Site Comments - I'm tough, me.!
After this:
Site Comments - I'm in tears...
I thought I'd have another go...
Much the same results, including the inevitable Feedback. I've PMed a couple of commenters who were nearly there, but just disapproved the unsuitable. I'm feeling more disappointment than despair. This is the way it is, I guess. Or I am unreasonably demanding, looking for a comment that is relevent and adds a little bit of value.
Many were from relative newcomers so I do sympathise. A banner at the top of the Site Comments page linking to "How To Write A Comment" might help.
Am I wrong here - does a couple of sentences constitute a comment? If it makes a contribution I'd say Yes. Quality over quantity, but short, low-qaukity comments - No.
My comments are often as long as this post. I don't want to sell any of the websites short. And I only comment on topics I know something about.
Anyway...
I think my next step is to publish a blog page called "What I expect from a comment", hope would-be commenters read it and point disapproved commenters to it.
Ian
(The Tough One!)
Recent Comments
28
Totally get you, Ian. I haven't had to reject any comments but I have edited a couple for English issues.
That said, I think some people just think a comment is just that, a comment and haven't figured out how to create the conversation by sticking to the subject and asking questions that pertain to the post.
Others are still confused as to the difference between a topic comment and constructive criticism but, I just checked the Site Comments platform and there doesn't seem to be a place we CAN offer a little "constructive criticism" type comment.
Anyway, that's all I ask when it comes to comments. Stick to the subject and DON'T offer advice about how to "Improve" someone's particular post.
If that's the way you feel about, then I wouldn't worry about deleting a few comments now and then. Yes?
Wayne
I really like the Site Comment section. I have found value in leaving comments and receiving comments on my posts. I think most people really do try and leave something of value.
Alas it is difficult being new and giving relevant and helpful comments if we dont't know very much. I find most of the sights so very informative and thats what I comment. Is it helpful maybe more to me than the writer.
Its an experience that could benefit both parties and teach different lessons.
Hi Deborah - SueKolman1 (below) has said she comments on topics she doesn't know much about. That's fine if you do some research but it's a lot more work for yourself.
Just saying how informtive an article is, is 'usually' not what's required . Most people want a comment that is relevant - not sycophantioc :-) - and allows them to add a meaningful reply to. Some peop may want other things but you specify the sort of comment you want when you put the post up for commenting.
in Site Comments you cna specify the topics you're interested in so you should not get notified of topics outside those, and you can always just close the page down if there's a post you don't like or don't want to comment on. I've done that many times after trawling half way through an illegible post :-)
There is lots of training and blog posts about how to leave a good comment. Here's just a few of the many: How to leave good comments on websites. Offering a good comment! How to write a good comment 1 How To Write A Good Comment? I sympathise with newcomers because there are no links to any How Tos on the Site Comments page itself so there is no obvious guidance.
Hope this helps.
Ian
I don't only comment on topics I know something about, but whether or not I actually learned something about that topic from reading the post. I like to visit sites I know nothing about ( like snake-care for instance) and see if I'm a bit more enlightened after having read the article. That's what I comment on! (Love the image btw!)
Me too Sue. Hey that rhymes. If I learn something then I am more likely to return and tell others about the site.
Ha! Ha! Thanks, Sue :-)
What you do is fine as long as it makes sens. I had a comment and it was obvious the person knew nothing about the topic or at least hadn't thought their argumrnt through. I won't post the gist here but PM me if you want a summary :-)
Some relevancy and a comment I can make a sensible reply to. That's all I ask...
Ian
Ian,
I have only disapproved one comment because the person made sexual advances toward me in his comment.
I am a firm believer that a comment does not need to be perfect. I went to some blogs on the internet and the average person does not leave a perfect comment.
But with that said I have had to redo or edit 3 other comments.
Just my thought process.
Laura
Hi Laura - how terrible! And that from a WA member???
I'm not looking for or expecting perfection. All I want is something relevant that I can add a meaningful reply to.
I also edit a lot fo comments rather than reject them, but there needs to be 'something' I can work with! In another thread someone said he rewrote most coments! We are paying for these and I don't think expecting a half-decent comment is asking too much.
Ian
Hey Ian,
I disagree with you somewhat because a person can be thorough in a few sentences IF they stick to the topic. I get frustrated when my comments get disapproved because I didn't stay on topic. I argue because when I read a post I take notes so I will stay on topic. Explain to me how this can be!!!
My comments are not long because I say what needs to be said in a few words. Doesn't make them wrong!!!
Tried and True
Elaine
Hi Elaine - I don't disagree with you at all :-)
But I didn't say what you think I said. Here's what I said:
"Am I wrong here - does a couple of sentences constitute a comment? If it makes a contribution I'd say Yes. Quality over quantity, but short, low-qaukity comments - No."
I have never disapproved a commnt for being short. \But I've had a series of short, generic, meaningless, throw-away comments. They may as well have copied and pasted!
Just be relevant and add some value.
I'm afraid I can't answer for other site oweners but I hope you don't have any probs with my site :-)
Ian
Perhaps a minimum of 3 months Premium or something like that needs to be instituted. I have enough headaches without adding Site Comments to that list. I am gonna wait til the problem gets better before I try and get my certified comment person status.
We do all the frontrunning so you don't have to :-)
Seriously, if you can write a half-decent comment you'll be welcomed with open arms. Go for it! :-)
You don't necessarily need 3 months experience to do this - just read the trining! 😱
What if the comment is a simple question about the subject of your post? Don't these types of comments add value as they create a dialog between you and your readers?
Quality over quantity, that's for sure, but some have neither, sadly.
I can relate to Yan's frustration.
In short, yes, great. As long as the Q isn't ansered in the post and it makes sense :-)
To quote from the post:
"Am I wrong here - does a couple of sentences constitute a comment? If it makes a contribution I'd say Yes. Quality over quantity, but short, low-qaukity comments - No."
Thanks, Spaced. Unity in solidarity.
Or something :-)
From comments on my other post it seems to happen to everyone. But now I know what to expoect and I'm hardened to it :-(
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Looks like I can do any SiteComments.