How Do You Comment? Five Free Commenting Tips — Triond Writers Please Take Note
Sometime during my first day with Triond I was stumbling through the Help Center and came upon a section about commenting on others articles—at least I think it was the Help Center. I’ve read so many articles and tips and… wait; you want me to go find it? Okay…be patient and I will return…
Nope; I could not locate the specific piece that has stuck in my head since the beginning. Maybe I saw it at another site. What I do remember is something along the lines of: if you wish to comment on an article you should write more than a couple of words (e.g. nice one, good job, etc.).
I’ve expanded on this concept (which I am sure is not new) and I want share 5 important tips for commenting on articles. Whether you currently comment or not you can become a fabulous commenter in no time and with very little effort but very great reward–for you and the writer you’re reading.
5 Free Tips–How to Comment Successfully
#1: Comment honestly but with good intentions: if you find something within the article that goes against your views it is perfectly fine to let the writer know–however I recommend choosing how you word your rebuttal carefully. Be honest but don’t be a bore.
Ex: What a load of crap, you don’t have a clue about (whatever) and you should quit writing now, yuck!
Better Example: While I don’t agree with everything you are saying I appreciate your view–which might make us different and that’s okay because unique never goes out of style!!
(Please note: I know…my first example wasn’t that mean…I just don’t think I have it in me… And if you really dislike an article, not commenting may be the best way to go; it’s your choice, your words!)
#2: Make your comment count: As a writer I love to read my comments (good or bad) but if it appears that you didn’t really read the article (e.g., your comment makes no sense in relation to it) then you may end up sounding like an idiot which may affect whether anyone reads you; which brings me to #3.
#3: Don’t comment in the hopes of getting views for your articles. Chances are your comments won’t sound (or be) sincere if all you’re doing is commenting in the hopes that someone will read you.
#4: BUT…commenting on other writers articles very well could get you views for your “stuff”, if you: comment sincerely; reference something that caught your eye in the article; or are genuinely appreciative of the author’s time and effort he or she put into said article–the favor could then be returned to you.
#5: Last but NOT least: I do believe that short comments can be affective. One or two words that show the author you appreciate the piece can go a lot further at times than writing a small novella–something I am often guilty of, but I do love to praise the pieces I enjoy.
Remember, you do not need to comment on every article you read. You certainly should refrain from offering grammar tips in your comment (PM the author if it is that concerning–he or she will usually appreciate it and get to work fixing the issue). And keep in mind that what you write is forever yours, out there for the entire world to see–a stupid comment from a tired/drunk/cranky commenter is still a stupid comment.
There you have it folks, 5 + free tips about how to comment successfully. As I wrote this article I had the notion that maybe I was being a bit too honest and some may be incensed or take offense that I dare tell them how to comment. Ultimately I hope to simply make you aware that your comments matter–don’t let what you say come back to bite you in the butt someday.
And one last–bonus–tip: Commenting does not have to take up a considerable amount of time. Spending a mere 20 minutes each day reading and commenting on others will benefit you and your friends and may inspire all of us to keep doing this thing we love–writing!!
If you’ve found the preceding helpful be sure to read my other Triond helps:
Five Important Things You Need to Know About Triond
Xomba–Triond Writers Please Take Note
Four (More) Triond Tips–Triond Writers Please Take Note
Writing for Triond? Bookmark This Free List–What You Need to Succeed
Please visit AskSan’s Triond Profile to get to know me (if you’re so inclined) and please visit AskSan’s Blog for all my updates, publications, and pictures! Happy reading and commenting!
Liked it
Click the icon to the left to subscribe to Writinghood with your favorite RSS reader.
- The Do's and Don'ts of College Essay Writing
- Write, Publish and Earn -a Review
- Attract The Audience You Want
- What Appeals to Your Readers? What Content are They Looking for?
- Why We Should Wish for The Way Things Were
- How Many Posts Do You Write Each Day
- 5 Ways for College Students to Improve Their Writing Skills
- College Application Essay Do's and Don'ts
- Love of Oneself
- Freelance Writing (Making $)
August 28th, 2010 at 12:38 am
Comments, comments, comments–I love comments–and I’m a bit slap happy this evening.
Rule #888: Try to follow your own advice; at least a large percentage of the time
August 28th, 2010 at 1:15 am
These are really useful tips for commenting effectively.
August 28th, 2010 at 1:37 am
August 28th, 2010 at 1:54 am
@SpencerM: Thanks for making my day
And Anuradha: NICE comment
Thank you!!!
August 28th, 2010 at 2:07 am
You still got it in you!
August 28th, 2010 at 2:30 am
Very good tips to write comments.
August 28th, 2010 at 2:38 am
Thanks Raj!!!
Two more good tips: Funny comments work well and comments that only the author and the commenter understand can be fun and will amuse the author greatly!
Appropriately of course
August 28th, 2010 at 2:54 am
What a good subject!! There is an article somewhere on Triond about different “types” of commenter? Could be an interesting cross reference?
August 28th, 2010 at 4:05 am
Great advice! I agree 100%.. (you don’t think my comment’s stupid do you?
)
August 28th, 2010 at 4:21 am
@J.: Rather brilliant I think. But then you did just say I gave great advice. How could I NOT like it
I don’t want to frighten anyone with this. lol.
@ revivor: I don’t know if you will see this but you have a message waiting in your inbox. Love your suggestion and would love to give props…oh well I’m not going to repeat what I said there. Geesh.
August 28th, 2010 at 9:13 am
This is very useful and nice advice
August 28th, 2010 at 9:23 am
I like to be encouraging but I also have to be honest. But I can be honest without being destructive. A useful article!
August 28th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Honesty: as you SHOULD, 1hopefulman!!!
August 28th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Great Share.
August 28th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
First time I read this type of article. You impress me. Great Writing and advice
August 29th, 2010 at 12:53 am
I must agree with you.
August 29th, 2010 at 7:23 am
Great article!
August 29th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Interesting share,
August 31st, 2010 at 12:38 pm
I don’t spend enough time commenting. You’ve motivated me to try a little harder. Thanks.
September 1st, 2010 at 11:07 am
Awesome article San! Commenting is very rewarding and fun too! I comment religiously on a few peoples articles, and its why i dont comment on that many poeples articles! Its cos I spend alot of my commenting energy on the few people I read!
I like your fun writing style, and i cant get enough of that smile on your profile pic!
Dejan.
September 6th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Thanks for sharing your very informative article..you’re such a nice wonderful lady ! Can you post also where to comment in Triond? I love to read that..thanks San!
September 14th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Well said my dear. You can always be honest with the person in a way that they know that you are trying to encourage them to achieve greater heights with their writing, without being abusive and downgrading to them. It is alway better to encourage, than to discourage someone. You gave great examples of the proper way to do this with this well written piece. Always the “class” act aren’t you AskSan dear. Well done my friend.
September 19th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Woah there Waspy! Anyways I think you are very passionate about your work and there are many people here that could learn a great deal from you. Plus, your first example was hilarious!
September 25th, 2010 at 6:23 am
LIKE YOU SAID YOU HAVE READ SO MANY TIPS SO MANY THIS THAT OR THE OTHER, MY POINT wE ALL HAVE READ THEM ALL BEFORE OR MOST OR SEEN IT IN THE PAPER OR THE TV ADS ECT ECT SO IF I REPLY WITH MORE THAN CHEERS OR VERY GOOD IT IS BECAUSE I HAVE NOT READ OR HEARD IT BEFORE SO YES CHEERS AND THE ONE YOU WERE LOOKING FOR MIGHT WELL HAVE BEEN vAL MILLS POST OR RUBY HAWK… CHEERS