• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Baseball ’19
  • Day Zero 3
  • Earl
  • My list
  • Photo Blogging Challenge

A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

Changing the response system

October 19, 2016

Over the years of blogging, I’ve done my best to respond to the majority of comments on my blog. Sometimes I do it right away, other times it’s down the line. The majority of the time, however, the commenting ends with my response.

There’s no engagement per say, no talking. It’s one comment, the response, and then done.

Poof. Just like that.

Blogging can be quite the crazy experience, so being efficient is your best bet, including replying to comments (when they actually come)!

Blogging can be quite the crazy experience, so being efficient is your best bet, including replying to comments (when they actually come)!

Over the years, I’ve seen how others will comment via e-mail. I always wondered if that was a better way of doing things. The main issue I had was I couldn’t get my blog’s settings right in regard to sending me an e-mail so I know there are new comments.

If those e-mails don’t come, then it becomes a massive pain to try and do it so the person getting it back realizes what it is!

That has changed and I now get e-mails whenever somebody comments on a post, so it becomes much easier to do this.

That’s why I’ve decided to take a different route in regard to comments.

I feel it’s extremely important to not only respond to all comments on your blog, but to also know the person you are responding to reads it. Let’s be honest — not everybody returns to your blog and checks to see if you’ve commented back.

That being said, I do feel it’s important to publicly comment the majority of the time as I think it allows others to possibly have a discussion etc.

So, moving forward, I’m going to attempt to be more engaging with readers. When somebody comments, I’ll respond via e-mail, but also will copy and paste the answer in the comment section. It won’t take a lot of extra time, but at the same time will keep things in a spot where people can talk and engage with one another.

To me, that’s highly important.

This past summer, even though I still had a post per day, I didn’t interact and engage as much as I normally do. I didn’t respond quickly and I stopped visiting too many blogs. That’s all on me, though. I got busy and didn’t allot myself time to do this. That isn’t good when you are running a blog — especially a personal one. See, personal blogs often survive off traffic that comes from others seeing you comment elsewhere and coming to visit.

This is especially true when you look at my blog and the things I often write about.

So, I’ve slowly started to get back to doing that. I’ve been enjoying it, too. My goal is to start planning things out more — such as visiting blogs three times a week for a certain amount of time. That makes it structured so I can go read more than one post if needed, think about comments, visit more places etc.

In return, hopefully I’ll see my traffic go up as it has taken quite a hit with me being inactive outside my own blog.

And I want to interact more, so that’s why this change in my commenting system. I’m going to make sure everybody gets some sort of a personal response because, honestly, if they take the time to comment, they should get something back. Plus, it might open doors for more discussion etc.

There are times this might not happen (I don’t always respond on “Snapshot Saturday” because it’s more relatives commenting about the photos, so they are getting the engagement they need), but most other things will be open game. I am hoping this will help me continue to find a way to make my blog grow, while at the same time staying true to what my original goal was with it — to have a platform to write whatever I want, whenever I want.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: blogging, My world Tagged With: blog, blog comment, blog comments, blogging, comment, comments

6 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pat "the bro" says

    October 19, 2016

    I’ll believe it when I see it. ?

    Reply
    • P.J. says

      October 19, 2016

      Herein lies the issue now … I didn’t get an e-mail saying you commented. Damn WordPress. Hard to respond if those don’t come.

      Reply
  2. Paul Myers says

    October 19, 2016

    Experimenting here, just to see if you get this. That’s one of the problems I’ve had with your site. I never know whether you’ve even seen any of my responses to your posts unless I physically go back and look and I usually don’t have the time to do that. Here’s hoping your new system is a success.
    Paul Myers recently posted..Point ReyesMy Profile

    Reply
    • P.J. says

      October 25, 2016

      Hey Paul — I do get them. It appears that they had been coming to me in my SPAM folder. Since I added one to my inbox, they all arrive now! Hooray!

      Reply
  3. Jeannette Wong says

    November 8, 2016

    I think that’s a good approach. I would be thrilled to get comments on my blog posts. But I can imagine it is hard to keep up with if you are popular. You seem to get a good amount of thoughtful comments from readers which is nice.
    Jeannette Wong recently posted..We Didn’t Come in Last! #YOLO!My Profile

    Reply
    • P.J. says

      January 4, 2017

      It’s almost ironic that I am just responding to you now about this comment … I am trying to catch up on these comments from the past few months and then we’ll see about me keeping up with it!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome to A 'lil HooHaa!

This is a personal website covering many topics! We host a monthly photo blogging challenge, and then every January hold a fun writing challenge.

Thank you for stopping by and hope this becomes a stop for you!

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Follow

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 877 other subscribers

Instagram

hoohaa29

Don’t mind me. Just watching a little TV with so Don’t mind me. Just watching a little TV with some snuggles on the couch! 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #love
It was haircut time with Cameron before Thanksgivi It was haircut time with Cameron before Thanksgiving and he challenged @studio11chris some with this festive art! 

#haircut #barber #barbershop @studio11barbersuite @harmm23 @dlinc27
Sunday was a day with some errands and such, but a Sunday was a day with some errands and such, but also a nice walk on the Vestal Rail Trail. Harper loved it, of course, especially because she got to also walk with her "Gram!" 

#dog #walk #outdoors #goldenretriever #goldenretrieversofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #love #photooftheday #iphoneography
Quick snap tonight while out walking Harper. #ni Quick snap tonight while out walking Harper. 

#night #moon #blackandwhite #spooky
The weather didn’t deter Harper for National Fet The weather didn’t deter Harper for National Fetch Day! And then friends came to Harper’s Landing to make it even better! 

#nationalfetchday #makefetchhappen #chuckit #chuckitfetchgames #dog #dogparty #goldenretriever #ball #play #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta #fun @chuckitfetchgames
Who’s ready for National Fetch Day on Saturday? Who’s ready for National Fetch Day on Saturday? I’m pretty sure Harper is! 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta @chuckitfetchgames
Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to ha Tis a dreary and rainy day. What better than to have a cup of tea in my new mug, which was a birthday gift from my nephew/godson Cameron!
Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smil Live life the best you can. Have experiences. Smile. Love the world. 

#acadia #acadianationalpark #sunrise #sun #colors #sky #nature  #life #love #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #cadillacmountain
Likely my final game of the year… but a nice nig Likely my final game of the year… but a nice night! 

#baseball #sky
Harper and Phil! #goldenretriever #dog #dogsofin Harper and Phil! 

#goldenretriever #dog #dogsofinstagram #love #iphonography #photography
Saturday was national dog day… posted on Faceboo Saturday was national dog day… posted on Facebook, but forgot here! Harper was spoiled all day!
How could we skip this? North of the border this How could we skip this? 

North of the border this weekend to get away and hit a few caching events and geocache. Dinner tonight was at @harpersburgers, especially with outdoor seating and dog friendly! @harper_dublin got to enjoy a little of my #burger, of course. And, yes, I got poutine, duh! Great service and great food! Went back later for a spiked shake. This one was a Malibu Colada (malibu rum, dark rum, vanilla ice cream, and pineapple juice) … yum! 

Good times! Looking forward to another event and caches on Saturday before heading home! 

#food #foodporn #poutine #fries #dinner #yummy
My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geo My newest #pathtag came in! A great design by @geofoxandthehound! This one, of course, is connected to @harper_dublin ‘s Instagram account. It won’t be easy to get! 

#geocaching #pathtags #goldenretriever #instagram
Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground Rain on leaves … still on trees or on the ground… is so peaceful. 

#rain #nature #leaves #leaf # water #naturephotography #photography #love #beautiful #raindrops #iphonography
Henlo. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #g Henlo. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He g Haircut day! I got mine done, as did Cameron. He got some waves for when he goes to the shore next week! One shot of me getting the straight razor too! Nice job @studio11chris at @studio11barbersuite ! 

#haircut #barber #hair
Life is good! #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Life is good!

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #doglife #life #lifeisgood #lifeisbeautiful #morning #morningwalk #walk #iphonography #iphonephotography #photo #photography #love #selfcare #outdoors #sky #bridge
Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio h Part one of the backyard work is done. New patio has been installed ... (the rock garden area is basically done, too ... but i need to put a few things up with it). The guy who did my patio did a great job... looks cool. 

I think Harper approves. 

One more step and we'll be set to really enjoy it back there with some shade!

Working on a few other landscaping things, too.
Golden hour. #goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram # Golden hour. 

#goldenretriever #dogsofinstagram #dog #goldenretrieversofinstagram #harper_dublin #akc #photography #photooftheday #love #mydogharper #harperdublin #instagood #happy #picoftheday #fun #iphoneology #retrieveroftheday #ilovemygolden #dogstagram #dailygolden #dogsofinsta
Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lo Waggin’ Wednesday at the @swbrailriders was a lot of fun! Hot night, but very enjoyable! 

#baseball #dog #goldenretriever #barkinthepark #wagginwednesday
Load More Follow on Instagram

YouTube

P.J. Harmer

P.J. Harmer
A video looking at my first year and a half of owning a golden retriever, my first dog. It's had its ups and downs, but I've truly loved the ride and look forward to the future. 

Music: Happy before we get old by Michael Shynes via Artlist. 

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow Harper on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harper_dublin/
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog

Thank you for watching. :)
When these boxes come, there usually some excitement. But this one ... is the ultimate unboxing! 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week5 #weeklychallenge

Music: Happy to be Happy (Dapun)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
I hate being in front of the camera, but also realize sometimes it's not the worst thing in the world. So, I'm getting better with it. Week 4's theme was all about us and having us in front of the camera, so I tried to come up with a creative way to do it. 

#cielovideo52 #52weekchallenge #week4 #weeklychallenge

Music: Infinite Wonder (Ben Fox)

► My blog: http://www.hoohaa.com
► Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoohaa29/
► Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softball29
► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HooHaaBlog
Load More... Subscribe

Archives

Categories

Calendar

December 2023
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31  
« Nov    

Search The Site

Site Information

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

A 'lil HooHaa © 2023 · Created By Coded Creative

Copyright © 2023 · Ava Mae on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...