Now, I admit that time has a role to play too. Often, I just don’t have enough time. Especially since I am a content producer too. I spend most of my time producing content rather than commenting on that of others. I realize that this is a problem. It is important to engage in the conversations going on around us. Not to mention the fact that we reap what we sow. And I want people to comment on my blogs too!

But what can I do to stretch my time? I don’t have a concrete solution just yet.

One more thought… I have noticed with my podcast that there has been a drop in comments on the website. Yet comments have increased on Twitter and the Facebook page. And email. Don’t know what that means exactly. But this type of feedback does build community. It’s just not on the main website.

Do you find that your readers comment on your content in other places too? If you, do you think that commenting in other places diminishes the impact of your main site?

As I was reading your above post, I had a sinking feeling I would be roped into commenting, even though this is the first time I have looked at your blog. I like it a lot so far. :)

I generally make a sincere effort to post comments on blog posts that bring value to me. I also make a dedicated effort to reply to every comment on my own blog (like you seem to do). I learned that from another blogger (his blog is no more, sadly, but it was The Return of Scipio) who did it as well. He had a strong community there, and it seemed to stem directly from his personal interaction with it.

People like to be noticed. Period.

Something that I thought of (and which I am implementing as much as possible) to help get people to participate, but more to make their invisible participation that is already going on more visible to you and others.

Instead of forcing them to rely on their own twitter sharing capabilities, provide them with a built-in one that is not only prominent but helps everyone see what is going on.

Instead of letting everyone buzz stuff on their own, do it yourself too, and join in the discussion. I have seen more discussion on my buzz feed (and on facebook) than on my blog. Even though I am sure discussion goes on where I can’t see it, but I believe this approach brings me into it a bit more, making the community more personable.

With joy and peace in Christ,
Sir Emeth Mimetes

See, it works. I’ve commented.

And, wow… very strong opinions.

Pissing people off is amazing commentbait.

You had some opinions on the Dodge Charger ad and your #manup comment and we were going to carry on the twitter convo via a blog post. I inited you to guest blog at DogWalkBlog as I too have opinions….

Generally, I’m more likely to comment if I feel like I have something to say on the subject, if I feel like I have a pre-existing (online or offline) relationship with the blogger, or if I feel like the blogger is going to read and respond to what I have to say. Similarly, the number one reason I don’t comment is because I don’t feel like I have anything to add.

In the case of your blog, I read it mostly to get new information, fresh perspectives and inspirations – benefits I don’t need to comment to access. I imagine many of your readers are in the same boat.

So I may not have a whole lot to say at the moment, but now that the lurking hurdle is cleared and I’ve commented once, I imagine that I’ll be more inclined to comment in the future.