Confessions of a comment whore
This is soooo awkward.
Today is Thursday (I think) and I'm just now answering comments from last Sunday's post. This happens a lot.
But really, does anyone remotely give a shit? (No, I'm not trolling for responses here.)
I hate to imply that anyone is going back and checking their comments here with bated breath for the "gems of wit and wisdom" (not) that are my replies. Even if this were remotely the case, I don't always check responses to my comments on other blogs anyway (or do I?) . Many times I forget I commented at all, I get so confused. But then I wind up going back to be sure.
Here's my general routine, BTW, which may begin to explain "my so-called life" and why I don't have a real one, as well as my commenting insecurities. (Neil: please see P.P. S. below).
Check my e-mail early and often throughout the day for comments to my latest post. (For some reason, I always log out and then have to do the password routine to get back in. I guess I like to work for it, and build up the suspense. Like a crack addict, I always want more and more, but don't feel like I've earned my reward without the password "ritual.")
Do miscellaneous blogging things, including trying to leave wise-ass, cynical comments on other people's blogs to prove I'm from New York.
Fall asleep on the couch around midnight watching "murder shows."
Wake up around 4 am with the TV blaring--courtesy of those late-night infomercials where they crank up the volume in the hopes of waking you up--or failing that, implanting a subliminal, irresistible urge to order a three-disc collection of the Sounds of the Seventies, or a set of 40 ginsu knives.
Turn the volume down, turn on Herman (my Mac). Make coffee and smoke endless cigs while I do bloggie things.
Inevitably discover that I am drained and exhausted by 7 am-ish.
Collapse on the couch.
Awake several hours later. If I'm at BG's, I am treated to the sweet melody of my beloved's voice--telling me to get the fuck up and keep my paws off that "stupid toy" (aka Herman).
Try to resist the urge to turn on Herman again.
Contemplate doing some "real-life" things, which would also involve leaving the apartment.
Feel guilty because I've gotten a late start again.
Feel depressed about my dilemma for twenty minutes; smoke five more cigarettes.
Turn on Herman again.
Rinse and repeat.
Anyway, I typically go back and answer older comments in the wee-ish hours when I'm in full possession of my "faculties" and do them all in one fell swoop. Isn't this fascinating? Oh yeah.
But anyway, I just wanted to note here that I am not a comment snob--I am a comment whore. On the other hand, some bloggers get so many comments that if they answered them all, they would never have time to blog or sleep or eat. I'm not in that category, but I do procrastinate. So anyway, thank you all for your feedback--I do appreciate it.
Well, would you look at the time. Seven am on the nose--time for my nappie. Later!
*PS--Yeah, I've used BG's "portrait" of me here before--so sue me. It was slim pickings over at Flickr.
**PPS--Adding to my general level of humiliation, I just realized that Neil (he of Citizen of the Month and Blogebrity fame, no less) did a list type thing just the other day on his blog. Ah well, if you're going to borrow, borrow from the master. And that voluminous comment section--don't get me started!
Technorati tags: blogging, comments, responses, Neil Kramer, Citizen of the Month, Blogebrity
posted by elvira black @ 7:55 AM
47 Comments:
Some clever person should come up with a blogging application to remind a blogger where and when he commented and when someone writes back. I also feel the same way you do -- I forget that I commented somewhere. And then I feel guilty about it because my parents didn't raise me to be rude. For instance, recently someone wrote a post about their grandmother dying. I wrote that I was very sorry and asked how old the grandmother was. And then I forgot to go back to the site for another week to get the answer. I'm sure the blogger was saying to herself, "What an asshole! He asked about my grandmother and then never even came back. He didn't really give a shit."
Well, I did give a shit. I just need that software application to remind me that you answered back.
Blogging... sigh...
i do this all the time. i'll forget i even visited a site and sometimes i'll forget to comment when i wanted to so if i do go back for the response i wonder what happened to my comment! i am nuts!
Neil:
If you can figure out that application and sell it to Google, you may just be set for life.
I have the Blogger option on that sends me e-mail copies of all comments. This is especially helpful if someone (like oh, maybe, Walker) sends a comment to an old post. At the bottom of the e-mail is a link that leads me to the post in question, so I can respond and keep my famiy honor intact.
Jessie:
If I wasn't an obsessive compulsive psycho already, this commenting stuff would have driven me over the edge long ago.
I'm a comment whore too. I try to check my blog often like you do and I try to answer everyone who takes the time to comment on my blog. And I try to remember where I commented so if they answer, I can read what they said.
But I'm currently avoiding answering my latest comments because 1) I'm sick 2) my current topic is controversial which means I have to leave *lengthy* answers to my wonderful insightful commenters 4)I'd rather comment on other people's blogs right now because I'm sick and 5)I'm fucking sick as hell
So your post really resonated with me today (did I spell "resonate" right? God I'm sick...)
And what better way to spend being sick than reading other people's blogs through a feverish haze? ;-P
Dr. Charles:
Hey, thanks! A movie about hard core bloggers, hmmm...should probably be a horror film. Maybe Blogger of the Living Dead?
Herman is like a person to me. My boyfriend certainly sees him as such--he's very jealous. He's never touched Herman, but I like to remind him that when he wants to, say, find a list of Lower East Side bars with happy hours that have an outdoor area (so we can smoke) Herman can be mighty handy to have around. Though I think some quit smoking sites would be even more helpful (lol).
Amber:
I'm sorry you're sick, but glad that you found my blog, and gave me a chance to check out yours. I love it! Thanks for visiting.
After reading that post I feel compelled to add a comment for no reason other than to take advantage of that fact you're a self-confessed comment whore.
And now I'll probably forget how to get back to this blog, despite wanting to know how my lack of wit and insight went down.
Just like me:
HAD A LIFE, GOT A MODEM
issit really necessary to reply a comment?
shrugs.
I thought some people just want to leave their thoughts down without expecting a reply.
but of course, I myself would love to have lotsa comments left on every entry. It shows that ppl appreciate what u write.
perhaps, I dun have tt much of a problem because ppl who leave comments are usually those tt read my blog regularly.
guess I shld be more polite in future
=P
LMAO!!!!!!!
I have been slacking off a bit lately myself and have been caught having to answer a multitude of comments fron two or three posts and not to mention the occational New Yorker who catches up and has me running around all over the place smoking cig after cig leaving ashes all over the keyboard to mingle with what ever crumbs linger down there also. LOL
I to have emails sent to me of comments made and some people leave them deep in my archives ack.
I do have a habit of going and seeing comments I have left especially if its a comment that requires a response in return.
Its all fun really and enlightening to see how people comment.
Its also refreshing to see opposite sides of comments on the same posts.
You cynical NEVER.
Have a nice weekend and BTW I liked you what if comment and it triggered a post that I will be writing next week.
I can't remember all the places I comment, but I don't try to either.
If the post is compelling enough I come back and if not...
I always respond to all comments, but sometimes it takes me day or two to get to it...and yes, it takes forever! but I hate when people don't respond to comments, so I feel I have to do it because I don't want to be like one of 'them bloggers'....lol
I never expect replies to my comments. But I expect to leave a little of the cynical, sarcastic wit you bring to me back with you.
It's just common knowledge that recycling will save the planet.
For a self-admitted blog whore, another comment for your inbox. :)
I often forget to look for a response to my comment, until days later.
Sorry, I meant *comment* whore. Let's not confuse matters.
you named your iPod Herman? That is quite possibly the best iPod name ever.
I named mine Sylvie. They should hook up.
Your the best, E! I am back! I took 282 photos with lots fo stories to tell, so it will take me a little while to post some on my blog.
When I first started blogging, I obsessively checked for replies to my comments, and was offended when I didn't get one.
I'm not so bad about that anymore. Thankfully.
Don't feel bad about not replying to all comments. There is a blogger who I consider to be a 'touchstone', who very seldom replies to comments. It doesn't offend me in the least. I don't read her blog for comments, I read her blog for her writing. She occasionally comes in and comments on my blog, and I treasure her comments because they are few and far between. Sometimes she visits and doesn't comment at all...but I don't let that bother me. That is her style. Her writing is sometimes as elusive as her comment style. She is a challenge.
Like her blog, I read your blog for content, not comments. (insert silly smiley face *here*)
Thanks for the link!
Vincent:
LOL--Well, if you had your comment feature enabled, I'd comment to your blog so maybe you'd come back to mine!
Bipolar Guy:
You said a mouthful there! Before you know it, you look up from your screen and realize seasons have changed, years have gone by, and there you are, still glued to the internet...
Skybellzz:
Necessary to reply to comments? No, that's up to the individual blogger of course. At this point, I like to respond to all comments--and since I'm anal about it, I also procrastinate, if that makes sense. So I'm far from a shining example of...whatever.
I don't have any scientific stats, but I just tend to think that responding to comments may attract more repeat visitors and comments (versus lurkers who never comment). Some people don't respond to each and every comment, but for me it's nice to know that the blogger is acknowleging those who took the time to comment. But everyone has their own style and M.O.
Walker:
Oy vey--now I have a case of triple commenting guilt! Guilty when I comment late to another blog; guilty when I'm late at responding to comments here; and guilty when bloggers feel compelled to go back and leave responses to old comments!
Just for the record, I don't really expect bloggers to respond to comments to an older post, but it is nice when they do.
And as far as getting ideas for posts from comments--that's the most beautiful thing of all. You and others have inspired me a number of times.
Jack's Shack:
That makes sense--otherwise you can start to drive yourself crazy trying to remember where you commented. On the other hand, if I do take the time to comment it ususally means that I think the site is worth a return visit. What really cinches the deal is if someone comments to my blog in turn--then they've really won my heart!
Webmiztris:
Yes, my thoughts exactly. Though I must say that if someone has a ton of comments as you do, that can be daunting indeed. But I've seen bloggers who have very few or no comments, and don't even respond to those. If I visit again and see no response, the chances of me returning again are often very slim.
Dan:
LOL--thanks! I love that philosophy. For me, blogging is a conversation rather than a monologue. But gratuitously responding to all comments can sometimes be unnecessary or even silly. If someone comes and comments to my site after I've commented to theirs, that means a lot more to me in the long run.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Artdetective:
Blog whore, comment whore--guilty as charged on both counts (lol)! Yes, I often forget too--it's very hard to keep up, but a lot of times I realize it's not all that crucial esp. if I like the blogger and I know they do respond to at least some comments some of the time.
Leslie:
Actually, I don't have an Ipod yet--Herman is my trusty Mac PowerBook. But I love the name Sylvie too. I just feel like Herman is an extension of my brain, so he deserves a name of his own.
Timothy:
Welcome back to blogland! Sounds like you had a ball in the real world--it'll be great seeing your pix and stories.
Paula:
Yes, that makes a lot of sense to me. I know exactly what you mean. On the other hand, there's at least one site I've come across where the comments are often the main point (though he seems to have folded up completely). Wonder if you'd post a link to that cool blogger so I can check her out?
What is this strange "outside" you speak of ? You mean to say that if I turn off the computer I won't die ???
Aah, that post rings very true with me...
Martyn:
I know you relate, but I also know you're spending time (gasp) outside, photographing your beautiful town and environs. On the other hand, if it's for the sake of the blog, does that count as real outside interaction?--lol...
Fortunately, I have an opinion about almost everything. This lends itself to blogging and commenting. I'll be posting an update on my personal life either today or tomorrow for those who are interested.
Elvira,
Here I am, checking for a reply to my comment...shame on me.
She is SquirrleyMojo. I don't know how to link in comments, but here is her address:
http://hidesquirrleymojo.blogspot.com/
Love this post:) I too forget to go back sometimes and reply to comments. Thanks to blogger for emailing them to me or I'd really be bad at it!
I don't know how you found my blog, but I'm glad you did. Yous is great. I LOVE that you've named you PC. And thanks for the link!
EB,
You do a good job of replying to comments and that can be work in and of itself.
Ice;
I'll check it out--I've fallen woefully behind in my blog visits now.
Paula:
LOL--well, here's another reply to your reply! Thanks for the link; I've bookmarked her. Looks interesting!
Leesa:
Thanks--I'm really glad I ran across your blog. Your photos are amazing too. Your dog and cat pix are sooo cute!
Newyorkmoments:
I'd seen your name around for quite awhile, and finally got off my blogass and added some more cool links I'd bookmarked, like yours. It's good to hear from a fellow New Yorker!
Jack's Shack:
Replying to comments...work...oh yeah. It's quite the conundrum: reply to comments, fall behind on visiting and commenting to other bloggers. Doing my visit/comment rounds, no time to blog. I'm considering outsourcing (lol).
No need for a reply. I don't get too many comments yet, but I hope I can't keep up one day.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Barbara:
"No need for a reply" is not in my vocabulary! I just visited you, and you get lots of comments, you trickster, you--I left you one too. Thanks for visiting.
Color me comment whore! I try to reply to everyone that comments. Sometimes I get busy with work and forget. But I really do try.
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