Commenting: I Was Very Wrong
After a success on my article “Click Click: Please Leave A Comment” which encouraged people to write, this article, takes a step back to apologise.
A while ago, I wrote an article titled ‘Click Click: Please Leave A Comment’ as a few of my fans might remember. It was an overnight success and wormed its way through to the ‘Hot Content’. I was pleased because it was my first article that actually got there and the feeling is special. Although, I had one very important message – to ask people for comments rather than views or ‘I Like It’s. The message I tried to send out was that comments are really encouraging for a writer and it is like a stamp to say that people actually did read your article. Well, if you want to know more you can read the article where in a nutshell, I asked people to comment on not only my work, but other people’s too. My views on commenting were rigid and I thought that those who didn’t comment weren’t really encouraging a writer. I asked every one to take time out of their busy schedules and comment work.
How wrong was I, though?
When I wrote ‘Click Click: Please Leave A Comment’, I had my summer holidays and I had nothing to do all day so commenting was something that I did when I wasn’t writing. As much as I love writing, commenting is something that takes my fancy too and fortunately, I’m a good and a fast reader so the process of reading and commenting takes far less time. But now my school has started. I’m doing my A Levels in the next couple of years and it is the 2 most important years of my academic life that will determine whether I work in the local chip shop or whether I get a place in some nice university. And yes, you guessed right, I don’t have time to comment.
Many people said that they couldn’t comment but they tried when they could and now my state has reached that phase. Normally, when I comment, I comment all of the new work my friends post which comes up on my ‘News Feed’. After I comment them (or most of them), I move on to the ‘Recently Published’ list on Triond to look for some other writers that I could support by commenting on their work. Then finally, my last stop is the ‘Hot Content’ list although I only read those articles that take my fancy. Of course, this is before school began. Now, I haven’t got time to write an article, let alone leave a couple of comments. Now I know the true trouble that all of you lovely writers on Triond go through, to juggle your (certainly more hectic than my own) lives. You people have a lot more things on your mind like work, families, friends, chores etc as opposed to my schedule of going to school, coming home and doing homework. It just fills me with more respect for those writers who have busy schedules but still take time out to continually post on Triond as well as leave the occasional comment. Fair enough, I still hate ‘good job’ or ‘nice work’ comments but when you don’t have time to even say ‘hello’, even a ‘good work’ seems to perform magic when it comes to encouragement in writing.
My message in this article is that I’m a bit cross at myself for taking a (polite) rant at non-commenters in my article ‘Click Click: Please Leave A Comment’ because now I know what it is like to not be able to leave comments. What I want to say is, do leave comments but don’t slave over them in a way that it upsets the balance you may have in your life juggling your personal commitments. An occasional reminder that you are watching over a writer is good enough.
I’ve learned my lesson now that I mustn’t speak out critically before actually doing something. Everyone on Triond tries and I think we must applaud them for trying to write and trying to comment.
At the end of the day, I was quite wrong but at least now I am sorry I said it in the first place.
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56 Responses to “Commenting: I Was Very Wrong”
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September 10th, 2009 at 3:50 am
And so say all of us. I\’m a busy dad with a home to run and children to get to school/nursery. The actual time I spend writing, which is what I love to do, is minimal each day, let alone getting round to reading and commenting on all of the talented writers on Triond, of which, Nikita, I have to say you\’re one. I am also unfortunately a very slow reader. I do look at lots of other peoples work all the time as there are sometimes good lessons there, and often inspiration for my own work, but to leave a healthily long comment on every single piece I read is just unachievable if I\’m still to write myself.
Good piece Nikita, we all learn quickly that everyone is different and that our view may not be the right view, but oh how boring the world would be if we didn\’t learn a little every day.
Carry on with the good work, but concentrate on your studies too. Don\’t fall into the trap of letting your writing take over. I have a disgruntled wife that will prove this move to be not such a good one
Take care
Aldrin
September 10th, 2009 at 3:52 am
This is very well said and I agree with you. Everyone here needs encouragement for we all work hard. And it is a fabulous community. Thank you Nikita!
September 10th, 2009 at 4:06 am
Absolutely right Atikin. Spot on. Writing and commenting on Triond has become a hobby for me but fitting it in with school work, friends and sometime to yourself can be a problem. I’ve split my days on Triond, one day I’ll be commenting and adding more friends, other days I will be purely leaving comments.
Time management is a must!
Thanks for sharing.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:12 am
I wish you achieve whatever you are working for in your studies.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:38 am
Just one of life’s little lessons. We all have our limitations and work the best we can within them.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Commenting is essential for people on both sides: the giver as well as the receiver. The giver, assuming it’s another Triond writer, is assured (hopefully, some just don’t respond/reciprocate) of reciprocal gesture and the receiver, is overjoyed to get encouragement, acknowledgement and page views. Yes, ‘good work’ comment is better than no comment.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:50 am
Thanks for this, Atikin. Commenting indeed does take a lot of time. Life is busy, and at times it even seems that leaving a simple short comment is going above and beyond the “call of duty.”
Comments are valuable — helpful and encouraging — and should be treasured like gold.
I appreciate your insight and honesty. Nicely done.
Regards,
Joel
September 10th, 2009 at 7:04 am
So you’ve gotten a reality check. That’s a good thing. As someone who works full time, has a family and home to care for and spends at least three evenings a week with my church-related commitments, I am one who doesn’t always have time to comment. So I am not distressed when my friends don’t comment on my work all the time. I am happy just to know that people are reading my work.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Very good article.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:26 am
I know that wou’ll get used to getting back into your school year. It’ll be hard adjusting and every once in a while we need a reality check. Good artivle my friend.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I try to comment on my friends work as often as I can, but some of my days can be hectic and doesn\\\’t leave me much time to leave comments on everything. I\\\’ll still read and click the I Like It button though.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:32 am
As i written in one of my articles ..:D… commenting is a good way to link to you and your work
September 10th, 2009 at 7:33 am
I total agree with you, I do work my way around on my friends list and then the others who are not on my list. Good article.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:33 am
I’d like some comments on my work like.. am i speaking english right?
September 10th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Commenting doesn’t have to be a chore. I’m happy for you to find your vacation a fruitful one having Triond as a part of your activities. It was a phase, and now this is another phase of your writing life. Studies should always be your priority, and if you don’t comment as often, we do understand, as we all have lives outside of Triond to attend to. Very good and honest write up.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:13 am
I agree with this article. It must be so hard for most people to find the time to write, read and comment. I am retired but still have a busy life and am finding it difficult to fit everything in. I have decided to take two days a week away from commenting so I have time for writing. Good luck with your A levels.
Christine
September 10th, 2009 at 8:15 am
I leave comments on people’s work I like and who has helped me in some way! You deserve comments on your work and keep up the good job
September 10th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Good piece and well written
September 10th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Adkins, It tak a strong person to g back andadmit they wrer wrong, I give you my kudos for this. I realized how hard it is to keep up with everyone witch I tried to do, Now I comment on thouights that comment on mine, then if I hae time I’ll check out my favorites rather they comment or not , becaue there are just not enough hours in a day to get all we want done, Done. I aplaud you for yourcourag,
September 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
It’s always interesting to have that kind of epiphany where at one point you see something from one angle, and then just a short while later, you can see it from an entirely different perspective. That’s a good lesson I suppose.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Walk a mile in someone elses shoes right?
September 10th, 2009 at 10:58 am
You read all the article and then comment on it…that is uniqueness of u
September 10th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Good article. I, too, am finding it harder and harder now to read and comment on people’s articles with work and writing commitments, though I still make an effort to do it as much as possible.
September 10th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Good job – Nice work!
I love to read everyone\’s work everyday and comment on as many as I can. I am home on disability, so my computer time is limited by my ability to type at the moment (I have Parkinson\’s- my symptoms and abilities change constantly), my ability to get down the stairs to the basement where the computer is (and then I need to use the bathroom, which is another trip up and down the stairs.) I am also limited by having to share this computer with Hubby and 2 teen age girls.
One of my worst habits is neglecting to write my own stuff because I spend so much time writing comments. Hubby laughs at me because my comments are often longer than the article – so I will leave it at this.
I like getting comments too – and the more comments you write the more you get. OK – I will really stop now.
September 10th, 2009 at 11:52 am
You know I often feel terrible for not being able to comment as much as I would like. I have three bratlings of my own and it’s hard enough looking after them. Then I have to write, publicize my articles and read, comment and like each article of my friends.
It’s a heck of a lot of work!
Thanks for the great article, you really stood up for us busy people and it is appreciated
September 10th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I’m sorry you are so busy now but as you say priorities are priorities. As for myself, I would love to make longer comments for everyone but when you try to read so many articles and make comments on each one it takes a lot of time. You can only do so much so I try my best to return every comment and any other articles I have time to read, I make comments on. I try to alternate short comments with longer ones. I do the best I can and I’m sure everyone else does the same.
September 10th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
This was well thought out. I really liked your article and your comments about making comments to our friends. As you stated sometimes it is not easy to leave a comment. We do have lives of our own and writing comments and then taking the time to write ourselves can be very time consuming. My husband already thinks that I spend to much time on the computer writng as it is. So anyway…thanks for your article and thanks for your honesty. I really enjoyed reading it. Well done.
September 10th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
A very honest and well written one!! Congrats on your featured article…..Soon you will reach the hat rick! Thanks for sharing
September 10th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
This is very honest. It’s a fact that sometimes we run out of time. And it gets difficult to read and comment to all. You’re right here.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Schoolwork should come first then chase the money on Triond.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I TRY to write a little something on the articles I read. I know time is limited but I learn a lot from others and they should know their work is appreciated. I know that I enjoy every comment I get. This is a well written truthful article. Thank you.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
The traffic you REALLY want to generate is that outside of the Triond community. Let’s face it, the views you get from Triond solely is a finite source. With that said, you will find that very few people outside of Triond will comment on your work. I would suggest that 99.9% of the comments you receive will be from Trionders. There is nothing wrong with that because they serve to help us improve our writing skills WHEN they are sincere. Which brings me to my next point, if you aren’t going to actually read the content and provide a sincere comment, negative or positive, just don’t bother at all. It is an insult to us all when a comment is received merely for the hope of reciprocation.
September 10th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Well written and very interesting article.
I am fascinated by how many people struggle to find the time to write to Triond and comment articles too. Its amazing to find people (like you) are willing to do this to make it such an interesting place to read and earn money.
I hope you do well in your exams at College/Sixth Form. I just finished college and now off to University at the end of September. So I will be in the same boat as you, struggling to make time to write articles and also comment at the same time.
Keep up the good work, and articles however remember studying always comes first! You will enjoy it at college. It’s much better than school by far! You may actually find once the first couple of months have gone that you actually get alot more time than you think!
September 10th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
thanks for your honesty – I think Triond would want us to look elsewhere for “views” and to Triond for “comments” (as REP pointed out).
I tend to read all Stumbled stuff and not so much on Triond (partly helped by Stumble stuff staying in the inbox until you read/delete it!!)
September 10th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I completely understand that things get in the way and that makes it hard to find the time to post all of the time. I hope that you do well in school Atikin.
September 10th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I like this article. It sounds very sincere. I do read your articles and will comment as much as I can. keep them coming.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
A very sincere piece indeed. With my full-time job and family, I sometimes find it hard to read and post comments, but I do try as much as possible.
September 10th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
To learn from ones own mistake is a good sign of humility. Not many people will do that you know? Nice peice
September 11th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Great write! We all need a little encouragement.
September 11th, 2009 at 12:20 am
HELLO!
GOOD JOB! GREAT ARTICLE!
/sarcasm
September 11th, 2009 at 6:10 am
I think all writers go through these feelings from time to time. I did too! Great reminder that we’re all human and have to learn in our own due time. Friends will always understand.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:45 am
really like this article!
September 11th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Hi Atikin,
I didn’t read the first article, I’ve only just discovered Triond, but what struck me most about this one was the maturity of it. It’s not everyone that has the personal strength and integrity to hold their hand up and say “I was wrong.”
I’ll be reading more of your work in the future, and looking forward to it. So just keep on writing, reading and commenting as and when you can. All the best.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Nice article. I know where you’re coming from. Lately, I’ve not even had time to write much on Triond because of other writing projects, but I’ll be back.
September 11th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Other activities MUST take precidence if they are more important, and that goes without saying!! I try to log on every day and read/comment whenever possible and certain users will always get preference for my attention. Time is precious after all! I don’t think your original article was ‘wrong’ at all, but a fair statement about what you were contemplating at that time.
September 11th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
yes you are right every one should appreciate others by commenting..[:)]
September 12th, 2009 at 4:18 am
Atikin, it’s always nice to see the same writer offering two distinct perspectives on a single subject, and you did it very well.
Not everyone will have the time–or the will–to leave comments on the articles they read. But you can be sure you know how to make us feel like commenting on your pieces.
September 12th, 2009 at 4:57 am
Commenting: Hmmm, that’s something we all want. But here it goes, one from me. Your article is exceptionally written! Best Regards, Hugo
September 12th, 2009 at 6:28 am
I don’t think you were judging people when you asked for comments. I read what you wrote and took it as a reminder that we all help one another here, and I think that’s true.
Life is busy for most of us. We all do the best that we can (or we don’t). Either is ok really.
Lovely to see a young person with the balance that you have internally. It shows in your writing and will serve you in that way.
Keep it coming. What you have to say is meaningful and heartfelt.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:12 am
This one is really right. Next week, I’ll have exams so I won’t be able to comment even use the Internet so I guess it’s nice that people takes time to comment though at times is really so busy.=)
September 12th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I think you are a very mature young women to write this article. You can always tell when I have been working a lot as you don’t see me commenting on your articles. Once I have a day or two off I take the time to try and catch up. It is a job in itself. Thank you for this dear heartfelt message. Well done, good job. Ha, Ha, LOL.
September 14th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Atikin, there is nothing to apologize for. Good luck in school. I enjoy reading your work. You’re a better writer than I was at 17.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:55 am
good luck with your exams…..I am an A level candidate too…..and I know how tough it is….
http://jfl-my-thoughts.blogspot.com/
September 16th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
No comment LOL, really I just had to comment!
September 17th, 2009 at 9:12 am
What you said is 100% true. Though I love to write comments to friends, I hardly find time, managing my 2+ yrs old son
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:10 am
i see your point… but there’s nothing wrong with that! i always commenting to my friends work, though im always late!