Over the past few weeks I have been removing more of the spammy-type of comments from Technically Easy. I have decided to become more stringent with the type of comments that I allow on this blog.
The comments that add to the discussion of the post’s topic are not deleted, nor are comments that don’t agree with my opinion. I welcome a good healthy discussion, but won’t accept comments that are created to try and generate a backlink. I decided to outline what I consider my commenting etiquette, which probably won’t differ much from your own idea of a good comment.
My Commenting Etiquette
Most people that receive comments on their blog probably has seen many different types of comments. There are good comments, where the commenter has provided a good discussion to his/her point, and there are not so good comment, such as generic one line “good post” comments.
Here is a list of what I believe makes a good comment:
- Provide a good discussion for the post’s topic. I mentioned this one above, but it should be repeated. When commenting look at ways you can add to the topic that was discussed, perhaps even provide your own opinion – even if it differs from the post author’s opinion.
- Write more than “good post”. This item is related to the first one. Don’t just write something like “good post” or “thanks” as a comment. Such a comment is completely useless and cheap. I am deleting such comments from this blog.
- Don’t include links to your site – it looks spammy. I have deleted many comments where the commenter included a simple “thanks” or “good post” comment, and then added a link back to their site. The links on my blog automatically switch to no-follow, but I delete that spam comment anyway. For those that do write a good comment, I usually just remove the link.
- Use your real name. Many people decide to use their site or blog’s name instead of their own. You are a human with a name, not a web site, so use your own name.
- Don’t use duplicated comments. I thought about this item after reading Human spammer | How to lose reputation as a blogger and get banned the easy way. Don’t leave the same comment on multiple blogs, it is pathetic and a waste of time. I will be deleting duplicate comments going forward.
- Don’t automate comments. Regardless of whether a program or person is entering comments for you – don’t. Spend the time visiting another blog, read the post, and then write your own comment. Doing so will allow you to find new blogs as well as introduce yourself to other bloggers.
Commenting on blogs is a great way to meet new people with similar interests, and also provide some exposure for your own blog, as long as you follow a few simply guidelines.