Re-Inspire Writers 3x by Leaving Effective Comments
Three tips (plus a bonus tip) on how to use the comments feature effectively.
My favorite Triond relationship activity is to make comments after reading an article, story, or poem. Leaving a comment makes me feel like I am leaving a blessing for that author.
I breathe a breath of fresh air when I read comments left for my own works. I come away encouraged, hopeful, and wanting to write more.
Here are three tips on how to use the comments feature effectively.
Use the comments section to express yourself.
Respond naturally to what you have read. Be free and use natural expressions. Writers want to know how their work is affecting their readers, so tell them. Triond user Melody Arcamo Lagrimas is an expert in leaving meaningful, heartfelt remarks.
Use the comments section to inspire the author.
Writers write to inspire readers, but readers can also re-inspire the author. I am encouraged at how Triond users go out of their way to leave positive comments to the author. Liane Schmidt is among the best in re-inspiring an author.
Use the comments section to provide constructive criticism.
Criticism that is constructive will make the author a better writer while making the reader a better author. Don’t be afraid to offer gentle correction, a helpful tip, or a word of instruction. Most authors can handle it and in the long run we will all be better off if we encourage one another constructively. Nelson Doyle is someone I have observed who proffers constructive criticism.
One bonus tip:
Use the comments section to find like-minded new friends
I love finding new friends at the bottom of stranger’s articles. I suppose that most people make new Triond friends by reading their works, but for me it is reading the comments section. Some comments ring true to my soul. Other times I recognize a name over and over again making observations similar to mine. I then look up the author’s works and nine times out of ten, I like their works and add that author as a friend.
Conclusion
Okay people, use the comments section effectively by expressing yourself naturally and inspiring the authors who are sharing their souls. Give relevant advice to help improve an author’s writing. And don’t forget to look for new friends along the way as you read and leave comments.
One more item before you go. Leave me a comment on my article! Thank you beforehand.
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November 9th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I couldn’t agree with you more. The comment I leave depends on how I view you work. I always go with my heart because I think the writer deserves it. However, I do not get nasty. Nice writing tip!
November 9th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I also agree – the comments I receive from other writers have been the inspiration to keep writing. Triond has become a family for me. When I leave comments for the writers whose work I admire, it opens the door for them to read my work. I think that this new system of adding a link to the commentator’s profile will make some great new connections.
November 9th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Well said as usual and great tips here. Thanks! I learn from this article.
November 9th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
This is very true, and it has not gone unnoticed that you have left good comments on my links. I have had good comments and bad on some of my links, the bad ones I dont even mind if they are pointing out an honest mistake rather than just saying crap because you are anonymous mostly when you make a comment.
In all honesty I don’t have the time I wish I did to read as many links as I would like – currently we have dial up only.. but I like to check out submissions of my friends when I do have the time. Comments are a way of saying “Hi, I was here, don’t forget to check my links out too!”
November 9th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
What a breath of fresh air. I know that many writers on Triond are afraid to leave their true opinions of articles that seem a bit ridiculous with no direction but, for me I tell it like it is. How will anyone ever improve if they don’t really know the truth. Well done on this piece
November 9th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
This is very true, and it has not gone unnoticed that you have left good comments on my links. I have had good comments and bad on some of my links, the bad ones I dont even mind if they are pointing out an honest mistake rather than just saying crap because you are anonymous mostly when you make a comment.
In all honesty I don’t have the time I wish I did to read as many links as I would like – currently we have dial up only.. but I like to check out submissions of my friends when I do have the time. Comments are a way of saying “Hi, I was here, don’t forget to check my links out too!”
November 10th, 2008 at 4:55 am
Very true. I always look forward to reading comments. Thank you for writing this, it opened my mind to the importance of writing meaningful comments.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
How refreshing to be appreciated for what we write. You are a blessing to many with your great articles and your awesome and encouraging comments.
November 10th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Oh, brian, this is such a great article. And I am so surprised to see my name in it. It made me feel good after being away for a while due to flu. I am glad to be back. God bless.
November 11th, 2008 at 1:00 am
I usually use the comment feature to express myself. That way, I get to add my own voice in the article.
November 11th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Debbie and Lauren, thanks for being courageous and sharing useful comments for authors. Taking a risk by telling the truth gently will make all of us better writers. Brian
November 11th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I see you’re on your way to the “Hot Content” list with this one it seems
November 11th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Karen, it is interesting how a community can develop online. I’m not convinced that it is as beneficial as a flesh and blood community, but if you and others view it as family to some degree, then Triond is meeting some needs. That observation makes our topic, taking the time to leave meaningful comments, even more significant. We have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Eunice and Eddie, so glad you were able to pick up something valuable here.
B and Countrymom and Eden, I appreciate your kindness. If I ever need a publicist some day, you get the job!
Melody, sorry for your illness and welcome back.
Richie, you bring out a great point that the comments section can be used as an extension of the article. Our writing is like a tree and the comments section is like pruning the tree to make it better, healthier, stronger.
November 12th, 2008 at 11:47 am
If truth is not given, both the receiver and the giver are cheated. I have left good and constructive comments.This is a very true, well written article. I always leave a comment so the person knows I have visited their efforts. this is also an invitation for them to see my posts as well. We grow together in our combined efforts. Thank you for sharing and caring.
November 12th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Brian,
I have come across some talented authors who I throughly enjoy their work. At times through no fault but my own, some articles I don’t understand. For example, just telling an author that their article is pretty or well writing doesn’t seem quite helpful if you don’t understand the material. Any suggestions for a thoughtful but sensitive comment?
Chris
November 12th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
gsm, good thoughts, that we are in this writing gig together. Thanks for the reminder to all of us to be in community.
November 12th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Chris, great question! I would love to invite other users to answer that question. Trionders…have at it!
Here are a couple of ideas that come to mind. First, don’t be afraid to ask a question of the author to clarify the material. If you have a question or concern no doubt others will have the same question. Clarifying benefits everyone. If it is more comfortable, you could even ask your question privately using the message system.
Second, if it is important to you, you could do some further research to try and understand the material in the article.
A third idea is to let it go altogether, and don’t even leave a comment.
Lastly, if you do feel compelled to leave a comment with an article you don’t like, don’t appreciate, or don’t understand, try these statements:
- ‘thank you for sharing your thoughts on this topic’
- ‘I appreciate you writing about pumpkin-shaped houses in Peru’
- ‘what an interesting topic this is – where would you suggest that I find more information and resources on this topic?’
Now, everyone, don’t think if we start using these comments that we are confused!
Chris, thanks for the interaction and for taking the time to move further down the road. In fact, you have done what you were asking about!
Happy writing,
Brian
November 14th, 2008 at 4:25 am
Well, there is the one tip missing: send the author a private communication if you feel your comment is too negative for the comments section but you feel it will help the author to improve.
Sorry Brian, I only saw your article after posting mine, or I would have linked it as well. Or to state it differently, I only found it thanks to the Bandwaggon …
November 14th, 2008 at 5:33 am
very inspiring and very helpful article,this helps a lot
November 14th, 2008 at 7:19 am
Such good advice and it’s the comments that keep us inspired. You must be honest but sincere… and Lucas is right.. If you are too critical send a private message. The one time I gave a minor suggestion… I later went back and read more of his work and commented on how much I enjoyed them. We all share an interest but by posting our comments it also makes us friends via the internet. Thanks again for the reminder that we all need to be an inspiration to others and sometimes it just takes a kind word of encouragement.
Karelee
November 14th, 2008 at 9:02 am
This article is great. You are right, never interested in wring before, but once more I say “YOU INSPIRES ME” guys.
November 14th, 2008 at 9:03 am
This article is great. You are right, never interested in wring before, but once more I say “YOU INSPIRES ME” guys.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Lucas, that is a great point, thanks for mentioning the option of sending a private message to an author in order to offer a helpful suggestion.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Karelee, that’s a great perspective. I love the idea that when reading one article we need to keep in mind that it is one article. That writer cannot be judged…too positively…or too negatively based on one piece. The broader context needs to be kept in mind. Thank you for sharing your insight.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Nobert and MJ, thanks for sharing the inspiration. Keep growing and writing well!
November 14th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Oh, sometimes I am out of words that I only leave a comment “good article!”. This article of yours made me realize my mistake. Keep writing and keep inspiring us.
Good luck!
November 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
aisaellis, that is something we all relate to. Triond writers do a good job of supporting and encouraging each other while in the midst of life itself.
But I’m glad you were encouraged. That encourages me.
Brian
November 15th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
An encouraging comment does uplift us and criticism makes us strive to do better. Your advise is well taken. best wishes, Ruby
November 15th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Ruby, excellent summary. Thanks for leaving that and even for reading my stuff. What a privilege! Brian
November 17th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
hahas, clever way to get us to read and post a comment. Truly though, your words are inspiring without leaving the person to feel guilty, but rather teaching them a shared respectfulness and possibly new friendship. You wrote this straight forward and clear making it well received and appreciated. Have a great one. Michael
November 19th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Hello Brian,
Great article – you know the keys to Triond are all there – we just have to look. Did you know, that on this very page, there is an RSS feed to subscribe to?
There are lots of secrets about this realm. I am eager to plumb your paladin mind for the answers.
Thank-you j
November 19th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
And you are such an effective encourager, in both your writing as work and as comments. Good to Good to have you in the loop.
)
* (¯`·. ¤ Jo
November 19th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Thanks everyone. It is so much fun when people read your stuff, appreciate it, and say so!
Michael, I appreciate that specific feedback. Thanks.
James, no one has mentioned my name and the word paladin in the same paragraph before. Thanks! (PS, I had to look it up to see if it was a compliment or a cutdown)
Jo, thanks so much.
Brian
November 21st, 2008 at 1:16 am
Well, looks like they have said it all. So I will just take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read and leave comments on some of my articles.
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:43 am
A very helpful and inspiring article. Thanks for sharing it.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Loreta and Darla, thank you and YOUR welcome! Brian
December 21st, 2008 at 9:28 pm
This was a great article. I too love to read comments on my work. But I really hate to see comment with rude or foul language. I don’t think those type of comments have a place here. Anyway this is your Christmas gift from me a read forward.
Take care, Pam
January 31st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Best article ever! Or best article I’ve read today anyway.
February 18th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
This is great, Brian! Your list is very helpful and informative..The bonus one is my favorite. When adding friends, “like-minded” should take priority, rather than the big numbers!