More than that, I got a blog award for one of my favorite things -- comments!!! Brooke R. Busse, a young writer at Paper Mountain (a blog I really enjoy) gave me this award. Head over and check out her blog. :)
Seriously, comments are my favorite thing about blogging. I can scream into the void all day, but I'd much prefer to have a conversation. Comments are important. Without discussion, I don't really see the point of blogging. That's one of the things I liked so much about NaNoWriMo -- the forums.
In blogging, I've encountered a bit of an attitude of, "Well if you disagree, then just get off my blog! I only want 'you're fantastic and all your opinions are gold!'" comments.
Yeah, no. As much as, "I loved this! I want to read more!" comments make me smile in self-satisfaction, I like comments with a little more depth. I also try to leave comments with a little more depth. Why did I love this post? What am I going to take away from it? Did it change my opinion, or did it affirm everything I've already been thinking?
Or -- horror of horrors -- did I disagree with the blogger's opinion?
This happens. It's fine. If you disagree with me, please be sure to say so so that we can talk about it. "I love every word that drops from your fingertips and sheds its enlightening glow on my computer screen" comments are great and all, but they don't open any doors to further discussion. Disagreeing civilly and politely, on the other hand, does. Mine is not the only perspective in the world. Meeting to talk about these things on a blogging platform can help us understand each others' point of view.
Also, I like comments because they make me feel like people are actually reading this blog. :)
The comment award goes to Ty Unglebower, a blogger and an actor friend of mine who always leaves long, thoughtful comments. Say hi on his blog or read some of his comments on this one.
In other news, the Fall/Winter 2012 issue of Outrageous Fortune launches this evening. Go check it out here! We have a shiny new website that looks very nice.
Happy December!
Thanks for the award and for the shout out! You write thought provoking things that are easy to respond to. (In fact I have to remember some of the time not to let my comments run too long!)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ty! By all means, let your comments run as long as you like. Some of my comments on other blogs have turned into blogpost responses on this blog, because I wanted to elaborate more and generate more discussion. :)
DeleteCongrats! You definitely deserve that award. I'm always impressed with the lengthy, thoughtful responses I've gotten from you on my blog posts (or others). I think your comments add a lot to the online writing world conversation. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alyssa!
DeleteI always get worried when I don't see new posts from you...Nice to "hear" from you! And yay. I do try to contribute something, when I have the time. Conversation is important.