I often spend time thinking of a response, and never quite formulate or articulate what I want to say, or think it’s too boring of a comment or doesn’t add value, then I get distracted by the next thing, move on, and forget all about commenting at all. I was pulled away twice from even commenting on this post! But felt like I had to after your call to action lol.
I love that you are calling this out Karena. The art of commenting is a hidden gem that not enough people take advantage of. It lifts all boats as the saying goes. The writer is empowered by the visible presence of the reader, and the comment-leaver deepens their capacity to engage thoughtfully and usefully with others. When I started commenting as a practice I had no idea how much personal benefit it would provide. Turns out you can't be generous without helping yourself too! The ROI for the time it actually takes to jump in the comment section and engage is off the chart. I hope everyone uses your post as an opportunity to practice! : )
Karena, thank you for being such a role model and calling our attention to how the algorithms work. I had no idea.
"In response, I choose to support the voices that deserve amplification. I promptly like a post and, time permitting, add a comment. Even if a topic does not align with my interests I select an example of excellent writing that caught my attention and offer a reflection to continue the conversation the writer has started with me, the reader. Engagement."
Everyone should read and implement this!
And Earth Day - wonderful calls to action. My wife and I bought several seedlings today!
Love your call to action to like and comment. I've changed as well. Before I started writing online, it never occurred to me writers would appreciate my likes and comments. I assumed they were confident in their abilities and had little regard for feedback from readers like me.
But now I know the likes and comments mean a ton, and I'm grateful when people drop them in response to my posts. I'm glad new students have you to encourage them!
Also, great tips on celebrating Earth Day, thank you! 💚
The time you spent engaging with my earliest pieces was one of the things I appreciated the most from you, Karena. As a budding (and struggling) writer, the comments inspired me to keep moving forward. That is the value you can create by simply engaging in someone else's work. I've been trying to do the same (still working on it), and I find that I benefit from engaging as well - I dig a little deeper into what I'm reading, allowing me to learn more.
Thank you for this thoughtful and action-provoking post Karena. “Plant a seedling: Invest in the future by nurturing new life and contributing to the planet's greenery.” I have spotted the first tiny rosette overground from my planting of seed potatoes a few weeks ago. It’s never less than thrilling and awe-inspiring each and every time.
I often spend time thinking of a response, and never quite formulate or articulate what I want to say, or think it’s too boring of a comment or doesn’t add value, then I get distracted by the next thing, move on, and forget all about commenting at all. I was pulled away twice from even commenting on this post! But felt like I had to after your call to action lol.
I love that you are calling this out Karena. The art of commenting is a hidden gem that not enough people take advantage of. It lifts all boats as the saying goes. The writer is empowered by the visible presence of the reader, and the comment-leaver deepens their capacity to engage thoughtfully and usefully with others. When I started commenting as a practice I had no idea how much personal benefit it would provide. Turns out you can't be generous without helping yourself too! The ROI for the time it actually takes to jump in the comment section and engage is off the chart. I hope everyone uses your post as an opportunity to practice! : )
Karena, thank you for being such a role model and calling our attention to how the algorithms work. I had no idea.
"In response, I choose to support the voices that deserve amplification. I promptly like a post and, time permitting, add a comment. Even if a topic does not align with my interests I select an example of excellent writing that caught my attention and offer a reflection to continue the conversation the writer has started with me, the reader. Engagement."
Everyone should read and implement this!
And Earth Day - wonderful calls to action. My wife and I bought several seedlings today!
Love your call to action to like and comment. I've changed as well. Before I started writing online, it never occurred to me writers would appreciate my likes and comments. I assumed they were confident in their abilities and had little regard for feedback from readers like me.
But now I know the likes and comments mean a ton, and I'm grateful when people drop them in response to my posts. I'm glad new students have you to encourage them!
Also, great tips on celebrating Earth Day, thank you! 💚
The time you spent engaging with my earliest pieces was one of the things I appreciated the most from you, Karena. As a budding (and struggling) writer, the comments inspired me to keep moving forward. That is the value you can create by simply engaging in someone else's work. I've been trying to do the same (still working on it), and I find that I benefit from engaging as well - I dig a little deeper into what I'm reading, allowing me to learn more.
Thank you for this thoughtful and action-provoking post Karena. “Plant a seedling: Invest in the future by nurturing new life and contributing to the planet's greenery.” I have spotted the first tiny rosette overground from my planting of seed potatoes a few weeks ago. It’s never less than thrilling and awe-inspiring each and every time.
Great call to support each other with "likes" Karena. It's easy to do that on your posts which always deliver a tasty thought to chew :)