Why comment?

This is in the realm of "How to comment", but since I have not written that one yet, it may be prudent to say that comments such as "great wizz" or "I agree" may not show you in the best light, at best, or as a comment spammer, at worst. Of course, you can use those words, but please expand a little on them. "great wizz. I like the bit about...... and you could have included........" or "I agree with most of what you say but..........", as examples.

The more you say, the more likely it will be that you get a response, and for a conversation, of sorts, to ensue.

Enough on that. Let's get down to the subject......... "Why comment?"

There are several types of writing that occur: factual, commentary, opinion, fiction..... the list goes on! But there is one common thread: the writer does like to know that what has been written is appreciated (and that goes for the person commenting also).

If you have enjoyed what has been written then do bolster the ego of the writer - they have taken time out to write - a little of your time, saying whether they have answered your question fully, or moved you in some way, is not too much to ask, is it?

If your question is not answered. If the commentary is inaccurate. If the opinion is contrary to all you hold to be true. If the story is fatuous or ill-conceived or...., then relate your feelings. Perhaps it might just make a better writer, or a better article.

The authorship of blogs and articles that allow comments is undertaken for several reasons: ego, earnings, discussion........the list goes on! But there is one common thread: the writer wishes for there to be feedback. Otherwise, why would there be a section for comments?

Give feedback - your opinion is valid and valued even if it it at variance to that of the writer or other commenter's. The feedback you give enlightens all about the varying views our sapient species has. Debate is the mindset of those that think. Arguments for and against an opinion make our world an interesting place. Discussions are the conversations opinionated people have. 

Whatever the subject, our knowledge-base must always expand. A single blog entry or article is unlikely to be comprehensive. As writers we can strive to achieve the goal, but there will always be a better read person or an expert in the subject who will see an error or be able to expand on our knowledge-base.

As writers we should and do (for the most part) encourage expansion of our facts, additions to our missives, corrections to our mistakes, questioning of our ideas, debunking of our beliefs. This is what makes us better. Better writers, more conversant thinkers, more rounded individuals, less introspective, more expansive.

When I say 'yourself', please read 'you as an individual' and/or 'you as your business'. When I say 'business', please read 'traditional business' and/or 'business as a writer'.

We may not all want to promote something, but we all tend towards promoting ourselves, otherwise we would be recluses, not interacting with others in any way. Even if it is just to have our voice heard once in a while.

So, how does commenting promote you?

On authorship sites like Wizzley each author has a profile page. On that page can be found various information pertaining to the author: articles written on the site; blog and website addresses; RSS feed; latest activities; topics written about. And each has an avatar associated with their account. When you comment, that avatar is associated with the comment - and lo and behold, it links directly with your account, and therefore promotes everything about you.

What if you are not an author at the site or blog?

Well your name will be linked to the comment. You may have your website linked also. Either way, if you can be found under your name or pseudonym with a search then you have promoted yourself. If you tweet it also, then your followers will get an enhanced opinion of your worthiness related to the subject. See 'Why Tweet?'.

Back-links - ah, that little chestnut! Well, big chestnut really, if you have any need to rise in the SERPs of the major search engines. And a lot has been written about these elsewhere, so I will only write a few words about my take on back-links.

Dofollow vs nofollow links - either way, whether the search engines follow the link or not, it is still going to give a back-link - so worry not about whether the link is follow or nofollow - just comment.

CommentLuv (and the like) comments - find these comment opportunities on blog sites. The more the merrier.

Write comments on blogs and articles related to the topic of your 'business'. I have not seen any hard evidence that this is relevant! Prove me wrong - but I do not think this matters one jot!

Write an appropriate comment. As far as I can ascertain this only matters, from a back-link point of view, if the comments are moderated. As far as promoting yourself, what you write reflects on your overall standing with your community.

If you write at Wizzley (read any site that you write at) then you should comment whenever you have the slightest bit of additional information, a suggestion, an observation, a criticism, an illustrative point or explanation, a remark, an annotation, or a viewpoint. Why? - because you can and you will assist in building an excellent site (beyond what it is now) where it will be known that intellectual discussion, repartee and banter is encouraged and alive.

What better place to be and to visit than one where everyone's voice can be heard, listened to, understood and responded to? I know of none - so let's make this "the place" to be seen and heard.

In the end, the simple task of commenting will become second nature; will ensure additional long-tail keywords in our writings; will encourage others to write (not just comment) - affiliate opportunities there, methinks (see ad just below this section); will attract others to visit, and more regularly; will ensure that what you want from your writing, is achieved; and, that everyone benefits from it.