Earlier today I read an article about Jennifer Lawrence. It was actually – in the beautiful way that the internet has – an article about an article about Jennifer Lawrence. Right.
Anyway, the point of the piece was that Lawrence had made some strong statements about gender equality in business (including the show business kind of business). What she said – in the excerpt I read – sounded strong, smart, fair and well-thought-out. It made me appreciate her a lot more than other things I’ve read. And it addressed the issues (of women being paid less than men for doing the same work, of women being treated or viewed differently when speaking as assertively as men) in a way that was not in any way hysterical or reactive or whiny or any of the other adjectives sometimes used to describe statements made by women about gender equality.
It was a good article, and I liked it very much.
And then I scrolled down to the comment section.
Dang it! Why did I do that?! I know better!!
Actually, the article (and subsequent comment section) was posted on a site that generally has well-behaved though opinionated readers sharing their thoughts in the comment section. Often in GIF form, which I find highly amusing.
But this time? Blergh.
Apparently a reader went to the original article and read the entire piece and then came back to the excerpt I read to comment about something else Lawrence said. Something that was seemingly less strong and smart and all-around awesome.
SIGH.
I’m sure, if you’ve ever been on the internet, you can imagine the debate that ensued. It was lovely.
This time? Well, this time I *am* sorry I ventured into the comment section! Why did I read the comments? NEVER READ THE COMMENTS!
Except…
Sometimes, on some sites, the comments are the best part. Or at least the equally good part. The part where the community really clicks, connecting with the writer and with each other, sharing hearts and ideas and passions and insights. I LOVE reading those comment sections. And I would LOVE to have a comment section like that here (or over here). Comments are, honestly, my social media love language.
Not a lot of blogs get tons of comments these days. My blogging friends tell me – when I lament the loss of comments – that I need to get over it, that people just don’t comment anymore, that “ain’t nobody got time for that,” blah, blah, blah. And I tell them that I don’t care. One comment can make my day. I just love hearing from people and learning a bit of their stories and, honestly, getting a little response to what I’ve shared. I love comments and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
So, while I’m sorry I let one comment section on one site get me riled up for a few minutes this afternoon, I’m not all that sorry that I love comments. It’s why I became a blogger, if you want to know. Because of the community I felt in the comment section of my friend’s blog – and then her friends’ blogs, I wanted to build a place like that of my own.
I’m not sorry for reading comments – even today. I love comments – and [most of the time, except this afternoon on that one site] comments work for me!
Do you read comments? {Do you leave comments?}
This post is part of the 31 Days Writing Challenge. To read all the posts in this series, click here. And to learn more about this challenge or to find more series to read, visit Write31Days.com. Apple photos courtesy of my brother, James.
Now it’s time for Works for Me Wednesday!
If this is your first time linking up with WFMW here, PLEASE read the guidelines I shared in this post. Highlights include linking your specific post, not the front page of your blog, and making sure to include a link back to this site in your WFMW. Thank you!!
Obviously I read the comments on “my” blog! ;) But I have to confess, I don’t always read the comments on other people’s blogs … unless the conversation catches my eye. I do however LOVE reading the replies to the comments I leave on blogs. So that does not escape me and encourages me like it seems to do for you, Mary. I can only imagine what that comment said if it bothered you that much. The world can be a very ugly place. But I did hear on TV about some of Jennifer Lawrence’s comments and I feel like what I saw of them sounded very professional, respectful and much-needed. So to her, I say, “You go, girl!” And to the not-so-lovely commenter, “You go away!” Lol!
I’m with you – I love replies to my comments! When that happens it’s become a conversation, and I LOVE THAT. :)
Nothing really to say about this, but here’s some comment love coming your way.
Aww, thanks! ;)
“Comments are my social media love language.” Love this! Here is a little comment love for you! Have a blessed week and thanks for the link up!
Haha! Thanks, Wynter. I hope you have a great week, too!
I’ll confess I’m a commenter and I love reading the comments at the end of posts if time allows – Ive found some great blogs that way by reading and clicking. I usually don’t leave a comment if there are say 20 or so comments already unless the post has really spoke to me but I like to leave comments on new blogs and posts that are lonely for comments as an encouragement. I know I always appreciate it when someone takes the time to comment on mine – so commenting may be on the decline but I’m gonna keep it up anyway. Really enjoying your 31 days series.
This reminds me that I need to be better about leaving comments on other people’s blogs, Tracey. Thank YOU for being a part of the conversation here!
I do read comments and leave comments often. The reason, I know how it feels when people do it for me. I love every single comment I receive on my blog (although most end up being from family and friends, lol).
I think even the most experiences, seasoned and well known writers would love reading comments. Isn’t that why we all become writers? To speak to people and make a difference. To have some small impact, even if just for a moment on peoples lives.
So having said this, agree with Tracey, if bloggers like receiving comments then they also need to leave comments. Tracey, I think it’s so wonderful that you leave comments on new blogs to encourage the writer. I love that sense of community and support. Let’s face it, it’s not a competition.
I think most of us have some sort of opinion after reading a piece so why not share it with the writer!
I’m new to your blog Mary and I’m enjoying it (funny enough found it by commenting on another blog)! Thank you x
Hello Mary, I enjoy reading blogs and comments too! I have found new blogs from an interesting and positive comments in response to the article.
Of course I read comments on my blog and try to respond to most. Then as a kind gesture I go over to visit those who have taken time too to leave a comment.
I see comments as a great way to communicate with my readers, observe their responses and share laughs and good moments too. Makes me happy….
Thanks for the linkup today.
God Bless
Yes, I love finding new blogs to read in the comment sections, too! Thanks for reading (and commenting), Ifeoma!
I miss the days of full comment sections. I scroll down to the bottom of most blog posts to see the discussion that has been sparked – and nothing. It bums me out honestly. Blogs felt more like community then. I hope commenting makes a comeback then.
I miss it, too, Sarah. Maybe we can make that comeback happen! :)
My life has been so crazy lately that I’ve gotten terrible at responding to comments consistently. It doesn’t help that the wordpress app on my iphone went kind of crazy for a few months and would not let me reply on my phone.
I am a chatty soul, so I love comments, too. I want to do better.
I am also a chatty soul. ;)
I do read comments on blogs, and often I find them to be as interesting as the post itself. I had not noticed a dearth of comments on blogs I follow but I have seen other bloggers mention it. One thing I have noticed is that when a blogger is interactive in the comments section (as in, replies to comments), it seems to encourage comments. There is little point in commenting on a blog if that blogger never responds.
Yes, I’ll agree with that. I love getting response to my comments on others’ blogs!
I’m totally into the comment sections!
And you are such a faithful commenter! I appreciate it so much. xoxo
Oh my gosh–YES to the comment section, hands down! There are still a few corners of the internet where the comment community is strong, smart, and thoughtful. It’s not the norm, but great when you can find it. :)
You’re right – those spots do exist, and it’s so much fun to find one! :)
I like the comments section too, especially on other food blogs! I always check it out before trying new recipes to see what people thought or what questions they had. You are right though that commenting is a dying art — thanks for this reminder that I should comment more :)
Oh, that’s a great point – reading the comments on a recipe post is crucial!
Comments are huge for bloggers, especially when we are just getting started. It’s that little virtual hug that keeps you going when you are convinced NOBODY is reading your blog. I wish more of my IRL people understood how much it would mean to me if they actually commented on my blog. I know they read it because every time they see me, they talk to me about it, but what I really want…is for them to leave a comment on my blog. So yeah, I get it. Comments are important…
Yes! Comments ARE virtual hugs!!
I don’t comment on blogs much, but I just found your blog yesterday and thought I’d send a comment your way today. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read so far! I’m going to have to go back and read the rest of the posts in this series. I hope I haven’t missed too much.☺️
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here, Stephanie! Thank you for the comment, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the posts you read!
Another comment reader here. I always read the comments, though I usually don’t leave them. Except on your blog, for some reason. I just really connect with a lot of what you say! And in the spirit of “I’m not sorry,” I’m not sorry that I tend to comment on a lot of your posts. :)
Well, I’m definitely not sorry you comment on my posts! I love it! :)
Yes! I love comments. For instance, on social media I could care less who “likes” my things but I keep coming back to check for comments haha! I wanted to tell you I found your 31 days series today and have been enjoying reading it. Thanks. :)
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying this series!
Ohhh I’m so guilty of lurking in the comments. Sometimes I don’t read the article, just the comments. :D That’s pretty much a terrible idea 85% of the time. I don’t leave blog comments very often… I should. What better way to let a blogger know you’re “listening”? Comments are an awesome social media love language. :)
I understand. As badly as I want comments, I’m still bad about leaving them when I read others’ blogs. I definitely need to do unto others…