I always try to reply to each comment–unless it’s directed at another commenter–for the simple reason that I want every commenter to know that I appreciate the time and effort it took for them to express their thoughts. It’s always so much easier to simply read a post–or a comment–and move on; and thinking about that makes me appreciate my comments all the more.

I’ve also been in the position where I’d taken the time to leave a thoughtful comment and the blogger replied to everyone else’s comment but mine. I don’t want any of my commenters to feel the way that made me feel. So, I just make it a practice to reply to every comment–except in the case mentioned above or when I and a commenter have been involved in a protracted exchange and the commenter’s final remark has basically concluded the conversation. Sometimes, even then, I’ll reply, thanking them for the ongoing exchange.

Every blogger handles comments differently, though. Many reply to several–or all–commenters in a single, group comment–which is fine. Some mention names, offering a personal remark to each commenter, and others thank “Everyone” for their comments. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Personally, though, I always like to mention every commenter’s name in my replies, so they know I appreciate them specifically–which can, of course, always be done in a group comment, if time constraints prevent individual ones.

I do agree, however, that people with whom we exchange comments on a more-or-less regular basis tend to be more understanding about these issues.

Jeanne

Don’t really remember how long it took me. I’d have to go back and check. Can’t remember back that far! And, yes, I think making money blogging is a topic that’s bound to get attention. The interesting thing, though, is that even when people aren’t commenting, they’re reading; and we need to remember that. It’s always great to receive comments, and of course we prefer that because the conversation and community we build around our blogs are important. But, it’s easy to forget when we have a zero-comment post (always a disappointment!) that people are still reading–and enjoying–our work. Knowing that can be an encouragement during those comment dry-spells.

Jeanne

The reason being that, if you’re interacting, it doesn’t really matter where the interaction is taking place. Whether you’re commenting on each other’s blogs or even just eMailing back and forth, there is interaction taking place and it’s not as necessary to respond to every comment they back, especially if you don’t have a response beyond “Thanks for posting.”

Plus, a lot of times, you don’t even look to see if a blogger has replied to your comment, because you’re probably reading the next day’s post!

I wish I could get around like you and others as I used to. I like blogs that don’t moderate to keep the conversation going as you say, but I’m not a good conversationalist because I normally have time to go back and follow up.

My internet usage lately has been mostly research instead of blogging. I think my shoutbox has more comments that my posts, lol. Maybe that’s a quick way for newbie bloggers to try to get feedback on their blogs without actually commenting on posts.

Commenting back is important and I used to be better about it. So for people in my situation it’s probably better to leave comments open (not moderated) because I don’t know when I’ll have time to go in and moderate.

In that cause maybe my readers feel like they are talking to themselves too, lol.

Comments are so important to a blog–no matter how you look at it. They add value to our posts. Allowing–and replying to–comments also help us show our readers that we value them and their opinions. I couldn’t even imagine having a blog without comments! Comments are a blogger’s “vote of confidence” from his or her readers. Why on earth would any blogger not want them?

When I first started blogging, I remember how hard it was for me to wait until I finally began getting comments. It felt so much like I was talking to myself up until that point, which was very unnerving and made me feel rather self-conscious.

Comments make blogging worthwhile–in more ways than one!

Great post!
Jeanne