Reward your regulars

You practice a lot of the same things I do. I always respond via email to those who leave comments on my site -- I think that's just good manners, but if they've asked a question in their comment or made a point, I'll also reply to their comment on the blog. I think that gives my other readers a sense that it's not just me flapping my jaws (or to be perfectly accurate, wiggling my fingers).

One of the things I don't do is allow people to register at my site. It made me uncomfortable as I didn't know the ones who were registering and I feared nefarious and unscrupulous persons were attempting to hack my site. I'm using WordPress and this last security upgrade dealt with just that very thing, so I wasn't just being paranoid. I've found that the Google Toolbar, and even Firefox remembers the things I fill into the blanks enough that I don't have to retype them every single time I leave a comment, so it's not a big deal for me. I tend to treat others as I want to be treated, so since entering my name, etc is a non-issue personally, I make it a non-issue for my readers/commenters, too. Right or wrong.

Today seems to be blog about how you handle comments day as this is the second blog I've read with this subject. :)

M

I really don't think I have sent or received an email regarding a blog comment. Perhaps I travel in different circles. I have sent emails when the site looks awesome or seems broken in some way, but rarely get an answer. Could it be that emails are considered too personal or invasive?

I do think it is good that you allow registration as an alternative to the CAPTCHA. My site is nowhere busy enough to require that, but if it ever happens I would consider letting people sign up. OpenID is not very widespread at the moment, but I am wondering if it might be a good way to validate users in the future.

Love the site, enjoy your posts.

LOL - I wondered why my ears were burning. :)

One thing I've done recently is make a comment within a post directed at someone (like you did here). I think in a way it personalises the relationship. Not that I do it often because you don't want other readers to feel there is some kind of "in club" that they aren't privvy to. But as an occasional thing (and when relevant) I think it could work quite well.

It's only just hit me while reading this that in a way it's a way of rewarding regular readers and commenters. Your comment to me made me smile and want to come and comment. I'm fascinated by my own reaction and have learnt something here.

I send out thank you emails to every new person that leaves a comment! I like when people interact with me on my blog. And I like to say thanks when they do!!

Thanks for the comments. :)

Margaret - my opinion is that it's best to reply to comments on the site, otherwise some of the dialogue is lost. There are a few things that are better suited for email though.

On my site, registration is a convenience but not a necessity. I have tools that help me identify potential "problem users" and keep an eye out for possible security issues.

anti - that's quite possible, not everyone is keen on email. In fact I think some people hardly use email at all. In some ways I'm in a bit of a rut at the moment (I may explain in a future post) and I've found myself retreating to emails. Of course, I do still reply to the comments I get here, and I'm very happy to do that. I'm just finding it hard to do much more right now.

Lightening - aha, interesting... glad I could provoke an unexpected reaction. Giving people a reason to comment is much like my post about making subscription an offer that people can't refuse. People have to want to post something, otherwise why would they? :)

Simple Mindz - to be honest, my inbox would be out of control if I did that! I only hope the people leaving comments come back to see my replies. Then again this contradicts what I said above. I do most of my communication on the blog... only a little by email. I may tip the balance towards email a little more in the future based on your comment. Thanks! :)

I could actually do your first suggestion, the rewarding of the "nth" commentator. I do see to it that I visit their own sites and make comments or suggestions as I see fit. Thanks for the suggestions!

Happy to help, noelevz - thanks for commenting, glad it helped you!

I really like your blog as it has very useful information. I always respond to comments as it is common courtesy. I have not had anyone respond to my comments before and I believe in letting people know that you appreciate feedbacks or whatever they are commenting on.

Hi Carol, thanks for the comment and the positive feedback. I'm happy to hear that you find my blog useful.

Replying to comments is a very important part of my site. I definitely appreciate feedback, good or bad. If you haven't had people respond to your comments, maybe it's time to find some other blogs. I have a few listed under "Blogs I Like" on my home page if you're interested.

Brilliant. Always brilliant ideas when I get here. Thanks ;) I'll explain more on my comment when the time is right... hehehe :P

Thanks fragileheart, now I'm very curious to know what more you have to say!