Comments and Traffic
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Comments and Traffic
To comment or not to comment. That is the question.
Should I comment on every hub I read?
Should I answer every comment that I receive?
Those are two
questions I was asked by another writer. So this hub is all about comments: whether
you should make some; how they should be written and even more precisely, how
they should not be written; and why making and receiving comments, just like oatmeal
and broccoli, are actually very good for you. Think "traffic."
So let’s get down to the basics. Hold it a minute. Why is it, no one ever seems to get up to something? It’s always, let’s get down to . . . No, I take that back. We do say of our child who has a guilty look on his lovable, little chocolate-covered face, he’s up to something. You wouldn’t say, Alphonse, bless his little heart, is definitely down to something. But I digress. One of my more less than alluring qualities.
How would you define a comment?
A comment is defined as an expression of opinion; a remark; an explanatory, illustrative or critical note or observation. For those unschooled in the art of making comments I will illustrate the various kinds of comments I have noted on Hubpages that are received by the writers of said Hubs.
Here is the one I see the most and shudder at – it’s so stark so plain, so drab – absolutely no panache. “Great hub.” That’s it. Short but not too sweet. And it’s very popular. Almost every comments section of every hub has at least one “great hub” comment. Have you noticed that? Haven't you received one or more of them yourself?
Oh, sometimes there is a slight variation like, “Great read” (pronounced as in present tense) – “I can read this word all by myself.” Not past tense as in “I read an entire paragraph by myself yesterday.”
Wait! There is one comment even more commonplace or pedestrian as I like to call it. How about “good hub”? That one is nowhere near “great.” As we move up the ladder to adjective heaven, the short succinct comments may include an “excellent,” an “amazing,” or a “wonderful” hub. Those comments are always better than just “good” or simply “great”.
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Etiquette of Commenting
I know what you’re thinking – is there an etiquette of commenting? Of course there is. Trust me. Should you answer every comment you receive on your hubs? Absolutely Yes! If others take the time and effort to make a comment then it is only common courtesy to comment back. Your ego is stroked when you receive a positive comment. Answer the comment with a positive stroke for the commenter.
Should you comment on every hub you read? If you are a fan or follow another hubber, you are notified by email when that individual writes a new hub. If the hub has no merit for you (I’m thinking of one that is titled, “Five Ways to Cook Snake Innards,” with explicit snake-gutting and innard-removing photos) then simply delete and move on. There is no point in making a nasty comment. You may be surprised to learn that a few, a very few, hubbers may be prone to make such comments but fortunately they are in the minority.
If on the other hand, snake innards are right up there on your list of delectable appetizers, feel free to let the hub author know in no uncertain terms of your admiration for the recipe. Something like this comment would be entirely appropriate: “Wow! I’m so entranced by your snake-innards recipe, I plan to share it with the entire Mayville PTA.”
Writing Your Comments
So let’s talk about writing really good, even great comments without saying merely good or merely great. Do you want to win the hearts of fellow hubbers? Then leave a comment that is a compliment. The word, compliment, means praise or expressing your approval. The best way to do that is to tell the author of the hub exactly WHAT you like and WHY.
Here’s an example: “This hub illustrating the beauty of the Grand Canyon (the WHAT) resonated with me because (the WHY) it’s where my first husband tried to shove me over the lip of the canyon. He apologized and said it was an accident. What unbelievable memories you have provoked!”
Here’s another: Do not stop at just the WHAT. “This hub is a remarkably clear explanation of making money with Forex trading.” Go on to state the WHY. “Because I plan to use my wife’s insurance money to invest as soon as she dies.”
You may have noticed that some comments are extremely brief – two words – and others are three or four paragraphs long. That’s OK – as long as the comments are complimentary. If you receive comments that are less than positive, you have the option of refusing to print them. But do not make negative comments on the hubs of others. Sometimes people might be vindictive and go out of their way to leave purple prose comments on your hubs in retribution. I have seen that, too.
You will find that most of the hubbers with relatively high scores are dedicated “commenters” and their comments are well worth reading. In fact, I have read a few hubs (the writers will remain anonymous) where the comments were even more intriguing than the hub itself. And sometimes a comment will lead to a response which leads to another comment which leads to … you get the idea.
- Getting Traffic: Commenting and Other Matters
It seems that on hubpages everyone wants something. In fact everyone wants a lot of things, in this case more comments. A lot more comments. For this hub writer they are looking at what their hub is doing...... - How to Generate More Traffic
Have you ever wondered why some Hubs and blogs get mega traffic and others very little? Discover how to use the - How to Create Hubs that Generate Comments and Conver...
Most of us live within several communities: our families, jobs, the gym, church, our social clubs, sports teams, the high school band, a cruise to the Caribbean, the summer cottage or trailer, our volunteer... - Grow Your Audience: Make Your Hubs Clickable
Make your hub something people want to click on. These five tips will help you make your hub look appealing before people even visit your page.
Real Life Examples
Example #1: Rebecca E., one of my favorite Hubbuddies, created this hub: “Getting Traffic: Commenting and Other Matters.” Note - It was reading Rebecca’s hub that gave me the idea to write this hub about how to write comments. Thank you, ‘Becca.
Here is the comment I wrote on her hub:
Drbj. Hi, Rebecca. This is a very important topic for your hub - the importance of comments and commenting. I, too, make it a practice to read and comment on every comment my hubs receive. It is a painstaking process sometimes but exceedingly rewarding. If someone takes the time to read your hub and comment, you owe it to that reader to comment back with a worthwhile comment. Do you think I've used too many "comment" keywords in this comment?
Rebecca E. -drbj- commenting on your comment yes it is a time consuming thing, but so much fun in the process, that I found it helps me get more ideas for new hubs and all that good stuff. Commenting is a vital way of getting traffic as well. (did I comment too much?)
Drbj - Dear Rebecca - you could NEVER comment too much. Especially on my hubs.
Rebecca E. - drbj-- you are asking for trouble now!! Lol
See what I mean about how one comment can lead to another … and another …
- HubPages Blueprint
Hubpages Blueprint. A free, effective guide that shows you how to monetize your hubs and increase your potential for making money online. - Dealing with Difficult People
What do you think? Can you make difficult people change? Probably not. The motivation to change comes from within. People have to be willing to change themselves. What you can do is use proven coping skills...
Example #2: Frogdropping, another of my favorite Hubbuddies, (she wrote "Hubpages Blueprint") commented on my hub, "Dealing with Difficult People - Bellowing Bull & Sly Sneaky Snake" as follows:
Frogdropping - I use a one size fits all approach/tactic/MO - I withdraw and ignore. I know there's a bunch of different personalities but half the time you're wasting time figuring that part out. And probably still getting wound up in the process. So I just shut down. And bugger off. Always does the trick. I'm not saying folks haven't followed me and tried to get me to engage but you know, my stubborn side kicks in. I can't do with being shouted at, raged at, treated like an idiot or ordered around.
By the way - buggering off is not the same as retreating. It is simply the act of removing yourself
Me - Thank you, frogdropping, for both the visit and the creative explanation of the act of buggering.
Yes, I've known a few folks like the latter and my strategies for coping with difficult people, for me, have always been ways to cope with both difficult bosses and difficult employees. In other circumstances, I, too, might use your M.O.
Frogdropping - And I really do prefer to walk away, fight another day. Though when I say fight - I mean diplomatically and subtlely.
Me - Oh, yes, diplomacy is good.
Here's my favorite quote on diplomacy: When a diplomat says yes, she means perhaps. When she says perhaps, she means no. When she says no, she is no diplomat. Ain't that the truth?
Getting More Traffic
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The comments we usually get on our Hubpages are much shorter but I've included those two lengthy examples to indicate how hubbers can get involved, interact with each other and establish relationships.
Summary
1 - Comments make you more visible which aids in driving more traffic to your hubs.
2 – Comments are part of the mysterious algorithm that Google uses to establish page rank. A multitude of comments, if there is also worthwhile content, may raise your rank substantially on Google.
3 – Comments can lead to inspiration for new topics. It often does for me.
4 – Comments make the recipient feel good, whether it’s you or another hubber.
5 – Comments can often be a gauge of “How am I doing?”
You will find that your most effective comments will state 20% of what you read and 80% of how you feel or felt about what you read.
So . . . make comments!
Wait a minute!
I almost forgot. There is a question I would like to ask you. Do you believe that I (drbj) am a male or a female? Why am I asking? Because there seems to be some confusion – not by me – but on the part of readers.
Wavegirl22 was kind enough to share with me this thread from a forum where Katiem had asked the question:"Name the Hubber who most influenced you and how."
Frogdropping responded: "Another that's quiet in the forums but has impeccable manners and an attitude to match is drbj."
Katiem answered: "drbj, is an impressive man."
And Cris A. asked if he could include my photo on his hub featuring prominent male hubbers.
In order to clarify the situation, see the video below which should be self-explanatory.
Your comments, of course, are more than welcome. And I will comment back. Promise!
© Copyright BJ Rakow Ph.D. 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Author, "Much of What You Know about Job Search Just Ain't So"
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Don't you dare to feel guilty, sheila b. You didn't employ the sin of omission. I did. Thank you for being the first to comment. Are we still hubbuddies?
You are so right, I am must agree it kind of annoys me when some writes, nice hub, um okay they say that all the time, to me it means that they did not read my hub, just rushing to make a comment. When I get too bogged down and can't comment back to everyone, I just keep them in the Que for a week and when I when I find time, I will sit down and read and make comments to each and every person. Thumbs up this is very useful your fan and friend
Scintillating hub BJ! I have always been very appreciative of your comments and attention to detail and I knew you were a cutie even before you showed us your picture. Although I wasn't quite ready for you when you showed up at my "Warning" hub, it is now respectable so please revisit. And there are tea and cookies. =:)
Great hub!
Ha! Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm guilty of leaving short comments, but I really do read the hubs and rate the good ones up! some days I have so many comments to answer and hubbers to read and respond to...there's just not enough time in the day for me to write long comments on all of them.
drbj - Another one of your insightful Hubs. Refreshing and fun are two words that come to mind when I see a new Hub by you, and this Hub did not let me down at all!
Thanks for clearing the confusion . funny but until I saw that thread I thought of you as all girl:) I liked the suspense that you kept me in for a bit;) Rated upward, useful and awesome!!
I saw that hehehe in the forum, and I thought to myself, no she is a woman, hehehehe. I know you're a woman.
And yes it is nice to comment and I for one likes to read hubs and comment on them, except when I am so busy, I take c re of my daughter and she was sick. I like this hub because you explained it fully by disecting the topic of commenting -- good or bad commenting. Maita
Thank you DRBJ, for clarifying so much for me on commenting. I always leave comments, but often find myself, a little shy, because I wonder if that comment will be taken as complement or if I am saying too much. I want to be positive and yet discreet when commenting, especially if the hub is on something personal. You really made me see things clearly and I appreciate your help. Very helpful and excellent hub. Bookmarked it for references.
My dear Darlene, I kinda thought other hubbers would have the same reaction to those short 2-word comments. Although I have to admit, a 2-word comment is better than none at all.
And I do what you do. When I can't find time to comment that same day, I move the hubs to a file where I can comment on them later.
Thank you for the thumbs up - your ARE my fan and my friend.
As usual dr, a valuable hub and a fun read. I am usually a woman of many words so I don't have the "great hub" problem. On the contrary,my comments often need editing!
Thanks for reminding folks how much a writer enjoys an insightful comment. On another note...I have to admit the thing I most enjoyed about this hub was your photos! I see the makings of a refreshing new avatar :) Rated up and useful.
"Scintillating?" Winsome. Wow. That's an adjective I positively worship. Knew I was a "cutie," eh? It just keeps getting better and better.
And I will revisit. Are the cookies chocolate chip by any chance? I could never flourish on a desert isle if it didn't have a chocolate chip cookie store.
I also leve, mostly, short comments but I answer every hub which I don't get. There is a hubber who absulutely mills them out and yeat she never comments on my hubs. I also think it is not fair if you spent all your time why not others. Your time is just as precious as theirs. I usually do about 50 hubs a day and I am very pleased of the great number of fans coming to my hub and commenting. Yes, I do use great hub or great read but I am praising the content and do comment. Sometimes I do write a short comment because to be honest it is very time consuming - no offense ment but we also have to think about writing mor earticles and let's face it the day only got 24 hours.
habee, you scamp, you. Or is it scamp-ette? You're my kind of woman. That's exactly what I would have done, too. Just 2 words.
And I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes when I return after a trip, it's daunting how many hubs I want to read and comment on. But I know we writers live for feedback - preferably positive - so I do my best. I'm going to frame that "great hub" comment.
Hi, Shari - apologies again for keeping you on hold, but delighted you enjoyed the result. I owe the "coming out" and clearing the confusion to you. Thank you.
And thank you for all those gracious comments - you were really on a roll. Love to have you visit.
So, Maita, you know how to keep a secret. I'm happy this hub is useful for you. When I started to write it, I thought maybe I'm being too basic with my explanations of right and wrong comments. Then again, the best way to explain something is to imagine that others are reading the explanation for the first time. So if you cover all the bases, there may be something new and valuable there.
Hope your daughter is all well now.
Hi, Internetwriter - thanks for stopping by. Delighted you found this information helpful. It's true we don't want to divulge personal information that may not be pertinent. But if you want to let hubbers know how you felt about what they wrote, long is not wrong. As long as it is helpful and positive.
Thank you for your gracious remarks. And bookmarking is good!
Hi, Hillary. Gasp! Are you saying someone would dare to edit your comments. Perish forbid. It wouldn't be me. Your words are like pearls of wisdom. No, make that emeralds - to match your avatar.
I am always delighted by your visits and your comments, as far as I am concerned, could never be tedious. Thank you for the rating and I'm happy you like my new photo. Will add Erik and myself to my profile one of these days when I get the time.
Howdy, hello. I think I know the hubber you are talking about. She produces more hubs (about 3 paragraphs long) each day than anyone else I have noticed. But never seems to leave comments on other hubs. I leave comments on her hubs from time to time as an experiment to see if she will comment back.
She did once and I am still in shock. You are absolutely right about there not being enough hours in the day to write long comments and also hubs. One must prioritize. You do what you can. Thanks for stopping by, hello, goodbye. Sorry!
Well, I have to say that when I am trying to catch up on reading other's hubs, or just reading some of the newbies, that I often write a scanty comment. Hmm, best be careful with that after reading your hub. My most difficult thing is finding the time to read as many as I would like. Because I could very easily just keep reading, and not writing anything at all!
I'm with everyone else, I like the real you picture. Although your avatar is pretty awesome too. :)
Rated up my friend!
drbj - a subject needing addressed and you did it well. I wish I had an audio tape of me laughing at some of your examples. It was good. I needed to laugh today!
I've had important company recently for a week, and ever since then - for several days and nights - have been catching up with replying to hub announcements that had accummulated. (not yet done, either - started from the bottom up and the top keeps growing!)
I love to read the hubs (which is why I became followers and fans) and to comment on what they say. I have no formula for it. I'm sort of spontaneous and think about it in the moment - how it really "hits me" and then try to express it. Very seldom do I feel negatively about it - but if I do, I attempt to try to think from their perspective and give a sincere and kind response. It's not all that different from common courtesy. Certainly if someone is nice enough to bother to read & comment on my stuff, they deserve to be acknowledged!
I also ramble on and on too frequently in commenting (example: now!) My short comments are longer than many folks' long ones. :)
There is no question but that it is very time-consuming to keep up with commenting and replying to comments. But as you all say - it's rewarding and constructive too. It is part of what is so wonderful about HubPages. The interaction. Most gratifying.
Anyway - It is a good hub, a fine hub, a terrific hub. I don't quite see it as an amazing hub. Might be if written by someone with lesser skill - but it's typically excellent for you! hehe
Thanks - and thank you for the many good comments you've left on my pages!
Well, I can't believe that I have just found you. I have had this question before. I always give the comment back to the person who comments. Of course, I could use more comments, couldn't we all? Maybe not you, but I could. I try to write useful content but I also write other places and as Duchess has said; finding the time to read more hubs is short. I do try.
This is a post that explains how we should give back what has been given to us and it is called promoting each other.
Thank you so much for this hub.
Linda
Oh, how I wish I had time to read hubs and comment more! I love reading the good hubs like this one! And thanks for clearing up the mystery about your identity!
Grand moms can be so sneaky. I really do appreciate your comments on my hubs. Sometimes a person comments and I slap my forehead and say, "Oh yea, I forgot to make that clear to my readers!". Other times I think, "Hey, didn't you read what I just wrote? Why are you commenting on something I plainly just said!" It's fun and exciting. Keep them coming, drbj.
drbj, This hub was interesting and I always thought your were a woman. I write comments that are too brief more than I should because I think I try to read more than I possibly have time for. I think your hub on comments is useful and will make us all re-evaluate our commenting. I do have a habit of ending my comments with great hub or good hub. You forgot to mention rated up!
I have seen most of your comments in my followers hub and agree with you that compliments to any topic in hubs will exactly become a short notice to others in Hubpages!Response can boost traffic too!a good observation on comments!thank you!
GREAT , WONDERFUL AND MAY I SAY ALL AROUND GOOD HUB.
LOL,
I could not help myself. Just so you know I have ate snake!
Taste like crap!
I think you really have hit on a good subject that a lot of us new hub writers have questions about.
Thank you for the help.
Oh, this is a gem!
I comment only when I feel like it, and comment back only when I feel like it. With only a few Hubs, I supposed I could do more, but what about those with scores or hundreds of Hubs? Commenting can become a full-time job if you let it.
Hmm, I'm thinking hard, so I don't end up as your example of the generic kind of comments. I keep coming back because I really enjoy your sense of humor (maybe, that's why you're mistaken for a man??!!), not that men have more of it but that's the general preception. But I always know you're a woman--you've a soft spot and it's easy to spot in your writing. Love this hub, how about that?
Yes, I have been working on my hubs for the last 3 hours. I now know how to LINK. I had to come back and see if you had any interesting new hub words!
Hello, drbj, and thank you for your lovely comment but no need to say sorry. I didn't take it as a reprimand and I agree with you having raised the point. I just explained my side. I know 'great hub' and so is a bit flat but at times I run out of more intellent comment
Wow Drbj - a very entertaining and informative hub - and so many comments already ! Do you have a special ray gun or something ?
Thank you very much for this informative and helpful hub. I will definatly be using these tips later on. Thanks again, Anonemuss.
Good Doctor bj - As usual, another fine article which you bolstered mightily with quoted commentary from some of your wise readers. However, what may have truly made this article one of my all-time favorites was that cartoon of "The farmer in the Dell."
Gus :-)))
Great/good hub/read! Haha
I enjoyed this thoroughly as there is indeed such a thing as the politics of commenting. But whatever the comment is - good or snarky - it's still uh publicity. A buzz is a buzz.
I'm not one to promote my hubs on other people's hubs but you might find this amusing http://hubpages.com/hub/YOU-SAID-WHAT-or-the-funny (you may delete this comment entirely if you find it a trifle abusive :D)
I always knew that you were a woman ~ but it is good to see the nice face that goes along with the astute and sensitive comments. Thank you for this inspiring, amazing, fabulous, funny, intelligent, awesome hub!! Seriously, it really helped and I love your humor.
Great hub.
That babushka just said WOMAN to me although that's probably sexist. Do you remember Pat on SNL? Anyway, I have been fortunate to have some very insightful and complimentary comments left on my hubs from readers like you and others who have already commented here. I've also been guilty of leaving some short comments from time to time but I am easily reformed :-)
Well I concur with all of above. Leaving comments makes me feel good let alone making the writer feel good. Writing comments is like writing hubs - enjoyable. Thank you for a funny and informative hub... and "I am woman hear me roar".
Hello, your ladyship and welcome, Duchess. I have the same problem. Never enough time to write creative hubs, read others' remarkable hubs, and leave intelligent comments.
But I'll keep trying. Happy you like the real me and my avatar. Thanks for the rating. You are definitely a royal.
You are right, drbj, sometimes the comments are even funnier than the hub itself. But without the hubs - no comments, just farmers in the Dell... So hubbers go on hubbing value content and value comments. That's what the concept should be.
Another question is why don't we (hubbers) look each other up in our profiles in case of any doubts or in case of deeper interest in a fellow hubber where it is really easy to find out the female/male thing (and a lot of other useful information).
Thank you, drbj. You got me started again.
Wow, your hub on comments has sparked a lot of comments....
I usually try to follow the advice you've offered here. I am always greatly appreciative of the comments I get, and I will answer any I receive. I will also try to say something meaningful, although I sometimes talk about myself instead. ME ME ME ALWAYS ME!!!! Not always.
As you discuss, I sometimes find it difficult to say anything meaningful about the snake innards hubs, and when I am at a total loss, I might resort to "interesting read" or something to that effect, but if I comment regularly on other hubs, I assume the writer will understand if I pass on the innards posts.
Lots of good advice here, and--by the way--I knew you were a woman....
Mike
Reading the comments people left (for me or others) is a sure way to get to know a fellow hubber and it is the first step in developing relationships on HP. As far as I am concern that counts a lot more than traffic.
If I am intrigue or impressed by a comment I want to know more about that person so I will check them out and most of the time become a follower. Often times a good hub will generate interesting comments and I just love the ping-pong in which some people are engaging with flair and intelligence.
The empty comments are a waste of time and no traffic score will ever justify that, but it happens a lot (have you noticed that most of the time the same hubber is doing it over and over again?) I may just say “thank you”, but most of the time I do not even bother.
Nellieanna, m'luv, forgive my delay in responding to your always interesting and gracious comments. You pulled out the stops this time. Thank you, thank you.
I like to comment, like you do, on the hubs of fans and like you, when they start accumulating (the hubs, that is) go to work from the bottom up to acknowledge all these wonderful hub creators.
The info I wrote in this hub is my credo - say something positive and if that's difficult, say something positive. That's not a typo.
I enjoy reading every word of your comments so you can always be yourself on my hubs. Hope the "company" has returned to whence they came - for your sake. Cheers, my friend.
Nice to meet you, lctodd. 1947 must have been a VERY good year.
And it's my pleasure to meet you, too. You are spot on (I learned that phrase from my British hubbuddies) with your comments. When we make them, we encourage others and at the same time, as you said, whether we realize it or not, we are doing a bit of self-aggrandizement as well.
Thank you for your visit and your comments - I look forward to reading your hubs.
Hi, my sweet Houston hubber. Yep, I know your "secret," too. It's funny that you said sometimes people comment with a question on what you have already explained. I've noticed that. But I think it's because some folks are more reassured when they read or hear the same thing more than once. (That's the positive explanation).
So grandmoms are sneaky? That's also called self-preservation. You keep 'em coming, too. And thanks for your sweet comments.
Hi, Pamela. Oh, yes, rated "up" is good. Thanks for reminding me. I agree, reading all the many hubs we want to read, and making appropriate comments is time-consuming.
But I know how much most hubbers - maybe even all hubbers - appreciate more than two-word comments, so I make the time. Although "fantastic" and "awesome" can be a treasured two-word comment.
Thank you, Pamela, for taking the time.
Nice to meet you, sord87.
Thank you for your thank you. It's my pleasure. I will be reading your hubs, too, and am happy we found each other.
Some celebrity once said, "I don't care what the press say about me, as long as they mention my name." May be a bit of truth there.
Utterly splendid read/hub/moment of relaxation drbj! I was on the hubtrail, checking out who was where, reading what and lo! this hub jumped up. Thoroughly enjoyed letting my eyes lazily home in on every last delicious word about comments, commenting and commentating :)
I don't comment as much (on other's hubs) as I used to, though I leave often quite lengthy tomes when I do put fingers to keyboard.
Tickles me you're thought to be a man. It's so obvious! I still have people assume I'm a guy even now. As for the comment side of things, I aim to reply or acknowledge all who comment on my hubs but it's more likely the real figure is about 95%.
And thankyou for the mention of my green self. As for diplomacy I have been stretching the boundaries of my personal capacity for diplomatic relations in the last day or so.
It does beg the question as to whether frogs can actually turn into nuclear ballistic missiles if poked and prodded enough :)
Splendid hub once again drbj - thankyou!
Gods. The above comment is one of the reasons why I don't always comment. I talk far too much than is good for one so small, green and cute :)
Oh, BJB, you are a card! And the comment, "a gem," is a VERY good short comment. Thank you.
So you ate snake? You are a brave woman. More than once?
I've never been that hungry. But I have eaten frogs' legs and thought they tasted similar to chicken, though not as tender.
And they were covered with some sort of French sauce which would probably make even snake taste palatable.
Oh yeah and I also forgot to rate this up and awesome it too *shakes head. Goes off to make ammends. Maybe drbj deserves a useful too*
hey wots this?i thought you said dont comment on every hub.
dabeaner - that's a very perceptive comment. Commenting CAN become a full-time job. Nothing wrong with making comments only when you feel like it.
My point is if you feel like it, then make them because other hubbers, just like you, appreciate them and are grateful for feedback. If you don't feel like making a comment, so be it. But thanks for your comment here, I do appreciate it.
anginwu - you love my hub? Then you don't have to say another word. How about that?
I'm always happy to have you visit; don't fret about generic. As far as I'm concerned, it's the visit that counts. And thanks for enjoying my sense of humor. I do, too. No humility here.
Hello, my dear Andria. What a pleasure to have Your Frogginess here. I so appreciate hearing from you knowing how you have been working your frog-fingers (?) to the bone typing hubs, making comments, and lighting up the UK with your fecund, froggy flights of fancy.
It was the witty exchanges filled with humongous hyperbole that gave me the idea for a very prominent portion of this hub. I thank you.
Your "utterly splendid" comment is non pareil. I shall treasure it.
fd - You could never talk too much as far as I'm concerned. Every comment that issues from your cute froggy self is a provocative pearl of wisdom. (Payback for "awesome, useful and rated up.")
Welcome back, BJB. New hub words? How about "utterly splendid?" And "obscenely omniscient"?
Congrats on the link learning. Now you can link all your hubs to mine. :)
Hi, hello. My "sorry," my dear, was for my sarcasm - not a reprimand. Never that. I ended my comment with your name, hello. And then said, good-bye. The "sorry" was my apology for trying to be funny.
Nice to meet you, Singular Investor. Intriguing name.
Thanks for the visit and the gracious comments. I wish I did have a ray gun. Then I could use it to zap the market into rising faster. Will be visiting you to get your advice.
Hi, Anonemuss - what creative spelling! We have something in common. I once used the name, A. Nonymuss, to author some job search tips. Great minds and all that.
I'm delighted you can use these tips and thank you for the visit and comments. It's my pleasure.
I always reply to comments because much like you say if someone takes the time to write something it's not much to reply back. I actually always leave a comment for the same reason because to be honest it does encourage the writer and can sometimes keep them writing, I have seen really great writers getting no comments, but you moi friend are an asset to hubs, or was it an ass to hubs lol, tis one of the two ; )
Hi, Gus - I just knew you would appreciate The Farmer in the Dell cartoon. It says so much with so little and made me laugh out loud when I discovered it. Thank you for recognizing sophisticated (?) humor.
Delighted that you named this hub one of your all-time favorites. That's an excellent 3-word comment. You know I'll use it. Wait a moment. I think I have - for one of your hubs.
Hi, Cris. I knew I should also have included something about using "great" and "good" together. Thanks for reminding me.
You are so right about the politics of commenting - PR is PR. Reminds me that Milton Hershey of the Hershey Chocolate Co. once reprimanded an associate for picking up a Hershey wrapper lying on the sidewalk. Milt told him to leave it there. It was free advertising.
OMG, tracykarl - all those wonderful adjectives in one sentence? Your fulsome praise maketh my cup runneth over.
Will share a funny anecdote with you but you have to promise to keep it to yourself. Long, long ago I worked as a copywriter for an ad agency. One of their clients was Maidenform (bras). I submitted this ad headline for a product for large women: "Doth your cup runneth over?" It was rejected as too avant garde. Naturally, I thought that was a big mistake on their part.
Thank you for loving my humor.
Hi, amillar. Thanks for taking the time to comment on my hub. Am I correct to imagine that your friends call you "a man of few words?"
Hi, Silver Genes. Thank you for your visit and your gracious comments. I know it takes valuable time to make insightful comments on others' hubs but the payoff, both concrete and abstract, is most worthwhile. For both parties.
Wondering - Why are you Silver and not Gold or Platinum?
Hi, MPG Narratives, so nice to meet you. You hit the nail on the head. Making comments is a win-win situation.
Thank you for the "funny" and the "informative." I like to think that information presented in a humorous way is my forte.
I knew you were a woman, too, I could hear the roar from here.
Ellen - it is my pleasure to read your comments and "get you started again." Any time.
I agree that comments for a Hubber make the world go 'round. That's why I think it is so important to comment in the first place. If you can say something positive, great. If it is also constructive (in a positive way), even better.
I love the entire concept of making and leaving comments - Hubpages is a kinder place with that option. The forums, however, I have noticed are a very different place.
Friends?
Hi, Mike. Have you noticed? Comments seem to beget comments. Almost like rabbits magically multiplying.
One of the nicest things about you, Mike, is that you almost always, as far as I can tell, respond to the comments folks make on your hubs. In my book that signifies you are an "officer and a gentleman."
Thanks for the "good advice" comment. That comment coming from you is especially appreciated.
And you knew I was of the feminine persuasion, eh?
Petra - I do admire your writing style, e.g., "love the ping pong" in reference to comments answering comments.
You are absolutely right that one of the best ways to know what a fellow hubber is all about is to read his or her comments and profile.
Here's to getting to know you better, reading more of your hubs and commenting on comments. Thanks for the visit and your perceptive observations.
suny51 - you don't have to comment on every hub you read but if you are willing to take the time to comment, then I'm suggesting you be positive and/or helpful.
Was this comment positive and/or helpful for you?
Hi, Art. You know what? That salutation is really a comment on your amazing tattoo hubs. High art!
Thanks for visiting. I've noticed how you seem to answer all comments you receive, too. As you pointed out, all hubbers love to receive comments.
Thanks for that first comment about my being an asset to hubs. I know you were kidding about the second comment. Weren't you? Weren't you? :)
amillar - Of course we're friends. I've always been a sucker for the strong, SILENT type!
Why am I Silver? You are the first person to ask me this - there is silver in my hair now, there are Silvers in my gene pool and there are silver halides (aka a love of photography) that are part of my lifeblood. Silver is a healer. Silver is always changing. It sometimes has a dark side and tarnishes but comes back to beauty with a little TLC. It is reflective, allowed Alice to travel through the Looking Glass and tends to show up in unexpected places. :-) Thank you for asking. I really like the photos of the 'real you'.
More than helpful. Looking forward to your next hub.Thank you.
Ya know - I think it is all about what we can do in a day - and then about what we think about the hub. Sometimes you might seem 'abrupt' or short because you don't really understand it all that well - and then sometimes there are some that just grab you and you totally want to interact. I get hooked on some hubs and have to go back and revisit just to see the comments. Others, I think they are 'basic' or generic and I can't add a lot (or make a joking comment which I happen to like to do a LOT - my bad). I think just the fact that we all interact though is a good sign but your point is well taken. It is nice if people leave a meaningful comment and I perhaps am guilty at times of leaving a short one but it is only because I might have thought the hub was just a 'how to' or quick and short and to the point so I tried to be as well. It all is about developing relationships as well - that is the 'magic' of this thing they call networking. You have to build up relationships on hubpages just like you do anywhere else. If your best friend writes something, you probably are going to give it a better look over than someone who you don't know at all but think you like their work.....so I hope I did okay here and I could write chapter 2 but unfortunately, I may fall asleep from all my writing the last week! You did a great job of pointing out something that is extremely relevant!! Kudos and hugs.
I cannot believe that forum post came back to bite me, I do know you're a women. I will say this, obviously I can note the difference between a typo verses a intellecual judgement.
Thank you, SilverGenes, for the explanation. Obviously you made the most appropriate choice. And as I pronounce your name aloud it is the most euphonious of the three names mentioned.
Thanks also for liking my real me photo. You may have become my newest BFF.
Thank you, suny51, I'm delighted you found this hub more than helpful. I'm looking forward to reading my next hub, too, because at this moment I haven't a clue about what I'll write about. Any suggestions?
Audrey - you have greatly enhanced this hub with your incisive comments about building relationships. On Hubpages as in our lives, building relationships is what it's all about.
Thank you for writing "Chapter 2." And thank you for the kudos and hugs. Backatcha!
katie - I am horrified if you felt any stress whatsoever from that forum comment. I owe you a debt of gratitude for providing me with the idea for this comments hub. Please accept my apology if I have in any way offended you. I know that you know I Am Woman.
Friends?
Great job of explaining the value and etiquette of commenting; you can apply this info outside of the Hubpages ecosystem, as well. Funny how the comments on this hub express some of the better (and longer) comments I've seen around here, too! ;)
I've found that on Hubpages and on blogs both, the comments can add a great deal to the conversation. People add anecdotes or additional information or perspectives that are just as worthwhile as the article itself. Then again, sometimes you get what I call "YouTube Syndrome", where the comments are often more inane and/or insulting than informative. But that's what this hub is all about, isn't it: How and why to leave great comments?
Thanks for providing this info and going so in-depth with it. And finally, nice application of the 80%/20% rule!
drbj, well then if your not offended all is good. A great hub came of this. I appreciate this hub, it's a good reminder to slow down and be sincerely thoughtful as to what comments you leave. I myself have been guilty of speeding past my typed thoughts leaving unchecked errors. Thanks for the helpful tips regarding comments. Peace :)
BTW, Great Hub!
I do think that it's a catch 22 in the sense that the more followers we get, the more commenters we get, the more hubs we tend to read, and of course we have to write new hubs all the time as well, it does get more difficult over time to keep up with everything. But I also think it's important, since I see HubPages as 1 part writing site, and 1 part social networking site to do just that. We have to spend quality time, so to speak. We're making "friends" and we're establishing notoriety among a community of people who share in the same interests. As in any community, involvement is a tool and is necessary.
I think you hit many nails on the head here. Especially on the issue of traffic and creating opportunities to encourage conversation in comments—which provide quite a lot of value, I think, to any hub.
These comments also provide validity to Google positioning, and provide additional keywords that generate "hits" in searches.
All essential stuff, and if you're looking for organic traffic as well, then it all leads up to that.
Back at you as well, chiquita! If I miss any of your posts it is because my 1-horse town has screwed up my email and is blocking hubpages in-comings. I need this like a hole in my other head but oh well, life goes on! I am trying to remember to come back and check on hubpages manually....see ya in the funnies!
Here's a follow up question, if you read a hub, are you obligated to read all the comments? I loved your hub, it is pretty specific about what makes a good comment. But I really don't feel obligated to read all the comments. Should I be reading them?
Great Hub! Hahahaha.
Hi, FindYourSearch, how nice to meet you. Yes, you are absolutely correct. You can apply this comment etiquette any where - on hubs, other sites and in real life. Though I often think that for many writers this (Hub pages) is real life.
I've found if you want to obtain longer and more interesting comments from others you have to also provide them. Meaningful also helps.
As I mentioned, sometimes the comments are even more entertaining than the hub. Thank you for your thank you. It is definitely my pleasure.
I see you recognized the 80/20 rule - it applies to comments, too.
Thank you, Katie, for the "great hub" comment.
I am sometimes guilty of typing faster than my brain dictates and you wouldn't believe some of the creative ways I have "spilled sum wurds."
Springboard - that's a very astute observation you have made. More followers begets more hubs to follow, more comments to make, more hubs to write and it just keeps on begettin.'
But as a result of all this work, we are getting more and more involved, more well-known and this begets more traffic and validity for our writing. And can even affect in time our page rank.
Thank you for your visit and your erudite comments. And I don't say that to just every "pretty face."
Audrey - See you in the funnies, too, m'luv. You will find me there squished between Dilbert - a great philosopher and his Nordic equivalent - Hagar.
Hi, SteveoMc - welcome to my slightly skewed world.
To answer your question, are you obligated to read all the comments when you read a new hub? Of course!
No, just joshing. You can read or not. If I enjoyed the hub I often read all the comments, some word for word and others just a scan. Guess I'm afraid I'll miss something. No, it's more than that. Sometimes you can find a great idea for a new hub from a comment. It's happened for me more than once.
Thanks for the "great hub," and the "hahahaha." Come back anytime.
I thought I was here before, but I don't see a comment from me. Great question. I use to comment and rate just about every hub sent in my email. I can easily get over 100 hubs sent in less than a day.
Now I go to my favorites first. The ones who visit my hubs and then the others afterwards if there is time.
But someone wrote to me if I just put "Nice Hub." it would get deleted by many hubbers. So, now there is more written in here. OH BTW, "Nice Hub!"
Hi, Sandy,
I do the same. Read and comment on the hubs of my Hubbuddies first and then the rest if possible. Sometimes I can't cover them all within one day and then the next day becomes even more difficult.
But sooner or later I catch up and then begin all over again. But I enjoy receiving comments, answering them and trying to make intelligent remarks on the hubs of others. So do you, I've noticed. Happy spinning! And thanks for the visit and the "nice hub." :)
P.S. I never had any question about your gender! I just love your wonderful and positive comments. I think at times we need to branch out and just go 'exploring' on the hubs and try and do what a few other folks are doing - pointing out folks who are great writers and actually READING their articles rather than just giving it a quick once-over and maybe missing the whole point. It is different when it is a recipe or some 'how to' thing - but when it is really an important issue or real story telling, we need to take the time (even if we have to come back later and re-read it) to REALLY read it and make intelligent comments. We are all busy and we all have 'lives' - but being real is always the best suit I think! Thanks for being honest always!
I have so much work to do. I am trying to do all this linking before my husband turns off our Internet. Plus do all the stuff I must do before the movers come! We get our house inspected by housing next week and I have to have the house ready for that. This will be our last military move.
Thanks for all your help, you been more a friend them you realize!
We all like to get comments on our hubs. When I see a hub I don´t like I do not criticize it, I just do not comment. I do not know the people who write personally and wrong comments can be very hurtful.
It is true that certain people always make the same comment, Great hub, etc.
I cannot always think of a long answer to a comment made on my hubs and sometimes my answers are very short but I always leave an answering comment to one made on mine.
You have made some very valid points in your hub and I found it very interesting.
Thank you.
Great Hub!
Just kidding! You made many excellent points about commenting and responding to comments by others. I do sometimes leave short comments just to let somebody know I did read their work and offer a bit of encouragement—particularly for newbies.
That's an excellent point you made about leaving negative comments. I think it is always best to simply move on when you read about a topic you don't like or have a vastly different personal point of view. Another item of some importance is promoting your own links on someone else's hubs. Personally, I think this should be avoided unless you have an existing relationship with another hubber where you agree to share related content. It always bothers me when another hubber tries to use one of my hubs as an advertising platform without contributing anything of value.
Audrey, my dear, thank you for knowing who I am. Some days I have trouble with that one myself.
You are so right. Being honest is the best policy. I try to be honest always when I can say something positive. If I can't then I say nothing.
Unless it's one of my BFF who says, "How do you like my new outfit?" and I respond and there goes another BFF.
BJB - Where are your priorities? Of course, the linking, the hub writing and the comments come first. The military housing inspector can wait. Ho, ho.
Drive safely cross-country and we'll get together when you are settled in.
Hummingbird - you can hover over my hubs anytime you like. As you pointed out, it is only common courtesy to answer folks who comment on your hubs. Long comments are fine but short comments if they are pertinent also work. Except of course for "good hub."
Thank you for finding this hub interesting. And thanks for visiting and commenting.
James - I have noticed that you also believe in helping other hubbers, new or old, with your comments. They are always helpful and encouraging.
The comment, "excellent," coming from you is like a badge of honor. Thank you.
Hi, lender, nice to meet you. Especially since by your comments you appear to agree with what I have written. That means you are extraordinarily perceptive and wise.
I don't leave negative comments either - I just move on. And promoting one's hubs on the hub of someone else (without permission) to me is just a form of literary pimping.
Hey Doc!
I figured out you're a lady either after you left a comment on one of my hubs arousing my suspicions or after I looked up your book on a bookshop site.
Regarding commenting, I often spend way too much time trying to think of an intelligent comment to leave on articles I appreciate. And I always reply to comments, unless they're "Great Hub!" (I don't get many of those.)
I certainly wouldn't leave a negative comment. But disagreement and negativity are not the same thing. If I were to say, "This is a terribly-written article!" That would be negative. But if I say, "I disagree with your snake-gutting technique," that would be constructive and could lead to a fruitful exchange.
Anyway, good article, Doc. Very droll.
Thank you, Arthur for the visit and the "very droll."
Much like you, I linger on a hub until I find just the "write" words to use when commenting or responding to one.
Thanks also for the erudite explanation of disagreement vs. negativity. But you could disagree, if you wished, with my snake-gutting technique since I do not now nor ever had nor intend to have said technique. Ugh!
Well, one can hardly not comment on this hub. And people certainly have followed suit. I love you're writing style! I am definitely going to become a devoted fan and commenter :) I must admit I don't comment nearly as much as I should (I'm new here) but I will from now on.
P.S. I wish someone would write a hub about snake innards. I wouuld but I don't cook.
Hi, ar.colton, how nice to meet you and thank you for the very gracious comments. I'm going to follow you, too. Welcome to Hubpages.
I don't know about writing that innards hub - the thought is not too appetizing - but I've learned to never say never. Stranger things have happened - especially to me.
I really enjoyed this Hub because it is full of good-humoured wisdom. I like that.
It is also full of very valuable tips which I take very seriously.
Thanks for pointing out and underlining the importance and value of commenting.
Love and peace
Tony
Wow! I really enjoyed this hub of yours on commenting! And look at all the comments you got so far! lol It's nice to feel like I'm starting to get to know you too...I guess everything takes time!! It's been what 5 weeks for me now and I'm still learning and don't expect not to stop!! Thanks for making me part of your family by commenting on my hubs when I joined and remaining a fan!!
The only thing I haven't figured out is how to take the time to check and see if my comments have been commented on :(
Carry on!
Ah, yes, tony, "good-humored wisdom" - that's the best kind and the kind I have found that makes the most lasting impression. So thank you for noticing and saying so.
As an expert commenter yourself, I have seen you employ the tips mentioned in this hub more than once.
Thank you for the visit - love and peace back at you.
Hi, s-g-f-r, I guess comments on comments attract more comments. Happy you joined Hubpages and delighted to be your fan.
What I do to check if my comments have been commented on is put those hubs in a file, mark with a star, and then go back to them in a few days to check. If my comment has been answered, I read and remove the star. If no answer by 3 days I also remove the star and move on. Hope that helps.
Comments are great and I love them! I am sure everyone else does too, so I try and leave one for them. I am going to bookmark your hub for reference because this was one of my questions when I first started writing hubs. I wasn't sure if I was suppose to comment back or not. Great Hub! Just couldn't resist! :-)
Thank you Specialk, for your visit - nice to meet you. Are you the Special K the cereal was named for?
Yep, everyone loves comments but we all don't always have the time to comment. I'm saying, take the time, it will pay off in new relationships as well as increased traffic.
And you're forgiven for the "Great Hub." It could have been just Good" Hub," no?
Hi drbj,
Your remark about people thinking you might be a man reminded me of a test given to a group of adult students:
A young man was in a bad car accident ,causing the death of his father and serious injury to himself. He was rushed to emergency but the surgeon took one look at him and said "I can't operate on this boy..he's my son".
The class was asked to explain how this can be...all sorts of answers were put forward, such as the surgeon was his stepfather or father-in-law but it did not occur to one person in the class that the surgeon could be a woman. She was of course his mother. Isn't that amazing...?
It was when I started getting comments such as "Great informative Hub" on my more opinionated Hubs (sans information), that I began to realize that most "Hubbers" won't actually read the content just to absorb the information. A rapport must be developed between the writer and readership, for the readership to care. Which is accurately described by your diplomatic tactics.
Anyway, I wanted to say thank you for practicing what you preach.
Unbelievable, this good for inspiration and motivation for doing better with our community. This hub indicate to use our brain than say "great" or "good". Very provoking hub. But I admit to you, I learn much from this hub. Thank you very much.
Prasetio
Hi, Jane. Your story is wonderful and I am not surprised that the students didn't reach the conclusion that the surgeon might have been a female and the victim's mother. Why am I not surprised? Because stereotyping has surfaced in my career more than once. To counter it I became a "B.J." First to get better prices when I began a wholesale business, and later to get more clients as an executive coach. Long story but I may write a hub about it one day.
Thanks for the visit and sharing that "test!"
Thank you, WA, for the incisive comments. It's true, a connection must be established or the comments like interesting, informative, good or even great may be seen as meaningless.
Your comments are very meaningful to me - especially that I "practice what I preach" (true) and try to be diplomatic (when I can). Thank you for the thank you - it's my pleasure.
prasetio, mi amigo. How wonderful for you to say you have learned something from my comments about comments.
In addition to being a "professional student" myself who always wants to learn more, I am also a "teacher" who loves to share information/knowledge. Thank you for appreciating that.
Your sample comments are hilarious! I came here to respond to comments, but saw that you had written a new hub (I know, this is not it, but I hadn't seen this one either). Now to go read and respond, without any sarcasm! :D
Ivorwen, m'luv, you could never be sarcastic. I don't think you have a sarcastic bone in your body. A funny bone, yes, but not a sarcastic one.
I'm delighted that that you enjoyed my comments. I was laughing at my own work when I typed them. Now what does that mean?
Thank you for the "hilarious" - you and your comments are most appreciated.
You may set the record for comments here-- at least for positive comments. As someone hinted here, it's hard to leave this commentless-- though the snake innards almost did it for me.
Amazingly pertinent to all of our experiences.
Hi, Rochelle - how nice to have you visit. I've been thinking the same thing - how does one read a hub on comments and then not comment? Wouldn't that create some sort of tremendous angst?
Snake innards are not my fave either, I was just trying to write about the most disgusting thing I could think of at that moment. Apologies to snake lovers. I don't hate snakes per se, just their exposed innards.
Thanks for the "amazingly pertinent" - love that one!
Interesting topic. I should probably reply to comments on my hubs more, but I always feel like I'm talking to someone that isn't there, as I think most people who leave a comment never go back to that hub again to read the reply.
Hi, kephira, I'm so glad you came to visit and made that comment. I don't know about other people but when I find something I want to comment on - and I almost always do - I put that hub in a special file so I can go back to it to see if there was a reply.
Often, as you have probably seen, it leads to a marvelous discussion and lots of fun.
So don't fear commenting - it's fun and will help you make new Hubbuddies. I have spoken.
It seems like there is more and more and more and more to do to keep up with everything regarding an internet business. I read hubs that I'm interested in and try to make relevant, insightful comments. But I must admit I always feel in a hurry because there is MORE to do. We must all strive for a healthy balance in our lives!
OH--Nice Hub! :-)
Hi, Annk65, welcome. You are absolutely right. There is more and more to do when you become an active Hubber.
First you have to write something original and compelling. Then you add a photo or two. Then perhaps a video. Then a few links. Then some Amazon products.
Then you have to be prepared to answer comments in an interesting way to encourage discussion. Also read the hubs of other hubbers you follow and comment on them.
Don't forget sharing what you wrote with Twitter, FB, Reddit and any other social site you favor. And pinging it as well.
Those are a few of my favorite things to do with a hub. Good luck. And thanks for the visit and the "nice hub."
You are really generating some interesting comments here. I think you brought up a number of valid points and I'm sometimes guilty of not leaving well thought out comments. I know you often visit my hubs and leave comments and it's always appreciated!
Even when I leave a short comment on someone's hub, I've read it. I think it might be hard to realize that someone has actually read the hub, when we don't elaborate on what specifically made us enjoy that particular article.
Hi, Lamme. The last part of your last sentence in your comment sums up exquisitely the point of my hub. If you don't tell the writer what it is you appreciated then your comment is not as meaningful nor as helpful.
I try to find one or several things in a hub that had some impact for me and that is what I comment on. In a positive way, of course.
Thank you for your visit and your comments and I appreciate you, too.
I completely thought you were a man. Based on your avatar I am now wondering if you are a young woman or an old woman. Your hub is a good reminder to me to comment on my own hubs. This week I finally got some commentors disagreeing with my hub content, and when I responded to them, I realized I don't respond often enough to the supportive comments.
:) Really interesting topic, in spite of that I don't like criticism... And I don't handle it well.
Hi,
I liked your hub very much.It's humourous and informative. I joined hubpages recently. To comment or not to comment was the first question that came to my mind after reading some interesting hubs.Thanks to you, i'll surely comment on them right away... :)
Hi, Betty Reid. So you thought I was male. You aren't the first. Often when I answer the phone at work and say, "This is B.J." a male caller will pause one second and say, "Is BJ in?" See what I mean?
But I am a woman, older than dirt, but very young in heart and spirit.
Go back to your hubs, Betty, and comment wherever you wish. It will make a difference.
Thank you for your visit and enjoyable comments.
Hi, Kolls. Nice to meet you. I don't think any human appreciates criticism - it makes us feel less than we think we are.
But if it is given as a criticism of a statement in a hub and not as a criticism of the hubber, it is easier to respond. HR professionals are taught, if you must criticize, criticize the performance and not the person.
Thank you, Sindhu, for your visit and your positive comments. Welcome to Hubpages.
Should you comment on hubs you read? Absolutely, if you have something constructive, informative or humorous to say. If not, move on. As Kolls pointed out above, we do NOT like criticism.
nice hub
absolutely! We like to keep it one big happy family here, don't we? ;-)
Thank you, smoothmoo. Nice name.
You are soooo right, Rose.
"We are family" (sing song here.) So "Don't rain on our parade" (sing song here.)
Yes, answer all comments that you received---it's simply called being POLITE.
Thank you, Ginn. It's such an easy and fun thing to do but have you noticed how often hubbers fail to do so?
They are not only impolite and unfriendly but missing some of the fun. Do you agree?
I always try to leave a positive comment on every hub I read and reply each and every comment I receive on my hub even if that is a negative one. I had a little bit hesitation on this habit of mine but now I can see from your hub that what I was doing was right! Thanks for guiding new hubbers like me!
You have chosen very interesting topic! Commenting is also very important part of hubtivity and it would be certainly helpful to get higher profile score and little bit traffic for our hubpages.
it took me so long to scroll down to the bottom of this screen that I FORGOT the comment I WAS GOING to make!
Your comments are always greatly appreciated though - and that was the funniest comment I've read in a long long time about the Grim Reaper grabbing the chainsaw on aisle one - you add meaning to my life - as do your hubs!!
Hi, cupid51, how very nice to meet you.
Delighted that this hub about comments was helpful for you. You obviously have the right instincts since you were already making positive comments whenever possible.
Welcome to Hubpages and good luck.
Hi, ratnaverra - you are so right. I wrote this hub because I realized many hubbers might not be aware of the importance and significance of leaving comments. It is important because, as you pointed out, it can increase your traffic. And it is significant because it may help increase your hubscore, too.
If you would like more information on traffic, read my hub: "Generating More Traffic" if you can.
epigramman, my hero, delighted you enjoyed my feeding off your estimable humor in your hub. You are a funny fellow - my kind of man.
Enjoy all your poems even when I have nothing significant to add. As for adding meaning to your life, I aim to please. Thank you, thank you.
And I'm still laughing from the first sentence in your comment.
Great read! Just joking LOL! I am glad that you took time to tackle this subject. It will help others to become good hub buddies and progress on the site.
Thank you 2besure. Nice name. And "great" read is way better than just "good" read.
I knew I wanted to make a few statements about what I believed good comments should be but had no clue it would be so relevant to so many. Delighted that it is.
Thanks for the post. I have been frustrated because I think I have good hubs, yet I have not sparked much discussion from them, I will use the info from your page.
Nice to meet you, mosaicman. You're very welcome. Don't get discouraged. Some of my first hubs were atrocious so I understood the lack of comments. But others I thought were pretty funny didn't attract as much attention as I thought they would. Just be patient. Answer comments and make comments and it will happen for you. Promise.
Now, your comment section is very much longer than the original content. What impact this has in google's viewpoint?
By the way, I have tried snake innards too. And I have lost the urge to eat more of those stuffs in the future.
Hi, jasonycc, nice to meet you. From my experience, Google appears to cast a favorable eye on numerous comments when creating page rank. Original content of at least 1,000 words is also important.
You ate snake? You ARE brave. Thanks for the visit.
Hi drbj! i'm so lucky to discover your interesting title hub that lead me to a very creative lady :D You made a wonderful hub! I'm glad you brought up this topic since this seems to be a very basic information a newbie like me would need not only to fulfill the passion of writing but also to be happily survive in the arena of writings!
I've learnt a bit about communications in college but i think learning by doing like this would be more effective, mostly because you meet 'the real teachers' who'll give you 'the real mark and opinion' about your writing..by giving the real feedback, not because of they know you in person.. it's my two cents anyways.. ;)
Thank you, aktifistri. for your two cents. Much appreciated.
Thank you for your gracious comments - I'm delighted to discover you, too.
You are very perceptive to realize that many of the hubbers on Hubpages are willing to share their hard- earned knowledge and experience with others. One of the best things about hubbing, I think. As you stated, they are "real" teachers.
Take a look at my hubs on How to Generate More Traffic, and How You Can Find New Topics for Hubs and How to Increase Your Amazon Sales. They may be valuable for you, too.
DRBJ - this hub was positively clinquant, effulgent, gleaming, glistening, glittering, glowing, incandescent, lambent, lucent, luminous, refulgent, scintillating and downright fulgent.
In short, good hub!
Seriously, lots to ponder here. And I love to ponder.
You are such a faithful reader and commenter on my stuff that I just realized that I feel like a real jerk for not dropping by over your way more often. I feel slightly better about myself now.
You are so right about leaving comments. So many people don't do it, or don't know what to say. Leaving any old rubbish will soon get you a bad reputation. Read the hub or post and leave a constructive comment. Just say Hi.
Now that's what I call serious positivism, Stan. And if you didn't already know it, I'm a sucker for flattery. How much would you like to borrow?
Ponder away - I do all the time - usually over your writings. In fact I'm pondering right now over your luxurious linquistic language above.
Happy you feel better about yourself and thanks for visiting. Any time.
Hi, Pete, Thanks for stopping by.
Not only is it polite to comment and say something positive, but as you point out, if it is also constructive you are helping the hubber, too. The operational word there is "constructive." :)
Wow, I can't believe how many comments you received!
I really enjoyed your article. Actually, I wasn't three paragraphs into it when I exclaimed, "Oh, my goodness, she writes like me!" But you're much better and much more knowledgeable. I do say, "I digress," though. Guess what show seeped into our brains with that comment? Golden Girls. (I betcha.)
Thanks for all the good information including the comment you made to one hubber where you listed all the things we need to do when we are doing all of this right. I didn't see Adsense (Adword?) phrases on your list which is good because I am not there yet.
Hahha the end of the hub took a 180 but cracked me up. I think it almost deserves it's OWN hub! Nice pictures, congrats on being a grandmother, your little Erik is sure a cutie!
Informative hub, I liked reading good hubs like this one.
Hi, Pamela, nice to meet you. Will have to visit your hubs to see if we are perhaps long-lost sisters from different mothers and different fathers.
I think it was the Duchess of Windsor, long, long ago who said, "You can never be too rich, too thin nor too conservative." If she were a hubber she would have added, "Nor receive too many comments."
Thanks for your gracious comments, it's my pleasure.
Regarding Adsense, that requires hubs of its own - I shall write at least one soon.
Welcome, Mersaydee, thanks for your visit.
I know the end of this hub may appear to be extraneous but it was timely because I didn't want to be seen as operating under false pretenses.
And thanks for noticing how cute Erik is. I think so, too, but as his adoring great grandma I may be slightly (?) prejudiced.
Just came to drop by and say Congrats to this hub I see it is always featured! Maita
Hi, strutzas, delighted you enjoyed this hub. Want to read more? Go to my profile and you can choose from 83 others as well.
Thanks for stopping by.
Maita, my dear, you are always welcome. Thank you for dropping by with congrats. Featured? Guess payola pays off. Kidding, of course.
I really enjoyed this hub!
I want to leave a comment on every hub I read, especially the ones I like and find useful. But the thing is that I spend lots of time reading HubPages from my mobile phone and writing comments can be very exhausting.
And yes, it is time consuming, but at the end it looks nice, person who writes the hub feels good and you have a chance to make some relationship with other writer.
I'll try to remember which Hub I read on my mobile phone, so I can leave the comments the next day.
Bye,
Emma.
Hi, EmmaMedu, how nice to meet you. What a euphonious name! Fun to say aloud.
More and more folks are using their mobile phones to read Hubs, but I find it very time-consuming to try writing comments with my smartphone. I'm just too comfortable with a larger screen.
Your comments about comments are spot on - the hub writer is gratified and interesting relationships often begin this way. It also makes you feel good. Thanks for visiting, Emma.
Whoa! I guess this speaks to me when implying I do not comment often on other hubber's hubs. I am always behind the eight ball and running late. I guess I really need to set aside time to interact more with hubbers and give thanks more often for all the informative hubs I read here.
Thanks drbj!
Great Hub! . . . JUST KIDDING!!! Leaving comments is an important part of the online PR process . . . it's great to write a Hub about it. It shows how participation is important. Leaving relevant comments is certainly best. I don't feel a need to comment on every Hub but those on which I have a positive opinion.
Leaving relevant comments can also show one's own expertise and add to the Hub that's been written.
Boomer60 - I know how you feel. There never seems to be enough time to research, write hubs, try to monetize them, answer comments and write them on others' hubs.
But I know how much I personally appreciate them so I try to find time (between 3 and 4 am) to make comments.
Thank you for the visit and you're most welcome.
Hi, Don, nice to meet you. I agree, you don't have to comment on every hub you read but if you have something positive to say or relevant to add, it would be a shame not to say so.
And "relevant" is definitely the operational word there.
Thanks, Don, for taking the time to add that the PR you receive when making those relevant comments is, as MasterCard advertises, "priceless."
This is so true, great hub is sort of a generic reply, nothing more or less. Its not terrible, but should not be done all the time.
I was just wondering though..Can you reply directly to comments or only to your hub itself? Sorry if this is a "noob" question as I am relatively.
Hi, David 470 - so nice to meet you. No question, my dear, is a noob question. Not asking when you want an answer - that would be noob.
When you write a hub and someone comments, you can then make another comment on your hub in answer. When someone else writes a hub, and you want to comment about something, absolutely. Go to the Comment box at the end of their hub and sign in and comment away.
If you want to make a comment only for the hubber, go to the profile and press the contact "soandso" button to send your message which Hubpages will then forward to the individual's email.
Have I answered what you asked?
Great to see all the discussion and comments, Comments I agree are very constructive, they offer support, feedback and critical help where needed. It is time consuming but worth the effort to improve your hub and the commenting hubbers hub. I don't think you can understate their importance.
billy - somehow I already knew you would agree with the importance of comments. As you state, not only do they improve the hubs of all parties involved but give us an excellent tool for communicating with each other, and a way to rate our effectiveness.
Thanks for stopping by to comment. Always a pleasure to hear from you.
OH you have a great sense of humor. I agree wholeheartily with you about the comments and I have probably been guilty of the "great hub" comment as well but I have good intentions. And I do enjoy your comments because you always leave good ones.
Oh, no, ladyjane said, "great hub" as a comment. Don't fret. Great hub is better than no comment at all. And good intentions do count for something. What's that adage about the road to someplace being paved with something? Just putting you on, lj.
Thanks for the visit and the compliment about my comments - you are much appreciated.
Hello drbj. You're quite right. Brief comments don't add anything to the conversation, especially when there are multiple, similar "great hub" comments... along with similar, perfunctory replies. It gets a bit tedious.
If I'm inclined to read a hub and leave a comment (as I am here), I always try to add something of my own experience to add to the hub topic, as well as complimenting the author. I actually think that's the main function of comments.
I've also seen many a comment section that has many comments that have nothing to do with the hub, but is just pointless banter between hubbers. While I enjoy chatting with hubbers, I think it's best done in the forums or via e-mail.
Ok..I'm going on a bit, but this was my comment. Thanks drbj.
Hi, timorous, so nice to see you again. You are right on the mark about so many "great hub" comments often being tedious, though they are better than "this hub sucks."
And when the commenter leaves something of his or her own, yes, that does add more flavor to the mix. I do sometimes enjoy the banter, though, especially if I am one of the "banterers."
Thank you so much for leaving your comment - it's my pleasure. And you can "go on a bit" any time you choose.
Hi drbj! You've done a magnificent job of covering comment etiquette, here. I'm afraid I'm guilty of not leaving comments as often as I should. Usually it's a testament to the quality of the hub. When a hubber covers a topic as well as you have here, I often find myself without a comment that would add anything useful. I don't like to leave "Great hub!" comments (although this comment seems to be a long winded way of saying just that), so I rate the hub up and move along.
Also, my wife recently decided it was time to increase my life insurance, so thanks to this hub, I'm re-thinking our plan to visit the Grand Canyon. Thanks!
Hello, rmr - how nice to see you. "Rating up" is good - don't stop. But if you do just that you may miss the added visibility that making a comment, even a terse one, could provide.
And yours is a marvelous comment because not only are you complimentary but indicating you actually read the above, and you're funny, too. Thank YOU!
dr - I am having a lot of trouble not just writing 'nice hub.' haha. I've read some hubs where the comments are as interesting as the article itself. And sometimes, when people disagree, it can add a lot to the topic. I had one commenter who just kept coming back and was becomming annoying, even called me 'Hitler' because I disagreed with him. But after awhile, we were fighting, then saying things like, Merry Christmas, regards, nice to see you and stuff like that.
As ever a useful hub, thats well explained and a splash of humour. I can't watch your utube video at present as I have crazy S-L-O-W bandwidth! (But I will be back to watch) I have been guilty of the odd short comment when in a rush, but most of the time I try to stick to the why and what principle. Another fine piece of work. :)
Hi, Dolores. good to see you. You are spot on about comments sometimes being even more entertaining than the hub. And thanks for not just settling with "nice hub."
And when you can convert a detractor into a friend that is a special talent which is often very fulfilling to both parties and also fun. I enjoy "bantering" on hubs - don't you?
Hi, wrenfrost. Splashing humor is one of my favorite things next to comment bantering.
Thanks for the gracious comments - "fine piece of work" is a most commendable comment. And WHY and WHAT works every time.
Hope your bandwith improves. Slow bandwith is one of my most un-favorite things.
Great hub! LOL! I just couldn't resist. :) There's one comment that really annoys me and that is the one where a newbie writes, "great hub, now see mine," and leaves the url link.
The next time I receive such a comment, I will be directing them to read this hub. Thanks for sharing such useful insight. Rating up and bookmarking for future reference. :)
Thank you, MG, for your insightful remarks. I'm with you. Comments are not the place for self-aggrandizement.
By all means, direct such unknowing Philistines here and I will do my best to chastise and castigate them.
Come back any time - your "useful, rating up and bookmarking" are comments that warm the cockles (?) of my heart!
Very humorous and light to read =) And I do agree with ya that comments can lead to inspiration for new topics. It shows me what is it that my current or potential followers r looking for ... =) I guess just like real life, we always like it when ppl listen to us, and give us the attention we need , it doesn't always matter if they r great storytellers.
I definitely rated this hub up and will be following ya. =)
Man did I scroll up that page to get the "Follow drbj" link. Ur comments section is as large as ur article , great job =)
love this one, and thanks again for the mention... Yes frogdropping is a great one... and BTW I am still called a man around here too... does rebecca say man??? (just asking is all!) of course BJ is somewhat of a good name too...you can have so much fun with it.
Hi, noorin - so nice to see you here. And pleased that you agree with me that comments can often lead to fodder for new hubs.
Thank you for the "humorous, light to read" and "rated up." You are welcome to return - any time!
Yep, noorin, it's gratifying to have mucho comments on a hub especially when one is writing about the importance of comments on a hub. Thanks for your emphasis and "great job."
Hi, Becca. So happy to see you here and don't mention the mention. It's definitely my pleasure since you and frog dropping and katiem were the inspiration for this hub.
As you pointed out, I can understand the drbj being seen as a masculine appellation, but Rebecca as masculine? No way!
Thanks again for being a Hubbuddy and keep on writing those informative, educational hubs of yours.
drbj-- yep I know, it can be but still I suppose we think of your the man!.... but really you're teh woman! love this hub 'its great!
I'm "the woman," eh? Well, Becca, my fabulous, feminine, female friend, it takes one to know one!
Good article on commenting. I agree that those well intended, but short comments (great hub) are pretty uninspired. We miss a great opportunity when we don't put some good content into our comments. We are writers aren't we? Putting in keywords in comments helps both the author and the commenter.
You hit the nail on the head, jstankevicz. We ARE supposed to be writers, right, so why do so many "writers" not use this opportunity to write? As you so aptly pointed out it helps both the writer of the hub and the commenter.
Thanks for visiting and emphasizing the immportance of interesting (not 2-word) comments. Nice to meet you.
You're right! Short comments have become stereotypes in hubs comments and no matter how sincere the purpose is, it becomes unpalatable to the author who worked real hard to give his readers quality read. I, for one uses them but see to it that I expound on my comment a little more. Perhaps my weakness is the "Thanks or Thank you" note at almost every end of my comments and answers to comments. Thank you! LOL!
Hello, Lita. How nice to meet you. Delighted to hear that you are a comment "expounder" - that's the best kind. And there is absolutely nothing weak about "thank you" at the end of your comments. It's simply the friendly and courteous thing to do. So, thank you for visiting - come back any time.
I too have wondered about the comments. I seem to have a fair amount of traffic coming to my Hubs, but not many comments. I am slightly unsure of my writing techniques and do appreciate good feedback.
This Hub was very well put and gives the reader something to look forward to, Commenting!!
Hello, Sweetsusie - how nice to meet you. Thanks for visiting and "well-put" is one of my favorite comments. As I have mentioned a number of times (repetition works), sometimes the comments at the end of an otherwise unremarkable hub (not yours or mine, of course) are the best part! :)
Yes, I truly enjoy reading the comments at the end of the hubs. I like to see what others think of the Hub that I have just read. I have gotten ideas for a couple of hubs by the comments alone!! Just a word sometimes will trigger something that I feel I should write about.
I am fairly new to HubPages, but I feel my creative juices flowing, it's been a long time since I've put down my thoughts and I am truly enjoying myself.
Hope you have a GREAT DAY!!!
Dear Susie - you really are "sweet." And we have something in common. I, too, get ideas for new hubs sometimes from others' hubs or comments. Delighted that you have found an outlet for your creativity. Keep it up.
You share great tips. But How to do with spam comments? Do we need to approved them?
When I wrote my first hub (about a roach), I was so new at the game that I did not have a comment section. Winsome was kind enough to send me fan mail pointing that out. I love it when, as you well illustrated, comments lead to comments and more comments so that a dialogue is started.
Btw, I was amused that we both used Helen Reddy's song, you in this delightful hub, I in my hub about my male chauvinist friend.
Why is it so many people start following without ever leaving a comment?
Thank you very much on defining the art of commenting in one Hub! I love to comment on one with a complete sentence and yes, I respond to questions asked in the comments sections of my Hubs!
I enjoyed your clear and witty explanation of comments and commenting (what) because it brought to mind the many banal comments I have received (why), though I do not plan to push anyone over a cliff yet (why not? Because I, too, have reasonably good manners.) Thanks for sharing this :D:D:D
Nice to meet you, besthubs. Regarding your question about spam comments, no, you do not have to approve them. Hubpages gives you the option with every comment to either Approve or Deny. If you believe a comment to be spam, or derogatory or not having any value, simply click on the "Deny" button at the right of the comment and it will not appear on your hub.
Thanks for visiting and the "great tips" comment.
Hi, mysterylady. Your first hub was about a roach? I have to read that one.
We both used the same Helen Reddy video? Then we have a lot in common already and are destined to be hubbuddies.
Yes, I have noticed, too, that sometimes fans start following without leaving any fan mail or comments. For myself, whenever I find someone to follow like yourself, I like to leave mail explaining why I am following. But that's my choice.
Thank you for stopping by and I appreciate your reiterating that comments lead to comments. That's the name of the game!
Hi, talfonso, nice to meet you especially since you appear to agree with the comments I have written about comments.
Thank you for your visit - the pleasure is mine.
Hi, RedElf - you are welcome to visit and comment and revisit any time after that gracious comment of yours: "clear and witty explanation of comments ..."
I thought so, too, but it's always nice to have one's opinions confirmed. It was my pleasure to share.
thank you for this useful hub explaining the etiquette of leaving a comment and answering a comment. I went to bookmark this hub and then realised I had got so carried away by seeing this hub on the front page that I had tried to leave a comment before I even signed in - how's that for keen! Now bookmarked! (and voted up)
Never thought that commenting could bring traffic.
How could I possibly read this hub and not leave a comment?..lol
Great hub about commenting and ,in my experience, probably the most commented on hub on the site.
I have wondered if comments actually make a difference and I think you have proved they work with this page. Thanks for the tips.
On my hubs, I don't mind dissenting opinion comments, and never delete them. However, I do prefer that if someone states an argument it should be done in a tactful, respectable way. Of course, that's because I write opinion hubs, and as is the nature of such things...others will likely have a different take on a particular matter. And yes, discussions do get started, and boy is that nice when that happens.
I agree that if the negativity is going to be about the style of writing, or if the dissenter is going to make a personal attack, that should be avoided. It serves no real purpose for anyone. So far I haven't really experienced that, so that's a good thing in my book.
But commenting at all is absolutely important to keeping yourself out there and visible, and quite frankly maintaining a level of relevancy about HubPages. And yes, it does become time consuming the more of a following you have...but it's important.
I remember commenting to one hubber who was asking about how to get more followers, and one of the ways I told him to get it done (besides writing quality articles) was to go around the site, read others hubs, and leave thoughtful, and thought provoking comments that are relevant to the content. As I put it to him, HubPages is as much a social gathering as it is a place for writers to write. So socialize.
As for the "great hub" thing. I find I often say that in a comment. But never do I leave it standing all by itself. I agree that if one found the hub to be great, one should be able to at least articulate in a sentence or two what made it great in their opinion. After all, we're all writers, right?
nice hub,certainly will come in useful,will start commenting more,thanks!!
Great hub!!!! no I really mean it and the song you have chosen is also one of my favourites ......cheers
Well then I suppose I should comment on this one. I think commenting is a great way to become a part of a community. That's exactly the point of all these social media sites--community. If you want others to communicate with you, then you should communicate with others. I agree with what you have to say here.
Thank you for taking time to write a hub about the need of commenting. It teaches a lot.
really amazing hub. i am going to comment more now that i know what it can accomplish. and there are a ton of comments on this hub.
Hello, Alison. How nice to meet you. Delighted that you found my hub on comments useful and rated up. You are my kind of woman. You are already "keen" in my book. Come back any time.
Hi, Rudra. Yes that's exactly the point. When you comment on the hubs of others and answer comments on your own hubs you are promoting yourself as well as the other writer. This continual promotion guarantees MORE TRAFFIC and if your comments are interesting and worthwhile, they soon beget more comments ... and more traffic.
Tim - you are a writer after my own heart because the first line in your comment hooked me.
Yes, comments work (as you can see on this hub) and they will improve traffic. Delighted you appreciate the commenting tips, and you are most welcome.
Jim - I'm delighted you found the precious time to comment further. In fact, your comments are so relevant and appropriate to the topic, they could consist of a hub all by themselves. Bravo.
Yes, I agree. We are supposed to be writers so why not show it in our responses to comments on our hubs and our comments on the hubs of others. Always stating the what and the why. As you said, "great hub" can be the what, but the why will explain why you said it. Thanks again.
Good to meet you, cons11. Delighted that my hub convinced you to comment more. You won't regret it. Promise. Thank you for visiting, and of course, commenting.
Hi, ajcor, the "great hub" is a very suitable comment since you also said, "I really mean it." That elevates great to awesome ... almost. Happy that the song is one of your faves, too. Cheers backatcha.
Matt - You just hit the nail square on the head. Hubpages is a social writing community and provides an awesome venue for anyone who wants to interact positively with the rest of its literate community.
So nice to meet you and thanks for your visit and your literate comments.
Thank you, lex123, for the thank you and the visit. It is definitely my pleasure. Delighted you found the commenting tips helpful. That's what I aimed them to be.
Hi, blackmagyk, you certainly got my attention with "really amazing hub." Thank you.
Let me know how it goes for you with your increased commenting, and thanks for adding to the "ton of comments" I have gratefully received.
How could I read this article and NOT leave a comment? This Hub really works! Hubs that offer help and advice are always welcome and I particularly like the kind tone of this article - 'leave a comment because it makes others feel good'. Receiving nice comments certainly cheers me up! Many thanks drbj!
I am new to Hubpages (well, 3 months is not really new anymore) and never really given commenting much thought. I do comment on some Hubs i find the topics fascinating, though. But these are Hubs that are suggested by the system as related to my topics. Now that i know, i will spend some more time scouting for worthwhile hubs and letting the writers know my opinion by dropping comments.
Thanks for sharing this information. I voted this as useful(It is to me)
Hi, LTC - so nice to meet you. I'm delighted that you found this hub helpful and how perceptive of you to recognize that making others feel good is what positive insightful comments are all about. Here's to more of them for all of us. Thanks for finding me - it's my pleasure.
Hi, PR_am, thank you for visiting. 3 months on Hubpages already - you are practically a veteran. Yes, commenting as far as I am concerned, is one of the pleasant benefits of hubbing. You get strokes when folks comment on your hubs, and you give them when you do the commenting. It's a win-win situation. It also attracts more visitors and traffic is the name of the game.
Thanks for the useful rating - it is appreciated.
D'oh! Now you made me have to look up the word 'erudite.' But thanks. Can't say a day without learning something new is anything less than a great day. :)
Jim - I agree with you wholeheartedly. I consider myself a "professional student" and the day I stop learning will be the day I stop living. Thanks for your perspicacious comments. :)
Thank you for letting me in on the intricacy's of commenting and geting "down" to the point. :) As a new hubber I am grateful for any new information that comes my way, especially when it comes from such an irreverent, funny viewpoint.
Ah, Bohemian rhapsody (what a lovely name), you are a woman after my own heart. You called my hub funny which many have, but irreverent, too! Now you're my newest BFF. I continually strive to be funny AND irreverent at the same time.
You are welcome for the new info - any time! :)
Me again! I thought you'd like to know I linked to this hub from my "Grow Your Audience: Make Your Hubs Clickable" article.
Thank you FYS - I will return the favor since I believe our hubs complement each other.
Thank you, I'm honored! :)
you have really made a very good discussion about comment posting. I am quiet agree with you that reply back on every comment is required. sometimes we ignore this but this is actually required. thanks
Diya Kapoor
Great read drbj!
Wonderful! Excellent! Marvelous!...
Seriously, I wish I could have read this hub back when I first joined hub pages. I knew that I needed to put myself out there to get noticed, and I didn't go around saying "Nice job!" without at least explaining why I liked something, but as a teacher, I always crave to have some kind of criteria to measure myself against. This hub is almost like a rubric for my comments! I would have to give myself an 82%
This hub is very useful, drbj!
~AC
Hello, Diya, nice to meet you. When you read a hub that interests or educates or amuses you, then by all means a comment should be required. And it is useful for both parties involved.
Three superlatives in a row, AC, and a rubric to boot? Surely I have now reached a pinnacle.
I know exactly what you mean about seeking criteria after writing and/or teaching. That is exactly the point I'm making about comments. They are invaluable for the writer and equally as important for the commenter in terms of increased publicity and traffic.
And I would give you a higher mark based on the comments you have written to me - more like a 98%. We always need a higher mark to strive for, no?
Thank you, thank you.
I guess, that’s good theme just about this post. Anyone can buy custom essay papers or custom written essays at the paper writing service.
This article should serve as a guide to all hubbers on how to give comments to any hubs. It is really a good idea to write the “what” and “why” when we give comments. I agree with you that comments can help us gauge how well we are doing. It helps us improve our writing skills. I also want to add that we can give an honest opinion or even disagree with the writer, but perhaps, being tactful goes a long way. Indeed, your hubs are worthy to be read by many.
By the way, you and your grandson look adorable in the picture. I like it. :-D
I guess you're right, Brigitte, anyone can buy an essay but so far there is no service providing positive comments.
Hmmm! Do you suppose that good be a viable niche?
Thank you, Tina, for stopping by and the kind and incisive comments. I like the "what and why" method for writing comments because then what you write has more meaning for the reader. And we all as writers, whether we admit it or not, desire feedback. I appreciate yours.
Delighted you like the picture. Erik is very photogenic and that may have been my "good side."
Hi Drbj, I think commenting is very important and responding to a person’s comment is polite. This is a great article because it points out the benefit of commenting. Through the comments that I have received on my hubs many have added richness and more depth to many articles and provided help to others through their stories.
Nice to meet you dawnM, and thank you for visiting. I appreciate your adding a very important thought to this hub.
That often the comments others make on our hubs do add wonderful depth and additional perspectives to what we write. Looking forward to getting to know you better.
I can't believe I made it to the end! Whew! I have read in another hubbers hub that it can bring your over all score down if you leave too many comments because too many will be considered spam, Is this true? If you talked about this and I missed it, then please forgive me. Do you think it is appropriate for someone to comment on what another commenter said to the hubber? Especially if they are rude and really have no clue as to prior conversations that have transpired? Shouldn't comments be left for the person who wrote the hub instead of the hubbers commenters? When they do this just to make a personal attack, it is clear to me that they are not commenting to add substance but really need to get a life outside of hubpages. Intrusive, gossipy behavior really annoys me and I don't think that is what people are here for that seriously want to write or learn to write or just express themselves.
Thank you for leaving such nice comments on my hubs, by the way. Your picture is beautiful and you are just how I imagined. Erik is too adorable for words.
Hi, Lisa - delighted to have you visit here and happy you "made it to the end." That takes dedication.
To answer your questions: 1) you can't leave too many comments if they are all pertinent. So if someone comments on your hub and you answer and they comment in return, I would answer that second comment if it made sense to give an answer. Otherwise, it could be redundant and add nothing to the hub.
2) Yes, too many comments could be considered spam if they all say good hub or great hub and appear to be written by all your known relatives.
3) Would this bring your hubscore down? Only God knows and she ain't talking.
4) I often comment on what another commenter says if I agree with it or can respond in a humorous or irreverent manner. But a rude comment is a rude comment. Don't.
5) There will always be some folks who get their jollies from inappropriate language. You do not have to approve such comments.
It's my pleasure to leave nice comments when I read something I enjoy or learn from. I thank you for your very kind comments. Erik is adorable and I appreciate you for saying so. My pic beautiful? Where shall I send your fee? :)
Ha ha ha ha ha! The things you say crack me up! You are always good to read when I am depressed. You ARE beautiful inside and out. Thank you for the answers and lots of wuv to Erik!
My pleasure, lisa, thank YOU. And Eric says, "mamafooboowadamuh." When he gets older, I'll ask him what that means!
I just found this nugget among some of your other jewels read it with interest from top to bottom. You offer some sage advice and set the bar high for good manners as well. I also note that this probably has more comments than my entire body of work...a definite tribute to your skills! WB
Hi, Wayne. thanks for the "nugget, other jewels and sage advice." I am honored by your visit and your sagacious remarks.
As I think about it, what message would this hub have sent if there were just a few comments?
Fortunately, good comments beget more good comments like yours.
What a well put-together hub drbj! (How's that for acceptable comment etiquette?) :) Oh but I'm not finished yet ... I am definitely a response-to-every-comment kinda woman. I absolutely LOVE feedback - positive or negative. Positive strokes my ego - (I call her Mama Ego) and negative teaches me how to get to the postive! (Gotta keep Mama Ego happy!) I apparently have some work to do to get comments for my hubs though. Now the comments I have gotten speak well of my content but my hubs don't generate the numbers in comments. Working on that one! Thank you!
How nice to meet you, purpleangel, you are so welcome. The pleasure is mine. Yes, your comment technique is more than acceptable. And loving feedback, is a necessary concomitant to being successful and effective as a writer.
We all have Mama/Papa Egos (love the title) and need to feed them.
Thanks for visiting and the insightful comments. Do visit the two hubs on "Fokk University" - I think they will appeal to your apparent sense of humor.
It is amazing how many comments a Hub about comments can produce! We always try to answer comments made on our hubs, so are aware that it is much better to leave a comment that the author can 'latch on' to. The little bonus in your hub was that you told us something about yourself (that you are female and have a beautiful great-grandson). Maybe that is the secret of a really great hub. (Sorry just had to get in the words "great hub".)
Welcome, unverified reader. It is amazing isn't it? But it also tells me that as writers, comments are extremely important both for our ego and our growth.
Delighted that you saw my personal info as a bonus. And you are forgiven for the "great hub."
You nailed it drbj! Most of the times comments can enrich the hub`s content and that will by it self bring more traffic.
After a period while I hadn`t much time left in the end of the working day I believe now I`ll be able to read more hubs again and of course leave comments every time it`s relevant or I feel I have something to add... in this case it was the best way to inform you that from now on I`ll be following your work here at Hubpages ;)
up and awesome. thanks Ms. drbj. I suspect the dr has something to do with the gender assignment. I still catch myself referring to dr's as he. Also, the profile pic is the classic psychological example about perception. Therefore, if you put the name and pic together you might come up with the impression that you are a professor or a psychologist....and make the assumption that you are a he. I didn't, but "I'm just sayin." Oh, and I liked your hub on comments because it helped me think about the comments I make. I always reply to comments because I really appreciate them. I'm also glad to hear that other people are concerned about their comments needing to be edited or being misunderstand. For those reasons, I often leave short comments. I hope you and all your readers have a fruitful and enjoyable day. Thanks drbj for a thought provoking hub!
drbj.
First order of business I owe you an apology for not previously visiting and commenting on any of your hubs. Please pardon my lack of hub manners.
This is an eloquent hub and on a subject that's dear to my heart. I also believe that one should show good hub manners and answer every comment made one one's hub. You've done so on my hubs and now I'm returning the favor!!!!!!!!
Great hub and it shows in your comment section. I do believe in everything that you have pointed out.
What a pleasure to meet you, funride. Love your avatar name - it conjures up visions of amusement park roller coaster rides.
Delighted that you agree with me about the value of comments and their ability to enrich the content of a hub as well as trigger additional traffic. Speaking of traffic, you may enjoy my hub, "How to Generate More Traffic."
Thanks for your gracious comments and "follow".
Hello drbj,
As I am searching for better and different ways to increase traffic to my hub, at http://hubpages.com/my/tracker/1jeuabkrjm7k8 I was glad to run across your very informational one. My English Teacher use to say "Adjectives are a girls best friend. I have found it to be oh so right.LOL Now I need one on how to back-link?? Any suggestions??
Well of course, I did not need to get tips from this particular Hub, as I have in-built common coutesy, and was dragged up good-n-proper!
( guess I'm just common )
I enjoy your style, and would probably read your shopping list too !
Thank you for your support, it really does mean a lot.
I know what you mean about the practaces of other Hubbers. And agree just like in life, if you haven't got anything nice to say, then say nothing at all.
There are very often 2 words I would love to leave on certain hubs, and Hubbers the second word is off !
Only joking
" or am I ? "
Hi, kimh, thanks for finding me. "Up, awesome, thought-provoking" - with comments like that you are more than welcome - any time.
I have always believed that leaving positive comments when you enjoy what you have read is not only the right thing to do but the smart thing. Because you are "stroking" someone else and also doing yourself a favor by creating a backlink with your avatar.
Yes, I have been "dr" since I earned my degree in clinical psych back in the Pleistocene era, and because I use my initials in my professional career, it is not unusual to be considered a male by those I have not met personally. Thanks for the gracious comments and the visit.
You are a gentleman and a scholar, Tom, and no apology is needed. But thank you for the courtesy. I know that you appreciate making as well as receiving comments.
Thank you for the "eloquent hub," and your visit. Both are much appreciated. :)
Thank you, Lady Guinevers, for stopping by and agreeing with my comments about comments. I'm delighted that you concur with my observations about comments and traffic. So nice to make your acquaintance.
Give my regards to Arthur - or is it Lancelot?
Hi, kats, so nice to meet you. Your English teacher was so right. Adjectives, positive, that is, are everyone's best friend. Especially when making comments.
And I'm not sure that all hubbers understand, as I have pointed out before, that every time you make a comment on someone's hub you are creating a backlink with your avatar to your own.
For more information on backlinks, simply type that word into the Hub search box at the top right-hand corner of any hub. Thanks for visiting.
Drbj. Both! I cannot make up my mind--er that did get me into trouble did it not? LOL
Thanks for adding me as a follower.
Ah, LG, you are my new role model! :)
No thanks necessary, the pleasure is all mine.
Loved your line, debbie, about enjoying reading my shopping list. OK, here's the one for today. I'm in the store now picking out stuff for a salad tonight, and some ready-made chicken wings, new supply of chocolate chip cookies ... Hold it, just got a call to meet a friend for dinner. So I put everything back and left the store. Will shop tomorrow.
Since you were brought up to only say something if it's nice, as I was, I know you would never resort to profanity. At least, not aloud. Right! :)
Thanks for stopping by.
Awwwwww what a shame you put the shopping back,
You could have had it the next day, it sounded Yummy !
See, I knew you could even make a shopping list exciting.
In answer to your question on swearing?
Errrrrm yes, I have been known for using such words. But here's the two reason's why I use them,
One because there just isn't another word in my vocabulary to use at such a time, and two, i find it really funny.
Before I go though, I must tell you.
I never ever use bad language in temper, and never in front of anyone who I did not want to offend.
Other than that, I'm around a lot of men working, and you know what they say when in Rome !
I like your style. You speak matter-of-factly without being professorial. You inject humor, which I think keeps people reading for more. Thanks for the pep talk and the stellar reasoning on the benefits and techniques to leaving comments. I enjoyed reading this.
Delighted to meet you, SJerZGirl - with your ingenious avatar name. I like your style, too, especially for "liking my style."
I have always tried to make information interesting when imparting it to others and humor, I've learned, simply makes it far more palatable and memorable. Thank you for recognizing that and enjoying my "stellar" reasoning.
Thank you for your visit and more than stellar comments.
I loved this hub! I think it's just as important to focus on the comments as one does writing the hub. I know sometimes we get in a hurry, but we should always leave a comment when we read a hub and always, without a doubt, reply to all comments.
Great writing drbj!!!
Thank you, libby, for visiting and the "great writing" comment. Now that makes two of us! You are so right about the importance of making comments and replying to them. I find that comments usually enhance my hubs and make them even more interesting to read. And I usually learn something from them.
Very useful information. I agree with you to make sure to make an effort to try and reply to every comment that someone makes.
You got the message, whitton. Answering comments on your hubs is courteous, friendly and just good sense. You will profit from it. Thanks for stopping by.
We’ve got a new answer for “How do you do?” = “Well, if I don’t stop myself, I shall fall upwards.”
I agree – If a hubber wants to be so rude to ignore some or all comments on a hub s/he published, gulping all the compliments without saying ‘thank you’, the hub does not deserve a comment capsule and this capsule should be deleted BEFORE publishing the hub.
Commenting on hubs – Most of the hubs I read kicks my brain in philosophic-mode, and oh boy, if I don’t behave myself my comment will be a thoroughbred hub – which is also not polite in another hubber’s space.
I think you are a beautiful and stunning genius of a woman. May all your wishes become reality in 2011.
Wouldn't that be neat, Martie? If a hubber doesn't answer comments on his or her hub, the comments capsule somehow becomes deleted.
I love your new answer for "How do you do?" I think it's so much more professional than my answer to how do you do? "Everyone I can." (The debbil made me say that.)
Thank you immensely for that beautiful and stunning genius comment. Are you married? If not, this is a proposal. I know, we're both gals but maybe we could change our names. Come to think of it, mine is already androgynous so it's not a real problem. :)
A very happy and healthy New Year to you and yours!
Lol!!! Thanks for making me LMAO :))
My pleasure, MC, my pleasure.
I laughed out loud at your tongue-in-cheek writing style. I never knew the importance of commenting on others' hubs but I will make sure to do it now. Thanks for helping a newbie!
Nice to meet you Esmeowl12, and no thanks are necessary. It is entirely my pleasure to share what I have learned about writing comments.
Good luck in your newbie hubbing efforts and come back any time. Anyone who laughs out loud at my 'tongue-in-cheek writing style' is my kind of friend. :)
Keep posting stuff like this. It is very helpful. Thanks.
Thank you for visiting, KLeichester. Delighted you found this helpful. It is entirely my pleasure.
I like your hub ,
But you never speak about the strength of comments as backlinks, is that comments carry valuable backlinks and how to index that hubs inclduding my comments.
Other thing , what is better submitting my hubs links with comments in other related author hubs or just my profile?
Nice to meet you, Glemoh. I believe I pointed out in an earlier comment, that every time you make a comment on someone's hub you are creating a backlink with your own avatar to your own hub. That's a very positive bonus.
To answer your question, yes, submit your hub link with your comment if your hub is relevant to the hub your are visiting. If not, you may be seen as spamming.
Hmmm, how to make a sensible comment about this hub in order to self promote and get a backlink? I know..
Interesting and funny hub you wrote about comments. I like your sense of humour and the way it's woven into the writing without too much of a big "here's a joke" followed by a, er, joke.
A slight personal downside for me is the all round goodness of your page which has lead to an early morning bout of depression (can't do this, am not funny, competition is hard, etc.)
I hope that's enough to qualify as a 'good' comment, and remain Sir your humble servant.
Hello, Mark, it's a pleasure to meet you. Set your mind at ease. Your comments are more than just 'good'. If you continue to make perceptive and complimentary comments like this one, you will have no difficulty becoming well known on Hubpages.
Thank you for the sublime commentary which is much appreciated. In fact, you have won my 'follow-ship' - just coined a new word.
And oh, yes, you don't have to remain a humble servant. Just a plain old ordinary servant will do. :)
Hi! I find your hub very interesting,funny and informative. I like it. Since I am new in hubpages, I still have to learn a lot that until now I still don´t know how to use the video capsules, etc. Getting comments from readers and co-hubbers are very important to me so I will know how am I doing.
Thanks for sharing this hub;-)
How nice to meet you, Thelma, especially since you described this hub in one sentence with three marvelous adjectives.
Welcome to Hubpages and the best of luck. You have already discovered that making comments on the hubs of others is a great way to get discovered and also get back links via your avatar.
Oh my goodness - it took me a month to scroll down here! Why couldn't I have found this when I first started on hub? Even now it is extremely helpful and I love your style. I was looking for some advice on increasing traffic due to all the changes lately - thank you!
You are so welcome, Kelly, delighted you finally found this hub. You already know the value of comments but some folks, especially new writers of Hubs, do not realize that every comment and every answer to a comment is seen by Google as new, additional content. How 'bout them apples?
You know - I had a very guilty moment (okay, you DON'T KNOW - it's story time!) on Facebook recently. Someone who I'd assumed was a man was. . . .(ba dum CHING) a woman.
It was quite a snafu when I so stupidly said something like, "Wait a sec, you're a woman?"
*sigh*
It's all in the past now - but it caused me some grief for a moment - and also provided some other some rather great comedy at my expense.
On the VERY upside - the woman in question is NOW ON HUBPAGES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(can we get a round of applause for WTS who turned his stupidity into a plus for the greater hubpages society from Facebook!!!!! give him a round of. . .laughter!)
The woman's name is Thea, and . . .I just thought it was a masculine name, dangit, forgive me already!
drbj - I assumed you were a male. I think the avatar sort of looks like an older Asian gentleman that probably lives in the mountains somewhere. I have absolutely no idea why I think that. Please psychoanalyze me for free!
. . . .
WTS ... I made that same mistake twice on hubs!! Oooops to us! How about a avatar of the writer is mandatory. hahaha!
DRBJ ... I appreciate the effort and details you placed into this hub. I haven't had any issues with comments but I've been asked that question also. Next time I'll just send them your hub.
Fan-freakin-tastic hub!!!!
Happems all the time, Wesman. We think someone on the web is male and they turn out to be female, or vice versa. Sorry you had an unfortunate experience in that regard.
Could have been worse, my friend. You could have made arrangements to date Goldie or Wanda and they turned out to be venomous banana spiders. Heh, heh.
So don't beat yourself up. Now in my case, I chose a long time ago to be a B.J. because I discovered that new suppliers for one of my entrepreneurial ventures gave me better prices thinking they were dealing with someone of the masculine persuasion, than when I used a feminine appellation. Imagine that!
My avatar is an optical illusion that I have used for years to demonstrate the power of perception. Some folks see the ugly, old crone/hag first and some see the beautiful young woman. The graphic doesn't change - only our perception of it.
Did you really see an elderly sort of Asian male? We may need to double the strength of your meds. (Joke)
But you need not apoologize regarding your erroneous assumption. Even today, occasionally someone who has never met me calls me on the phone and asks for drbj. When I say. "speaking," the caller says, 'Is drbj in?" Makes me laugh every time.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOL!!!!
I hate that it's the way that it is on the sex issue. I've a friend that is working on her Doctorate in Biology. She's extremely pretty - and has an internet radio program. When you here her on the radio, she's prone to giggle - and everyone already knows what she looks like.
Folks. . .hear giggle and fun - see pretty, and then forget that this woman has so much education and is also VERY bright in about a million other areas. They make condescending comments to her (the men do - obviously!) - which are really . . .(whether the guys realize it or not - I can't say) . . .just talking DOWN to her.
She writes me often to vent her frustrations about it all. I have to freely admit that I used to be guilty of the very same behavior towards her too. I guess I somehow earned credibility that I really didn't deserve - I think I'm just must be a good listener.
I don't know how to "beat the game" of sexual identity as it is reflected in human social interactions - but at least I'm aware of it.
Pleasure to meet you, Sunshine. Your avatar name is very appropriate - you have the smile of sunshine. True!
Thank you for appreciating the information in this hub. And when you are asked a question about commenting, feel free to refer the questioner here.
BTW, I adore your 'Fan-freakin-tastic hub!' comment. You know I'll find a way to use it.
It'll be my pleasure for you to use fan-freakin-tastic comment...I haven't patented it yet :)
Drbj, who would have thought that boring old commenting could lead to such an entertaining hub and hubber conversation. This is the way it should be; funny and engaging! Had fun reading the whole thing from top to bottom and even backing up again a few times. This deserves a vote up and a 'funny'.
I recommend this hub for "Hub Of The Day" there is a lot to be learned from this article :)
Agree with you, Sunshine! More than enough proof of that in the lengthy conversation that is flowing from it.
Hello again drbj! you have the most eclectic collection of hubs, (well maybe you run a close tie with epigramman) that I just wish I had the time to dive in and read them all. I'll just have to keep visiting and read them when I can. I try to always leave good personal comments on all the hubs I read and some constructive feedback about how it touched me personally (all the good ones do, and there are so many good writers here on hubpages). Personally, I love comments and I consider them little conversations with my friends and people I really admire. After being on hubpages for almost two years now, I've gotten to know a few of my fellow hubbers pretty well and its like a social network, I write a lot of poetry, short stories and try out a lot of new writings on here. On my one year anniversary, and on my 100th hub, the page was full of congratulations and comments on how I've grown as a person and a writer through just how they've followed me on here. I was moved to tears with some of the comments.
It takes me a while to get through hubs because I do read and comment and really strive for quality, but that means I don't get the quantity I like to get through. So, sorry for being too wordy...but I guess your article brought it out of me....
Oh..great hub :)
(yeah I just did that because everyone else did too)
Take care my friend
Great hub! (Had to get one in there) Actually, I am guilty of the "great hub" comment, but I hope I make up for it by trying to put why I liked it. As for this one, first of all you are very witty. I like how you present the etiquette and your examples. Also, you are not condescending - hopefully, more people will listen and follow your lead. I promise to remember you and this article whenever I make a comment. Thanks for the fun read! ;)
Welcome to Hubpages and the best of luck. You have already discovered that making comments on the hubs of others is a great way to get discovered and also get back links via your avatar.
I recommend this hub for "Hub Of The Day" there is a lot to be learned from this article
Holy drbj! I have no idea how many comments you got on this commenting hub. Remarkable! I tried to read them all, but I confess gave up at about 11 months ago. I appreciate your tips on commenting. I like to let the author know that I've read the piece, and acknowlege the work is well done, or cleverly done, or funny or silly or deep or whatever it is, that seems the least one can do. But I don't mind short comments people make about my work. Especially with poetry that is sometimes difficult to "get" on a quick read. You have so much to offer drbj I am looking forward to reading more of your work. Regards, snakeslane
Hi, rsusan. Delighted you enjoyed reading this hub from top to bottom - that process usually works best for me, too. 'Entetaining, funny and engaging?' You ARE my type of commenter, m'dear. Thank you. Please come back - any time.
Not 'Hub of the Century' Linda? Wait, I'm not complaining you know. Hmmmmmmm, how about 'Hub of the Decade'?
Hi, Erin. It's true my collection of hubs is eclectic because my interests are so widespread. Almost everything in this world fascinates me to some degree. So dive in whenever you have time, my dear, it would be my pleasure.
Yes, I have noticed that you do leave pertinent comments when you visit hubs and that is exactly what I am suggesting in his hub. As you noted, the comments you leave are small conversations with hubbers you know and those you would like to know. And your comments could never be too wordy for me. Trust me.
Dear drbj, I do appreciate this commenting hub by you especially since you are, I have noticed, an especially good commenter. I have actually been using you as my commenting Guru for some time now. If I am lost for words I think:"How would drbj do this?" and all is well. However, I am a little taken aback by your snake innards references. Wondering why the snake always gets such a bad rap. Please don't answer that, I think I already know. Regards, snakeslane
Nice to meet you, LABrashear. 'Great hub' is a great comment when it is followed by the reason why the commenter thinks the hub is 'great.' Otherwise, to me it is an empty exercise.
Thank you for the 'witty' compliment and I do try not to be condescending since I despise it in others. What a lovely compliment you paid me by promising to remember this article whenever you make a comment. Who could ask for more?
Oh my, looks like I am a return commenter.
Nice to meet you, webcrea. Thank you for the welcome to Hubpages although I have been here for more than 2 years. You are absolutely correct. Making comments on others' hubs is a fabulous way for others to find you and it provides backlinks to your hubs via your avatar. Thank you, m'dear, for the iteration.
Forgot to add, webcrea, thank you for the Hub of the Day recommendation. Now I am a return commenter. :)
How nice to see you again, snakeslane. Thank you for appreciating my comments. I do try to find something meaningful and complimentary when I comment on a hub.
You pay me an outstanding compliment when you call me your comment guru and try to imagine how I would comment. Thank you.
I have nothing against snakes as long as they go their way and it doesn't intersect with mine. But you, my dear, are entitled to special dispensation. BTW, don't worry about being a return commenter. I often am and it's usually appreciated by he hub writer. Trust me.
I apologize, snakeslane, for not responding to your previous comment sooner. My comment notifications went missing for awhile so I am trying to catch up.
I'm not surprised you gave up reading all the comments; there were 325 at last count. Including my responses of course.
You are an excellent commenter because you take the time to let the author know your thoughts and responses to what has been written. Thank you for being a 'return commenter' - I look forward to future interactions.
Hello again drbj, not to worry. I've been a member of Hub Pages for 4 or 5 months, and only just started getting notifications a week ago. Or did I just not notice that little green square light up for all those months? I had actually forgotten I commented on this article previously. Didn't notice until after I commented today. You're the Dr. Wondering if that is what they call a Senior's moment?
Finally drbj is revealed and with cute little Erik too!
This was an interesting and useful take on the comments section.
Considering we both started incredible, with the same initial hybrid quote.
I thought I was being so 'original' only to find you had used it 21 months ago. Dooh!
Don't I feel silly lol.(How is that even possible?)
Completely different to my take on comments. Aren't we humans inventive.
You dealt more with the diplomacy points and they are well made points.
I leaned more towards the experimental with two hubs published close together and how using 'updating comments' as a means to gain page rank on search engines. You also briefly covered this point.
The experiment is ongoing with these two hubs.
Sometimes I have had the very 'rare' compliment which has a kind of back hander attached to it.
Always from the same person.
I do give them some latitude, as I know that some people are not very good with online communication 'netiquette'; but sometimes, I read this person's comment and think 'x cannot be serious'.
I just reply with a simple 'thank you'; whereas I would really like to tear them a new ....... fill in the blanks lol
Thankfully there is only one amongst all of these great hubbers.
Comments are truly vital. voted up interesting and useful. Say hi to Erik!
This is very good advice on how to make comments. I often find it difficult to know what to say about a hub I read. I have somewhat the same problem in actual conversation with people. Your hub cleared up some questions I had about commenting. I'll share this hub with my followers.
Good hub. I'm guilty of everything you said or pretty close to everything. I have trouble always saying great, excellent wonderful, hub. I feel like I'm over do it just because I don't say those things doesn't mean I haven't read the hub. I always vote.
I have to say this is a "great" hub.
I logged in to Hubpages tonight and what should I find but a little "clip" of this article from one of my favorite Hubbers! Oh how I've missed Hubpages!!
I have often wondered if you're a young beautiful woman or an old hag... but never if you were a man. (avatar envy).
You are one of the very few who can manage to give useful information and wrap it so well with humor the reader has learned something valuable before she realizes it! (There should be a warning)
I'll bet you dipped vegetables in chocolate for your kids when they were young.
Oh, just one more thing..... great hub. :)
Okay, most excellent hub on how to graciously leave comments to others work. I have often wondered if I should leave a comment on hubs that baffled me. Every now and then I try to branch out on subjects I not all that curious about, then, typically I find myself wondering how the heck can I say something nice about the subject matter…next. I think you have this down pat. Cheers.
Good hub.
sheila b. Level 4 Commenter 23 months ago
There you are in your babushka making me feel guilty!