I've agonized over writing this post for several months but push has finally come to shove and I need to eliminate a bit of "to-do" from my list. I really really really want overanalyze the issue, like I so love to do, but in short I'm no longer going to respond to comments here on the blog. If I have an email address for you I'll try to respond that way. Many of you have said that you don't mind my emailing you a response; if you are a "no-reply blogger" and you'd like an email response to your comment, just let me know your email address. (You are a "no-reply blogger" when you do not have an email address linked to your Blogger profile--Janssen has a great tutorial on how to fix this)
This will be a huge change for me as responding to comments (or at least trying to) has been a big part of my blogging over the past five years. Ultimately, though, it's becoming tougher and tougher for me to find the time to respond and I fear that most of the times my responses are never seen anyway. This is time I could be spending responding to your posts or writing new posts. It'll be an adjustment but hopefully it won't affect the way that you comment (Ok, I can analyze a little right?).
This will be a huge change for me as responding to comments (or at least trying to) has been a big part of my blogging over the past five years. Ultimately, though, it's becoming tougher and tougher for me to find the time to respond and I fear that most of the times my responses are never seen anyway. This is time I could be spending responding to your posts or writing new posts. It'll be an adjustment but hopefully it won't affect the way that you comment (Ok, I can analyze a little right?).
I'll make one exception to the rule. If there is a comment that requires a response that would also benefit others, I will respond in the comments.
Thank you for understanding—I know that you do. And yes, I do realize how neurotic I can be. Smile.
Alright--now that my life will be super stress-free, bring it on! Just kidding...but don't forget about Pin It and Do It!! Just a few more days to leave your links.
Alright--now that my life will be super stress-free, bring it on! Just kidding...but don't forget about Pin It and Do It!! Just a few more days to leave your links.
Trish, this is exactly what I do, as it is just too time consuming to respond to every comment and oftentimes many are very similar.
ReplyDeleteI do feel bad when I want to respond directly to someone because they've asked a question etc, but they are a "no-reply blogger", and there is just no way to contact them -- that makes me sad.
Personally, when I leave a comment on your blog, or anyone elses for that matter, I NEVER remember to go back and see if the blog owner has responded.
Exactly what I do as well. Although I have to say, even though I do respond on the blog if a comment will benefit others, before you know it, someone comes along and asks the same question, because *that* person didn't read the comments! So even THAT is almost not worth it! LOL But like Diane, I RARELY RARELY RARELY go back to a post, so responding to comments on the post doesn't benefit me at all!
ReplyDeletePerfect solution.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I am notified when my comment gets a response? I don't even know how that works and I guess it depends on individual comment systems. I forget to go back and check on those who don't have that kind of alert though.
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer to respond to comments by email, so you won't hear any complaints from me! Also, you are officially off the hook from responding to my comments if it will make your life more stress-free...I'm a huge advocate for that! :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of going the e-mail route too. I guess I am one of the rare few who subscribes the comments of posts I comment on so I can see all the responses. After awhile it does clutter up my mailbox though. Especially if it's an older post and the spammers have found their way to it . . . Anyway, I do worry about the no reply commenters too. I hate have them thinking I'm ignoring them!
ReplyDeleteGreat solution!
ReplyDeleteI Kind of prefer it, so I don't have to remember to check back here and see if I've gotten an answer to my question or whatnot.
Don't sweat it! It's tough to keep up with everyone's comments; would much prefer visits and comments on my posts when readers are so inclined!
ReplyDeleteLOL--I'm just as neurotic as you! Seriously. But Trish, there is nothing wrong with going this route!!! Your sanity needs to come first. Honestly, I've been tempted to try this lately, too...it's only guilt (over what exactly, I couldn't tell you! :P ) that's held me back so far.
ReplyDeleteI've always done it that way as well and am sad when I want to respond and it's a No-Reply Blogger.
ReplyDeleteI recently decided to do the exact same thing, Trish, for the exact same reason. And it is definitely easier to email a response - plus, now I am actually keeping up with the comments which is a small miracle given how my life has been these last months.
ReplyDeleteI think your solution is great! For me, I'll definitely reply to comments if readers ask me questions. And yes, I do read every comments to me and I appreciate them! :-)
ReplyDeleteGood for you - you've got to make this work for you.
ReplyDelete