The last Content is Queen post on comments struck a chord. Today, I offer another discussion on comments that still has me scratching my head in bewilderment.

Based on a thread from one of our social communities. Okay, I admit, I stole the topic, but it is important enough to warrant addressing. What I have to assume was a newer blogger asked, “Do you reply to your comments?” Even after I picked my jaw up from the floor and thought about it, I still don’t understand why any blogger would ask this question.

The whole point to hosting a blog–whether you blog for the love it or aim to make money blogging–is the interaction. Yes, you can have a private blog and write for therapy. I’m not addressing that sort of blog here. If you have a public blog and have comments enabled, yet don’t reply to your comments, I think you are missing the whole point to having a blog.

Why would you work so hard to get traffic and readers, then ignore their comments? We talked about the blogger that toils away posting day after day…and gets no comments. They apparently would be delighted with even a *nice post*…or *interesting idea* type comment.

This is the same situation from the other side. Your readers leave comments that add to your content. They stimulate discussion in your blog. Why would you not do them the courtesy to reply?

If they took the time to comment, then believe me, one way or another– they will be checking back to look for your reply. What kind of message do you send if you do not reply to them? In my opinion, it’s a very quick way to kill off your blog… You’re shooting yourself in the foot.

Now, if you don’t want to reply to the *nice post* comments that seem to be spam or an obvious ploy for a backlink, you can chose not to publish them from the beginning. But, if you’ve waited for validation… wondering if your visitors are even reading your posts…and finally get a comment even a generic one, you should reply.

Part of the equation of writing a blog is devoting the time to post AND answer comments. If you aren’t willing to devote that time, there are two solutions. The first may sound a bit harsh…blogging might not be for you. If you don’t wish for interaction– a static website may be more your cup of tea. Otherwise, if time is your issue, then find a college student or friend who could use a bit of extra spending money and outsource your replies.

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