Haaaalllllooooooooo out there?
Sometimes when I log in to my blogger account I feel like Tigger. Inside my head I'm saying, "Haaaallllloooo out there? Is anyone reading this thing?" I see all of the hits on my clustermap, all over the world...but who are these people and what brought them to my blog? I have had over 1,000 visitors and 98% are unknown to me. It's a lonely existence. I wish they would at least leave a comment that says, "Visited your blog from ________(place) , I'm a _________(profession)."So I think to myself, what can I do about getting comments... #1 Read more blogs to get to know other bloggers through commenting or twitter. #2 Write posts on timely topics that will generate interest. It definitely helps.
Recently, Dean Shareski wrote a blog post about commposting and the importance of tracking back to your comments to continue the conversation started. There is actually a website that provides a download to help you trackback to your comments called Cocomment. I plan on giving it a try. But the thing that had me gaping at my computer was where he wrote, "trying to reach my goal of 2 to 1." I mean, 2 to 1!!!! That is a lot of commenting, but conversation goes two ways and that is the difference between a blog and website. I think of my blog of a conversation with the world at large. Commenting is your way to talk back!
So please, give a girl a break, let me know why you're reading this right now. Don't be a closet blog reader, jump in and join the conversation. You'll be hooked!
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7 comments:
I Like your blog. I thought you might find the information in my blog helpful. Ask The Car Dr. is an interactive blog designed for those of us who are driving and maintaining older vehicles as well as those with an interest in Hybrids and newer fuel cell technology. My last Volvo 740GL had over 360,000 mile on it before the time came to replace it. Quite honestly the car still was reliable enough to keep driving but my 140lb dog had his way with tan the interior and we were ready for a change. Knowledge is power and the tips in my blog could save you money if paid attention to. This is a new blog moderated by a former professional mechanic who is now a musician. Thanks- AB
Not sure previous blogger is as interested in a conversation as he is in selling.
I read because I subscribe. I subscribe because you twitter and responded to me.
After I checked out your blog, I saw thoughtful posts from a unique perspective.
Another piece to the commenting idea that I didn't blog about was the ability not only to track comments but to return to conversations. Why do we assume that even dropping a comment, while a nice, kind and hopefully helpful thing, is really the end of the conversation? I'm finding, that with the most compelling posts, I have to return to add or clarify or just reread.
Much of my learning requires reflection and I often can't do that by simply popping in to say hi. Not every comment is a deep reflective piece of my soul but I also have to determine the value of a comment. At times, it may be to encourage or even be funny. Other times it's too dig deep. The more connections of learning I make the more comfortable am I with helping others.
2 to 1!! Yikes! I do like your idea of at least leaving a note that says where you're from and your interest in the blog - sort of like a guest book. You, of course, know me because we teach in the same school but for those that don't, I'm a kindergarten Special Education inclusion teacher and Literacy Coach at Chets Creek - you know, I'm part of the Magic Kingdom! Melanie, I saw on twitter that you're doing a little decorating this weekend - is that Thanksgiving or Christmas? dayle
You ask and you shall receive. I'm a brand new teacher-blogger and I'm just getting started with a blog for my classroom. You were on someone's blogroll, I liked the name, and I checked it out. I plan to keep reading. I'm working on getting my blog set up for my kids at school, but with my ancient slow dial-up at home, I get super frustrated!
www.mrsolson.edublogs.org
Hey Melanie...my name is Lauren Skipper and although we have a common connection(Chets Creek) we have never formally met:) I actually learned to blog from Maria and dayle thanks to your teaching them. I enjoy your blog it makes me feel like part of the education community again...a nice break from the mommy thing:) Lauren Skipper
Lauren,
I feel like I know you from common connection, but it is nice to hear from you and I hope to meet you in person. Isn't blogging fun?!? I love the mommy thing too, but this is my sanity - would love to hear your thoughts anytime. :)
Hello Melanie...
I found your blog through a link from Langwitches.org. I was so happy to find another elementary teacher in the blogosphere! Yay! I am DEFINITELY adding your feed and will be back to peruse more (I'm devouring my lunch and your posts with much enthusiasm) Keep up the good work! My blog: http://thehappyhappyapple.blogsptot.com
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