Thanking commenters

[FlamingoBingo]

I've always replied to people who comment on my blog for a number of reasons. I feel it's polite, fosters goodwill, and I want to build a relationship with the people who read my blog.

Anyway, someone on Twitter (waves if you're reading this!) has just said that bloggers shouldn't do it...

Why? What do you do? Does it annoy you to be thanked?

Does it annoy you to be thanked when you comment on a blog, I mean?

I always thank anyone who comments on my blog or I comment on their comment if you see what I mean. There have been some blogs I've been really interested in and followed, and made comments on and NEVER get any response, to me it seems very rude to ignore people who've taken the time to read and add a comment, I have unfollowed a blog on occaision because of this. So yes I think it's very rude to ignore people who comment.

I try to reply to all of the comments on my blog but haven't been able to keep up lately as I am so busy with work, the books, boys and other stuff that I really shouldn't have taken on. In fact, I've even been considering closing my blog until I have time to reply to comments because I've felt so bad about sparking conversation and then not having time to actually participate! :(

However, I've also noted that loads of my favourite bloggers never seem to reply to ANYONE and that doesn't actually bother me at all so maybe I'm worrying too much?

Hi, yes forgot to mention it's easy for me to reply to comments because I don't actually get that many, I can imagine if you have a hugely popular blog like yours MmeGuillotine it would be nigh on impossible to keep up with the comments, although I was thrilled you responded to my comment on twitter about something on your blog that had shedloads of comments!
I have noticed some bloggers don't reply to anyone at all, not sure about that.

Aw, I'm glad I managed to reply to something! I often set aside evenings to reply to all my comments in one go. It's a bit exhausting though! I'd love to be able to reply to everything right away though and also keep up with everything said to me on Twitter and Facebook as well. I feel so rude when I see that I've left loads of stuff without replies so I really apologise about that! x

but I wonder do peopel come back on to look to see if you did reply? unless you use the likes of disquis where you can keep track of your comments

Maybe they don't, but I don't want them to come back to check and find that I haven't bothered to acknowledge the time they've spent reading and commenting on my blog.

With Blogger I think you get an e mail to say someone replied to the comment or another person commented, think it's the same with Wordpress? I have been known to go back and see on occaision.

I never go back to see if there's been a reply to my comments.

I rarely go back and check if I have had a reply to my comment, but do reply to comments on my blog.

It seems rude not to.

But it does depend on how many comments you are getting. You can of course do a batch reply, if you have several comments saying generally the same thing.

Yes, I do a 'Thanks everyone!' type comment if I really feel swamped. I've just had to drop a couple of projects today as I am so busy and still feel stressed so am thinking I may have to ditch the blog for a bit!

I can't believe someone on twitter thought it was their business to tell you not to do it. Ohh the joys of twitter!

I always respond, it is good form I believe. Even when it does take me 2 hours like last night!

Mich x

It depends. As much as I can, I always respond to every individual comment, even if its just to say a quick thanks.

There are moments when I have been overwhelmed though, in which case I thank everyone in a 'thanks everyone, you guys are so great' line.

I would never not thank anyone that comments. I work hard on the blog and it means a lot when someone takes a few minutes to comment on it, and I will never take that simple pleasure of reading a new comment for granted. I have comment approval set up, so I get notified when someone comments, so I know when to go and say thanks.

I personally do think people who don't thank commenters are a bit rude, but I do understand why some people don't do that... its a lot of work. But like I said earlier, it depends.

Well, at least I know I'm not annoying everyone by taking the time to thank people! Thought I was going mad for a while

Well, I think it's polite to reply to comments, but not all comments need replies, so I tend to reply if people have asked me a question or if they suggest something or respond to a question I have asked. If it is just a general comment like "love that, thanks for sharing" I don't reply, but if a post gets a lot of comments saying that kind of thing I will give a general thanks back to everyone.

I think, what is nicer actually, is going to their blog and leaving a comment. I get lots of bloggers doing this to me too after I have commented on their blog, they will come and have a look at mine and comment on a post they like, starting with "thanks for your comment on my blog" or something.

I like commenting, I do a lot of it, and rarely go back to check that they have responded. Unless I have asked a question I wouldn't expect a response.

I like comments though! Like them a lot, and am always pleased when people comment.

no flamingobingo, you wouldn't be annoying anyone! I tihnk it's nice actually.