What do you do when you read a great blog post? Do you comment, do you tweet a link, do you stumble it or bookmark it somewhere like delicious?
I find it depends. Sometimes I really enjoy a post but don’t comment. Instead I do something to support the blogger like tweet or stumble. Sometimes I really enjoy a post, want to comment with my thoughts on the topic, and don’t bother to tweet or stumble.
And, sometimes, I wonder what the blogger would most like his or her readers to do.
I think it’s safe to say that the bloggers who are trying to make a living off advertising income want the traffic driving tweet or stumble or digg.
Other bloggers might want the engagement, the conversation, and not care at all about traffic.
Then there are bloggers like me, who appreciate every comment, tweet, and stumble. I’m never sure anyone is reading. Any sort of response gives me a bit of feedback that lets me know at least someone read a post.
I asked this question on Twitter. A couple of people shared their thoughts. Elaine Nelson who is @epersonae, said this and added this and wrapped up with a final thought. Laurie White, @lauriewrites, responded with this tweet. I want to thank them both for responding because they pointed out some of the thinking behind what people want you to do with their posts, and what they like to do for others’ posts.
On BlogHer, I wrote a post called What Women Do with Twitter. Check the comments. Some commenters couldn’t care less about getting links or retweets from Twitter.
I know there are bloggers with a sharp focus on one thing—like building traffic—but for a small blogger like myself I think the answer is “it depends.” What is the answer for you?
I love being mentioned elsewhere – like right now, quite a few people have been retweeting links to my blog. That feels good, mostly because I use my blog as an attempt to connect to people.
I particularly love it when the person I’m writing about responds – I’ve had quite a few e-mail from writers, illustrators and designers saying they appreciate what I wrote. I treasure that.
Maybe its all about ego – I dont know.
.-= Masha´s last blog ..Design Indaba 2010 – Words that I will remember =-.
As a way to connect with other like-minded people, then getting a comment or a link is a sure sign of success. You know you’re doing something right.
I am thrilled with any type of feedback whether it is comments or tweets.
I’ve been reading your blog for a ocuple of months and I don’t think I ever commented. I just wanted to say I’m a reader that likes and finds value in your blog. I hope to get a chance to meet you at Blogher this year.
.-= Bucksome Boomer´s last blog ..It’s Time to Buy Lottery Tickets: Winning the Census Jackpot =-.
Hi, Bucksome, I hope to say hi in person at BlogHer! Thanks for letting me know you’re out there.