Can we be real with each other for a few moments?
One of my biggest frustrations with regards to this blog is the lack of comments and meaningful discussion on most of the posts here.
It’s frustrating for two reasons.
First, I really, really, really want this blog to be a place where we are all helping each other to understand how to most effectively use Internet technology in ministry. I am not by any stretch of the imagination the smartest guy on this topic or the best writer nor do I have all the answers. This blog is not reaching its full potential because it lacks your insight and observations, your experience and perspective.
Second, commenting on this blog is a fantastic and very easy opportunity for you to help your ministry grow. Comments can give you credibility, links, and new visitors. I can’t for the life of me understand why more people don’t comment more often.
So, here’s the deal. I am going to lay out as clearly as I possibly can the benefits of commenting. Then I’d like you to give me the honest truth as to why you haven’t commented more often and tell me how to make this blog more engaging.
If it’s because I suck as a writer or have been writing on boring topics, that’s fine. I just want to know so I can try to make the blog better. You can be anonymous.
As I sat back and thought about why more people don’t comment on this blog, one possible reason I thought of is that perhaps some people just don’t understand all the benefits. So, let me list them.
6 reasons to comment on blogs
- It gives you a link to your site. Links help your site’s search rankings.
- It gives you new visitors. People click on your link, and visit your site.
- It gives you credibility. If you post insightful comments, people will take note and take your blog/site more seriously.
- It gives you insight. If you post your perspective in a comment, it gives others the opportunity to respond to it helping to grow your understanding.
- It builds relationships. If you comment regularly, you’ll get to now other commenter, they will get to know you, and it could lead to other opportunities in the future.
- It’s fast. You don’t have to post a 6 paragraph response. Sometimes a sentence or two is perfect.
Of course these benefits don’t apply only to this blog but all blogs. If you have a blog or website commenting on blogs is one of the fastest, easiest ways to build your audience. I know you’re busy, but I believe it’s really worth your time.
But do you?
Humbly seeking honest feedback
Like I said before, I am just not satisfied with this blog. And honestly, I don’t know what I need to do to make it better. I need your help to better understand my own personal limitations as well as any technical issues that may be limiting the value and conversation of this blog.
So, could you take a few seconds and give me your honest, anonymous feedback and tell why you don’t comment more often? Here are some possible reasons I came up with.
- The posts are not usually on topics that really interest you.
- The writing is not engaging and interesting.
- The writing just doesn’t provoke me to post my thoughts.
- The blog takes too long to load.
- There are other technical issues.
- You still don’t think it’s worth your time to comment despite the benefits listed above.
- You’re afraid to post comments because of what other readers might think.
- Something else?
What could we do to encourage you to contribute to the conversation more often with comments?
Thanks!
[image by Tojosan]