Thing #4

Commenting is the means by which your journal entry becomes a conversation; commenting creates dialogue from monologue. Finding out what others may think about your ideas creates that sense of community. Sharing your reaction to someone else's ideas, builds on that sense of community. Adding your insights, and even your opposition, strengthens that sense of community.

• Inviting questions may invite more comments to your blog (10 techniques for getting more comments). It was suggested here that actually asking for comments might entice some readers to become writers themselves. 
• Another comment made in the same post was that you shouldn't forget to comment to those who have made comments.  In other words, if you ignore everyone's responses to your posts, some may eventually stop commenting. As is true with any conversation, there must be a give a take in order for the conversation or discussion to continue.
• Don't comment just because you are hoping to improve your chances for receiving more comments (How to comment like a king or queen).  Only comment if you feel that you have something of value to add to the discussion. Just as is the case with any conversation, only your thoughtful and thought provoking thoughts will truly be appreciated.

So far, I have commented on 3 classmate's blogs: (1) C. Sensing's Thing #1 because I enjoyed her positive attitude, (2)Sirman's because I liked her idea of using blogging for class journals, and (3)E.Coleman's because she and I were in agreement about what was most difficult and easiest as far as the 7.5 are concerned!

More later!

Today, I commented on (4)Hook's blog because of his reference to the 10 ways to increase your blog traffic and the percentage of "lurkers";  I just didn't want to be in that 90%.  :)  I also commented on (5)M.Wilson's entry about Open Table.  She made some very good points and included a personal testimonial.

Some from the "blogosphere" at a later date!

Okay, the day has come and I did make a comment on the blogs of two strangers. It was a little scary, and I felt like I was invading people's personal space as I peered at their pictures and read their words. Some of the blogs were far TOO personal for me to make a comment. I ended up commenting on one called (6)Photographic Expressions which consisted of an aspiring photographer's photos flowers and trees. I attempted to compliment the blogger on her photos. The other blog was called (7)Necrodancer and I selected and clicked on a "quick remark" on the blog about fashion. The blogger made several good points about dressing for the size and shape that you have and included a lovely interpretation of a muffin top.