Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Blogging Tip #2 - Non-bloggers - How to Comment

Are you a reader of this blog, and NOT a blogger? Are there times when you’d like to add your opinion, share your thoughts, or ask a question?

I know you’re out there because a few of you have asked me questions when we’ve seen each other.

The purpose of this post is to help you with commenting.

About twice a week, I write about something and “post” it to my blog. I title it, and the software dates it. My entry is called a “post.”

At the end of the post you’ll see "Post a comment" if you're the first to comment. If you're not the first to comment, you'll see “Posted by Anita…” and on the same line, you’ll see the word “comments” with a number in front of it.

Use your mouse to point to "Post a comment" or the word “comments” and click.

Another screen will come up with comments from other readers (if you’re not the first to comment).

In the box labeled, “Leave your comment,” type your comment. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. The appeal of the blog is “hearing” and “knowing” what you think. Read what others have to say, and consider it a conversation.

When you’re finished, use your mouse to click inside the “Word Verification” box, and type the letters you see above it. (If you type the letters incorrectly, at the end of the process, you are given more chances to do it again.)

Then, point and click on “Name/URL.” Click inside the box labeled “Name” and type your name. It can be ANY NAME. You can use your first name, first and last, a nickname, “dog,” “cat” - whatever. It’s just an identification you’d like to be known as on this post.

Click on “Publish Your Comment.” If all went well, you’ll see “Your comment has been saved” at the top of the screen.

Voila!

If you would like to add an anonymous comment - instead of clicking on “Name/URL,” click on “Anonymous,” then on “Publish Your Comment.”

If you’re wondering: I do not know your email address when you comment. There is a meter on the blog that tells me how many people “stop by” and from what city, but that’s it. So, if you’re a little reserved, you don’t have to worry about your privacy.

Hope this was easy to understand. If not, comment on this post (if you can), or drop me an email at noteforanita@gmail.com.

Be bold...comment on any post...try it!

Bloggers: How’d I do? If I missed something in this basic set of instructions, let me know. Thanks!

When I wrote the facebook post, many of you (bloggers) said you kept your bloggy friends separate from your facebook “friends.” Do you have a following or readership of "non-bloggers" that are NOT your facebook friends?

Non-bloggers: How often do you read blogs and how much time do you spend doing so?

29 comments:

Tina said...

I am a "non-blogger" and I do not do Facebook. I have certain blogs that I visit (I followed your link over from another blog in her "blogs I follow" section) every day if I can at all. I am a stay-at-home mom and both of my children are in school, so when my work is finished, (sometimes before) I like to follow a few select blogs. I have left comments on a few, but never on yours I don't think. You did a good job with the explanation. Thank you for considering us "non-bloggers". You might be surprised at how many of us are out here.

Anita said...

Hi Tina, My first comment on this post from a non-blogger - thanks!
I'm glad you think my explanation is good.
I'm especially happy to know that my blog appeals to non-bloggers. I love hearing different points of view from diverse groups of people.
Even if you don't comment much, it's great to know that you're stopping by to read.
Best wishes to you as a fellow stay-at-home mom!

Unknown said...

Good tips for non-bloggers. I do have a few non-bloggers on my blog but not too many.

Cathy said...

Hello Anita
Coming out of 'lurkdom' to say hello and thank you for the fun (and serious) things you blog about. First comment here - you did well with the explaination. Even I could have followed it if I didn't know how - may even have ot borrow it for a future post of my own lol
Oh btw I blog 'cose it gives me somewhere else to talk:))
Take care
Cathy

Cathy said...

Should think before I move the fingers
'Explanation' is the word

Joanne said...

Looks good to me, very thorough and simple steps letting everyone join in the dialogue! I have a couple regular nonbloggers stop by, and it's nice to have that mix of viewpoints.

Rebecca S. said...

Great idea for a post, Anita! I do have several people who read my blog on google reader, or by bookmarking it and a couple who asked to be put on my automatic email list (they receive every post that way, my parents included). When they have comments they email them to me rather than leave a comment. It would be neat to know how many 'invisible' readers there are out there, though!

Anonymous said...

Thats a good question. I have a few followers that dont have blogs, Im a little not all with it, Im curious to know how many non bloggers visit my blog!

Menopausal New Mom said...

Hi Anita, yes some of this computer stuff can be intimidating, one thing about blogging is that I had no choice but to learn and what I didn't know I asked. Everyone has been so helpful and pleasant.

For myself, I don't really do much on facebook, I have my profile set up but to be honest, the blogging takes up so much of my time, I don't want to add facebook to that load.

My daughter has a facebook page for my friends and family to keep up with her, this blog is my space.

Karen said...

I'm so glad you took the time to write this all out and, if you don't mind, I might link to it on my blog. I've wanted to do something similar, but my head starts spinning when I start thinking about how to 'splain it all!

Tabor said...

I think it is nice that you called them non-bloggers instead of lurkers which is so intimidating. The only thing that I would add is if you get the word verification wrong, don't worry, the server will send you a new one to try.

Bernie said...

Anita, this is great and you explained it very well....:-)Hugs

Chapters From My Life said...

You know I am blogger... and I also do facebook. Commenting has never been a problem for me but I wish everyone would do away with word verification...

Buckeroomama said...

I keep my FB account and my Blogger very separate. Too lazy to open a new FB account using "Buckeroomama," which is obviously not my real name. :)

Robin said...

Very Well said Anita.. I dont think I really knew there was aproblem with that..I just thought everyone was able to post easily.....and my post from yesterday says it all about my blog habits...have great day..!

Anita said...

Hello EVERYONE, Glad the post makes sense.

ROBIN, I've had a few people to ask if they needed a Google account to comment, so that told me that the process is not simple for everyone. And I know lots of people who are still somewhat intimidated with the Internet. Gotta get over to read your post on our blogging habits.:)

Thanks CATHY and TABOR for introducing the term "lurkers" to me. Had to Google it.:)

Good idea TABOR, to let people know that "word verification" gives more chances to correct if done wrong the first time. Thanks. I'll add that in.

FARILA, I've read several blogs where people have expressed their dislike/hate for "word verification." A few others have added it to their blogs, I guess because of spam? Thanks for bringing it up...I will research it a little; maybe I'll get rid of it too. :)

REBECCA, I hear about Google Reader often, so it's time for me to find out what's that's all about.

KAREN and CATHY, and ANYONE ELSE, feel to link to this post if you think it will help your non-blogging readers. :)

KEEP COMMENTING! :)

Claire Gibson King said...

Haha. My Mom just asked me this same questions. I am going to direct her to your post!! Xoxo

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

This was a good idea for a post, Anita! They should give "Blogging for Non-bloggers" seminars. ;)

Anonymous said...

quick question, when someone comments my blog and i comment after them does it notify the people who commented my blog that i responded? or do people have to keep checking that i commented back?

thanks

Jacqui

Anita said...

JACQUI, I left you a note in your email inbox. Let me know if you got it. :)

Abby said...

Intersting topic. Once I discovered blogs, I couldn't wait to start one of my own. The non-bloggers-who-read-blogs population intrigues me!

The only "followers" I know of that don't have blogs are my brothers and one of my sisters-in-law... oh, and my husband! I don't feel a need to have any of these people either as blog friends or facebook friends!

I think what I need is more real life friends!

Jeanne said...

Hi Anita! I've been reading your blog for a while now and decided to take the plunge and leave a comment! (I'm a neighbor and former book club member). I'm a non-blogger, but I love to read blogs. I'm also on facebook. I really enjoy the way you write and how you come up with interesting topics. Thanks for letting me be a part of your blog!

Anita said...

ABBY - real life friends and cyberspace friends...are these two worlds blending together, becoming one? Are we beginning to find it unnecessary to see, hear and touch our friends? Hmmm...

JEANNE - I'm glad you like the blog! Thanks for commenting. I feel like I'm keeping in contact with you when I know you're reading it.
Hope you'll join us again with more comments!

ANY MORE NON-BLOGGERS OUT THERE? AND YOU TOO BLOGGERS, BECAUSE I KNOW YOU'RE NOT SHY. :)

Annie Z said...

Hi Anita, I've passed on a couple of awards to you. You can check it out at my creating peaceful thoughts blog. http://creatingpeacefulthoughts.blogspot.com/
Cheers!

angsiaufang said...

haha.. i love this post.. :)
maybe my mom need to read this. I've tried to explain to her how to comment on blogger many times.. but still..duh! lol u did awesome anita.. :D

Anita said...

PINK - Yes, help your mom...she might begin to comment on blogs and discover a fun new hobby!

HI EVERYONE, FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS LINK, OR CLICK ON THE LITTLE ENVELOPE NEXT TO THE WORD "COMMENTS" AND SEND THE POST TO ANYONE THAT MAY NEED A LITTLE "ENCOURAGEMENT." :)

Unknown said...

I took off my word verification which also makes it easier for non-bloggers to comment. I get very little spam, and when I do, I delete or ignore it....

But good idea for a post! I'm always wondering about my lurkers!

Anonymous said...

thanks for the comment on my page... i saw on another blog that every year she get the post she did that year and makes then in to a scrapbook, so maybe ill do that.

thanks and take care

Jacqui

Unknown said...

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