What do bloggers crave? Recognition. Bloggers want to know that someone is reading what they’re writing.
What is the best way to show bloggers that you’re reading what they’re writing? Engage. Comment.
If you’re a public blogger, chances are that one of the best parts of blogging for you is when that little notification pops up to let you know that someone has commented on one of your posts. What can be better than knowing that someone has read your post and decided that they just had to say something about it? Consequently, what better way to show your appreciation for your fellow bloggers (and help lead potential readers back to your own blog in the process)?
For beginner bloggers commenting on other peoples’ blogs can feel a little intimidating, and that’s why day seventeen’s assignment is to read six posts written in response to yesterday’s prompt, and leave comments on at least two of them.
I’ve previously mentioned that The Daily Post does daily prompts to keep us writing. The idea behind this assignment is to participate in one of those daily prompts, and then comment on the posts written by other bloggers for that particular prompt. The reason Michelle W. suggests commenting practice in this manner is because it is much easier to comment on a shared experience, and it helps exercise your brain to see how differently other people react to the same topic.
Another excellent way to “increase your commenting confidence” is to participate in blog hops. I’ve never commented so much (or received so many comments) as when I participated in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. Again we see a shared experience bringing people together, starting conversations and eliciting friendships.
So what I’m saying is to get out there, meet people who have similar interests, and start some conversations. Chances are, other bloggers and readers will turn around and do the same thing for you, and boom…community. 🙂
No Page Left Blank 
Social media is built on community…and learning to listen! You’re comment should add value to the person it is directed at. That value may be praise, criticism, advice, anything as long as there is feedback you know you’re on the right track.
Erik
http://erikconover.com
I totally agree! It’s highly important to have that exchange of thoughts and ideas, and to be congenial about it as well. You can give someone feedback and advice without being an ass, right? ^_~
Community, community, community!
1,500 of my closet friends on WordPress haha
I agree with all of that and the above, and A-Z was great for commenting, but now I’m following so many blogs (last count, 295) that if a post doesn’t inherently invite interesting conversation, I’ll just click ‘like’ if it’s available and move on. The only people who get a comment no matter what are my “must reads” (which you are a part of. 😉 ) but even there I limit myself to two comments on posts if I’ve fallen behind on someone who posts every day.
I’m so glad that I’m one of your must-reads! Honest, I feel all warm ad fuzzy. ^_^
I’m the same way though…I follow more blogs than I can reasonably keep up with, and especially when I’m out West there’s just no time… I’m lucky to find a moment to reply to comments on my own blog! @_@ I’m trying to learn I manage my time better though, so maybe I’ll get better!