This post about commenting will give you an idea about what it feels like to read your comments from a blogger’s perpective.
There’s no new recipe today.
Instead, I’m going to share something a little different. I’m going to write about something many bloggers struggle with, in an attempt to let you understand what’s going on on the other side of the computer, so to speak.
I’m talking about comments; yes, the messages you, as readers, leave below our recipes, stories, photos, on Facebook posts, Instagram shots, and tweets–you get the picture.
These may seem inconsequential to you, but to a blogger, especially a blogger who has spent…
- 1/2 – 3 hours going to the grocery store to buy ingredients he/she didn’t have in order to make a dish, or looking for specific equipment needed for that recipe
- 1 – 3 hours making and shooting photos of each individual step
- 1 – 2 hours cleaning up (I’m a messy cook!)
- 1 – 2 hours uploading and editing those aforementioned shots
- 1 – 4 hours writing, researching and editing the actual post and recipe
with no monetary compensation, it means a lot.
Sometimes we carry our creations up mountains for photo shoots, and that’s not included in the time frame!
In fact, most of the time, comments are the only reward we receive, and that’s if they are complimentary. This means for each post, most of us are spending 4 1/2 to 14 hours working without pay, and that doesn’t include the time we spend promoting it on social media to lead readers to our sites.
WHY BLOGGERS LOVE POSITIVE COMMENTS
Those 50 words that April wrote below my Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe post (top photo) made my day. However, most readers never comment, and I do understand why, because it takes time to do so and many of us just feel so rushed all the time that we don’t do unnecessary things, like comment on blogs.
However, if you come to my side of the the blogging world for just a moment, you’ll also understand why it’s so frustrating for bloggers not to hear from readers, or to only receive negative feedback after all of our hard work. It doesn’t take much to give a little in return in appreciation for the work we do on the recipes, reviews and articles we post.
Comments such as Adrianna’s are so enthralling to receive; it’s truly a tonic!
Picture this scenario: you are doing your job without a paycheck (or 5% of what you’re currently earning), and no one really acknowledges you, or better yet, berates you for how you are doing your job. This is how it feels to me when I receive a comment dictating that my recipe is wrong, made incorrectly, didn’t turn out properly due to their mistake, or even worse, attacking me personally (it’s happened.)
Of course there are some bloggers who do well monetarily with their sites, or get so popular that they cannot respond to all their comments. Then the shoe’s on the other foot and the reader is the one who’d love to get a response from that celebrity blogger, for example.
Look at this lovely comment from a reader on the very last post on one of my favorite sites, Poires au Chocolat, when Emma had posted that she was retiring her blog~
I think it’s such a shame that Jeannette never expressed her feelings to Emma about her blog earlier to let her know how much she enjoyed it. Who knows if Emma ever saw this comment?
Another reason bloggers love comments below our recipes is so that readers can look at others’ opinions of the recipe. When you see lots of comments saying how great my sausage roll recipe is from lots of random commenters, doesn’t it make you feel as though it’s a more reliable recipe? I know I do. It’s like reading the reviews on Amazon before purchasing a product, or Tripadvisor comments before booking a hotel.
I wanted to add to this post about commenting, that if no one comments on our posts, there’s no barometer for other readers to know if it’s a good recipe, other than taking the blogger’s word. I know I pride myself on putting the best quality, tried and tested recipes on my site, but it’s great when readers tell me it worked for them in their kitchens, too.
HIDDEN READERS
I can’t tell you how many times someone has said to me, “Oh, I made your _____ recipe and it was amazing!” or “I make your _____ soup all the time and my family loves it!” or “I love your blog. I really enjoy your writing and pictures”, but I had no clue they were even looking at my site.
Of course, this most often comes from a few friends, family members, and acquaintances and I am dumbfounded that they don’t write me a little note below the recipe just to say so. I mean, it’s me, they know me–so why so “hush-hush”? I don’t know, but after talking to many other bloggers, the consensus is: our family and close friends are our worst fans/readers. Most of them don’t even follow our blogs, which is why it’s so easy for me to write this–they’ll never see it!
WHY MOST BLOGGERS HATE FACEBOOK
Then there’s the nemesis of almost all bloggers: Facebook. Facebook used to be great; they used to share our posts with all, or almost all of our followers, but later decided to go a different route and charge us to have that happen.
Most of us cannot afford to spend $60 to have something like this Cream of Mushroom soup post be seen by all of our readers; and as you can see, Facebook showed this post to only 392 of my over 12,400 readers. Nice, huh?
Clicking “like”, sharing or commenting (which includes just an emoticon, like a smiley or thumbs up) helps keep us in readers’ news feeds, but if we don’t ask, and I hate to ask, it doesn’t happen, except for a handful of super great readers who always “like” and comment (thank you, Dottie and others; you know who you are)!
And of course I’m not implying that readers should write a comment on every single post you see, it’s just that a lot of loyal readers never comment or give feedback.
COMMENTS WE’D RATHER NOT SEE
Once in a while, we will receive a nasty comment, something hurtful or rude and it is hard to completely ignore it, but we try. Even just reading “yuck” on a post, after all the work we’ve done can feel like being hit below the belt, so please, think twice before writing something that actually doesn’t accomplish anything.
If you don’t like something, I’d advise looking for another recipe or photo that you do like. We’re offering a free service, and it just doesn’t seem fair to be chastised for it, don’t you agree? Megan at Country Cleaver wrote a post describing how these comments can spiral out of control. It’s simply unnecessary.
COMPANIES and BLOGGERS
To add insult to injury, many times companies will approach bloggers and ask us to create a brand new recipe and blog post (the time for creating a new recipe is not included in the list above) in exchange for a handful of coupons for their $4 product, or better yet, for exposure on their site. Where else in the business world does a company expect another company to work for free?
Of course there are wonderful companies which truly value bloggers, such as the Idaho Potato Commission which even features bloggers on their site (you’ll find me there)!
(May 22, 2015) I am editing this post to add another company which really appreciates bloggers, Tieks! If you’ve never heard of them, you will and it’s because not only is their product fabulous (Italian leather ballet flats), but just look at this surprise gift they sent to me as a thank you for supporting their company!
This beautiful Tieks hat box held a Thrive Market Gold lifetime membership and gift card, Alex and Ani bracelet, Thirdlove gift card and lingerie, Yogitoes mat, Coola sunscreen, custom Tieks notebook, Anastasia Beverly Hills make up, Philosophy moisturizer, Sprinkles cupcake mix and two tickets to a Broadway show (yes, in NYC!) It also included a lovely personalized hand written card, which to me really is the icing on the cake! I love Tieks, and now I know the feeling is mutual!
OUR FAVORITE COMMENTERS
On the other hand, sometimes a reader sends in a photo of something they made with one of our recipes and that is the absolute best! Seeing our recipes “in action” is brilliant–I mean, just look at these doughnuts!
Whether each blogger is writing and posting as a hobby or as a means to support their family, or is going in the red for their page or making $30,000/month, we all love to know that you’re seeing our work.
So please keep these things in mind the next time you use a blogger’s recipe, or you see one of our posts on social media: a “like”, double tap, smiley face, “thanks!” or a few words can make it all worthwhile for us to continue cooking and baking up a storm for you–it’s simple, we love what we do.
It’s just really nice to hear that you’re out there reading our words, appreciating our photography and using our recipes. I hope this post about commenting gives you a little perspective from my side.
Thanks for the commenting love–in advance. (Cheesecake recipe from the photo below.)
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post about commenting
Hello Christina, I agree with every word. I just found your blog today and am anxious to try your recipes. The comments that drive me most crazy are those that describe significant changes which result in a completely different product! For example “Thank you for your wonderful recipe! I used half the sugar, swapped vanilla for almond flavoring, replaced the butter with apple sauce, and eliminated the nuts. It was wonderful!” Although I empathize with your feelings, I warn against taking some of the negative comments very seriously — sadly, it’s a sign of today’s times. Just know that 99.99999% of us appreciate all the time and effort that goes into your beautiful creations.
Hi Jen, yes you are right! While those changing the recipe but still enjoying it are strange (why didn’t they follow the recipe?) the worst are the ones that change it, hate it and give a 1 star review! Crazy, right? Thank you for your kind words, as you know from reading this post, I truly appreciate them! Enjoy whichever recipes you try and let me know how you like them! Thanks again, CC
Loved reading every word in this post! I wouldn’t say it better myself! So much time, effort and dedication is going into our blogs and content, and others often don’t realise that. Receiving a positive or encouraging comment from the audience is always the best reward! Thank you for spreading the word out there!
THank you, Anna. I appreciate it.
Thanks for sharing.
I love food blogs. Thanks for taking out your precious time for collecting the best food blogs around the world in one place. That’s really helpful for all the foodies in the world.
You have a beautiful blog and website. Really awesome information you have shared. Thank you so much.
Thanks for writing this wonderful info
Thanks for sharing your information.This article will help for Your eloquence in portraying what so many bloggers secretly feel is both stunning and inspiring. I am so grateful for all of your hard work that you put into your blog, and for your willingness to share so much of yourself with your readers. Thank you Christina
WOW! that is am,azing article …keep it up
Keep entertain us over these blogs.
Hey Christina, Thanks for sharing such valuable information with us, I really like your content please keep sharing such nice content your website will waiting for it.
I Like that kind a nice
Blog. keep’s continuous your writing.
Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us. I really like the content present on your website and keep sharing like this.
Thank you very much for your post. Keep posting . Waiting for your next post.
I am also a blogger. It feels good when people appreciate your efforts. But those who drop negative comments actually break my heart.
I know, Hina. I know of some bloggers who actually are reduced to tears after reading some really negative comments. It’s a form of bullying at times, and just unacceptable.
Thank you for sharing this post, keep sharing
It is very helpful post.
Thank you for sharing valuable info with us.
The recipe of the muffins and cheesy cake is so amazing I tried it very first time today and it was wonderful and the family member loved it. thank you for sharing such good recipe
You’re welcome!
This was such a lovely post. This reminds me that I need to take a few more minutes and comment on recipes that I’ve tried.
Thank you, Lillian. :)
Thank you so much for your valuable post. Keep posting . Waiting for your next post.
After half an hour scrolling down all these comments :-P… You are so right and it is still so true. Family and friends are the worst followers because they don’t follow and never comment, I thought that really very odd. Or if they do they send a comment in an Email! That doesn’t make sense to me. I stopped hoping people would say something. I use my blog as my own recipe collection and for travel memories. Nonetheless I know that there are more than a 1.000 readers every day. That’s OK, I love the few ‘commenters’ (like you, thank you very much!) and to look up my recipes, to see my photos (which I often like much more after a while) and to do my research for my travels. It all makes me rich: of experience, knowledge and fun.
I agree, Heidi, I think we just have to move forward as we can’t change or convince anyone to look at our sites. It’s sad, but nothing we can do.
You’re welcome, I wish I had more time to comment on all my blogger friends’ sites! It’s hard, but if we all do something to try to help, I think it makes a difference. I agree with you and I hope you continue to travel and share! Happy New Year! xx
[…] A Post About Commenting from a Blogger’s Perspective […]
Appreciated for sharing this blog. I really like this blog.
Thank you very much, Samir!
Just subscribed to this. I love your blogs and now I will become more conscious about always commenting.
Aww, thank you, Lorraine. I truly meant this to be directed to people who are writing nasty comments (that’s what triggered me to write the post). However, any (positive or constructive) comments are always appreciated! Thank you!! :)
A fellow blogger shared your post today and I wanted to say HEAR HEAR!
I’ve been blogging for over 8 years and the blogging world has changed so much in that time – it’s so much harder to attract those readers given the incredible number of blogs out there, so many of which are bloody AMAZING!
So comments from readers make such a huge difference, it’s so good to know when people have appreciated your content!
Thank you, Kavey! I know that all bloggers can relate to the sentiment I shared on this post. Agreed, so many fabulous sites out there, it’s hard for people to keep commenting everywhere, but those nasty people just need to STOP! Thanks for stopping by, Kavey!
This is very meaningful blog. i enjoyed reading it. it is such a wonderful thing to get a comment on your blog or article. Keep the best things coming…!!!
Your site is the first one I go to when I’m looking for a recipe. They are all wonderful. I will be sure to comment when I make something. As well I love reading your recommendations on travel. I’m going to Italy next week so will be checking out your recommendations. And I can’t wait to try the ones in Britain. As soon as someone mentions they are going to Britain I recommend your site. I hadn’t realized just what goes into your work but I will be more mindful in the future.
I have only today read your post – a bit late to the party. Firstly, let me say I enjoy reading both your food and travel posts. Always very informative. I am also guilty of not commenting and I can understand the reason you like to read comments, but, I really dislike reading comments from people who just like the pictures and haven’t made the recipe and probably will never make it. There is nothing like receiving praise for a job well done especially when you have spent many hours and dollars in producing it.
The comments I like to read are from the people who have taken the time to make the recipe and can tell you how they liked the results of their effort and can pass on little hints in its production. It may be ages before I will ever get round to using your recipe, but, I am an avid recipe collector and all of yours that I have liked but not made are in a special file marked ‘Christina’s Cucina’ waiting for the day when I can make it and comment on it. By then you won’t be reading comments for that particular recipe but I will have all the helpful hints from the people that did make it.
Please don’t be disheartened by all the people who love to read your writings and don’t get around to commenting – and ignore all the nasty comments from jealous people who have never done much and only like to criticise. There are a lot of us who love what you do. And I will endeavour to make some of your goodies soon so I can tell you how great they were. ?
Oh thank you so much for this, Mary! It means a lot to me, but just let me say that I get notification of every comment made on my recipes, just like this one. No matter how old the recipe is, I will be able to respond to questions if someone is making it, and usually respond within the day, unless I happen to be traveling.
I totally agree with you about the comments from others who have never made the recipe, but sometimes as bloggers, we just try to support each other and give a kind word.
Thank you for taking the time to write this and I’m THRILLED that I have my own file!!! :) Please let me know if you ever have any questions when you get around to making the recipes you want to make, or just to say, “I made it!”
Thanks so much, Mary!! Have a lovely week!
I’m so honored to have been a part of this post! I love the way you write about things that are important, things that no one says because we (in general) are so afraid of offending or alienating our readers. I love how you stand up for things you are passionate, even if on the surface they may seem like no big deal. Salt in oatmeal!! Pasta with sauce!! Recipes that don’t include a cake mix!! Keep writing, friend, you are an inspiration :)
passionate about* lol
Oh dear, I’ve somehow missed responding to you, April! I am so sorry! I hate it when that happens! Thank you for your incredibly lovely comments-I really appreciate them. Happy to share your wonderful doughnuts, too! Thanks for your support, April! :) CC
I have to comment because you are one of my favorite bloggers. Not only do I love your recipes, but I appreciate your travel photos and stories. Be encouraged!
Sorry, sorry, sorry Jeanne! Don’t know how I missed your comment here from January! Eeek! Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words and encouragement! :)
Christina, I love your blog! I’ve saved so many of your recipes, and I plan to try them all. Your photos are wonderful, and they show us what our versions should look like, even if they don’t meet up with your standards! I love reading about the fabulous places your visit and seeing your lovely photos. Keep up your good work. We value your efforts more than you know!!
Oh thank you so much, Donna, you are so sweet, but I hope I don’t come across as being too perfectionistic :( I’m like that with my own bakes, but I honestly am delighted whenever anyone who doesn’t bake much, even attempts to make something. Thanks again, Donna! :)
I agree with you that when I look at comments I am looking for reviews from people that actually cooked it. I want to see if they made any changes or have suggestions. Is it worth my time making? Unfortunately a lot of blogs only have comments from other bloggers looking to promote themselves. They say things like ” I am literally drooling on the computer.” “That looks so tasty I could eat my keyboard.” “OMG I have been craving that lately and am just dying.” How does that help me? I do make comments on blogs. I tell people if the recipe was delicious or if you should cook it longer or less, or if I made a tweak. I tend to trust those types of blogs more than the ones that just have silly comments from other bloggers.
Totally agree with you Anne, however we are a rather tight knit community and bloggers do comment on each others’ posts to support each other. The problem is when there are ONLY comments from other bloggers and you have no idea if it’s a good recipe or not, especially if you don’t know if it’s a recipe that’s actually been made in a kitchen (I know of one blogger in particular who buys photos and makes up a recipe to go with the photo and could almost guarantee she never makes the recipe). How do I know this? She brags about how easy food blogging is! Scary and sad that people are using her recipes. You can rest assured, mine are tried and tested and often are recipes I’ve been making for years and years. Thanks for your comment! :)
Hi! I have just found your blog today. So much to respond to in this post. I am guilty of not commenting on recipe blogs mostly because after locating all needed ingredients and getting the whole deal created, I, too, have a messy kitchen to manage! I am also frustrated with the way Facebook works, but suspect that frustration will soon come to a head and that platform will dwindle. Something new will replace it. I get that making it, and making it look so pretty is time consuming. No one is forcing bloggers to carry on at a deficit, though. The deal about family members is as Jesus said about a prophet being dissed in his hometown. You are in good company there! Finally, and I don’t know if this is just the fault of my Android device, but getting through the ads or sometimes allllllll the woooooords to get to the reason I am at a particular blog, is quite cumbersome. Many bloggers are too much in love with their own words. Sometimes I want to ask the blogger, in real time, “Why are we here, again?”
Dear Inez, You have an interesting take on bloggers being in love with their own words. If you have a blog and would care to share a link to that blog then we can check it out and see how you do it. You got a bit wordy there yourself…so…why are we here again?
Bloggers are passionate about their subjects. The investment in time and materials comes at the expense of everything else – learning more about their subject, their families and relationships. It expands the process of making something by 3 or 4 times with all the preparation and the photography of the process – then the actual setting up of the post.
If bloggers get a bit wordy it is the passion and wanting to explain themselves well to their followers and readers.
Sharing what we have learnt is the intention not narcissism. Sharing is what drives us.
We could have written the stuff in a book and sold it … instead we give the information away for free.
WELL SAID, Susi!!
I agree with everything Susi said.
Inez, a blog by it’s true definition is a “regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.” With that considered, bloggers are going to blog. That’s why “we’re here”. I’d hate to know how you feel about authors who write entire books!
If you just want recipes, there are tons of sites such as AllRecipes that are completely impersonal and give you an ingredients list + direction.
So, why are you “here”?
Very good points, Dana. I always feel that those who don’t like my blog can find one they DO like as we can never please everyone. But then again, there are some people who can just never be pleased.
Hi Inez, I have read through your comment twice and am confused about what you are trying to say, so I’m at a loss at how to respond.
Christina, you have no idea how many of your fabulous recipes I have saved. The ones I have tried have all been delicious. Keep up the good work! There are many of us who really appreciate your wonderful posts with interesting commentary and beautiful photos. Carry on!
Thank you SO much for letting me know, Donna! I am very happy to hear it and it does make me want to carry on! :)
Thank you Christina, for a wonderful post. I thought I was the only blogger around that felt like you do…that simple act of finding someone like oneself and their feelings relieves the isolation. I have been soap blogging for 3 years and have 54 followers and have only received 8 comments in that time. My stats show that my blog posts are being read and shared around but no comments follow from the posts. Those disparaging ones are the ones that do hit below the belt. Being copied without credit hurts even more. Thank you for all you do. I will be following you closely now that I have extra time on my hands for cooking as I won’t be blogging. Susi in Adelaide South Australia
Thanks so much for letting me know, Susi. I can assure you, you are NOT alone! Most bloggers I speak to all fee the same as us, from the smallest following to the largest, it’s epidemic. However, only 8 comments in 3 years sounds absolutely horrible. What incentive does that give you? I hope all of those 8 were at least positive ones! Is this the reason you’re dropping out of blogging? Happy to have you pop by anytime, Susi! CC
What wonderful points, well put and thought out. Most people don’t realize the amount of love that goes into a blog – especially food or DTY blogs. I’ve spend hours researching the history of a dish or a tradition behind something, and those “likes” or kind words of encouragement make my day. Thank you so much.
No, they don’t realize it, Rosemarie, but worse than no comments are the disparaging ones. Thank you for stopping by!
What a well written post! My worst is when someone I know leaves a rude comment on my blog because they think they are better :)
Lovely, aren’t they? :( CC
I just came across this posting as I was reading your email newsletter on your daughter.. which by the way.. zowie.. thank you for the heads up info AND hugs to all who have experienced by way of sideways unknown allergen.
.. back to the reason I’m posting. I started reading food blogs while recovering in hospital. It made me feel less isolated sterile and lost. Kitchens and happy mom’s at home who can do anything and photograph it like a pro..well that’s just inspiring. I rarely write because there are usually 299 previous comments , usually the usuals, and they all love whatever.. made the recipe–built that wall–crafted that thing.. superbly.. and I’m laying in a bed. Thinking.. what can I possibly add to all that? A mundane.. hey I loved it? After the 3rd or so time.. no one would even notice. It isn’t those posts you quoted here am I right.. it’s those .. I’ve done.. I’ve learned.. blah..that even I enjoy reading.
There is a certain ego I still poses so.. I just read on. Smile to myself.. mentally preparing each recipe when I can’t physically. And saving every recioe I love for… that rainy day.. my day when I can bask in the glow of.. I’ve learned.
I have written to various bloggers when there posted something very close to my heart…or when I’ve noticed they are not “there” anymore.. which lately happens more than I like. Selfishly each blog is like a room in a home that you enjoy.. and then the door closes.. and it’s a hollow space .
I’ve written to those.. and a few wrote back. I was .. surprised. . But more.. thrilled. I mattered. This little voice . A no one .. and they wrote back. I count those people as truly elegant souls.
Like you. Tho you have written to me, you do answer people in comments and by way of this post.. you share that you care. We may all be faceless.. some of us voiceless.. but you acknowledge. . We’re here and that it matters.. more than the dollar more than the numbers.. because you began a blog to speak to us as it were.. and in any given conversation you enjoy having us “speak ” with you.
I hope your audience always listens with their hearts and speaks kindly with their keyboard! For as long as you’re happy .
~Blue
Dear Blue, I can’t even tell you how much your comment means to me. It actually made me tear up, and that’s the first time that’s happened with a blog comment! The first thing I want to say to you is that NO ONE is a no one. Just because someone is famous or rich or noticeable, doesn’t make them more valuable. I’m sorry to hear that you had some health issues, and hope you are no longer recovering in the hospital.
You are correct, I do value my readers which is why I won’t “sell out” and promote brands I don’t believe in, or tell you to buy a product, whether it is an ingredient or an appliance, that I wouldn’t buy myself. I choose to do posts that might not be popular, but that I feel strongly about. I honestly think readers can tell who is honest, and who is out to make a quick buck, and if I don’t stay true to myself, then my readers will know it immediately and I will have lost everything I have gained. I do love to hear from my readers, and truly appreciate you reaching out to tell me how you feel, Blue. I’m so happy that you did.
I too hope that my audience listens with their hearts and speak kindly with their keyboards! What a lovely way to phrase it! Hope you are better, and thank you so much for this wonderful comment! <3 Christina
[…] catch on and then you’ll look like an [email protected]!^*#%. I recently read a piece about commenting on food blogs over at Christina’s Cucina that got me really excited. I felt so connected with what she […]
Christina, I’m new to your blog, visiting for the first time today. How can it be that, of the two posts I’ve read so far, they both could have been written by me?! We are definitely on the same wavelength! Thank you for this post; I’ll be tweeting about it now.
Wonderful to hear, Jean! And thank you so much for tweeting my post! Come back soon! CC
Christina, I couldn’t have said any more than you have. So well put! Thank you for the read and the inspiration. I make absolutely nothing from my blog and don’t even have any advertising. I know, what’s the point of blogging, then? Because it’ a hobby and so yes, when someone comments it means the world to us. By the way, this post must have taken ages to prepare. I don’t know how you do it – just preparing the photos takes me forever, and that’s before the writing! Bravo. I am loving your site and wish I had discovered it sooner. Better late than never.
Thanks so very much, Jill! I am honored and humbled by your comments. Yes, my posts take me a long time as I really try to post quality over quantity. I’m so glad you found me too, or else I wouldn’t have discovered your lovely blog, either, and I’m always happy to connect with someone from home! :) CC
If you stopped blogging and posting recipes you could make pefiteroles all day. Then you could give them all to me and cousin Dave. Then we might send you thank you notes. Everyone knows thank you notes are better than comments any day. Pefiteroles aren’t for everyone so if Christina gives you some I recommend not eating them. Just send them to Cousin Dave instead. He might send you a thank you note then.
Hahaha! Of course YOU would comment on my Cream Puff post, Jon! :) I’ll let you know if I ever start a profiterole company…you never know! CC
I am late to the game after 114 comments. Wow! You’ve set your commenting on fire with your excellent reporting about being a food blogger. I attribute the low amount of comments I receive on my blog to thinking people are too shy or want to be private. Hard to believe in the world of Facebooking every detail of their lives! That being said, I yearn to know whether people made my recipes and if they worked out for them. Friends do give me updates in person or even email me about their successes. I ask them to post their review in my comments, but it never happens. C’est la vie!
Isn’t that funny, Patricia? A post about commenting and I have 115 comments now! Yes, it would be lovely to hear from those readers who have made our recipes and learn what worked for them, if they made any changes or anything they could tell us, really! As you said, c’est la vie! :( CC
What a great post. I would love to not care about comments, but sometimes I can’t help it and I become obsessed with the subject. That’s when I go through the blogs I follow and click on “unfollow.” Because there should be give and take. Sure it takes time to comment, but its important, and this blogging thing shouldn’t be one-sided. On the plus side, I’ve actually met four bloggers in person, and that has been so much fun. And that’s why the commenting is important. The people who don’t are really missing out in that food blogger community that develops from the communication.
Very good points, Mimi! I agree, there should be a give and take and no relationship works when it’s only one-sided. I also agree that it’s so much fun to meet bloggers in person after “getting to know them” on their sites! Glad you stopped by! I appreciate your thoughts! CC
Your eloquence in portraying what so many bloggers secretly feel is both stunning and inspiring. I am so grateful for all of your hard work that you put into your blog, and for your willingness to share so much of yourself with your readers. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Christina!
So kind and sweet of you to say that, Mandy! What a lovely comment; I’m truly so appreciative~ You are SOOOO welcome! CC
[…] [1] Blogging is fun. But it is also a lot of work! Bloggers spend many hours writing their posts and that is only just the beginning. In order to get anyone to see what you actually wrote you have to promote it. I have worked in digital marketing in corporate America for many, many years and I understand the principle of the “90-9-1 Rule for Participation Inequality in Social Media and Online Communities” developed by the great Nielsen Norman Group. That means no matter how large or small your blog is, generally speaking only about 10% are actually going to do anything with your post, the rest are lurkers who come to visit, read and then leave. Knowing that still doesn’t make it easy! Something that my friend Christina of Christina’s Cucina wrote about recently. […]
Thank you for putting into words what so many bloggers feel! As a blogger, it can be so discouraging. As a reader, I do try to comment on several posts I read each day, but I know that there are a whole lot more I should comment on. Big virtual hug to you!
Thanks, Kris! I think we’ll always seek guilty because we want to be able to comment on all of our favorite blogs all the time, but it just isn’t possible. However, commenting once in a while is doable and appreciated by all of us bloggers! I know you understand! :) Thanks so much! <3
I was directed here by a friend, never having seen your wonderful food blog before. My own blog is “dark” at the moment because I am fairly fed up with a lot of things going on in the world of blogging, and not just the lack of comments. I agree that it is very disheartening. Many bloggers have folded their tents and just gone away. I did once, even deleted my blog altogether, but I missed the connections with kindred spirits. I plan to keep my blog private, which on the Blogger format limits me to 100 guests. But that is OK. I am dragging my feet about issuing the invitations because I keep thinking, “What’s the point?” I do not blog for money, and do not allow any ads at all. I just like the creative interchange with others with whom I have something in common. I do not like some of the trolls who leave nasty comments, try to attach malware to my blog or steal my content. I hate Facebook, and have deleted my account, not once but twice. I will definitely subscribe and visit you, but I cannot guarantee I will comment each time.
Hi Scribbler, I’m so sorry to hear how disheartened you feel at the moment, and I can understand how one does get to that point. I hope you are able to find a blogging style/audience that meets your needs and fulfills you without having you feel disappointed. It is a difficult thing to put yourself out there, only to have some people berate you, I understand.
Thank you so much for subscribing to my blog, but please don’t feel as if I was saying that everyone who reads any of my posts should leave a comment every single time, as that would be asking WAY too much! I simply meant that I’d love to hear from readers every once in a while, even once a month would make my day! :) Thanks so much for your support and I do hope things work out for you! CC
Thanks so much for putting into words what so many of us bloggers feel!
Thank YOU, Heather for letting me know you appreciate my post! CC
Wow…. What a powerful read. As a fellow food blogger, I feel your pain, but I’m also guilty for not always leaving comments on fellow bloggers pages. Thank you for posting this, I feel inspired!
Thanks so much, Melanie! The truth is that none of us can always comment on every post we read, however we can from time to time and spread the love between all our favorite sites. I know that a lot of loyal readers are reading and using our recipes and not even letting us know that they enjoy our work, ever. That’s mostly why I wrote this post. Thanks for stopping by and commenting! :) CC
Hi Christina! If this would be a speech from someone that is running for “presidential blogger”, to represents us as bloggers, be sure you would absolutely be our favourite candidate !! You did nail it! I´m so glad I met you through dear Suzanne. :)
You are much too kind, Viviana! Thank you so much. And the feelings are mutual-so happy I got to meet you too, through Suzanne! :)