People do you a great honour when they share their opinions on your blog. Not only does the overall value of the information you offer significantly improve, so does the quality of the connections and relationships you are building globally. In an online world where the emphasis is on producing mass content, creating an interactive space for others to add value will help you stand out from the crowd.
Make it easy for people to leave high quality comments by…
1. Posting topics that are easy for readers to discuss
The key here is to choose topics that your audience are likely to have opinions on. Mixed opinions are even better. Timing often plays a big role in topic interest, so you need to be prepared to experiment and exercise a bit of trial and error. Paying close attention to the comments on other blogs will give you plenty of ideas for angles you can take on topics.
2. Posting topics that you like to discuss
One of the great benefits of receiving comments from readers is that you get the opportunity to extend the discussion by responding to what they wrote. However, it’s very hard to sustain a conversation with people on topics that bore you. Double-check before you post that you have a topic that you could discuss at length if the opportunity arose.
3. Under-cooking the topics
When you know a lot about a topic it’s tempting to want to demonstrate your expertise in your posts – especially if you want to prove a point. However, it can be very difficult to leave a comment if you’ve already said it all. Think of your posts as discussion starters. Come up with an interesting angle, support it with a few valuable points – enough to give the context – and then pose a good question.
4. Ask interesting questions
Ending your post with a question clearly signposts to your readers that you want them to share their opinions. It’s worth putting some thought into the question you ask because it can have a big influence on how people respond. The best questions are the ones that everyone’s thinking about – itching to be asked. This takes practice and is a topic I want to spend much more time on in future posts. Any variation on “What’s your opinion about…?” is a good start.
5. Facilitate rather than opinionate
To facilitate means to make something easier. It’s much easier for people to be open about their opinions if they know that it will be handled with care and not used as ammunition against them. This boils down to the purpose of your blog and the role you want to take. Is it all about you and pushing your opinion, or are you interested in generating a broader discussion with a rich diversity of opinions? This doesn’t mean that you don’t express your own views, but it does mean being mindful of how you respond to the opinions of others.
In summary
As a relative new player on-line, I’m wary of making any kind of recommendations about blogging without the experience and results to back them up. With that in mind, I have been amazed at the quality and quantity of opinions contributed to this blog by readers, and wanted to share some of the things that I believe have helped stimulate this. What do you think?
Your thoughts…
What makes you want to leave your opinion on a blog?
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25 Responses to this post
March 10, 2010 at 6:11 am |
Thanks for writing this just for me!
Your 5th point is where I’ve realise you exhibit exceptional ability – facilitation.
Often I ask open ended questions, and then when people comment, I provide closed responses to their comments, rather than drawing out more discussion.
March 10, 2010 at 6:35 am |
How did you know?
Facilitation is the often unrecognized, silent cousin of presentation. It demands a completely different skill set and attitude.
It also takes more time. When people are strapped for time, it’s much easier to make your point and then close down further discussion.
Thank you for your compliment, Scott. Even though I’ve done thousands of hours of group facilitation, I still feel like a newbie. And I guess that for me is one of the great attractions – ask a question and you never really know what the response is going to be and how you are going to handle it.
Have you ever had any facilitation training?
What sort of questions do you like to respond to?
Best to you, Robin
March 10, 2010 at 7:20 am |
I’ve never done facilitation training. I certainly should. I’m too quick often to give what I think is the answer, rather than drawing the answer out of of people – the later of course being far more powerful for change and transformation.
Robin I like to respond to your questions! Admittedly being pressed for time I’m not one for writing long replies – hence i’d rather talk on the phone.
I guess the type of discussion, to be honest, that draws understanding out of me and brings a challenge is what I prefer. As you say, “under cook the topic”. We all love to share our minds
March 10, 2010 at 10:57 am |
Thanks for your response.
At it’s best, facilitation is response-oriented – making it easy for others to express their point-of-view in a way that honours and respects them. Like most skills, it’s a mixture of art and science.
The learning here is two-way. I’ve learned so much from your comments, and the comments of the other people who respond. That’s what makes it so worthwhile.
We talk of building connections and relationships, but how can that be done effectively if we don’t invite and don’t make the time to hear and respond to the opinions of others in a thoughtful way?
I would rather spend two minutes writing a post and two hours reading and sharing comments with fellow travellers, than the other way around.
Your opinions are much more important to me than hearing the echoes of mine.
Best to you, Robin
March 10, 2010 at 7:19 am |
Very useful list; I’ve struggled with both getting and sustaining commenting in my 3 years as a blogger. Writing with commenting in mind, which your points lead to, is something I will take heed from. Thanks, david
March 10, 2010 at 11:08 am |
Thanks, David. I really appreciate your feedback and seasoned experience.
The approach here is that the comments *are* the blog posts, and that anything I write is just a catalyst for the thinking and opinions of others. It’s the richness and diversity of the experience of others that I value the most.
Now that we’ve connected, I’m fascinated by your journey, your experiences, lessons, trials and tribulations. What’s your story? What have you learned that’s impacted you the most? What would you tell others who are just heading out on this amazing adventure?
Yes, your truths captivate me.
Thanks, David.
Best to you, Robin
March 11, 2010 at 2:42 am |
Robin, thanks for the warm welcome (something else I can pick up from!). Reading your other discussions about facilitation, it occurred to me that this is something I do quite naturally in my “day” job, but somehow have failed to tap into on my blog.
I have worked as an Occupational Therapist for over 20 years, mainly in mental health settings. Every week I facilitate groups of one sort or another.
You don’t facilitate by going in as the “expert”. People learn or regain skills by having, space, opportunity and feeling safe to participate, not feeling intimidated to try.
Mmm, now pondering on my next post!
David
March 11, 2010 at 1:50 pm |
Thanks, David. That’s a really wonderful way of describing facilitation from someone with obvious, extensive experience.
I look forward to us developing our connection.
Best, Robin
March 10, 2010 at 7:29 am |
Robin
It is always a pleasure to read your posts and you make some very valid points. I am still not sure, having started a blog about 2 months ago, the entire purpose of the medium. Magazine articles I get; newspaper blogs I get; Twitter I think I am beginning to understand; but blogs seem to come in so many shapes, sizes and style that it is quite difficult to figure out a common set of themes. At the moment I am just going with my stream of consciousness rather than looking at the blog as a commercial proposition or something to drive traffic. I love the idea of posting to the internet though and the little feedback so far really makes me think that I need to try and connect with people who have a passion or genuine desire for personal development. Thanks.
Regards.
Julian
March 10, 2010 at 11:16 am |
Hey Julian. Great to see your comments and your incredible avatar!
Thank you for your feedback and encouragement.
Your response is truly honest and transparent and as such, allows others to connect in a more genuine way.
It’s these genuine connections facilitated by words – thoughts, ideas and opinions – that enrich life. I guess that’s my discovery so far with blogging.
Here’s to your stream of consciousness revealing a river of genuine connections.
Best to you, Robin
March 10, 2010 at 7:53 am |
Robin, These are all very good suggestions – did you notice that every one applies to face to face networking and socializing as well? Blogging is just a way to have a conversation: sometimes it’s helpful to think of it in those simple terms.
Another way to generate quality conversation: ask. Once in a while, I’ll email some of my closer contacts a link to a post and ask them to comment if the spirit moves them. If I think the person may be genuinely interested in the topic, and if I’m genuinely interested in what that person has to say, then I have no qualms at all about coming right out and asking.
Interestingly, I notice very few Tweets encouraging people to comment. That might be a reasonable approach – what do you think?
Another idea – One you’ve done in this very post – is to ask questions in response to a comment. Sometimes that will nudge a commenter to expand on an idea, or take the conversation in a new direction.
March 10, 2010 at 11:24 am |
Thanks, Brad. You make excellent distinctions. The five points above *are* drawn directly from face-to-face principles.
Interactive Twitter is an excellent idea. I’ve only just started experimenting with it. You?
Yes, a conversation has turns. It’s a string of questions and responses – whether written or spoken. This is easier as one gets to know people better.
For many of the people who generously respond to this blog, now that we are getting to know each other better, adapting specific, personal questions happens with little effort.
What’s your thinking, Brad – as a man who is highly responsive to readers, would your regard your blog as more a content-driven blog or response-driven?
Best to you, Robin
March 10, 2010 at 11:37 am |
Hi Robin, On a few occasions I’ve used Twitter to stimulate conversation on my blog and others. Unfortunately, I don’t have any feel for whether it’s working, but I’ll keep trying.
My blog flip back and forth between content driven and response driven, I think. Although the conversational posts are more fun, readers encourage me to write informational posts, especially on SEO related topics. This is probably not a textbook approach, but the diversity keeps me fresh, which is a good thing. I notice you’ve varying your medium, using video, pencil drawings, and “traditional” posts – another good way to keep fresh.
March 10, 2010 at 11:39 am |
Thanks, Brad. That’s very useful feedback. I will also keep experimenting with Twitter. Talk soon.
Robin
March 10, 2010 at 11:42 am |
Great quality post and invaluable insights as usual, Robin.
Because you asked, here are my thoughts:
1. The difference between a blog post and a print article is that you CAN ask me a question and you’ll invariably publish my response on a blog post (post-moderation). If I read a press article and want to comment/discuss/share, I’ll have to clip/scan/copy and/or, write an email/letter to the editor and hope they publish my “opinion”. On a blog, I “Leave a Reply” while I’m there if I’m compelled to and share it on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. while I’m there. We’re time poor and I’ll engage if you make it easy for me.
2. The importance of “conteXt”. You mention the part timing and topicality plays and these are all part of context. If you bring something up that’s contextual to MY situation, I’ll play. If not, the least I’ll do is share with someone I know may be interested – if we’re connected (as we are).
3. Don’t be afraid to ask me directly. If you know me and know that I’d be interested in commenting, highlight it to me via personal email link or direct twitter message. If you really know me and know what I’m interested in, I’ll appreciate you asking me directly instead of waiting for me to get to reading your post during my busy (time poor x 2) day.
Thanks again for the opportunity to comment and for asking.
Cheers, Iggy
March 11, 2010 at 2:04 pm |
Thanks, Iggy. Your rich comments always teach me something – and stretch me to a new level of thinking.
For example, your third point about asking – signposting to people who you think may be interested in commenting – is new for me. I’ll certainly put this into action.
I appreciate your contribution.
Best, Robin
March 10, 2010 at 8:34 pm |
I like the point about – point “3. Under-cooking the topics!”
What a great idea….
But wait a minute…….that means I wont be able to show how clever I am! Aghhh!!
it allows others to comment – how simple
great
March 11, 2010 at 2:09 pm |
Thanks, Nathaniel – and welcome to RADSMARTS. I really appreciate your input and humour.
BTW, your website looks excellent.
Best to you and Tee Design & Printing.
Robin
March 10, 2010 at 10:44 pm |
You know, I’ve tried putting the question at the end of my posts, and it doesn’t seem to make any difference. Maybe it’s just been too forced. Luckily, I have a group of folks who frequently comment anyway (though I’d always like to have more).
Nice post. Thanks for sharing!
Jen
March 11, 2010 at 2:22 pm |
Hey Jen, great to see you here and thanks for your comment.
Questioning is something I’m very interested in and constantly experimenting with.
BTW, I really like your idea that “happiness is not something you simply decide to live by or for, but a series of small, daily decisions.”
I’m so glad we have connected and look forward to learning more from you – and reading some of your poetry!
Best to you, Robin
March 11, 2010 at 3:44 am |
Robin,
I feel like the first point above should be what you do so remarkably well – respond! You would be surprised at the number of blogs where the commenters get no response whatsoever. And I’ve yet to read one blog where the author responds with such depth, enthusiasm, and authenticity. No wonder the comments have such quality.
Thank you,
Kristina
March 11, 2010 at 2:26 pm |
Thank you, Kristina. Your support and encouragement is like a breath of fresh air.
Yes, I have been surprised by the number of bloggers who don’t respond. By far the majority have ignored the hundreds of comments I have left on a wide variety of sites over the past year.
I’m really hoping to eventually be able to write comments that beggar a response – comments that just can’t be ignored.
Until then, best to you, Robin
March 11, 2010 at 8:13 pm |
Hi Robin,
I’m here at last! Please accept my apologies for taking so long to start commenting on your blog.
Congratulations on another excellent post.
I think your guidelines are spot on. Once again, I felt like you were talking to me. Why? Relevant content, your ability to pose questions that really get me thinking, your dedication to responding to the comments that are posted.
I’d like to suggest a sixth point to your post: Respond to comments with genuine interest. While this is related to facilitation, it requires a specific plan and commitment. Thus, I think it deserves its own spot in the list.
I believe it involves thanking people for posting comments, using your response to facilitate (encourage) further further comments (dialogue) and providing positive reinforcement. All things that you are doing very well.
I am learning a lot from your blogs both how to write effective posts and effective ways to encourage comments and valuable dialogue.
Regards,
Kathleen
March 12, 2010 at 4:11 pm |
Hi Kathleen – wonderful to see your comment. It provides very useful feedback. Thank you.
Genuine interest is critical here. Insincerity is quickly exposed. High quality conversations are very difficult to initiate or sustain with people who really aren’t bothered.
How’s your online adventure going? When can I come and comment on your blog?
Thanks for your encouragement.
Best, Robin
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