These “Pearls Before Swine” comic strips humorously address the sad state of the blogger who doesn’t get comments. I know just how the goat feels.
It’s cool to get blog comments. Or, reader reviews. Last month Boudewijn Koole of The Netherlands made my day when I noticed his lengthy Amazon review of my book about Plotinus. The ending made me smile:
Altogether this is a very valuable introduction into the original philosophy of Plotinos. Not difficult to read, nor does it reduce to meaninglessness the sometimes profound or complex questions that can be posed. On the contrary, this book is often elucidating and inspiring. Very much recommended.
Thank you, Boudewijn. We’ve connected across two continents, which is the beauty of the Internet. You also have inspired me to get off my lazy commenting/reviewing butt and do more connecting of my own.
For someone who loves to get comments on my blogs, I don’t leave many on other peoples’ postings. Usually I don’t even think about it. My mouse finger clicks on another link and, zip, I’m off to somewhere else in cyberspace, having lost the opportunity to say what touched me about the post I just read.
I vow to change my ways. Tomorrow, when I next venture into the blogosphere, I’ll leave a comment or two. I’ll remember how much I enjoyed a brief eleven words from someone who left a comment yesterday about “My grocery list system, a gift to the world.”
Darn good list. I’m a list man myself and I’m impressed.My friends, pass on praise (or criticism) when it is deserved. Writers will love you for it. A few minutes ago I began to atone for my dearth of Amazon reader reviews by submitting a 5-star review of Linda Hess’ “The Bijak of Kabir.”
Published in 1983, mine is only the second review. I’ve read the book twice and have enjoyed it immensely. I’ve quoted from it on my Church of the Churchless weblog, yet until now never thought of sharing how much I like it.
I’m pretty sure that one day Hess will read my words. I hope she smiles.
I love it when people comment on the blogs I write for. Its feedback and debate and new ideas--which spark me immensely.
I don't comment enough on other's blogs either. Perhaps I'll make that my Fall Resolution.
Posted by: carla | July 15, 2006 at 07:41 AM
Carla, thanks for commenting! It wouldn't have surprised me that, with all of my past failing to comment karma, I didn't get a single comment on this post.
Posted by: Brian | July 15, 2006 at 10:30 AM
I am also one of those people that enjoy immensely other people's blogs, yet fail to comment, and bemoan the dearth of comments at my own blog. I vow to rectify my negative karma. I read your blog regularly and enjoy your point of view on many topics. Thanks for posting
Posted by: Rete | July 15, 2006 at 04:35 PM
I love comments on my blog-- especially those who add thoughts to mine or disagree or whatever as they give me something more to think about. Sometimes their comments are more impressive than my original thoughts. It's like icing on the cake. I also generally read comments on any blog I read. It's rare that people do comment as I visit one blog where the woman said she had had like 8000 hits that month and there were a maximum of 5 to 10 who posted anything each day. Of course, guess that's good as who could read 8000 comments...
Posted by: Rain | July 16, 2006 at 04:24 PM
Rain, your comment opened my eyes to your own blog:
http://rainydaythought.blogspot.com/
It's terrific. I love your art and your photography. And what you write about.
I'm looking forward to more "guest posts" by your friend. His take on creation, as channeled through you, is interesting. And quite believable.
Posted by: Brian | July 17, 2006 at 10:41 PM