Probably well over 95% of our missionary blogs use comments, so I’m probably preaching to the converted. Of course, there’s more to using comments than just having them available.
So first of all, do use comments. Some of you aren’t yet using them because you’re not using software that allows them. Some aren’t using them because you’ve disabled them. Comments are the heart and soul of blogs. People love to know that they can interact with you. There’s lots of news to read on the internet – conversations are something better.
Some of you have disabled comments because of your concerns about junk comments, shall we say. It’s a valid concern. People coming to your site may not understand that you don’t necessarily endorse that online pharmacy or casino (or worse). You need to have a way to quickly get rid of or avoid these comments, without spending all your time doing it. And at this point, your blog is likely to gain traffic, not lose it – good and bad traffic. What do you do?
The best thing to do is to go and get some blog software with good spam controls available. The free WordPress, for example, has add-ons that can help filter junk comments without you even having to see them. You can also have people log in to comment, or you can check comments before they’re allowed on your site. You can also automatically allow comments from people you’ve allowed before, and hold comments from new people. You can close out the commenting on old posts. There are lots of tools on these more heavy duty blog options, such as WordPress, Movable Type and TypePad.
In Blogger, you have limited control, but you can still use comment verification, and “word verification” which at least ensures your commenter is a real person. It’s not good to leave comments in limbo for too long if you can help it – think carefully before you choose to moderate comments. It’s easier in more heavy duty software, but still requires you to act.
Here’s the other debate – how do you respond to comments? Here’s my suggestion. First, respond to most comments with a comment of your own, on the same post (this is something I’m just starting to do myself). Also, consider sending an email. You may not be able to do that all the time, but remember some people will never return, or may never check back at that post. An email may just start a new friendship. I would make this second priority, depending on your time and what type of comment it is. I don’t do this often, but sometimes. You can do other cool things with comments too. On my personal blog, I show recent posts with comments (since I’m not a super-blogger that gets comments on every post!). Check out Finding direction and look to the right.
One more thing – when you write a post, think about people who may comment. Don’t act like you know it all every time. Ask for other people’s opinions, leave room for discussion. And don’t get upset if no one comments.
In summary – it’s worth it to take a little extra time to allow comments on your site. Not only does it allow other people to have their say, it actually encourages them to read your blog more.
Many of you do this well, but here are a few examples:
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Hi Jim
Just to add about comments on Blogger.com, if you use their service you have the options of Word Verification and Comment Moderation both free of charge and very effective.
Cheers
Dean