Hubpage Comments - What is helpful and what is not

I started thinking about this topic when I was adding some comments today to others' posts, and sending some personal emails. Why do I comment? If I disagree, am I doing it in a polite manner and is it really necessary? Am I adding to or detracting from the conversation thread? Do I need to throw fuel on a fire I don't want to have burn? Am I encouraging a good writer or merely commenting because I know I need to as a hubpage writer?

So...in an attempt to be honest, I will (honestly) answer all of those questions then give my advice on good commenting etiquette.

Why do I comment? I'll answer this in a roundabout way. The reason I do not comment is usually because I have nothing nice to say. There is a lot of great writing in this community and some that is not so great. I always comment when I think the writing is incredible, or if I feel the writing is tackling an important subject. I sometimes comment if I really feel that the writer has promise, is making a bold attempt, or has chosen great subject matter.

If I disagree, am I doing it in a polite manner and is it really necessary? Ahem. This is a tough one for me. I kinda decided a few weeks ago to not go there. Meaning, if there are hubpage writers who are just writing to provoke, and really only seeking responses from commentors who completely support their position I should move on with no comment. I've broken that rule in the past (ten minutes ago) and am having a hard time with it. One part of my writing heart says just be silent. The other part says how can you be silent when something enrages you so much? So, I came up with a new rule that I'm going to let you know about when I move on to that pesky rules section.

Am I adding to or detracting from the thread? I think I add. In my mind, comments like "Great hub" are not really well thought out. I have sent some of those in the past, but try not to. It's lazy. Not that I won't appreciate it if you throw some my way.

Do I really need to throw fuel on a fire I don't want to have burn? No. I have. But, no. Sometimes you read some hubs that are just so outrageous you want to add to the thread. You are really not adding to the conversation. You are just being lead into the fight by a bully. Don't be me and go there.

Am I encouraging a good writer or merely commenting because I know I need to as a hubpage writer? Honestly, I like reading hubs that are good and I truly try to restrict my commenting to the positive. I try only to add advice if it completely comes from the heart, and information if I know it to be accurate. I have never sent a negative email.

Ok. Now we get to what I think are good rules to write by as part of this hubpage community:

1. Spend some time every day reading others' Hubs because you want to and because you want them to read yours.

2. Comment when you feel that you actually have something to add to the conversation thread. You always have the option of just giving the hub a 'thumbs up' even if you don't have anything insightful to add at that moment (haven't we all been there).

3. Stay out of nasty no-win fights where you end up venting as much as the person who is writing. If that writer's inability to stick with factual information, good citing of resources, non photo-shopped pictures, and respect for others' ideas sticks in your craw..move on. Anything you say is just gasoline on a fire that is already too hot. Your comments will stink like burning tires.

4. Venture into subject matter that you may not have explored before. You may find yourself inspired to write a hub you had never even thought of.

5. Play nice.

I love this writing community and appreciate all of my current followers and the ones I hope to hear from in days to come!