What Is A Quality Comment?
Up until recently I have been happy with the comments that I have received on my posts both on SiteComments and the give and take thread. I will admit that I have accepted a few comments in the past that I may not accept now but it all apart of the learning process.
When I sit down to leave comments for fellow WA members I read the content carefully and try my best to leave a comment that will be helpful to that member. I always make sure it is relevant to the topic being discussed and try to ask questions when possible.If after reading the post I discover that I cannot leave a good comment I don't say anything at all.
I do not leave website feedback in a comment. I may say that I really like their site but that is about it. I believe feedback does not belong in the comment section, regardless of the type of feedback. If I want to give the website owner feedback I will message them or leave it in the give and take thread (only if its nice (: ). I really feel that it is irrelevant to the post and will not help the member in any way.
Thus far I have learned that a quality comment contains the following:
- Dialogue relevant to the topic
- Answer to a question the writer may have asked the reader to comment on.
- perhaps a question to encourage further discussion.
I am looking to the community to ensure I have properly understood the process of leaving comments for others and how to deal with comments on my posts.
I always feel the need to extend a huge thank you! I could not be doing this without the help of this wonderful community.
Melody
Recent Comments
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I'm so glad to see a positive, clarifying blog on comments. Really nice. I don't think this can be trotted by the new people too often. -Alexx
Thanks to everyone for your feedback and discussion. I really posed the question because I am still learning and really want to give and receive quality comments.The gist I am getting is the comment should always relate to the post not the general layout of the website.
That is right: Feedback about general layout is best done through the Site Feedback facility. Feedback on sites, in my view, is distinctly different from comments.
I think sometimes though we expect too much of people, the purpose of the comment is to open a doorway for the author of the site to continue the flow of conversation and add more information. The person commenting can sometimes achieve that just by adding a few words.
Any comment (unless it's spam from a robot) can do that, have a read of some of these examples especially on pages 3 & 4 of the training of how you can take the most from comments, because they can all add value it depends on how we reply to them. Managing Website Comments
I believe Steph (one of the Ambassadors) covered this important topic with a training recently. I'll paraphrase what I remember from her work and I try to do this with all my comments.
A quality comment clearly reflects that one had read and understands the post topic, and adds clear subject-elated value to the post itself. A quality comment should have a positive statement(s) about the post. Adding a personal anecdote related to topic is very nice. A question or two near the end of the comment is particularly nice.
Additional note: Comments bring diversity to your writing. We have a beautifully diverse community here at WA. Most everyone brings value to your post or site with comments.
Final thought: The only time I will reject a comment, which I have several times, is if, in my judgement, it adds no value or detracts from my site. I will even try to "fix up" some comments that are poorly written or marginal, but alas, some few are not able to be kept using my rule.
This is an important subject that needs constant reminding....especially as new people are always joining our community.
Thank you.
To be honest: The first comment I gave was actually a feedback...
But I did not know that there were two different options! :-)
So indeed, we have to explain this to new people, but I also think that you cannot blame them to make an error when it is not 100% clear.
It was only because I received a denied on my comment with the reason: "this is a feedback", that I start searching and that I found the difference.
You bring up a very valid point. My understanding is that Kyle and Carson want to hear all feedback, both positive and negative, about the site comments platform so it can be improved upon.
I don't know a solution.
What do you suggest to help new people understand?
Well, it is indeed only a suggestion: But I have already something that I wanted to suggest to Kyle concerning the Blog of Loes 'Create a test site for whatever you want to test" and now this pops up...
My first idea is: When a member starts send an automatic mail can with all those "how to's" that you have to know from the beginning of your membership.
Maybe the mail can be sent on day 2 or day 3... I don't know, it is just an idea... Maybe there are better ways...
Grtz,
Bert
Very interesting idea. Kyle is open minded to suggestions. I am sure he is aware of the speedbumps being encountered with the Site feedback.
This is a good idea to start a community discussion. Maybe write a blog with your idea and ask for community feedback. Kyle will see that too. Not only will he see your suggestion but could see what others have to suggest too.
I see a lot of discussions expressing discontent and other discussions expressing what 'we should be doing' with site feedback, but I don't see any productive discussions on how to fix the shortcomings.
I will just do that... A short brief blog, but indeed, it is the reaction that is more important...
:-) LOL
But I still can say: don't blame me, I am only Ignorant...
I am actually curious how it will go with that Blog.... ;-)
Melody,
I think people just don't know what is a good comment is until someone rejects one. This subject comes up routinely with new people.
John
It's always good to reinforce the importance of writing quality comments. This helps everyone!
ROCK ON!
E
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Here is something that might help you :) Quality Commenting: The Do's and Don'ts