Blog Comments

7:59 AM  Admin  

What to Do with Negative

Blog Comments
Receiving blog comments of any sort at your site is
actually a great compliment and should never be
overlooked. For anybody to care enough to post
comments shows that at least 'somebody' is paying
attention to your site. This type of interactivity is
common to many popular blogs and it is usually a sign
you are doing something right. There are times
however when a blog reader may leave a comment
that is not favorable of you, a post or perhaps the
site itself. What do you do and how should it be
handled?

Firstly it is important to realize that every successful
blog will experience their fair share of comments like
these. It is HOW you choose to handle negative
remarks that can impact your popularity for the
better or worse. Every comment should be considered
by its content and relevance as to how you should
respond, or not.

Here are 5 suggestions as how to handle any readers
who post comments on your site that may be
negative in nature.

Stay Calm

Always remember to NEVER take any comment personally
whether it is good or bad. Readers do not know you
well enough for you to take their remarks to heart.
That being said it is wise to give thought to any
remarks a blog reader has left BEFORE you respond.
Whether you are answering a question or responding
to a remark you want to put a little thought into what
you are about to post. If visitors post comments that
are critical or even insulting ALWAYS maintain an even
demeanor. Do not over react in a way you will regret
later or will cast you in a negative light.

Decide Whether to Allow Comment

The decision needs to be made as to whether a
comment left even has any relevance to you, a post
or the other readers. If it does not then do not even
allow it to be shown.

Maintain Your Objectivity

As we mentioned above do not take any comment
personally good or bad. If a negative comment is
approved and shown on your site reply to it in an
objective manner. If a person retorts in a negative
manner or remains combative simply ignore and flag
future comments from this person. As the site owner
you have a certain responsibility to maintain a user
friendly site for your readers. A successful blog is one
that always puts the readers first.

Thank Person for Their Input

No matter what type of comment has been left if it
requires your response thank the person for their
input. This cordial approach will always gain you friends
and even sometimes positively influence those who may
not currently agree with you. In either case when
people post comments it is a sign that they are
'involved' on your site and you should be thankful.

Learn From the Input

The most popular blogs improve by learning from the
input their readers give them. Often times the best
feedback you get is negative in nature therefore view
it as constructive criticism. Always strive to gain
something from any remarks left and view all your
feedback as an ongoing learning process for
improving the way you blog.

Blog comments of all sorts are good for your site since
it indicates that somebody actually gives a damn! Look
at any of the most popular blogs and you will see a
high level of interaction through the number of remarks
left. When a blog reader however happens to post
comments that are negative these remarks should be
viewed objectively. The 5 suggestions we spoke of here
target responding to any comments as long as they have
relevancy for you and/or your other readers. Always
pay heed however to the tone of your response.
Maintaining a 'civil tongue' will only serve to increase
the esteem in which your readers will view you.

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