Comments

Boonie had a post not long ago concerning comments that got me to thinking. Click here to read it.

I visit quite a few blogs. Some have many followers, some just a few. I realize the number of followers doesn't necessarily indicate the number of readers. I know in my case I have a few followers that I'm fairly certain rarely, if ever, visit my blog. By the same token, there are non-followers (and some non-bloggers) who visit regularly including some lurkers who never comment. This post is geared towards my fellow bloggers or anyone who leaves comments on blogs.

I've noticed that some (but certainly not all) bloggers reply to the comments they receive. I think this is a nice personal touch and I always appreciate being acknowledged. That said, I don't usually do this in my own blog. The exceptions are when someone has asked a question that I don't think is rhetorical or when I post an entry that sparks discussion, such as a "favorite five" or an "iPod Roulette". Also, if someone new comments, I usually leave a reply thanking them for stopping by and leave a similar comment at their place in case they don't check back. In fact, I think the main reason for my habits is that I figure folks never do come back to my blog for a second look after their initial comment on a post.

So tell me... what is your policy? Do you always reply to comments? Maybe just those asking a question? Does it bother you when bloggers don't reply to your comments? As readers, do you usually go back to an entry once you've left a comment there? If you do, are you disappointed when there isn't a response?

I'm curious. What's your opinion?