There is no right answer to open or closed comments. On this blog they are open and unmoderated. That being said I wouldn’t hesitate to delete a comment should it cross any lines…my lines as it is my blog.
The case for closed. Many of the blogs I read on a regular basis have comments closed. In the cases I can think of the authors are successful and published. Two examples are Seth Godin and Tom Peters. Mr. Peters just closed his recently. In both cases the volume of comments they receive is not something they could manage on their own. At least not and maintain their otherwise successful businesses which are not primarily blogging. So, their decisions to go with closed makes sense, right?
Answering takes time. I love reading and responding to your comments but even on this modest blog it takes time. Whenever you guys leave one I get an email. I read those emails almost immediately. Leaving quality messages on a blog is the fastest way to get the attention of someone who loves blogging. I suggest going in at least a few times a week to respond to each and every comment. I figure if you took the time to read the post and add to the conversation it’s the least I can do. Again, all of this takes time. Time that could be spent blogging new content. Perhaps content that changes the world in some small and positive way.
Open grows a community. For me, the time is so worth it. I’ve developed more blooming friendships with the people who comment here than I ever imagined possible. My friend Sue Spaight figured me out recently when she said that, I thrive on community. There is, however, more to it than the ego strokes each and every comment affords me. The topics grow richer with your added content as well. Then, every once and a while a post goes wild with back and forth between dialog. I love that. Watching two people who may have never met but for this blog, leads me to believe some good is coming of the work I do here.
New topic and business ideas. Want some topic ideas for your blog that will generate traffic? Comb the comments of blogs in your chosen vertical topic area. Look for posts with lots of comments. Read the whole thread start to finish a couple times. Re-read the post and see how it all ties together. Some of the best posts I have written and read are derivative works of other bloggers. This blog is creative commons licensed for a reason. Use the ideas, share the ideas, grow the ideas. Just remember to add the uniqueness that is you to the topic. I’ve also discovered a few great business ideas using the same method on this and other blogs.
So, what’s your take, open or closed? If open are they an ego stroke or a community builder? Comments are open and unmoderated so jump right in 😉
Definitely open. And you are right Jim, it takes a helluva lot of time to respond. But if you thrive on community and conversation, that time is the cost of entry. You don't get if you don't give. Sharing ideas and dialogue is the new currency. Here's to being filthy rich. 🙂
First of all, that pic you included today is classic. Actually its really classic!
People who close comments are missing out on the most important part of blogging . . . the “conversation”. Content is important but what we do after we present the data is what builds community.
People are sick of one way communication, they've been there and done that.
As you know, my company had a very big customer event recently. The folks from Kodak did one of our breakouts and described the whole No Comment thing spot on!
They said (and I'm paraphrasing) “A blog without the ability to comment is basically a website”
We can never underestimate the power of the “conversation” Jim!
Respectfully,
Paul Castain
I feel like open comments is definitely the way to go, at least until you have so much traffic that you can't spend time answering the questions, or get too frustrated dealing with people twisting your words and misinterpreting, which I think was one reason Seth doesn't have comments.
As with any marketing or social media decision, purpose determines the choice. The reason Seth and others have chosen closed Blogs is because it serves their purpose, which is…I don't know what, but I am sure he has one and a good one 🙂
My person preference for my Blog is open because it is nice to hear what people think and how my thoughts provoked theirs, in any way. That being said, I find most people to be too agreeable and only saying things to make me feel good, which is good, but I would like more action. And I have had some controversial topics, but even so, people are too nice. I mean they can be nice and disagree but for the most part people agree and there may be many reasons for that:
1) they are being diplomatic
2) they didn't really read and just to be nice said something
3) they read but didn't have any original thoughts to add
4) they genuinely agree
And even with other Blogs that are really popular, with lots of comments, people just seem to agree with things and there was one case where I appreciated the person's honesty but disagreed with his approach and logic, and I was the only one. All the 50+ comments were how good it was. What does that make me – either a jerk or really smart. I like to think I am latter.
I guess it takes time to build an authentic audience of intelligent people. And I am patient and persistent…But yes to open blogs for now 🙂
Was my comment longer than your post? Lol! I am an academic at heart 🙂
Your current post over on http://TranslatorDigitalCafe.com is going nuts with comments. It's proof of this concept. 🙂
Glad you liked the Pic. I was unsure and the editor (my wife) said heck ya – it's perfect for the post.
While I agree open is a conversation I also understand why some choose to close comments.
I also think Seth does not want to be distracted from writing quality content. I heard him say that in an audio program somewhere.
I love the academic in you. Your comments (long or short) ALWAYS add to the post. It's not a matter of agreeing or disagreeing but adding and expanding the original topic that can get fun. I will be thinking a great deal about your four points above when I comment. I'd prefer my comments can't be lumped into categories. Even if it means fewer comments they will be more thoughtful from here on out.
Long for the sake of long would be bad. Long for the sake of making great points is always fine. 🙂
I agree, its not about agreement but meaningful contribution 🙂 And I understand that we are all pressed for time. For me personally, I have not been able to comment because if I really said what I wanted to, it would take too much time, and I hope I will get back to it when I do have time and then I don't. So,maybe its better to say something to acknowledge and also mention that I hope to come back to it later.
Hmmm…just having this dialog with you has made me more aware and provided a solution 🙂 Thanks for engaging!
I like to have open comments, especially since others may have ideas to add to the post, but isn't enough for a separate blog post on their blog. But I can understand the issue of having too much comments volume to be of a service to the publisher/readers.
I'm a bit surprised by you responding to each comment. I don't do so on my food blog, but I do try to respond in the comments every few posts, or if some discussion I value is in the comments.
I know the day will come when responding to every comment won't be practical. Until then, I like saying thank you for taking the time. I also like the dialog it creates.
I've seen open comments work with high volume….Chris Brogan comes to mind.