Conversational Blogging - What Is It? Lemme Ask You!
Add to : Del.Icio.Us / Reddit / Digg / Stumble Upon
So, with that said, I would like to ask you, what you think conversational blogging is. In your own words. I’m doing this little survey, because I will probably need some quotes for my Conversational Blogging ebook (with proper credits of course).
To get things started, let me ask you some questions:
Those are just sample questions, feel free to write a mile long reply, and tell us what you think Conversational Blogging is about. And how you do things on your own blog (if you’re a writer), or how you see things as a reader (if you don’t have a blog). I’m really looking forward to reading your comments. Of course, since I’m working on my ebook, I don’t want to give too much away, so feel free to talk and chat with each other ;) It’s all about the conversations!
Take Care!
* update: People are discussing this post at the BlogCatalog discussion forums also!
Add to : Del.Icio.Us / Reddit / Digg / Stumble Upon
If you enjoyed this post you might want to consider subscribing to my RSS Feed, and you can also receive updates in your e-mail, so you'll always be up to date. Thanks! ;)
38 Responses to “Conversational Blogging - What Is It? Lemme Ask You!”
Discussion Area - Share Your Thoughts
You must be logged in to post a comment.
# What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog?
Questions like these seem to beg for answers/replies.
# How do you get readers to comment on your posts?
Ask for a response, content that is appealing. Try hard. ;)
# If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment?
Posts with content like this. Hence, why I left me netvibes and am here, on SmartWeatlhyRich, stacking with you, JP :)
# How do you engage in discussions?
Offer what you can, learn and interact, network, meet new people
# Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
Not sure what you mean?? (scotty doesn’t know)
# What do you think of “nice post” comments?
I may be confused on this one, too, but, if you are talking about comments on nice posts (like this one), I think “nice post” comments are … interesting, educational, informative, creative, unique (that is, to read people’s different comments)
…good stuff
hehe, I’m happy you took the time to leave netvibe and reply Scott ;)
What I mean with “letting people talk/chat” is when you write a post, and people dicsuss it, in your comment section, without you replying to every single comment or getting involved too much in the discussion, just relaxing and letting people talk t each other.
hehe, by “nice post” comments I mean comments that are written just to say “hey! nice post” or “great article” or something similar, it doesn’t add a lot of value to the actual posts, although it’s always appreciated to know someone liked a post you wrote. (or are people leaving comments like that just to get a link back from dofollow blogs?)
hope it clarifies a little :)
Nice Post! ;-)
It’s always important to say something. It doesn’t have to be controversial, but you have to take a solid stand. Otherwise, people don’t have anything to respond to!
Chris, thanx a lot, “nice reply”!
* note to self: take a solid stand
It’s true, no need to be controversial or anything, it makes trolls wanna reply, and I guess not a lot of bloggers enjoy trolls so
he’s baaaaack! Nicessss, here we go,
I think it is ok to relax and let people talk to each other. Invites more user interaction, perhaps. But, it still is nice to hear back from site/article author from time to time. Me and my buddy Gerard are actually trying the “sit back and relax for a bit” thing for our new startup, Swamble….we are looking to get a few users in on each ‘discussion’ before we drop in and interact….mixed thoughts about it, but, trying it.
About the nice post comments, I don’t know, actually..one part says thanks for taking the time (brief moments) to leave your response but the other part hears what you are saying so I understand. Also, though, another comment always looks better to a new reader, may get them to drop in themselves
d#mn trolls!
Scott, awesome, lemme know what are the results of your experiment, if you decide to keep it like that or go back to replying to comments more.
I also have mixed feelings about the “nice post” replies. Honestly I don’t mind at all, but i believe it’s about the conversations, and a “nice post” reply doesn’t add much value.
How do you guyz reply to “nice post” comments? do you ignore them, or do you reply something like “thanx a lot” (or something similar)?
Nice Post Jonathan! ;) Actually thought provoking as well which compelled me to leave a comment.
What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog?
If it’s something that makes me laugh outloud, think really hard or in some way something I can really relate to I am inclined to leave a reply.
How do you get readers to comment on your posts?
Still working on this. For a while I had my settings so that I couldn’t get comments unless a user was registered and I didn’t even know it! So I’ve fixed that but still getting almost 0 comments :(
If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment?
I don’t read through RSS.
How do you engage in discussions?
Hmmmm…. I’d like to read other replies to this question.
Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
I would like it but would probably get involved in the discussion as well.
What do you think of “nice post” comments?
When I see these I wonder why the person even bothered posting. Although since I get no comments, really any would be appreciated at this point.
Gerri, I hear you - “something I can really relate to” It’s the same for me, if I can relate, and have (even a little) something to say.
Good point on the “registration required” thing, a lot of blogs require registration to post a comment, makes it easier for the commentors to leave the switch on, although I moderate every comment that is posted on here, spam plugins are ok, but I don’t want to see a comment linking to an “questionable” website slip through
Thanx a lot for replying! :)
I have been thinking of exactly the same thing for weeks, “How to get people to comment and participate?” .
I had mixed results, some post were great but comments usually stop around 4 or 5. So I would say I still had alot to improve. So far as I can see, people left comments because they felt something for my post.
I usually leave comments when I have something to share or I learn something and would like to say “Thank You”. I just updated my site to join the D-List movement and wanted to reward and encourage more readers to participate and comment.
Blogs with no comments are like a one-sided conversation, so boring :)
Thanks for provoking our thoughts!
ahhh now this is a great topic!!!
What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog? thats easy good content, tips about something, if the blogger asks questions related to the topic (just like u did here), if the blogger expresses his/her opinions…. not a neutral thing… cause if i wanted that i would be reading magazines and books instead of blogs!!!
How do you get readers to comment on your posts? i try to ask questions… relevant questions to the topic im posting about!! that actually helps!! or i post something more personal and i get people asking me all types of questions… that’s human nature, always wanting to know more !!!
If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment? if the blog is a full feed ill go and comment … if its just a little teaser i take that as background noise and ill never take another look at it!!! (unless its something about johnny depp… i guess im losing track about the subject here! ill behave!)
How do you engage in discussions? i give my true polite opinion about stuff… i love taking part in discussions :D like this one!!
Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other? thats fun to watch people interact but i like to be involved in the discussions too!!!!! :D
What do you think of “nice post” comments? if its just to say nice blog and nothing else i thank them but come on what about actually reading ur posts and actually making a point!!
# What is it that makes you want to reply to a
post on a blog?
A: If the post relates to the same stuff I blog or read about and the post is relevant, I’ll reply. Especially if there are questions that open up the discussion and welcome a different point of view.
# How do you get readers to comment on your posts?
A: I’m laid back in my postings and ask questions of the readers that make them think.
# If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment?
A: It’s postings like this that look like they’ve taken more than just a few minutes to put together and ask some relevant questions.
# How do you engage in discussions?
A: I reply to all comments and emails, quickly. It helps to let readers know that there is a live person in the background.
# Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
A: I wouldn’t mind that, but my blog is still relatively new, so my peeps don’t talk to each other yet, but I’d like that.
# What do you think of “nice post” comments?
A: I still appreciate the effort, it’s better than saying nothing at all. Ask that same question of me in a year and let’s see if the answer is different :)
[…] your take on that? I liked Jonathan’s post on this topic so much that I decided to rattle off more information on it […]
you got a great blog with great contents!
Regards
Dave Wong
Jon,
I think there are 2 main reasons why your blog (as an example) is a conversational blog. They certainly are primary reasons why I read and comment on your blog frequently (if usually briefly):
1) You ask good questions to which you GENIUNELY seem to want answers and comments from people
2) You share some of your self on your blog - not so much that it becomes a personal diary (which is ok by the way) - but enough that your readers know there is a person behind the words.
Good stuff bud. Keep on keeping on.
Goldy
(What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog?)
Few reasons I comment on posts: answer a question; interesting and/or helpful information; I was moved.
I guess the obviouse answer would be that you asked me to coment. I find that I coment whaen asked. Plus when the posting is interesting and I see lots o other coments then it make me wanna join in the fun.
Wow, thanx for all your replies! Keep the conversation going!
I can let you guyz chat and talk about this post without me getting involved then? ;)
Hey, Jon:
I usually will comment on a blog, when the topic is one i feel i can provide some input in, but also i have at times come across a post i found interesting or insightful and seriously did not have the time to post a rather long comment, so at times, i am guilty of short comments. It depends on how much times i have, but i try not to leave useless one-liners, especially if from reading the comments of others, its nothing but a series of one-liners. I don’t think adding to a bunch of one liners, is fair to the blog author.
To get comments on my blog(s), i think what works best for a new blog is to comment on other blogs and networking. I also try to post interesting items of note, and/ or a call to action.
“nice post”. lol.
Missy.
Please send me an email and I will respond to your inquiry.
What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog?
Generally, if I feel moved by a post or feel I have something interesting to contribute as an extension of the post, I will reply.
How do you get readers to comment on your posts?
I try to post exciting information which I feel is relevant to their immediate interests. If I’m really looking for comments, I’ll ask them to comment at the end of the post…a little encouragement…
If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment?
A catchy headline usually is what draws me in…
Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
I love it when my posts strike up a discussion. It means that people are really listening and my work is causing people to think…
What do you think of “nice post” comments?
At least someone is taking the time to show that they appreciated the work, even if it is not a detailed response…
I am going to number these so I don’t have to re-write the question.
1. If its a topic I am interested in I will usually respond especially if the writer is asking for input.
2. Regular subscribers are more likely to respond especially if you ask for reader participation. Writing content that is funny or tweaks a persons emotions like anger, sympathy, etc.. will draw comments.
3. If it is a topic I am interested or involved in I will click through.
4. I don’t know
5. If people are talking or chatting about me then I am doing something right.
6. If that is all that it says and is obvious spam then I hate it. If it is a regular reader then its cool. Sometimes people are in a hurry and simply want to let you know they read it.
7. Oh I’m done, I hope I passed! Good stuff! (notice I didn’t say nice post)
Hands down, interesting content. However, sometimes I’ll post if the comments create an interesting discussion (like this one) or if someone I know online makes an interesting point. I don’t always, but sometimes I comment on posts that say something about our blog (hopefully nice things, but not always).
On our blog, I usually receive an ave. of 2-3 comments or sometimes I’ll add an update comment myself. It saves me from having to write too many posts about one subject. The most comments ever received was from Jericho fans … 193 comments and that doesn’t count the digg page. Most of those were actual demographical information I asked for.
On some other posts, there were a lot of nice post comments. Those are fine, but I like the ones that help drive discussion. (I know some bloggers who leave about 100 comments a day, mostly to promote their own blogs)
That said however, I’m not sure there is a sure-fire method of getting people to comment, but I like some of the theories presented here. It convinced to comment, and that’s pretty good because I usually only enter one discussion a day.
All my best, Rich
I don’t have answer to all of your questions, but a few thoughts:
# What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog?
–the same sorts of things that would make me want to join in a conversation at a cocktail party: either a great point I’d never thought about quite that way or a “yeah, but have you considered…” reaction.
# If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment?
Almost nothing. If I have a full RSS feed, I’ll almost never visit the blog. I know that’s exactly what no one wants to hear, but it’s true. About the only thing that will make me follow that link to comment is blatant misinformation.
# Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
Personally, I think that the comment space is for…commenters. But recently in conversations with several other blog READERS I’ve learned that many take offense when you don’t respond to their comments; in fact, it seems that many post not so much to say what they’re posting as to initiate “contact” with the blogger and are very disappointed and even feel slighted if they don’t receive a response.
# What do you think of “nice post” comments?
I assume that they’re novice attempts at empty linkbuilding. On the blogs where I have comments moderated, I never approve them.
Jon…
Well since you asked :smile:
What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog? A good question… no really I mean if there is a good question.
How do you get readers to comment on your posts? Send them personal emails. :smile: Ask questions.
If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment? A good question. (theme slowly emerging…)
How do you engage in discussions? Carefully and with humor if possible
Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
A little but mostly I want to be in on the conversation. Otherwise I feel left out
What do you think of “nice post” comments?
They are polite comments that you make to people who you don’t really know yet.
Thanx a lot everyone! I really appreciate you took the time to write a comment! I read every comment, of course, although I didn’t reply to each (it’s part of the experiment in a way), your comments will definitely help me in writing my ebook, keep the comments coming :)
Thanx Dave for replying to my e-mail!
Theresa, e-mail sent! Looking forward to your reply!
I started commenting on blogs just to network and get the word out there.
But, and the amazing traffic aside … the connections you make and the ideas you pass back and forth make your blog and the ones you participate in better than they ever could be without these conversations.
Can’t wait for your eBook Jon!
# What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog?
Generally, if the subject is something of great interest to me, and if I think I have something useful to as.
# How do you get readers to comment on your posts?
Sometimes I ask questions, but honestly, I usually just post and hope.
# If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment?
Most of my favorite blogs, I visit anyway. I use the feedreader to let me know when they’re updated. The ones I don’t visit often, the post has to be something that really stands out.
# How do you engage in discussions?
mmm. I’m not sure.
# Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
That wouldn’t bother me at all, although I always try to get in the middle of discussion on my site.
# What do you think of “nice post” comments?
They don’t do much to get a discussion going, but personally I appreciate any comments…….as long as they aren’t SPAM.
# What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog?
1) I have something {different}to say. (Not just, “yes, I agree with another poster or the blogger”)
2) I have the time to say it effectively.
# How do you get readers to comment on your posts?
I just started a membership only blog. Today is day eight. I’ve been stimulating posts by actually calling members, telling them what is up and suggesting the story they should tell! They are loving it. When I say - “You need to tell about the…” they say, “Yes, that would be perfect.”
Sometimes they post right away, sometimes is takes a day.
I’ve also sent out 3 personalized broadcast emails, with a .pdf attachment of screen shots showing exactly where to click to get into the members-only section of the web site and post.
# Do you like it when people discuss your post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
Yes! I love it! It makes me feel like a voyeur! But - I know that they like it when I post. And I know how that feels because the first time I posted here you immediately followed through with a welcome. And once when I posted you didn’t comment, and I thought to myself, “Humpf - if he’s not going to read it there’s no reason for me to write it.”
So… I reply frequently in-blog because of you! (Thank you) And people talk to me in-blog, or talk about me - they say “I’m sure Wendy will give us her view on that,” or “Hey, I want to be in the GateOpener Workshop prototype.”
# What do you think of “nice post” comments?
Touchy.
I don’t like them. It means the person isn’t adding anything.
On the other hand - it is a form of participation, and I value and am grateful for that! I don’t lead the posts on the blog I do - we have a Blog Captain (different member each week) and then I participate. I know how personally the Blog Captain takes it when no one has replied 3 minutes after they’ve posted so I understand that for them, even “nice post” means someone values what they said.
Maybe I should lurk a bit less on other people’s blogs… takes time, though.
Thanx a lot for the amazing response to my post. As you may have noticed i didn’t reply to every comment, but I definitely read each and everyone of them. Will be really useful for my ebook (of course, you guyz will all get a little something for participating). Can’t wait to finish writing it. Thanx again everyone!
Keep the conversations going!
[…] from SmarthWealthRich.com had a great post about Conversational Blogging that had some great conversations going […]
Great post Jonathan!
Blog must be 2-way and we, bloggers, must always communicate with our readers.
Hi Aldian, thanx for stopping by, welcome to SWR!
Totally, I love to start conversations and have people to comment and talk about a topic, and engage in the discussions
[…] step further…create an agreement where you comment on each other’s posts. That way the conversation can get started on both your blogs. And there’s no need to fake […]
Check out Dawud’s post over at dmiracle.com (click on the link in the trackback right above this comment, it’s a good read about conversational blogging)
Conversational blogging is blogging simplified. Instead of endlessly working on and refining an entry, conversational blogging is “free hand blogging” without building an article outline.
What is it that makes you want to reply to a post on a blog? - when the person seems genuine or a post is relevant or interesting to me
How do you get readers to comment on your posts? I ask questions, I try to be a bit funny, I try to find interesting topics that are a little different (and not just what everyone else is blogging about)
If you’re reading through RSS, what makes you wanna click on the link and visit the blog to comment? I don’t do the rss thing (yet).
How do you engage in discussions?
I try to check my comments a couple times a day so I can leave a comment in reply, I try to visit all the folks who visit my blog and then look for a recent post they made that I feel I can make a comment on.
Do you like it when people discuss you post, without you getting involved in the discussion, just letting people chat/talk with each other?
Sure - I’d love it if lots of folks were discussing my posts
What do you think of “nice post” comments?
They are ok, at least the person took time to comment and not just clicking through - but of course I’d like more involved discussion. But we live in a hectic world and I totally understand quick and easy may be all someone has time for. I myself will often just leave a quick message just so the person knows that I actually read the post and not just clicking my way through all the blogs I try to keep in touch with.
Love your blog by the way, its more then “nice” :) Lady Rose
Thanx a lot for all your replies, I will use a lot of your comments and replies and tips i nthe writing of my ebook, i can’t thank you guyz enough! :)