SubscribeMuch ado about comments
Mathew Ingram sums it up best:
Web 2.0 — or whatever we’re calling it nowadays — is supposed to be about the conversation, isn’t it? It’s not much of a conversation if you’re the only one talking, a point I have tried to make several times in the past, including here and here. In fact, a blog with no comments is more like a traditional media vehicle, in the sense that it’s a monologue, one that sends a subtle message that the writer has all the answers, and you the reader are simply a receptacle, a passive audience with nothing to contribute.
This in response to Seth Godin’s earlier post in which he explains why he doesn’t allow comments on his blog. TechMeme has more about the controversy that followed.
Kent Newsome posted an economic explanation for why some A-list bloggers refuse to comment or link. He calls it Agoraphobia in the Blogosphere. I love reading about the economic models behind human interaction and media, and I recommend checking this post.
I counted 12 trackbacks to that post. I wonder how many comments Seth would have received if he allowed them on that one post? How many would support his point of view?
I found one comment (on a responding post) that rationalizes his decision, and a few that call it condescending.
A blog without comments is still a blog, but it separates the blogger “in the know” and the masses of readers.
I don’t blog because I want readers on my blog. I want to meet you all and talk in person. But I can’t. Blogging and commenting is as close as we’ll get to stay connected. That’s what blogs are all about: conversations at a distance.
At the end, it’s a matter of personality. Some people are marketing out and out. I blog so I listen and talk. What about you?
Posted by Assaf in General on Sunday, June 4th, 2006. You can follow any responses using co.mments, leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
David
June 4th, 2006 at 9:54 pm
I’m in Matthew’s camp mostly. But here’s another way to look at this. I’ll tap my background in Experience Design. What happened on Saturday, In my opinion was not a good experience for many people. For some it was, but for many not.
I’m referring to the turning on—then off—then the message that followed. When people have bad experiences, they talk about them. Much like I am doing here.
So in addition to all of the comment hubbub—I just don’t think a good experience was had. Clearly there is a desire to connect/communicate on Seth’s home turf. He has every right not to do this. Doesn’t mean it’s the best customer experience out there…
-D
Assaf
June 4th, 2006 at 10:19 pm
I’m with you on bad experience and let down.
Maybe because comments were turned on and then turned off. Maybe because blogs are about conversations and comments are part of that.
Maybe because others like me feel that blogs without comments are talking at you, not to you. The tone says “you all are not that important”.
It probably wouldn’t matter if Seth wasn’t influencal, but like many bloggers I feel the world should move towards more open conversations. Not shut them down.
Singpolyma
June 6th, 2006 at 11:11 am
Haha, a ‘where’s my comment’ warning? Why don’t you have your comment system redirect back to ?moderated=yes and then put in the code to show that ‘Your comment is awaiting moderation’ or similar? I’ve done this with great success on the WP blogs I run…
Assaf
June 7th, 2006 at 11:58 am
I got a complaint, so I went and added the easiest fix.
If lets you know comments are held for moderation before you post, which I think is fair warning. I hope it doesn’t dissuade people, I just don’t want pr0n spam filling up the blog.
And if you check for your comment, immediately after posting or later on, it shows the exact same message, to reassure you that your comment will show up, it’s just a matter of time.
I prefer to have the notice always there, it’s harder to miss.