Read the Meaning. Comment With Meaning.
We all tend to be busy in our lives. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to accomplish what we really want to get done.
Sometimes it’s because we’ve let squirrels draw our attention away. Sometimes it is because we’re off on our estimates of how long tasks will take. Amazing how we always estimate less time than is needed.
On another site I used to write on comment spam was a major problem. Actually a couple of sites I’ve written on have had awful comment spam issues.
Comment spam is someone leaving a comment for the sake of commenting and showing no indication they have actually read the post. People thought that hurrying through posts and dropping spam would be profitable.
On one site I was on they rewarded you for commenting on ten posts each day. It made the comment section of posts a waste of space full of ‘nice post’, ‘interesting’, ‘right on man’ etc.
The other site (now defunct) rewarded comments with upvotes. The site attracted a lot of spammers who quickly figure out it was profitable to spam comments and then get a group of your friends to upvote the comments. When the problem got to the point it couldn’t be ignored, they tried to crack down.
When the spammers figured out their previous spam was now starting to cost them with downvotes, they started reading the first and last paragraph and making a comment that referred to just that. Their spam was a bit more sophisticated but still spammy.
Writers who posted anything longer than 2-300 words would often get complaints their work was too long. Again, the spammers trying to rush to profit.
Some of the guardians on the site took an interesting approach to fight the first and last reading. They would write a first and last paragraph on one topic and then put something different in the middle of the post. Often there would be a line like “comment with the word “system” or I’ll downvote you”.
Then anyone who didn’t use the word in their comment was downvoted. It was a fascinating way of pushing people to slow down and actually read the content. Once they did they could not only find the word traps, they could actually leave legitimate aka meaningful comments on the post.
When a person writes a post, they do appreciate engagement. They appreciate engagement that indicates the whole post has been read a lot more.
My writing style will often see my posts start with a writing device that lets me seque into the actual point of the post. It’s not something I do on purpose, but more that it fits the topic to have a lead in.
Recently I’ve done a few posts where it takes reading the whole post to get the actual point of the post. One of them was a family story I related after talking about a related concept. Most of those commenting focused on the first couple of paragraphs and seemed to have missed the story completely.
I often read without commenting. When I do comment, I have often read it fully once and looked back over what I want to comment about to make sure I’ve not missed some context.
Take the time to read a post before you comment. It’s going to take you less time to read it carefully than it took the author to write it. Then you can comment in a meaningful manner so the author knows you did indeed read their work.
You might just get a new follower who takes the time to check out your blog and appreciate your work.
Notice I didn’t use any subheadings on this post as I normally do? I’m curious how many will actually read the post.
NOTE: Header image from Pixabay.com
Shadowspub is a writer from Ontario, Canada. She writes on a variety of subjects as she pursues her passion for learning. She also writes on other platforms and enjoys creating books you use like journals, notebooks, coloring books etc.
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A very interesting post indeed @shadowspub! Not spam I swear, I'll make my case bellow 😆
You really got me thinking here.... I've been so hard trying to stay active, catch up with everyone's posts, commenting and writting content for my blog, that I now realize I might been doing some spamming without fully kn acknowledging it... I must confess there are some posts I didn't actualy read with the attention they deserved because I was too focused on the "winning" part, or finishing my "tasks" for the day 😩
This kinda makes me sad about myself because I totally agree with you, its awful and I really don't want to do it. I'll be more attentive from now on and only commenting when it's meaningful and I actually read the whole thing carefully. And this is so important, we all like when people actually read and understand our post's purpose or meaning. Thank you for this lesson, it was very important to me 🙏
That system you talked about the hidding words seems really cool and a cleaver way to fight it at the time 🤗 Was this what you were aiming when you talked about the sub-headings? I understood your point of view of choosing not to place any in this particular post!
As for me, I like to use them in every post because I tend to diverse a lot and I want the reader to be able to skip parts if they want. I guess we could say I encourage every reader to read it the way they want to, without losing the most important parts of the story! But that's just me, when I write I always worry if it's going to be too much time consuming for others to the point no one actually reads it 😅 However, reading the whole thing would always be ideal for full understanding of context ofc 🤗
Damn, its a hard balance here 😆😆😆
I hope you have a lovely weekend! !LUV
@shadowspub, @blackdaisyft(1/1) sent you LUV.
wallet | market | tools | discord | community | daily
It's hard to balance the time between what needs to be done and giving full attention to responding to comments. I often will leave comments sit on my posts for a day or two if I'm busy rather than rush through them and short change the person who took the time to read and respond.
I have noticed you often leave very detailed comments, similar to what you have done here. I can well understand why you sometimes struggle trying to find the time to do comments justice. I can't say that I've ever seen you not do them justice but I don't stalk you in the comment section :).
Do the best you can, that is what truly matters.
I do that too as you can see 🤣🤣 This week I just started a new job and I'm working from 9am till 8pm three days of the week and it's been a lot! Even less time for Hive in general now... However I remembered you all week because I could just rush through and respond to everyone but I didn't want to do that.
So now I just have to learn how to deal better with the anxiety of seeing the notification number going up and leaving it there for when I can give it all my attention 😆😆😆 (note to self- yes, I'm that kind of person that can't leave a notification un-open and taken care of 😅)
Ahahah !LOL 🤣 You can stalk me if you want to, I'd love to chat more often with you heheh It's nice to know you find my comments very detailed 🤗 At least I know if I ever did a bit of comment spamming it wasn't for very long thankfully! I'm back on track and with the right objectives 😍
Thank you for allowing and helping in this learning process for me 🙏🙏🙏
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Thank you so much! 🙏🙏🙏 I didn't know 'Comment of the day' existed, that was a wonderful surprise and very much appreciated 🤗
I read the whole post and I agree with all of what you said. I'm not spamming but do have to/want to mention, that I've mailed this post in Listnerds. See? No link attached haha.
Just to let you know because now there will be more people from Listnerds trickle in to read this post in its entirety, I HOPE!
Commenting just for the sake of commenting has been an issue here on Hive, as well as now with Listnerds added to the Hive.engine. There will always be opportunists who don't see the value in reading a whole post, and commenting about what they liked and/or didn't like.
No one is asking to write a long essay as a response to someone's post!
But if the post is of some value, then it would be nice to hear it!
Thank you for sharing your opinion on this important subject.
How very kind of you to send it out on Listnerds. Thank you
It makes it pretty easy to notice who the people are who are genuine about expressing a view on the post. Many just toss out a comment to be seen. They don't realize that their self-serving ways get noticed.
Commenting with meaning requires us to actually CARE about the other members of the community and value their work instead of us just producing our own work and waiting to be rewarded while getting on to the next thing. The latter is an easy temptation to fall into in difficult times ... it requires emotional and spiritual discipline to show care for others when struggling yourself.
The other thing: you make a good point when speaking of authors who follow thoughtful readers back ... but realizing that requires we think of the value of others AND have an abundance mindset so that we don't see fellow authors and creators as competitors to us for attention but potential friends and partners to co-create with.
It never fails to surprise me the number of people who drive their life actions based on WIIFM (What's In It For ME) and fail to realize those who move ahead do so by putting others and their needs first. When we help others get where their going the actions come back eventually, not usually when you're looking for them.
I don't consider other writers as my competition. There isn't really any competition when everyone is their own unique version of writers, content creators, artists etc. We're in the same community but no need to feel a need to compete with others. Learn from them maybe but not compete.
I actually did read to the end woohoo🥳! I really wanted to figure out the main idea the whole title carried.
I mean the title is actually mind blowing for a start and then I said to myself why not get in and figure what's going on? In no time I found myself reading word for word just to get the picture and everything the post is actually talking about.
Many people do the comment spamming thing and I see that mostly on Leo finance whenever I check out the community after Khal must have dropped his video and then you see lots of comments that only focused on the prolly fifty word(just for illustration) summary without even listening to the man point in the video and boom! They get an upvote from leovoter. They keep doing this again and again and I'm like what the hell? I'm not really into all the financial posts but u just love listening to Khal whenever he drops a new video and moving on the comment section, I get a disappointed most of the time.
That's interesting you find the frequency of people not reading before commenting in the LeoFinance community. This post was sparked from there. I suspected someone didn't read my complete post and left me a comment that it didn't belong there. He suggested several other irrelevant places.
I thought about it for a bit and then left a reply suggesting that maybe an actual full read of my post might reveal he was in error. His response was 'maybe' and then went on to make a comment that indicated he'd read it and understood.
I really don't know why they have to wait to be embarrassed before knowing how to do things right because I'm pretty sure he was definitely embarrassed and would be like "okay" in his head. Lol. I'm glad you pointed it out in a more polite manner that sends a message too. Do have a nice day 🥰
I've found I'd rather speak my long form thoughts (aka podcast/social audio) and micro-blogging (aka chat) is my preferred way to engage and interact. However, I do occasionally go on a tear and create a longer form post. It is less common than audio and short form.
I think sub-headers have become more popular because we live in a bullet point news world where folks skim rather than full on read. Sub-headers break up a post into bite sized nuggets. I often think of sub-headers as the TL;DR for skimmers.
that's exactly what sub-headers are or should be. They should allow someone skimming to get the gist of what is in the article. Then they get details when they stop to read. I usually put them in, decided not to on this one to see what happened.
I've never thought about this concept fully before, @shadowspub. I enjoy taking my time to read someone's words, slowly, backtracking, and thinking about what I want to say to them, when I comment. I love the idea of squirrels drawing away my attention, because, that happens too, and it reminds me of Up! the animated film. It happens, but when I read something I enjoy, it happens less. A lot less. Just so you know I took the time to read this post, I'll just say that there was a system to my process.
It's so good to be back. I am going to spend some time JUST reading. The writing will come later. The explorer in me is excited, and this morning, the explorer found your article and it stirred up my thinking about how I could be of use in this community. Feels good!
I was pulled back to your post, and read it for a second time.
That beginning word you used, "tend", didn't like it. After all, busyness is an important pattern for me. It has become a behaviour, a habit, that has kept me racing through life. It is kept going by a tendency to believe the internal chatter that I THOUGHT was me. But then, that chatter never allowed ME to get anywhere close to accomplishing what I really wanted to get done.
And, so, I'm back. Reading a second time. Taking my time. The squirrels are scurrying around on my periphery, but my focus is locked here. Because THIS is what I want to do.
You, @shadowspub, are one of my 5 today. 5 posts, 5 writers, who will receive my undivided attention while I submerge into the words you share. I found a clue inside this post, that there maybe another post of yours that would benefit from further investigation. A family story with a related concept has me intrigued. Don't be surprised, if I show up there, and continue our connection.
Twice read ... and by a writer as talented as you are. Tend is a bit of a waffle word and I do tend to waffle at times. I try to catch them and tell myself to 'get off the pot' and make a declaration to my reader. Let them agree or disagree.
AH yes, nothing like family drama to illustrate stories. I've held back from a lot of stories but as someone recently pointed out to me, if they don't want their story told, they should have behaved better. So, who knows, there may be more.
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I've mixed feelings on sub-headings, I guess it depends on the kind of post you are writing. If it's a technical or practical post, sub-headings can help with clarity, breaking up the information into easily assimilated chunks (also easy to find a step or snippet, if you need it later), but actually I really enjoy reading long-form posts where people take me on a word journey. I love posts that are constructed and have a form and take you through an idea or an adventure.
I have similar thoughts about images in posts - how are they adding or subtracting to the post? Is there a story in the images, are they taking you on a journey, is the post constructed or it is a dump of everything on the memory card? Again, it depends on the post, but generally, for me, less is more - fewer images better tied into the post, whether with each other or the words.
Comments are a skill in their own right, aren't they? I love seeing a post with conversations beneath them, especially if commenters are inspired to talk to each other as well as to the post author.
I guess "nice post" comments are the equivalent of digital litter - don't drop it!
I had never thought much about sub-headings until I explored the dynamics of online writing. Sub-headings are used in print but usually not as frequently as in online writing.
About the only type of article where sub-headings are not effective is if someone is writing fiction.
Sub-headings should be used in a way that let's the scanner get the gist of the article before reading. Next to the title it is the most important way people decide if they are going to give you their time and become a reader.
Personally, I don't often scan through to check headings before reading. I usually start to article and if I find it doesn't continue to pull me into it, I move on unless it's something I really want to learn about.
heheh... this brought back way too many bad memories for me - but some good ones too!
like.. the Warriors! (remember them @kenechukwu97 and @kemmyb) hahahahaha oh man!
We lived through that era together! LOL
Can't agree more. There is no obligation to leave a comment - but if you're going to - leave a meaningful one! Use it as a way to continue the conversation and make a friend potentially!
and yes - without your headers - I did read to the end hahaha
also- this is going on DreemPort tonight - I hope hope hope our dreemers don't disappoint with their comments LOL
Ah, it was you, Dreemie, who pulled me back. Now that makes sense. You have a tendency to do that. A habit of yours is sticking yourself inside the psyche of another. It's a behaviour that is wonderful by the way, so never try to break it. Lol! Now, I have left two comments on this thoughtful post. I hope, like you, they don't disappoint.
hehehe hello Miss Julia!!!!
I am yet to see you disappoint!!!! I doubt you ever will.
not that you're incapable, but just that your heart makes it improbable! hehehhee
I hope you had an amazing weekend! mine was enlightening, peaceful, and hopeful for the future!
I really do love that part of DreemPort! That we take the weekend off! hehehe
I think it's so important, and it has become more and more important as we grow!
sending love to you!
the three comments you left didn't disappoint :)
I'm thinking that since Dreem pulled you back here.. maybe we need #dreemmademedoit tag like we have for @snook and the @snookmademedoit
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Yeah that was a rough time over there BUT you know, before then I used to see those spammy comments, roll my eyes and move on. Being over there really showed how much damage can be done to a site when it's allowed.
When I saw the Loop site (formerly Trybe) going the same way because people were getting points and tokens for commenting on 10 posts a day without any expectation of quality of comment, I knew it was a waste to even be on that site.
Oddly enough, they implemented a cost to put a post up in an effort to stop spam posts and left the carnage going on in the comment section.
I have no doubt the DreemPort comments will not be spam.
you're so right Shadows
before then, I knew spam was annoying but I didn't know how effortlessly it could bring down a site.
I NEEDED to experience the death of Uptrennd in a painful way.
and I also needed to see how instead of targeting the TRUE problem...how the guardians failed to recognize where the danger was coming from!!! and therefore made no REAL, concerted, long term.effors to stop it!!!)
and ALSO how they actually attempted to THWART the real efforts of the Warriors...
all these things made me sickened.
but sickened enough to try to produce a potential solution named DreemPort!
hehehehe.
isn't that always the way...
❤️
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So, nice post man!
No, I'd rather not receive writing prompts every day!
Hahahahahahahahahaha, I know really well the other site, I even fired up on the owner when he posted that one with one picture and 2 lines of text, and evidently had never heard of the suggestion to lead by example. The majority of the spammers were from one country, and I spent a lot of time firing up on them downvoting and commenting to them to change, especially in the last couple of months I stayed there with you and @dreemsteem; but when I had first came on there, I made the statement to a good friend that I saw what was coming down the road since it was centralized and we saw what happened earlier to us even in a decentralized blockchain. And that is exactly what happened.
Now, about your post, lots (I want to say almost everyone) does get in a hurry and I do remember one test post from one of the leader writers (Luke I think?) that set the spammers up hahahahahha, I loved that post so much that I think I copied it and saved it.
I also figured from the title of your post that you were leading into the same general feeling about people who don't fully read posts, and I am just as guilty as anyone else, except I attempt to skim the post a second or third time before making my comment. But, also, I normally do not write long comments, this is an anomaly lol.
Now, excellent post and summary on us skimmers hahahahahahaha!!! Thanks Shadows, this is an apt and timely reminder for those of us who know better.
This post was obtained through Dreemport.
hehe you know by the time you skim 2 or 3 times.. you likely could have read once? I've been more deliberate about reading all the way through. I too did the skimming content route and then I started reading with intent. Doesn't take me long to either read it all or ditch. Saves me time in the long run.
Yes, that is what I am doing now, I try to read the whole thing solidly the first time. But sometimes I don't comment until later though.
Oh, just for info, I lost the post from Luke but found all the comments on both his and Jeff's posts to catch them, they were interesting reading and had a lot to closely relate to this post.
I remember those on another platform where commenters were being rewarded..our posts were always full of spam comments saying nice, beautiful, excellent, etc...only a few were reading. And that made the posts useless.. What is the sense of writing without a relevant comment anyway?
I admit I do that before. But if I really want the topic, I'll read it from the beginning to the end.
they had upvote circles going where they would upvote each others spam comments to gain points. That was all they were after. They didn't care about the site or contributing.. it was all about what they could take.
Yup.. And some were making multiple accounts too. But good thing it was stopped..and the rewards were focused on quality content, no more for comments...
When one's mind is already pinned on making profits and profits what can one actually think of rather than dumping spammy input just to receive that certain percentage, imagine when he does it for a hundred posts!!!!
These set of individuals cared less about what they write, talk less of reading it!
It takes one who loves reading and commenting which actually seem like a hobby or fun to them to drop a genuine comment that shows he or she actually reads it!
It happened in the platform we once were, too many annoying post with average of ten words and to top it all, spammy comments like this is good bro! Well done! Well written bla bla bla!!
With strict measures am certain that this attitude of spamming comment section will be curbed! It has to!
@shadowspub
With Meaning
Squirrels draw other sites. Leave spam... defunct sites need gaurdians... comment, system. Engage engagement. Family related concept... subheadings read the post...
#dreemmademedoit
I live in the woods you know. Squirrels all the time. In my case, it's MS. I do read every post, when I am able. I actually was here because GINA told me @victoriabsb curated your post for @ocd... check it out here. Never enough time in one day. But, plenty to appreciate you. Love and light, and thank you for posting in my Community
!LUV
@shadowspub, @wesphilbin(3/10) sent you LUV.
wallet | market | tools | discord | community | daily
I didn't really read the post, but I agree with your view and support your effort!
Interesting, you got me following you after reading it.
The way some are here for just the quick buck makes me laugh.
trying to play smart.
Someone shared this post on listnerd, and with a specific word, "READ"
If many just jump to the post I guess they would not understand how spammator and Hive watcher gets the people that tries to cheat the system
Thank you for coming by and taking the post in. I respect the work that Hivewatcher does, some don't. They are a group of volunteers working to try to make sure spam and plagiarism doesn't over take the platform. Can't' help but respect that since yes, there are many who think they are going to make a quick buck no matter what they have to pull to do it.
you can thank @misslasvegas for the post on Listnerds that brought you here. That was very kind of her.
I saw you joined the DreemPort server, will we be seeing you at PYPT on Thursday maybe? Great opportunity to get to know others.
I will try to make it there on Thursday, and also get the timing right.
I think it's not worth commenting and engaging with the person unless something about the article grabbed you and is worth commenting about. Sometimes I read good articles, but I don't have anything to add, but may want to give some genuine acknowledgement to the author.. it's a tricky one.
There are now engagement competitions to get the most comments, so I presume this will continue. (spammy comments).
As someone who is now spending a lot of time curating, more than the spammy comments, what is annoying me more is low-quality content, often plagiarised (or rewritten enough not to get picked up), with uncited sources and poor grammar/language used getting big upvotes and applauded.
Thanks for the thoughtful article and it certainly will make me consider my commenting in future.