Thing # 4 Why Commenting is Important

Posting in your own blog as well as interacting and commenting on other people's blogs shows that you are  really engaged in a topic.  Commenting (agreeing with, politely disagreeing with, or adding your unique perspective and knowledge) on a subject will spark a conversation that can make the blog a place of dialogue and interaction amongst people who are interested in the same things.  Commenting creates a sense of community for otherwise isolated bloggers.  The blogger will not feel that they are wasting time and energy blogging into cyberspace if they see that people are interested in what they have to say.  Interaction and feedback is universally appreciated, both in the real world and on the web.    

While exploring comment etiquette, I found an interesting discussion:

Is it important to respond to comments made on your blog?

Some people find it necessary to individually respond to each and every comment.  Others never take the time to reply.  I agree with this comment made on Drape's Takes: Edublogger Etiquette- Responding to Comments made by Bam Bam Bigelow:  "I tend to respond to comments that challenge my thinking-- Comments that don't challenge my thinking I don't respond to."  This falls right in line with the rule of making meaningful comments.  If you want to spark a conversation, leave a comment that will do so.  While comments like "Right On!" are nice, they do not necessarily add to the discussion.  I agree with Bam--  Constructive, reflective comments are so much more valuable than ones that put a dead end to a conversation.  That is ultimately what happens after "Good Job."  No room is left for growth from this comment.  Comments that engage me to further reflect on a topic keep the discussion going.  These comments should and will be responded to.

Today I spent some time exploring my classmates blogs as well as some in the larger blogosphere:

• I commented on Renee McClendon's Blog 23 "Things for Teachers" about her ideas for using a blog in her high school science classroom.  I liked her ideas and commented that both her students and parents would enjoy the novelty and interaction that comes with using a blog.
• I also commented on Heather Wilson's Blog "Wilson's 23 Things for Teachers" about her difficulty with the 4th Habit of Lifelong Learning- having confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner.  I also struggle with confidence at times.  
• I enjoyed Kim Jernigan's post about the 7 1/2 Habits in her blog "K. Jernigan EDUC 5540- 23 Things."  She made a great remark about seeing a challenge as a way to learn something new, like changing a flat tire.  I commented that this was a great way to look at an obstacle.  She may not have ever learned to change a flat if she hadn't been abruptly faced with the dilemma.
• I like Kate Gower's blog "Hour de Gower."  The way she writes is exciting and makes me want to follow along.  She shared some of her interests with us which enabled me to relate to her (and take interest in her blog.)  
• I was drawn to Kasi Roberts' "kroberts life & literature blog" because of her title included something that I am very interested in (literature).  She shared an interesting tidbit about her exploration of Freud's Interpretation of Dreams.  

In the larger blogosphere, I have found two great sites about art/design/crafting/etc...

• poppytalk.blogspot.com 
• bugsandfishes.blogspot.com

I love following these inspirational sites on my brand new RSS reader (this is a great tool!).  This morning I left a comment on Poppytalk about a beautiful woven rug and shared my desire to take up weaving.  I also commented on a new project that Bugs and Fishes is working on.