Today's blog post is somewhat of a departure for me and the title very much tongue-in-cheek. I have noticed recently that there has been a decline in the comments I receive but that the number of visitors I receive daily has increased. I find this curious and intriguing; I wonder how many readers I have that don't comment and whether there is anything I can write or do that will induce them to introduce themselves. I also worry that I am somehow losing regular commenters through something that I am writing or not writing, as the case may be. Now I know that some of the familiar faces amongst my readers are no longer regularly blogging due to life commitments, which is perfectly reasonable but I do worry that I am engaging others less in recent Paperback Reader posts, hence the lack of impetus for them to comment.
As an example, yesterday I wrote a post on Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, which promptly garnered a response of seven positive comments that were enthusiastic about my thoughts but those were the only seven comments that I received to date... Now I know that this could have been for a variety of reasons: the subject matter of the text, the fact that many people have reviewed it previously, that it is a book-review as opposed to bookish chat post but I am concerned that I am not engaging my readers enough and this is reflected in the lack of interaction. I chose the Wolf Hall post because the feedback I received complimented me on the review I wrote but I also know that one of the posts I have received the most comments on was my most controversial (and negative) post yet. There seems to be no correlation between popular posts (in the terms of writing and promotion of a book) and the number of comments received - is this normal or coincidental?
I do not blog for comments. I blog for myself as I enjoy a personal-space to write and to share my thoughts on books but I also enjoy being part of the bookish community. Am I alienating myself from that in some way? I suppose I wouldn't have a high readership if people weren't enjoying what I had to say but I would like to hear from you and what you do and don't like about my book blog. I will not compromise the content as I write honestly about books and bookish matters that interest me but I am willing to read constructive criticism and learn why you do or do not comment on my blog. Feedback of any kind is always accepted and if you are too shy to comment then feel free to email me.
eta: I'd like to say a big HI and thank you to Diana who sent me a lovely email to say that she enjoys my blog. I am thankful to everyone who takes the time to read my posts daily or saves them to read later, whether they comment or not.
As an example, yesterday I wrote a post on Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, which promptly garnered a response of seven positive comments that were enthusiastic about my thoughts but those were the only seven comments that I received to date... Now I know that this could have been for a variety of reasons: the subject matter of the text, the fact that many people have reviewed it previously, that it is a book-review as opposed to bookish chat post but I am concerned that I am not engaging my readers enough and this is reflected in the lack of interaction. I chose the Wolf Hall post because the feedback I received complimented me on the review I wrote but I also know that one of the posts I have received the most comments on was my most controversial (and negative) post yet. There seems to be no correlation between popular posts (in the terms of writing and promotion of a book) and the number of comments received - is this normal or coincidental?
I do not blog for comments. I blog for myself as I enjoy a personal-space to write and to share my thoughts on books but I also enjoy being part of the bookish community. Am I alienating myself from that in some way? I suppose I wouldn't have a high readership if people weren't enjoying what I had to say but I would like to hear from you and what you do and don't like about my book blog. I will not compromise the content as I write honestly about books and bookish matters that interest me but I am willing to read constructive criticism and learn why you do or do not comment on my blog. Feedback of any kind is always accepted and if you are too shy to comment then feel free to email me.
eta: I'd like to say a big HI and thank you to Diana who sent me a lovely email to say that she enjoys my blog. I am thankful to everyone who takes the time to read my posts daily or saves them to read later, whether they comment or not.
50 comments:
This is interesting Claire because I have noticed the same thing! And I too was worrying that I am not engaging people properly (hence the loss of the rather startlingly pink background). I think I am more likely to comment on a bookish post (like this) rather than a review (unless I have read the book, or it looks like it might appeal to me).
Maybe it's the season, Verity? It could potentially be that people are just too busy to comment.
You see, that's where you and I differ as I enjoy writing reviews more than bookish posts although I prefer reading the latter (I think). I suspect that is where I am falling down but recently I haven't had much inspiration for bookish posts. I know that my coloured-theme shelves were a popular series and I am so sad that I've run out of colours!
I definitely prefer to write bookish posts - I find I can never quite sum up what I liked/disliked in a book and it starts to feel a little bit like homework. I think you have a great skill in writing reviews - and I do normally read your reviews and try to comment even if I'm not hugely interested in the book because I like the way you say things.
I guess sometimes the problem with commenting is knowing what to write - with a review if you haven['t read the book it's difficult to say much more than "that sounds interesting - I'll look out for it" or "I tried that author but they didn't really appeal".
I was musing on what I could do instead of coloured bookshelves and I was thinking of going through my collections alphabetically. I know that sounds quite boring, but what has surprised me when I shelve my books is how often Virago Modern Classics end up next to each other and next to Persephone books. It's not aesthetically pleasing at all but it does create an eclectic mix (sorry, slightly off topic).
Oh dear, I feel guilty now. I was amongst those who did view your Wolf Hall review and I think it was brilliant and very helpful, because I, like you, don't know too much about the period the book is set in. I guess it was just sheer laziness ( and the fact that I was updating my own blog and adding more columns and all that ) that I didn't comment. I enjoy reading your blog and I'm sure I'll continue to do so =)
I worry a lot about the lack of comments too, but then again, I don't have as many followers and haven't been blogging for a long time, so I'm willing to give it some more time =)
I think it is quite usual to have many more readers than commenters (the usual figures given are 10:1 but I don't know the justification).
I read your post about Wolf Hall but did not comment because I haven't read it, and don't usually comment on reviews of books I haven't read as I don't think I can add anything useful. On this occasion I did pick up the book in a bookshop and started to read the first page or two, but it did not appeal to me, possibly because it is written in the present tense, which I always find artificial and puts a barrier between the story and the reader.
Another reason why comments at blogs may be declining is that people may be commenting elsewhere, eg at Twitter, Facebook or other links to the blog post.
Finally, blog anti-spam systems can sometimes be just to irritating - eg if I've already commented on a dozen blogs in one RSS reading batch, involving going through the anti-spam each time, I'm reluctant to do any more. Or it might be something simple such as Blogger being down one day - which does happen, one tries to make a comment and it crashes.
I go through phases with commenting. Often, I'll star a post in my reader with the intention of commenting later and then never get around to it or can't think of exactly what I want to say. (As it happens, I did that with your Wolf Hall post.)
I also suspect that comments are down all over because so many people are doing NaNoWriMo.
Yesterday, someone did comment on one of my reviews on Twitter (just a RT with something like "good, honest review"). I appreciated that and thought I might start doing that sometimes when I do read a review I like and can't think of more to say.
I follow your blog and really enjoy reading it. Our taste in books seems to be quite similar and I often agree strongly with your reviews.
Which is probably why I have never commented before. I would just be saying "me too!" a lot (I also colour-code my bookshelves and cds, it just looks nicer!)
Maybe after a period of time, the readers who stick with you have similar tastes, interests and opinions and therefore enjoy reading your posts but don't feel compelled to comment?
p.s. Ada or Ardor and the Nancy Mitford books are amongst my favourites and are definately worthy of their places on your Bucket List. Just don't leave them there too long!
Comments and hits have never matched up for me and this is something I have noticed since my blog started getting noticed more and more. Yesterday for example I had something like 20 comments and yet my hits are 50 times that (I had to do some mental maths then) some people just like to linger and pop by without saying anything I guess.
I try and comment on everyones blog I read daily... erm daily, but its time consuming on top of blogging every day as we all know. If I have nothing to say though I would rather be quite than say 'great post' or 'I think so' etc
As for your blog, there isn't anything I would change (apart from go to wordpress but I am biased haha - thats a joke) I think keep doing it for you is the only advise I can offer. Sorry not very helpful.
Personally if I don't 'know' a blogger that well and they are blogging about a book I haven't read, I won't comment. So perhaps that's what puts people off? Also, sometimes, I read a post and mean to come back and comment later, but never get around to it.
I find your posts engaging, interesting and entertaining and I can't think of anything to suggest that would make your blog 'better'. I love reading your posts and will always comment if I think I have something useful to say!
I'm sorry to hear that you are getting fewer comments than before. I can't think of any reason why you would be getting less than before, as the quality of your posts has not changed.
I think that I am different to most bloggers as I freely admit that I blog for comments. I do everything I can to encourage comments on my blog, as it is the bookish conversation that I enjoy most about blogging.
I have noticed that there is less blogging activity this month (due to the writing month?) so that could be a reason.
I think that asking specific questions at the end of each post helps, as then people have something to respond to in the comments section.
I think that people respond less to books that they haven't read, so as Wolf Hall hasn't been released yet (perhaps it has now?) in the US less people are able to comment on it. I hope that you get more comments soon.
I have been reading my usual blogs but commenting less for one reason only...lack of time. From October until the middle of January, there isn't enough time in the day to do all that I need and want. So while I still want to keep up with my favorite blogs, I have had to sacrifice commenting time. But I am still stopping by whenever you post:)
Hi, I really enjoy reading your blog as well as some of the other book blogs I read daily. Probably the most important factor in commenting is time. I'm also quite shy, and feel that if I don't have anything interesting or substantial to say, I would rather save it for a comment later on. It also depends on how I feel that day, how lazy I am, etc (especially since I'm not a very methodical person) so I'm a rather sporadic commentator. But sometimes I'm drawn to a post so much that I just have to comment (like this one!) Keep up your blogging, I like it just the way it is!
I think in November and December, a lot of bloggers get really busy and have less time to comment. :) One thing that I've found helpful is to include a question (that I sincerely want answered) at the end of a review-it gives people something to comment on if they're not sure what. :)
Thank you all for the thoughtful response, although I did beg you for comments your comments! I am so glad that you all enjoy my blog and haven't ceased to enjoy it of late.
Verity, I am also guilty of not commenting when a)I feel I have nothing additional to contribute b)I have no interest in the book or haven't read it.
Kals, don't feel guilty! That wasn't my intention at all. I am more than satisfied if there are less comments because of lack of time as that happens to us all and is perfectly understandable. I was concerned that a decrease in comments recently may have been directly linked to something that I was doing wrong.
As for your own blog, the best advice that I can give you is to make the effort to comment on new (to you) blogs where you can as it's all about building relationships and conversing. It will come with time; for the first few months of my blog I hardly had any comments.
Hi Maxine, thank you for commenting and for the thoughtful response. Your feelings about Wolf Hall are very interesting and valid; the first section was quite alienating but was also different from the remainder of the book.
I find the anti-spammer tools irritating too, which is why I don't use them myself.
You raised a lot of good points.
Teresa, thanks for explaining - the example used shows my impatience! I forget that not everyone has time to read posts every day let alone comment on them. The trend over the last month could however be explained by NaNoWriMo so thank you for reminding me.
I like that use of twitter and will bear that in mind for future use.
Hi Sarah, thanks so much for commenting and I am glad that this post compelled you to do so. Any input is valued but I concur that it can seem pointless to comment unless you feel you have something worthwhile to say (like this comment!) Feel free to add your opinion whenever you like especially to tell me which books I must read straight away! Ada or Ador and the Mitford books are definite reads for next year and the Mitford potentially over the Christmas holidays.
Thanks, Simon; that was helpful! I will keep doing what I am doing but sometimes you can't help being hit by insecurity or even just plain bewilderment! I understand more I think though that most often than not readers are pushed for time and/or feel they have nothing else to contribute which is fair enough.
Rachel, I wholeheartedly agree: the bulk of comments I receive on a daily basis are from those bloggers that I "know" and the recent decline can easily be explained by their business and lack of time.
I am so pleased that you enjoy my blog and of course the feeling is mutual :).
Jackie, I have noticed your passion for comments! I have tried to implement your questioning technique and find it works on some posts but not others; often I am disinclined to "lead" the conversation and potentially distract readers from what they were thinking whilst reading the post. Moreover, I am used to academic writing which is very conclusive so I am slowly attempting to change the style of writing I have grown accustomed to.
The US release of Wolf Hall (recent) also occurred to me and less blogging activity could be explained by NaNoWriMo. Thank you for the reassurance that it isn't something that I've been doing differently!
Book Psmith, thanks for taking the time to explain! I don't intend for anyone to feel guilty or pressured into commenting but was curious ... of course this time last year I wasn't blogging so I am not used to the easing off. At least I have a few more weeks to prepare myself for what will likely be a very quiet period!
Sakura, thank you! When it is put like that then I realise that I am exactly the same. For me it often depends on my mood when I read a post and even have a few currently starred in my reader to read later so I shouldn't complain!
Eva, I appreciate your comment as I know you've been ill. As I said to Jackie, I find the questioning technique difficult to incorporate at times but I will keep it in mind and try to devise my own way of using it.
I think that you have to lead the conversation on your own blog - that doesn't mean that people aren't entitled to their own opinions (it is important to ensure that they feel comfortable doing so) but many people have little time for blogging, or feel that you've already said everything worth saying in the post - they won't comment unless they feel they can add something.
I like to keep my posts short, ensuring that I don't say everything I want to say in the post. This means that I am able to make the conversation about the book continue in the comments section. By not saying everything people also feel like they are able to contribute.
I can see that I need to create more of a balance between what I write and creating conversation but primarily this blog is about my writing more than the discussion it generates. Obviously I like the comments, hence this post, but I'm not posting to raise a discussion point. My book blog is a place for me to write my thoughts on books. I appreciate other blogs for what they are but we each have our own motivations and reasons to blog and mine is for my own space to publish my thoughts; any comments that stem from that are welcome as I enjoy the discussion but it is not my main focus.
As I said it my post, I won't compromise what I write and by omitting things that I want to write about so that someone else can say them, would be against my blog's intent.
Well it seems that others have noticed the same thing as have I!! I wonder why? I note that over the weekend my hits drop by about 50% and I get very few comments so if I have really loved a book and want to make sure people read my post, Ihold it back to Monday. Of course, lots of people might have PCs at work they use rather than at home?
My hits have shot up recently, cannot work out why but not everyone leaves a comment, just as well actually as we would spend all day replying and never do any more posting! I have a regular core of readers and visitors who I love to see pop up and have become good online, and in some cases, real friends.
I think everything has an ebb and flow so I try not to worry about it.
I find that getting comments is very reassuring, but try not to be in thrall to my stats. I would have commented on Wolf Hall but haven't read it or formed an opinion about it yet, but don't worry I do visit regularly! Keep it up.
We all blog for different reasons and it is good that you refuse to compromise your blog objectives to achieve more comments. I hope that the commenters come back to your blog soon.
What a fascinating post! I say fascinating because I don't think I know how to read google analytics enough to figure out traffic vs. comments!
I notice that some of my posts get more comments than others, but I never really think deeply about why that might be. I actually think 7 comments on a post on the day you post the review is pretty good, but clearly you have a bigger audience than I do :-)
I agree with others, though, about this time of year being busy. I feel guilty for not visiting people's sites as much as I'd like to, and then when I do visit, I feel like I am not thinking properly enough to leave an enlightening comment. actually, when I first saw your blog post title, I was scared that you were going to talk about more "meaningless" comments like, "This is a good post!" which I feel I have been leaving on people's blogs lately. And I felt really worried that maybe you thought I was just leaving comments so that you'd come to check out my blog or something...
Gosh, I am paranoid.
Anyway, looks like you have more Wolf Hall comments now! I will go read that review, too.
Elaine, I've noticed the weekend slump too and try to post accordingly! I think this is my first noticeable ebb, which made me curious but I think that it is seasonal. I am thankful for the core commenters that I do have and appreciate the daily interaction I have with them but too many more and I would lose that individual connection. I would hate to lose the commenters that I do have, hence my concern.
Annabel, comments are reassuring - it is instant gratification as well as validation that there are people out there reading your words that are interested in what you have to say. I find my stats interesting but I wouldn't be able to make sense of them all, even if I wanted to.
Jackie, it would be boring if we all blogged for the same reasons as then out posts would be the same! I feel more confident now that it is a a seasonal slump and feel reassured that I haven't driven people away!
Aarti, I think that we can all be a little paranoid when we put ourselves, words and thoughts out there in the ether that is online! Honestly every comment people leave is meaningful to me as I appreciate people taking the time to do so. I am so glad that I found your blog via Nymeth and her Granny Weatherwax riveter and I would comment whether you commented on mine or not!
I do have more Wolf Hall comments :).
I'm not sure if she reads the comments or just the posts but if she does I'd like to say a big HI to Diana who sent me a lovely email to say that she enjoys my blog. I am thankful to everyone who takes the time to read my posts daily or saves them to read later, whether they comment or not.
Claire, I read your blog every day but only ever comment if I think I can add something useful to the conversation. I think there's nothing worse than inane comments, so would rather not write them myself.
I think Maxine's summed up the many reasons for why you might experience a lack of comments all of a sudden. It really is a fickle thing and certainly nothing you've done or said to turn people away.
Because I mainly write straight reviews, I don't attract great numbers of comments. That's because it's hard to comment on a book if you've not actually read the book. But if I write a review of a popular book and one that huge numbers have read, the comments will come in thick and fast. See what I mean by fickle? ;-)
While it's nice to get comments, for me it is not the be all and end all of blogging: for me it's about getting the thoughts out of my head (so they don't drive me mad) and onto paper, or computer screen as it were, and having a nice record of all the lovely books I've read to look back on.
Personally, I just think you're spoiled; I'm happy if I get ONE comment (to be honest, I'm happy if anyone actually bothers to read what I have to say!).
I do very much enjoy reading your blog, sometimes I have to catch up on a few days worth of posts as finding time is some times an issue and I don't always comment, sometimes I will read your comments and just think I can add nothing that others have not already said. I have found the whole blogging thing a bit of a learning curve, for a long time I felt too shy to comment on blogs. So perhaps people just feel to shy to join in the conversation. Being busy is perhaps the other issue, the demands of work, family and often study, added to the demands of reading a growing number of blogs, as well as maintaining your own, often means you intend to come back and comment but just don't find the time. I think if you are getting a lot of visits you must doing okay. I certainly enjoy your blog.
PS> Forgot to mention that I often get *completely* turned off by blog posts that end with questions. It seems a little too contrived, like someone is fishing for compliments, and I often don't want to respond to the question but something else in the body of the post itself.
PS> Forgot to mention that I often get *completely* turned off by blog posts that end with questions. It seems a little too contrived, like someone is fishing for compliments, and I often don't want to respond to the question but something else in the body of the post itself.
I'm still reading you. :)
I actually starred your Wolf Hall review to get back to later, as I intend to read it.
Anyway, I think it's probably a holiday thing. Everyone's so busy that we read blogs but have no time to comment. Still, I cannot help not commenting on your blog, lol. So keep expecting me! :D
My husband looks at lots (and lots) of blogs (gardens, design, art, etc.) and he NEVER comments on anything even though he enjoys the blogs very much. That's the comfort I take when I see that I have lots of visitors but few comments.
Kim, blogging is fickle, I agree, although I'm only just learning that.
We blog for the same reasons; as well as seeking an impetus to write daily (or whenever I could), I also wanted somewhere to have a record of what I had read and my thoughts at the time (I have a hopeless retention for plot detail).
I feel the same way with some blog posts that end with questions; I wouldn't like ti impose my own discussion points on readers but prefer to read their personal response to what I've written. I read widely and the popular books are of course always the most popular posts ;). I prefer reading and reading about books off-the-beaten track at times and have discovered quite a few titles through your blog. I feel bad saying this but a lot of the time I'm reading about books that I've always been aware of (or that have been newly published) and I want blogging to open me up to unknown books wherever possible and that is a rare occurrence.
Tony, I'm a narcissist, aren't I? You can tell me straight.
Book pusher, thank you for your input. I think shyness does play a big part in it and I forget how many people are out there who I don't "know" and who don't have blogs themselves (yet). I used to read a couple of book blogs myself for quite a while before I had the courage to begin my own and even then it took me a while to comment on other blogs.
Claire, I'm so happy that you are still around :). You are one of my regular readers who I instantly miss commenting!
Thomas, as I mentioned to Book pusher, I used to read blogs myself without commenting (only a couple) in pre-blogging days so I should really keep that in mind. As long as people are reading and enjoying then that's all that matters.
Claire - I love your blog the way it is and I value your opinion. You have led me to books I would never have picked up normally (the Hunger Games, Nation). I read all your posts and like the others, I read the Wolf Hall post but since I hadn't read it, I didn't comment. It also sounds rather long and tedious so am not even sure I want to read it either.
I'm new to this whole reading blogs and blogging myself thing. Jumping into the whole fray is a bit intimidating sometimes, not to mention what others have said about not commenting unless I have something of merit to say. But I do enjoy your blog! Maybe now that's I've broken the first comment I'll feel more comfortable doing so!
I still have your Wolf Hall review marked as unread because I didn't want to skim over it. During the week my commenting time is limited, and I tend to skim through and keep those I want to revisit as unread. But then days go by and I read, but I don't always comment.
Too many blogs in the Reader and not enough time!
Personally, I've given up on watching my stats. Since I know my time is limited, I figure everyone else's is too.
I'm guilty of reading blogs and frequently not commenting. Sometimes it's just because my reaction seems so trite - "I liked your review" or I've flagged the book to find at the library/store - but sometimes it's because I don't feel I have anything of substance to add. But I really enjoy your blog, and my library list has increased proportionally since I started reading you.
Mrs. B, thank you :). I'm glad that I have introduced new titles to you and that you've enjoyed them. Wolf Hall is too long and the tedium does set in towards the end.
Hi Victoria, definitely comment more often if you feel comfortable doing so! Everyone's opinion is of merit and I appreciate the time taken. It is intimidating at first though, I know, but you'll settle in :).
Jill, too many books to read too! It is difficult to spare the time and I know I'll struggle when I have less time than I currently have. I feel better now that I understand that is mainly a time-factor for regular commenters and shyness for readers who don't comment.
makedo, I'm so glad that you enjoy my blog and that I've added to your reading list! That's what it's all about.
Last night, I started a comment to your post and Deacon jumped up on my lap and was whining. It was past his 'walk time' so the comment was abandoned for the leash. I remember once reading a post by someone whose blog I really enjoy that asked 'is anyone out there?', I think some of us, perhaps most of us, must experience that feeling at times. Your posts highlighting bookshops were fantastic as everyone loves a peek into world's (and bookshops) away from their own. Grab your camera and your Oyster Card, the comments will pour in. Unless everyone is out Christmas shopping that is!
Darlene, don't feel as if you have to justify now why you didn't comment - Deacon's walk comes first!
Thank you for the wonderful suggestion; I won't be going anywhere today (it is miserable and I need to stay attached to my phone) but there are bookshops being lined up for future posts, especially when I go home later this month.
I am often guilty of reading without comment, I suppose it's common practice. I often tell myself that I'll come back later as I skim my reader at work. I am more likely to comment on a book that I have read before or am interested in reading. This must be a comfort level issue because I know full well that it's possible to comment without having read the book. I think it's wonderful to engage fellow readers and bloggers in conversation.
Danielle, that's easy enough to understand; we all get into our own groove on writing, reading and commenting and each are busier at different times. Thanks for explaining.
I know I'm probably (did I say probably because I'm sure I meant definitely) not one of your more loyal commenters, but just popping up to say that I do enjoy your blog, and I think you write fantastic reviews.
To be quite honest, for the last two weeks or so it's been a struggle to set aside even the smallest amount of time to attend to my Google Reader, much less leave even the paltry amount of comments I can usually manage. It seems like I'm always adding blogs to my reader even when I don't have enough time to really attend to the ones I'm already reading, so I end up skimming when I have a few minutes to spare (and commenting really throws a wrench into the "speedy skim" method of blog reading). Maybe others are like me trying to fit waaaay too much into those measly 24 hours we have in a day and, uh....failing? ;-)
Megan, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and compliment :). I appreciate you taking the time whenever you can and understand how much pressure that Google Reader can be! I keep adding to mine too even though I have less and less time; I suppose it's what we bloggers do!
I'm one of those who enjoys reading your blog but doesn't usually comment. As I have busy toddler my time online is limited so I tend to skim most of my blogs in google reader and don't usually see the comments, as well as usually being several days behind the posts.
My must read list has grown exponentially reading your blog so keep up the good work.
Hi Karoline, thanks for commenting! Glad to know you are enjoying my blog and it is adding to your reading list. Thanks for the explanation; I was curious to know more of my silent readers although the intent behind my post was actually curiosity about why there appeared to have been less comments recently by people who comment anyway. Good to have answers to both.
I don't think anyone should worry about comments decline this month. It seems TONS of people are writing with NaNoWriMo this month and also tons of people have expressed blogging burnout (myself included).
I'm working on finding a new balance between blogging, reading, and real life.
So, bottom line is, you haven't changed, but book blogging community in general is feeling overall burnout and wanting to go read instead of taking the time to comment. That's all. At least, that's how I see it. I've seen a sudden reduction in comments too.
Thanks for the reassurance, Rebecca! We all feel burn-out occasionally and I think that is only natural towards the end of the year.
I think that this is a busy time of the year for everyone, so people may not have as much time to read and write as they normally do. But apart from that, I think it is kind of a crapshoot when it comes to knowing what will elicit comments from others - sometimes I write posts that I am sure will be hot stuff, and they get less than 10 comments (my last giveaway post where people could get a FREE book simply by commenting only got TEN comments!), and other times, posts I don't expect to garner tons of interest do. I figure that so long as you blog first for you, that's really all you can do...
Steph, ultimately it is about us blogging for ourselves. There's no rhyme nor reason to what will garner a lot of comments and what won't - I would assume that people would be biting off your arm for a free book but you can never tell. I think it is a combination of burn-out and business; I have also noticed that a high number of people are announcing next year's challenges so perhaps they are also busy organising those.
Sigh, I'm definitely guilty of commenting less, not just here but on plenty of other blogs I love. It's been very hard to keep up with everything now that I work full time. Sometimes I read an awesome post on google reader, star it to comment later, and then next thing I know two weeks have gone by...
Anyway, I know you're not talking about those of us who have been busier, but I still wanted to say that adore you and your blog as much as always <3
Oh, Ana, that was so sweet <3!
I have a hard enough time catching up when I've been away from my Google Reader for a few hours let alone when I will be busy full-time again. Sigh.
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