A More Constructive Way To Comment on Blogs
I rarely view blog posts twice. Even if I comment on a blog post I won’t go back to check if my comment has sparked a reaction. And I won’t subscribe to comments as I don’t want 1000′s of emails per day. Similarly, when I respond to someone who has left a comment on my blog, I doubt whether they actually view that reply. Essentially, the conversation can be as constructive as the “pretty bird” scene in Dumb & Dumber.
However, I would like to know when I am being talked about or spoken to.
My idea takes a leaf out of the Twitter handbook. WordPress and Blogger should introduce a functionality where you are notified if someone below your comment refers to your comment in the post.
Say I post a comment under the name ‘anotheradwanker’. Then, a subsequent commenter takes aim at me (this is common) and says “@anotheradwanker- you’re an idiot”. I am then alerted via email that someone on post [insert link] has replied to your comment. This allows me to go back, view the comment and respond.
This functionality will encourage conversations and debate rather than the current ‘comment and flee’ approach. I’m no IT guy but I can’t imagine that this would be too hard to implement. And with the emergence of Twitter this is a format that is now common and practised.
What do you think? Is it as bigger no-brainer as I think it is? (I promise I’ll reply… whether you see my reply is another story.)
Related posts:
You should try installing disqus. Not exactly what you are talking about but I find it very useful for tracking comments/conversations particularly if you don’t subscribe to them.
@Leigh – nice one, thanks for directing me to it. Very close to what I’m talking about. If only it was the norm for the major platforms.
I totally agree, writing & reading blogs for me is a way of opening up a conversation.
If i reply then i am joining in the conversation but its a pain in the backside having to remember where you've commented & continually returning to check if there were any updates…
If only blogger or WordPress would install a feed function…
@advertisingwanker I also do not come back and check what people have added over the top of comments. I would be keen for something like this.
Col, seems like it’s a common problem. I’m going to set up disqus for a trial to see how it goes.
I absolutely agree – it’s pretty basic stuff, but unless it happens on one’s own site, you’re likely to miss out on any follow up conversation. I’m trialing http://firef.ly/ and disqus – look forward to seeing how this works out.
@acatinatree – Cool. Well disqus in enabled for all new posts. Would be interested to hear how you go with firef.ly.
(On a side note – I was always wondering what an Acinta Tree was. I only just triggered on that you are A-Cat-In-A-Tree. I am an idiot).
Leave your response!
Another Advertising Wanker
Nathan Bush
Interactive Strategist, BCM
Brisbane, Australia
Subscribe
archive
Recent Comments
Wanker tweets...
Most Read
Most Commented
Top Comments & Smart Folk