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Are you as a "successful blogger" who has made it, too good to reply to the comments left on your bl

by satrap
16 replies
I dont know if this is a rave and rant, complain, seeking opinion or just something to get off my chest. But here it goes:

Almost all bloggers agree and advice on replying to the comments left on your blog. It helps you build a relationship with your readers and encourage them to get engaged and come back for more.

Why some blogs, when they achieve some success and become "big" think they are too good for their readers? I find it so disrespectful and selfish when bloggers who have become successful and have a big famous blog, dont reply to any of the comments left on their blog. I do blogging myself (although I dont have a big successful blog, yet), so I know it takes a lot of time and effort to work on a blog and maintain it.

But, I mean, your telling me you dont even have few seconds a week to reply to at least one or two comments. Everybody likes to be heard.Yeah, many comments are spam, many are written in a way that there is not much to respond to, but there are a lot of time that the reader is asking a question or whatever when they leave a comment.

One of such bloggers is the.... well, I dont want to name him, although if you go to his blog, which I am sure most of you who joined this forum, probably have been a few times, you can see that he never ever replys to any comment. Does he think he is too good for other? That now that he has reached this level, he doesn't need to waste his time replying to his readers? After all, these readers are the ones who made his blog what it is today, if it wasn't for them he wouldn't be making a dime from his blog.

What do you guys think. I am kind of fired up about it. I started commenting genuinely on his blog a few moths ago. I have left comments on almost all of his recent posts. but never even once got any reply to those comments, and some of them were genuine questions and comments that could be responded to. But, never received any answer or reply to those comments. Yes many people also use commenting to build backlinks, and thats one of the reasons I do comment on other blogs, but I still read the whole post and try to leave a truly genuine comment that can add to the value of the post. It just pisses me off, to the point where this has become almost a reason for me to beat him in SEO and take his spot in Google.

Dont get me wrong, I know a lot of successful bloggers who reply to each and everyone of their comments. Yes,some of them might even use assistant to do it for them since they are busy, but they still respect the opinion of their visitors and readers. Although my blog is not that big and doesn't receive that many comments, yet , I work 14 hrs a day offline, but, when I get home, I still manage to respond to the comments left on my blog, even if it is just to say " thank you for your kind words" or "thank you all for leaving your comments" or what have you.

Also, whats the point of "contact me" link, if you are never going to email back? Again, I realize time is short, but after receiving 10 emails from the same person, dont you think it would be polite to at least Acknowledge you have received their emails but dont have time to respond?... I just think its so...


I dont know, maybe I am being too harsh and there are things that I dont see. Maybe they dont mean to be like that, but just dont think about it the way I and many others do. I also realize that most of his visitors and other blogs like this one, are people who are just looking for quick information and not really into commenting, so maybe the "not responding to comments" doesn't really effect the general audience anyway. But, then again, those who do leave a comment are visitors too. I dont know...

What do you guys think? Do you think its disrespectful? Do you find it "uncool" to ignore all of your commenters? And more importantly, do you think its gonna hurt you(your blog) in the long run, no matter how big and successful you might be at this point?
#comments #good #left #made #reply #successful blogger
  • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
    Oh, this has me so fired up as well...trust me, I highly doubt you are alone in these feelings and sentiments, satrap....

    Want to see how blogging should REALLY be done? (Scroll down to this gentleman's comment section)

    How to REALLY Profit From Your Blog | The Smart Passive Income Blog

    I could go on about my feelings about this for a VERY long time....but, it's almost 2:00 AM here EST....

    I leave you with Pat Flynn's blog, because, well, it's bloggers like him who need and SHOULD replace those who are so high and mighty, from having 'made it' that they can't even take a spare moment to comment back to the people who take time out of their lives and schedules to comment to them....

    In my honest opinion, even if it takes 5 hours, each and every blog comment should be responded to....

    Go talk to Gary Vaynerchuk about 'caring'....he would respond to emails for hours and hours, answering many of the same questions over and over again. That is how you become huge and stay that way....

    Bloggers, like Pat Flynn, are going to seriously chip away at the traffic of those 'other' guys....just watch
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  • Profile picture of the author paul wolfe
    It's an interesting question.

    For example if you've ever read Steve Pavlina's blog you'll notice there are no comments. I think he even blogged about that at some stage.

    But comments are a great way to create a community - so if you have comments enabled it is pretty daft to not reply to them. If you're not going to comment, disable the comments.

    And Pat Flynn is pretty cool, he is building himself a great little community with his comment interactions
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  • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
    Who cares whether someone answers their blog comments?

    It's down to them - it's their problem. If you comment and they don't reply -don't comment again.

    For all you know they have lots of blogs and their main source of revenue is Adsense so they're not intending to spend their time commenting.

    I wouldn't worry about it - if the way other people run their business annoys you if it's not how you would do it - you're in line for a lot of upset.

    Just ignore them and focus on your own business.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Why do you assume the worst about the blogger? As someone who often receives more email than I can answer if I want to get anything else done, I can tell you there isn't always time. Priorities have to be set, and that doesn't always work out to everyone's satisfaction.

    Do you know who gets my attention? Those whose names I see repeatedly because I appreciate their loyalty. Those who need help who tell me how they've tried to help themselves first. Those who are paying customers. Those use my real name (Dennis) when they write instead of my site name (Boogie or Boogie Jack or Jack) because I know they are followers of what I do. Those who show good manners. And the list goes on...

    Do you know who is low on my priority list? Those who are not polite. Those who don't sign their name. Those who don't try to help themselves. Those who send form letters. And this list goes on too...

    If you like the blogger's content, would you rather have them spend their time creating more useful content, or making nice in the comments section?

    Rather than viewing the lack of a response as a personal affront, just enjoy what the person does offer you. Be glad he or she is sharing their insights -- they don't have to, you know. Maybe one day your name will catch their eye and a relationship will bud from it.

    People need to get this straight...lack of a response is not a personal rejection. It's not a statement about your personal value. It's not even about you, so why should it bother you?
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  • Profile picture of the author Anonymous Affiliate
    A couple of years back I run a niche blog that got popular. At every post (about 3 a week) I used to get between 30 and 80 comments. Eventually I was VERY selective on what comments I'd answer or else I'd spend more time answering comments then actually blogging.

    You need to realize when your efforts are better spent at some other tasks.
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    • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
      People can run their business/blogs however they deem fit, however some people do equate not being responded to as a bit of a slap in the face, as if they aren't being listened to. If the blogger that the OP is referring to is who I think he is, there is a bit of another element here--when people are constantly being 'sold' to, in just about every blog post, yet they are responded to...ever. There is definitely always a need to monetize a blog, but some bloggers not only take it a bit over the top, but, they never ever mention completely viable (and better) FREE alternatives to the products they offer.

      In one blog, I can recall a blogger recommending 3 high price-tagged eBooks, however, there were free alternatives that I felt could have been mentioned, and the blogger was fully aware of it, because he had actually interviewed the person who created that free eBook. I think mentioning a product that is FREE, interspersed among products that they have affiliations with, would at least give readers the impression that it isn't all about the money....and, that it isn't all about picking the high-ticket items, regardless of their quality, based solely on how well they monetize the blog. In fact, I think greater trust and loyalty, in the long run, could be fostered by caring enough about your readers to 1) Comment back to them 2) Presenting them with free options, as well, to those who may be price sensitive, or to those may want to get their feet wet before purchasing a higher ticket item.....it would have to be tested, however, in the end, i 'think' what is lost would be gained back multiples in loyalty and trust.

      ....there is also another element to responding to readers comments. What is the nature of the comment? Is it just to state something as fact or opinion, or did they ask a question? Now, sheer volume of comments may definitely detract from work that could be done elsewhere, however, if those comments come in the form of 'questions', they SHOULD be answered.....How would it make you feel if you repeatedly asked questions, and noone ever responded to them? Unfortunately, this has been the case on numerous blogs.....

      They don't have to take it as a personal insult, but, do you think they'll be inclined to comment again. No. They'd probably go elsewhere, IMHO.
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      • Profile picture of the author satrap
        Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

        Why do you assume the worst about the blogger? As someone who often receives more email than I can answer if I want to get anything else done, I can tell you there isn't always time. Priorities have to be set, and that doesn't always work out to everyone's satisfaction.


        Do you know who gets my attention? Those whose names I see repeatedly because I appreciate their loyalty. Those who need help who tell me how they've tried to help themselves first. Those who are paying customers. Those use my real name (Dennis) when they write instead of my site name (Boogie or Boogie Jack or Jack) because I know they are followers of what I do. Those who show good manners. And the list goes on...

        Do you know who is low on my priority list? Those who are not polite. Those who don't sign their name. Those who don't try to help themselves. Those who send form letters. And this list goes on too...

        If you like the blogger's content, would you rather have them spend their time creating more useful content, or making nice in the comments section?
        Dennis, I respect you highly, I really do. I read almost all of your posts, because they are always informative and truthful. But, I dont mean to be rude, but have you red my original post here?
        I never assume the worst in anyone. In fact I am one of those people who always assume the best in people.
        And I understand the time concern as well,, thats why I said it more than once in my OP that I understand time is short and you have more things to do, but your telling me a blogger doesn't have 1 minuet a week to just reply to all comments at once telling them "hey thanks for the comments, sorry that I cant reply to all" or something like that, you know what I mean.

        Rather than viewing the lack of a response as a personal affront, just enjoy what the person does offer you. Be glad he or she is sharing their insights -- they don't have to, you know. Maybe one day your name will catch their eye and a relationship will bud from it.
        Although, its nice to assume the best in everyone, but he and many of us are here to make money, along with providing good information to people. I dont think he shares this info just because he wants to be nice to people. if that was the case, instead of promoting all paid products, he could recommended free alternative that I know he knows of.

        Your telling me they dont have to share this information. You are telling me they put all this time and effort into it just to provide information to people because they are nice? Dennins, hi is making money, so yes he has to provide this info to get visitors to his blog who then will click on his ads and buy products he promotes. Come on Dennis.


        Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x View Post

        People can run their business/blogs however they deem fit, however some people do equate not being responded to as a bit of a slap in the face, as if they aren't being listened to. If the blogger that the OP is referring to is who I think he is, there is a bit of another element here--when people are constantly being 'sold' to, in just about every blog post, yet they are responded to...ever. There is definitely always a need to monetize a blog, but some bloggers not only take it a bit over the top, but, they never ever mention completely viable (and better) FREE alternatives to the products they offer.

        In one blog, I can recall a blogger recommending 3 high price-tagged eBooks, however, there were free alternatives that I felt could have been mentioned, and the blogger was fully aware of it, because he had actually interviewed the person who created that free eBook. I think mentioning a product that is FREE, interspersed among products that they have affiliations with, would at least give readers the impression that it isn't all about the money....and, that it isn't all about picking the high-ticket items, regardless of their quality, based solely on how well they monetize the blog. In fact, I think greater trust and loyalty, in the long run, could be fostered by caring enough about your readers to 1) Comment back to them 2) Presenting them with free options, as well, to those who may be price sensitive, or to those may want to get their feet wet before purchasing a higher ticket item.....it would have to be tested, however, in the end, i 'think' what is lost would be gained back multiples in loyalty and trust.

        ....there is also another element to responding to readers comments. What is the nature of the comment? Is it just to state something as fact or opinion, or did they ask a question? Now, sheer volume of comments may definitely detract from work that could be done elsewhere, however, if those comments come in the form of 'questions', they SHOULD be answered.....How would it make you feel if you repeatedly asked questions, and noone ever responded to them? Unfortunately, this has been the case on numerous blogs.....

        They don't have to take it as a personal insult, but, do you think they'll be inclined to comment again. No. They'd probably go elsewhere, IMHO.
        Perhaps you made the point better than I was trying to. Like you said, when you sell in each post of yours, I think you owe it to the same people who make you money by buying those products you promote, to at least let them know they are heard and their comments matter.

        And yes, who you think I am talking about is the one I am talking about


        Originally Posted by Andyhenry View Post

        Who cares whether someone answers their blog comments?

        It's down to them - it's their problem. If you comment and they don't reply -don't comment again.

        For all you know they have lots of blogs and their main source of revenue is Adsense so they're not intending to spend their time commenting.

        I wouldn't worry about it - if the way other people run their business annoys you if it's not how you would do it - you're in line for a lot of upset.

        Just ignore them and focus on your own business.
        Andy, its not a matter of caring who runs their business in what way, its just what I felt and thought maybe I could just get it off my chest. I mean, if you are not going to acknowledge any comment, whats the point of enabling comments.


        Any ways, I know in the big picture it really doesn't matter, but I just... I dont know! I just dont like it when its all about money. yes, everybody is working to make money to pay the bills and this and that, but I think it would be nice to care about other people's feelings, their thoughts and whatever, specially those people are the ones who you wouldn't be making any money without them. Thas all I am saying. Other than that, I know it ultimatly doesnt matter what I say about some bloggers and how they dea with this issue sint going to matter specially to them, I just thought its an interesting issue to get some more opinion from you guys. Any way thank you guys.
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        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
          Originally Posted by satrap View Post

          Dennis, I respect you highly, I really do. I read almost all of your posts, because they are always informative and truthful. But, I dont mean to be rude, but have you red my original post here?
          I never assume the worst in anyone. In fact I am one of those people who always assume the best in people.
          Thanks for the kind words, satrap. Very generous of you considering how you apparently felt about my response to your OP. Of course I read your post. One of the things that jumped out at me was when you wrote:
          I find it so disrespectful and selfish when bloggers who have become successful and have a big famous blog, dont reply to any of the comments left on their blog.
          It appeared to me you were calling someone you don't personally know disrespectful and selfish based your negative assumptions about why they were not responding to your comments. Disrespectful and selfish are strong accusations. As that was the first thing that jumped out at me, it's why my response started with, "Why do you assume the worst about the blogger?"

          It's also why I pointed out that the lack of a response is not about you. If you let it be, you are giving away your autonomy to another person.

          ... but your telling me a blogger doesn't have 1 minuet a week to just reply to all comments at once telling them "hey thanks for the comments, sorry that I cant reply to all" or something like that, you know what I mean.
          I agree with you. Anyone should be able to make time to make a comment to everyone at once . . . but you didn't say that in your original post, which led me to believe you expected an individual reply. In fact, other parts of your OP reaffirmed my conclusion that you expected an individual reply, such as these words of yours, "I started commenting genuinely on his blog a few moths ago. I have left comments on almost all of his recent posts. but never even once got any reply to those comments, and some of them were genuine questions and comments that could be responded to. But, never received any answer or reply to those comments."

          Although, its nice to assume the best in everyone, but he and many of us are here to make money, along with providing good information to people. I dont think he shares this info just because he wants to be nice to people. if that was the case, instead of promoting all paid products, he could recommended free alternative that I know he knows of.
          You have the advantage on me here. You know who you're talking about and I don't.

          Your telling me they dont have to share this information. You are telling me they put all this time and effort into it just to provide information to people because they are nice? Dennins, hi is making money, so yes he has to provide this info to get visitors to his blog who then will click on his ads and buy products he promotes. Come on Dennis.
          No, I'm not telling you that. Like I said, I don't even know who you're talking about. But it does seem you're getting value from his posts. After all, you have been going back there month after month. If you're getting value from his posts, I'm saying enjoy what you are getting rather than complaining about what you are not getting. Gratitude attracts more of what we want in life than complaining, if only because it means we have our focus on what we want rather than on what we don't want.

          Satrap, what we focus on expands. If you focus on the negatives you will find them over and over in endless supply, but is that where you want to be mentally?

          Passing negative judgments on others is a dangerous habit that sets us up for disappointment. From other posts I've seen by you, that is not who you are. What I've been saying is more for your benefit than his defense. Hop back on the positive track, my friend. There ain't no gold in pointing out problems, only in fixing them.
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        • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
          Originally Posted by satrap View Post

          Dennis, I respect you highly, I really do. I read almost all of your posts, because they are always informative and truthful. But, I dont mean to be rude, but have you red my original post here?
          I never assume the worst in anyone. In fact I am one of those people who always assume the best in people.
          And I understand the time concern as well,, thats why I said it more than once in my OP that I understand time is short and you have more things to do, but your telling me a blogger doesn't have 1 minuet a week to just reply to all comments at once telling them "hey thanks for the comments, sorry that I cant reply to all" or something like that, you know what I mean.


          Although, its nice to assume the best in everyone, but he and many of us are here to make money, along with providing good information to people. I dont think he shares this info just because he wants to be nice to people. if that was the case, instead of promoting all paid products, he could recommended free alternative that I know he knows of.

          Your telling me they dont have to share this information. You are telling me they put all this time and effort into it just to provide information to people because they are nice? Dennins, hi is making money, so yes he has to provide this info to get visitors to his blog who then will click on his ads and buy products he promotes. Come on Dennis.




          Perhaps you made the point better than I was trying to. Like you said, when you sell in each post of yours, I think you owe it to the same people who make you money by buying those products you promote, to at least let them know they are heard and their comments matter.

          And yes, who you think I am talking about is the one I am talking about




          Andy, its not a matter of caring who runs their business in what way, its just what I felt and thought maybe I could just get it off my chest. I mean, if you are not going to acknowledge any comment, whats the point of enabling comments.


          Any ways, I know in the big picture it really doesn't matter, but I just... I dont know! I just dont like it when its all about money. yes, everybody is working to make money to pay the bills and this and that, but I think it would be nice to care about other people's feelings, their thoughts and whatever, specially those people are the ones who you wouldn't be making any money without them. Thas all I am saying. Other than that, I know it ultimatly doesnt matter what I say about some bloggers and how they dea with this issue sint going to matter specially to them, I just thought its an interesting issue to get some more opinion from you guys. Any way thank you guys.
          "And yes, who you think I am talking about is the one I am talking about "

          lol....I thought so...

          In the spirit of anonymity, I think, if this thread goes this way, we should definitely keep his name away from this forum, because i KNOW he worked very very very hard to establish himself....

          With that establishment, though, comes a degree of responsibility....Just like he has the decision whether or not to respond to comments, so also do we have the decision to not visit or contribute comments. And...I haven't. lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author Grego-Jr
    What is the best site to start blogging?
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  • Profile picture of the author MassiveMarketer
    Yeah it'll fire me up especially if I posted something and I wanted an answer. If there is a contact button and got now response, definitely it's another reason to rant about. I have to agree, don't put a 'contact us' link if you can't be contacted, right? They could maybe get someone to do it for them - like an assistant you mentioned - who are trained and knowledgeable about the site or at least someone to filter those messages that need personal attention.

    It really is their business so it's up to them how to keep their readers but hopefully they try to do something about it to actually keep the readers coming.
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  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    Originally Posted by satrap View Post

    But, I mean, your telling me you dont even have few seconds a week to reply to at least one or two comments. Everybody likes to be heard.Yeah, many comments are spam, many are written in a way that there is not much to respond to, but there are a lot of time that the reader is asking a question or whatever when they leave a comment.
    I feel your pain, but if it took just 'a few seconds' then I doubt that too many bloggers would not do this. But I doubt it takes just a few seconds. In fact, just the few posts I do here and responding to my email take an ungodly amount of time.

    If you are going to have a blog such as this, then if you can't take the time to monitor and respond to it, you should have an admin or VA to take care of it for you. But it is quite a bit of work, so I understand why they might not do it. But I agree with you that it is wrong of them to take that attitude.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Tees
    I really only run a few blogs most of which are designed with the intention of selling the same products. So I do make it a point to respond to all of e the legitimate comments and questions. The majority of the comments I receive are irrelevant and have little if anything to do with the posts. So I edit many of them changing them over toward being testimonials for what I’m selling or comments that are relevant to the subject.
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    • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
      In the end, it all boils down to percepetion, doesn't it? If you are attempting to brand yourself in a positive manner, it is vital that you take steps to maintain that reputation that can be so delicate. Mark Twain once said, "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."

      Reputations can be affected that way, and that quickly. Once tarnished, it is almost impossible to regain its original luster.

      If you do have a "Contact Us" link, then you should respond. If you don't want to respond to any of the people putting their trust in you, then don't provide that link. It only takes a few keystrokes to remove that from your site. If you don't want to do the work (yes, it takes a godawful amount of time sometimes), then, as someone else noted, outsource it. Give someone else the task of responding. If you've chosen well, that person will only serve to boost your positive reputation.

      Bottom line: if people get the impression, real or imagined, that you deem yourself too good or too busy to answer their legitimate questions or gripes, they will seek the answers elsewhere.
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      • Profile picture of the author x3xsolxdierx3x
        If you are a blogger, who has worked very hard to established yourself, and now that you have a following, you receive tons of questions....I really think somekind of effort should be made to address those questions. When I see very influential bloggers, whose blog comments go without any type of response, it really saddens me....

        But, like I said....If they want to make a conscientious decision to not respond to comments, then, we, can make a conscientious decision to not visit their blog....

        For every comment they receive, it is "social proof"....so, the comments do have a significant amount of value, and a respectful and courteous thing to do, I believe, would be to respond to the people who helped build your blog and brand. Clearly this isn't a popular view here....if you can't do it yourself, or would rather do other projects, consider outsourcing it to a VA or something....
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