a jerk.

I've always felt, that if you can't give the time and consideration to expressing your views, that you should either refrain from doing so, or wait until you have the time to do it right.

I like that you not only like, but employ this same line of thinking, West. It's part of why I enjoy coming around here so much. Don't change a thing. Maybe you can start a trend with others, by leading by example. :)

princessdominique said...

Thanks West. I'll look into that or at the very least a ribbon and a post about it.

Luke Cage said...

Hey West, sorry I've been MIA from ya buddy. This is one of my favorite blogs so you know I had to chime in on this discussion. Lets get it going:

What do you think about long responses?
I love long responses as long as someone is offering a story or perspective that I was not aware of or did not consider. I don't normally get long responses and the commenter is not aware of what they are talking about or if they are writing just to be writing so they can be seen as saying something.

I don't get too many of those. I have thinkers, I have intellectuals, I have passionate people who when they comment on my blog, they truly do have something to say and I welcome that so I truly don't have a problem with long comments.

Back-and-Forth Commentary:
My wife was the one who introduced me to Black Planet back in the day so that I could interact. The interaction there was not what I really preferred but the blog world allows me to interact on a much more intellectual level.

I love the back and forth commentary and discussions as long as it doesn't get out of hand. You of all people know how it can get man. One person doesn't agree with a view point of yours or mine, takes a swipe at us, and hey we are men. We're going to take a swipe back. Or sometimes, as I've seen you do, take the high road and let that other person wallow in their self-appointed greatness.-lol-

I frown against flame wars though. I've always hated that and I hate that I didn't just delete that anon's nonsense a few weeks ago. Sometimes, you hope that you can reach someone through being laid back and civil and regain some form of composure, but it won't work if only one person's doing it. Wishful thinking...

As always a pleasure man...

Art Williams said...

I love the back and forth commentary. I said this before, I thought that's what blogs were FOR.

Michael May said...

The stuff I post in my blog doesn't usually generate long discussions, but I certainly wouldn't mind it if it did.

I love that exchange of thoughts that you mention and I wish I had time to engage in those more often than I do.