It's a Conversation

Newsflash: Blogs can be conversations! Or at least, they are supposed to be. In my opinion, one of the best parts of a blog is the comments feature. This engages the reader and takes turns the blog into a conversation as opposed to a one-sided monologue.

I would argue that the comments section of blogs have changed from their original purpose. I think the purpose of allowing readers to comment was so they could either add to what the blogger already said, offer a different opinion or viewpoint or ask questions. Unfortunately, bloggers view comments as a way to feel good about themselves and so comments now consist of “Great article” or “I love your blog!” There is nothing wrong with that, but it defeats the purpose.

Lately, I feel like many bloggers have gotten a bit arrogant with their blog and what they write on it. They don’t allow comments with different opinions and thus, offering a one-sided, and often weak blog. Sure, it’s interesting to read about what the blogger feels about a certain topic, but for me, it’s even more interesting to read the conversations that follow and sometimes even contribute to them myself. But it’s the blogger’s blog and if they don’t want that, they don’t have to allow it.

If you are one of those bloggers who doesn’t like comments with different opinions, then I would not allow readers to comment at all. If you only want people to comment if they share your thoughts, you don’t understand the purpose of comments. If you need to feel good about yourself through comments, I’m sure your constituency can send you an email.

I’ve seen many great blogs function in a way like conversation. The blogger is only one side of it and when the readers get involved, conversation starts, sometimes it may get argumentative, but nobody can agree on everything. That’s when blogs really get interesting. Those are the best blogs. Loose the ego, and start the conversation. You may learn something. You might see something from a different angle.

If you disagree, don’t comment here. Just kidding, you’re thoughts are always welcome.