Blog posts are planned, considered, edited. Comments are not, they are spontaneous.
That is where the good stuff lives.
Did you ever submit a comment, then sit back and wonder how it would be received ? Did I just say that ? Where did that come from ?
It happens to me all the time, on my own blog thread, or another person’s post.
You get a “Like” on a comment from the past, you don’t recognize your own words, do not remember what inspired them. It can be very enlightening to revisit that older post, just part of the joy of active blogging.
Courtesy. WordPress.
I chose this graphic for a specific reason, the raising of the hand. I was the kind of student who always had my hand up (sorry about that).
I wanted to be heard, and curiosity would get the best of me. I questioned/challenged everything.
The blog comments are like that for me. My hand is always in the air.
As you begin to follow more blogs, the process gets complicated. Some will honor a writer with a polite “Like”. To make a comment, you need to have read and understood the intention of the post.
I love it when that happens, both as a reader and a writer.
Just one example of many…
There was a very personal post about grief that prompted a comment from me that made me pause, an “Aha” moment.
It read, in part… “some of us built a wall at a very young age to protect ourselves from drama. I still have mine. Grief resides there, it does not need company.”
I want to thank the author of that year-old post, and express my gratitude for all the commenters who make this such a rewarding experience.
The good stuff.
******* Just found out from WordPress, this is my 500th post.
vanbytheriver 
I had to comment on this one. It’s true. Comments are like spontaneous verbal eruptions & we’re never quuuuiiiiittteeee sure how it comes across. Good post 🙂
That’s a great description, Mliae. I verbally erupt on a regular basis. So far, haven’t had to retract too much. Thanks.
Blogging is enriching that way. In a way that those who don’t write, or don’t engage in social media don’t quite appreciate and/or understand.
This blogging…such a different experience for many of us. The response is so much better, more genuine than other forms of social media. Hard to describe to those outside the loop. Thanks, Maggie, for always chiming in here.
I had hoped there would be more commenting, more discussing when I started my blog. I look at these things as an opportunity for a conversation with a whole range of individuals out there. That, unfortunately, is not what happened for my blog. The lack of such a commenting conversation has led to me blogging less.
Sorry to hear that, King. I know it must be disappointing to miss out on those conversations, but I surely wouldn’t give up. There’s no telling which posts will trigger that dialog. Thanks for sharing.
I have a few regulars who comment, but there isn’t much. And I haven’t stopped blogging. Just not as frequent.
I think we all need those breaks at times, King. Best wishes moving forward.
I comment as much as time allows, Van. To me, it’s the foundation of online friendships. Comments are where personality emerges and the conversation begins. Over time, a relationship deepens, not necessarily across the board, but with that potential. Lovely post. ❤
It can bog down at times, especially when you start following more blogs. But, I’ve found there is a core readership for each of us, and I really look forward to those conversations. They are often so much more revealing than the original blog post, and often inspire our writing. Thanks so much, Diana, I always appreciate your feedback.
❤
Great post, Van. I comment, when I feel, that I have something to add to a post.
Friendships develop over time in here and I love, when a post force me to think deeply.
Congratulations and for many more posts coming.
Thanks so much, Irene. I value those friendships, am always surprised at how much we can learn about each other through one’s writings.
I agree, we share our life in one or another way in here.
It’s pretty special.
I’ve left a few comments and wondered where did I get that inspiration from and in turn will inspire me to write a post.Congratulation on your 500th post! Keep them coming Van. 🙂
It kind of sneaked up on me, B. I guess I wasn’t watching the numbers. I so agree on that comment- to- post inspiration. Thanks.
Congrats on your 500 posts! It is interesting what comes up when reading blogs! I have had many moments, memories and ideas after reading a post. Sometimes I am afraid to comment but have overcome that mostly! Thanks for having an inspiring and thought provoking blog!
I’m so glad when you choose to comment, your words are always lovely to me. Thanks for this one, Lynn. I’m honored by the compliment. For me, provoking thought….always a worthy goal.
So glad you are my friend! I learn allot from your blog!
Wow. Very sweet of you to say, Lynn. I feel the same way about you. When I find something interesting/new to me, I enjoy sharing it. Thanks. Hugs.
❤️❤️
I have hit that send button too fast in the past and thought jeez I hope the reader understands my comment and it doesn’t seem snarky.
I understand, B. It’s often a reaction kind of comment when I hit that button too fast myself. You’ve never come across as snarky to me. Thanks, always.
I am with you on this one Bernadette. A lot of times I rehash the comment that I made in my head and wonder if the reader understood my perspective. I always try to write from the place of love.
I know that it is not easy to comment on each and every post we read or even more difficult to read each and every post. But I try to honor my fellow friends and their work with comments. They deserve it. The comments are actually what connects. The posts are only the reason to get together! A lovely post, Van! Thank you!
Truly, my pleasure. Even when your life gets busy, you are one of those who finds a way, Erika. Honor is the right word for it, and I always appreciate your effort. The connections here…special. Thanks so much.
I really try to, Van! And you are for sure one of those friends I never want to miss anymore 💖
❤️ 💛 💚 💙 💜
💖💖💖
500 posts!!! Wowza! When I “Like” a post it is because I have enjoyed stepping into that persons world When I leave a comment, it is to say something profound..like… “great post!” or “lol’ 😉
That is indeed profound, Girl. lol !! Thanks.
I don’t always comment…unless a post draws one out of me. I’d like to hope that would be the same for other readers too. I love it when a post sparks a real exchange of ideas.
Your posts have a way of drawing folks out, for sure, Sue. Thanks for always making us stop and think…the good stuff.
Thanks, Van…
I get frustrated when time constraints keep me from commenting as much as I would like. It is a plus to blogging. But I finally had to guve myself “permission” to not comment if I did not have time. It still bothers me but I think most bloggers understand. I always want the other writers to know I was there and read so I leave a like as a little note to my presence.
I get it, Colleen. We all need to give ourselves that permission, sometimes, it just isn’t possible to comment. And I try to remember those silent readers, who choose not to comment, for whatever reason, but still show up with those “Likes”. They are all appreciated. Thanks for understanding.
I am comforted to see this post Van. So thank you.
My pleasure, C.
Wow…Congratulations, Van! The big 500! The quote about a wall to protect ourselves from drama was very powerful! A great visual. Make it sunny on one side, dark & dreary on the other! So true about blog comments. I’ve made a few that were pretty strong and knew I’d get nothing back. Sometimes just a polite like. Happy Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄Christine
So glad you came in here, C. You were the first to read and comment on this blog, and I’ve never forgotten how much that meant to me as a beginning blogger. Glad you understood my wall comment. And it is a bit of a letdown to make a genuine comment, and not be sure that it was read or comprehended. Not sure I’d keep coming back to those. Thanks again for being there at the start. I still appreciate your presence. Much happiness to you this holiday season.
Thanks so much, Van! I always look forward to your posts. Yep, did from the beginning. You are one of my fav virtual blogger friends! Happy Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄Christine
Nail on the head!
Thank you, Mike. It sure works that way for many of us.
My pleasure.
Sometimes, it takes me a bit to process through the meat & taters of a blog post…especially a good one. Much like a hearty meal, it takes time to digest it.
But once I have, I’ll try to add a bit of dessert, or a splash of an after-meal cocktail.
I like that, Peg. I’ll take either one, with gratitude. Thanks.
Oooooo this is deliciously put!
Agreed!
Thanks for playing, Cathi.
A blog without comments is sad. I keep a blog to start conversations, so comments are my reward for the effort I put into blogging. Plus, I learn so much about people in the comment section– either from what they say, or don’t say. 🤨
I agree, Ally. Even more sad to me are those who have ample comments, with no responses from the original poster. I don’t understand that one, and I’ve seen some popular blogs like that. Thanks.
I don’t get that either. My guess is that sometimes bloggers use email to respond to comments instead of doing so publicly. That used to be the way we all did comments. Or maybe the bloggers who don’t respond consider themselves a celebrity, and those people who comment are the mere fans. Who knows? People are weird.
True, that !
I often find the comments chain to be better than the post. That was especially true when Paul Curran was with us – it was his comments that caused so many of us to encourage him to write guest posts for us, and I’m so glad he took us up on that offer. Some of his guest posts on my blog still receive more views than any of my own posts.
I saw much of his work. Paul was a very thoughtful writer. And yes, that comment thread often provides such interesting perspective, often inspires other posts. Thanks, CM. (and not CM)
Aw, Van, thanks for remembering Not CM. I don’t think she survived the move … unless she’s hiding in one of the packing boxes just waiting for the right moment to reappear.
Wonderful post, Van! Congratulations! 🎉
Thank you, Tonya.
Talking is easy. To sculpt a sentence of text takes longer to create. People are not very choosy with their words when talking, practically careless. But the art of writing a sentence in text…..that is _______________ (fill in the blank). Ahhhhhh………the power of carefully orchestrated, choreographed words…..that is why blogging is so amazing on the giving and receiving end. Yet another great post! Thank you.
I think you have it so right when you say that writing is indeed an art. Thanks so much for such an accurate observation.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your blog!
My pleasure, for sure. Always appreciate when you visit.
Aw, that was me 🙂 It’s one of my favorite comments ever. Thank you and you’re welcome ❤
Glad you recognized it. I seem to react pretty much spontaneously to a lot of your posts, Joey. You provide that kind of “comment inspiration”. It’s just the best. Thanks again.
Oh it is my pleasure! ❤ Thank YOU!
Comments turn a post into a conversation.
Congratulations on your 500th post 🙂
They surely do. And thanks, Aimer.
Very sound, Van. The conversation is what it is all about – but, sometimes, it is hard to keep up
It can be time consuming, Derrick, especially as you get more followers and want to reciprocate. It is so worth it, though.
Yes, indeed
Congratulations on 500 posts. That is a big milestone. I love to write and read comments and i must admit to feeling disappointed when I only get a like to my comment and no reply. C’est la vie, as they say…
I understand that disappointment, it is curious to me that some posts generate comments, others do not. No real formula. Thanks so much, Brigid.
Comments give life to a post. “Likes” show respect even though the reader may not well versed in what the post is about. I love candid comments, they are free, they are genuine, not disconnected obligatory words. I like photos the same way, candid photos show true feelings and life.
Free, genuine, not disconnected…a perfect description, Ron. Thanks so much.
Thank you for a great thought provoking post.
What a great post for your 500th, Van! Making a comment can take the connection and appreciation further than a simple like. Starting a dialogue brings the post, and all the readers to life❣️
Congratulations on stepping forward and out 💛
Forward and out…proud to be there. Thanks so much, Val. Your comments always inspire.
You’re the best short story writer and good friend.
Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!
Nice to see you, M. Hope you are feeling better. And thanks so much.
Thanks for the post, Van. I try to leave a comment if I have something to say. Sometimes I read a post that leaves me speechless. I try to respond to comments on my blog because it means something to me that someone took the time to read a post and leave a comment. I’ve heard that some bloggers will ‘like’ a post from the reader without actually reading the post or visiting the blog. I don’t quite understand why. I’ve always enjoyed your blog and value your visits to mine. I do know that feeling of seeing my own words and not recognizing them. It’s an odd sensation. I hope you and your family have a great holiday!
Oh yes! Congratulations on 500 posts!
🤓 Hard to get my head around that one. Thanks.
I have to say…yours is one of those blogs that often leaves me speechless. Thank you for that, Robert. And thanks for your input here, I am grateful that you stop by, whether you leave a comment or not. Happy holidays to you !
Thank you Van. I sometimes wonder why I don’t get as many comments as other people but when I examine the content I realize that I would not know what to say to some of it–I’m honored by your visits. I hope all of us have a great holiday and they 2018 brings the light back into our lives.
Well said, Rob. Thanks again.
I love to read comments, which some of the comments can generate ideas for a new post. Engagement with followers is an important part of blogging. Congrats on your recognition for 500 posts.
I am often inspired by those comments as well, E. Thank you so much.
Comments left by me and other readers have gone on to produce many ideas for future posts, Van. That’s why I can’t understand those you don’t respond to comments. It’s like putting a sign up that only leads to a dead-end. I don’t think there are many of us who want to end up going up that one-way dead-end street very much.
That’s a great metaphor…the dead end street. Thanks so much, Hugh. And I agree about the inspiration that comes from those comments.
Your stuff is all good stuff Van, great stuff in fact. Congratulations on # 500.
Thanks so much, DK. That’s quite a compliment coming from folks like you, who make magic happen on a daily basis here.
Happy for you in your journey. Thank you so much for enriching mine, friend.
Xxx
Glad to have met you here, D. Thanks so much for the comment, and your always-fascinating blog… smart, surprising, thought-provoking.
Van, the comments are what I love most about blogging. I think what makes my site is not my posts so much as the comments on my posts.Those comments, the give and take, that’s the real heart and soul of any blog post. 😀
Heart and soul…perfect. Thanks for saying it so well, Paul.
Oh… and congratulations on your 500th post. That’s a lot of comments! ‘O)
It sure is, P. Thanks again.
‘O)
more often I wanted to hear what others had to say. yes, there was the rare instance
when I did have ‘my hand up’ and responded only to suggest something I felt needed to be said.
these is a wonderful post Van
I understand that, Eddie. Thanks so much for your kind response.
Happy 500th Van. Great post! What’s the point of blogging if we don’t have interaction from our readers? Just sayin’! 🙂
Exactly the point, Deb. Thanks so much.
Congratulations, Van! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Colleen !!
Hugs to you, Van. ❤
Wow, happy 500th post, Van!! I’m not even at 200 yet. 🙂 I have posted comments that make me wonder how they were received, and I wish I could have worded things clearer. And I’ve received some that have irritated me when I doubt that was the author’s intention. But it can depend on mood of the writer and receiver, too. There have been a couple that have totally pissed me off, too, and for good reason. And I don’t regret letting the author have it. 😀
It’s important to stay true to self, Julie. You do that really well. And yes…so much of our reaction depends on the mood of both writer and receiver. Well expressed. Thanks so much.
Your words here are marvelous, Van. I’m so happy you shared this.
Congrats on your 500th post! I just noticed that I’ll come up to mine in the not too distant future. I’ve been trying to figure out an easy way to find my 100th, 200th (etc) posts… I thought it would be a nice new years retrospective. But it looks like I have my work cut out for me with that idea. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Yep. I wouldn’t want to go back and count, T. Unless you saved the WP badge ?? Thanks for the compliment. I like it here.
Wow! Now I know I’m not alone. Sometimes I write words in the comment box and it seems some unknown force has taken over my fingers as the words just come pouring out. I’m hesitant at times to push the post comment button, really not knowing sometimes how my words will be received. And as for the words about grief … they are deep and I must oh I must think upon them!!! Thank you, Van!! 🤗
Somehow, I was pretty sure you’d understand where I was coming from in this one, Amy. Thanks, always, for sharing your thoughts here, and providing so much inspiration on your own blog. Your spirit always comes into light.
Dearest friend, what you see in me I see in you. 🙂 💝
Congrats on 500!! Wishing you many interesting comments in the future!!
Thanks so much, AGMA !!
Dear Van, I so relate to this post.. and often as I read back my own comments, I wonder where did that spring forth from.. lol..
Congrats upon your 500ths post Wonderful..
And may I also add a Big thank you for all the comments you have made over the years at Dreamwalker’s.. Much love and Hugs your way Van xxx
You are most welcome, Sue. Thanks for all the inspiration we get from your blog. Hugs back to you.
😘🥂🎅🎄💝
Hi Van – congrats on the 500th post.
and I enjoyed your notes about comments and how they add such lively enrichment to the blog world.
I was just sharing with BB (and others) how I think blogging is different from fb and instagram – and reading this post of yours was kind of what I was getting at – or trying to –
because a couple years ago I realized the gift of perusing and reading posts – it seasons, shapes and enlightens me – and at times – as you noted with the grief insight – it can encourage and edify –
and so if I do not have time to fully read all the posts (sniff) and if comments are not coming naturally – I do not fret – but when i have the time to soak up posts (and comment) I usually walk away feeling like my mind had spinach and steak – or some fortification – ya know? There are some seriously seasoned folks who take up a blog and it is fun to see what unfolds – 🙂
Seriously seasoned…I love that description. I do take a lot of nourishment from the interactions here on WP, as you say, so different than other social media. Thanks for chiming in, Yvette, always appreciated.
my pleasure and thanks for the nice reply –
happy new year too
Thanks for putting this post together, Van. It was a great topic and you provided some great insights, which I hadn’t considered before. I usually leave comments when I read a post, and it’s very rare that I don’t. That either means I was in a hurry or I didn’t really like it or feel inspired by it. I try to ask a question at the end of my posts to engage the reader and encourage not only comments but the type of discussion and banter back and forwards which your post has done. Conversation is a two way street and unlike other forms of writing, blogging is as well.
I don’t tend to think of my blog as social media and had come up with an alternative, which I’ve forgotten in my current coughing haze. Didn’t sleep well last night.
Many of the blog posts and the comments which follow are quite philosophical and deep thinking and open my eyes to new aspects of the subject.
I have also made a number of good blogging friends, who I look forward to chatting with most days.
Best wishes and many thanks,
Rowena
It’s truly my favorite part of the blogging experience, Ro. I enjoy the conversations, and the insight into character and personality that doesn’t always get reflected in the original post. I feel like it has helped me to get to know so many folks from their writing, a unique phenomenon among people who will hardly ever get to meet in person. Thanks so much for chiming in, it is always appreciated.
I know what you mean, Van. I’m the same. I find it so easy to hook up at a deep and meaningful level with people through blogging, which can be quite difficult to replicate in the real world. Realized I’d drifted a bit too far beyond the real world and am trying to be more conscious of maintaining a balance. There’s that give and take with the everyday within our local community, which we still need to be a part of.
I understand that need for balance…have backed off a bit from the blog over the past year, and it seems to work better for me. Thanks, Ro.
Yours is one of those blogs I have always enjoyed reading and connected with. I missed it while I was taking a break from blogging so glad to be back and happy to see that you made it to your 500th post! Congrats!
Such a sweet compliment. Thanks so much, Amy. Nice to see you back.
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