Do you feel that people should respond to comments that are left for them on the

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   btrbellposted 11 years ago

   Do you feel that people should respond to comments that are left for them on their hubs?
   
   i personally enjoy the feedbak left to me, as well as the opportunity to get to know my fellow "Hubbers" but I have noticed that there are many hub authors who do not respond at all or only selectively.

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   salbi9posted 11 years ago

   For sure they should respond. At least we need to appreciate and interact with people who like our hubs and comment on them.

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      btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thjank you for answering! I agree

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   Mekenzieposted 11 years ago

   I feel it is just plain courtesy to respond to someone who has taken the time first to read your hub and second to leave their thoughts on your page.  I appreciate comments and always respond.

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      btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My thoughts exactly. We should celebrate the fact that someone finds our work worthy!

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   internpeteposted 11 years ago

   Yeah, I think it is good etiquette to respond to every comment and I try to do that. But it is up to the hub authors. I think people lose out on developing new friendships and connections when they don't reply to comments but not everyone is on hubpages to develop connections and friendships. some people just want to put their writing out on the web.

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      btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      True! Or maybe they are arrogant and feel those comments are due them? Thank you for answering!

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   carol7777posted 11 years ago

   I almost always respond.  Occasionally some slip through the cracks.  I found five comments that i didn't respond to for five days.  I did not get notification for some reason..so I quickly responded.  I love when people respond and I feel very appreciated.

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      btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have had the same thing happen to me! I love that you always comment and I don't feel obligated to reply, it's my pleasure! What a great opportunity to get to know each other!

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   HeadlyvonNogginposted 11 years ago

   It depends. Personally, I try to respond to all comments at least in some form. Most times I try to consider the comment and reply thoughtfully, rather than leave a generic response out of obligation. But doing so takes time, and often I have to choose whether or not to spend what time I have replying to comments or working on hubs. Other times I may stop replying if doing so only spurs the commenter to keep replying when the discussion is clearly not going anywhere.

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      btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I see what you are saying. Don't you think that the comment field also allows for people to clarify their interpretation of your work?

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      HeadlyvonNogginposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Definitely. I've had fascinating discussions with readers in my hub comments that can add depth to the hub by elaborating further on the subject matter. Sometimes the discussions in others hubs can be just as interesting as the hub itself.

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   I Am Rosaposted 11 years ago

   In general, yes replying to a comment is just good manners and I personally respond.  However, there are some times when I'm stumped as to what to say, because the comment is so ... impersonal, vague, short, unhelpful.  Like the comment equivalent of "I wuz here" tag you see in washroom stalls.  The only thing I can really say is, "Thanks" which just feels pointless.

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      btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is possible that people want you to know they are reading your hub even if they really don't have anything special to contribute. I don't ever think it's pointless to say "thanks"

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   chef-de-jourposted 11 years ago

   You are right. I've noticed that there are quite a few hubbers who always respond to my comments but a few more who seem not to respond at all no matter how many comments I post to their hubs! I suppose you could say these hubbers have selective memories!
   
   As time passes I try to focus on hubbers whose work I appreciate, admire, enjoy, and send them comments whenever they publish fresh hubs that interest me. Occasionally I'll go hub hunting and comment on hubs I've not read before, by writers that are new to me.
   
   It's a challenge but I do try and respond to all comments left on my hubs. It's not only polite but may lead to increased sharing and traffic, plus it's good for HubPages as a whole.

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      btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My sentiments also!

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   Larry Wallposted 11 years ago

   If the question is legitimate, pertains to the subject of the Hub and is not ridiculous, such as "do you have oatmeal for brains," I will usually answer the question if I can. If I do not know the answer and do not want to take the time to look it up, I will acknowledge it, but not answer it.

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      btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for answering. I was actually talking about responding to comments, not necessarily questions.

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    Amy Bechererposted 11 years ago

    I can only speak for myself in that I am so incredibly grateful for my readers.  Without them, I wouldn't write. What good are our written thoughts and feelings, if not shared?  My readers have given me courage, through their generous support and words of encouragement.  I have gained incalculable value from my readers by way of inspiration, sharing ideas and motivation to keep writing.  I always respond to the gifts they leave me in comments.  Some will even specifically mention phrases, stanzas or something about a poem that touches them or is relatable in their lives.  I feel enormously grateful for my readers, who, many I feel, have become real friends.  I look forward to hearing from them and would miss them if I did not.  I always respond to all comments.  After all, each reader has given me a gift of their time and a little piece of themselves.  Knowing that, sometimes the beautiful words left for me in response to something I've written, leave me incredulous, awed, and "over the moon" enough to cry.  My readers move, touch and inspire me.  I would have to be made of ice to not respond!!!  I love them all.

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       btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Well said. No, beautifully said. I'm not sure what measure we would have for our words if not for the comments of our followers and friends. I have to agree, hubpages is beginnig to feel like family to me!

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    Denise Handlonposted 11 years ago

    I was just thinking of this subject earlier in the week because, like you, I read and comment and appreciate when others comment on mine.  I think if you don't want comments the capsule should be eliminated.  Of course, that brings up the question: why post anything here?

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       btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with you. I completely forgot about the ability to remove the comment capsule. That would at least let people knownthat their comments aren't welcomed. Thank you for answering

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    catgypsyposted 11 years ago

    Yes, absolutely. People took the time to read your hub and make a comment...the least you can do is reply to them. And, like you said, it lets you get to know your fellow hubbers and followers better, which is very rewarding.

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       btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I agree wholeheartedly! To be honest, it turns me off when I comment on a hub and don't get a response. Thank you for answering!

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    miss1maginationposted 11 years ago

    I personally do always, comment on hubs or answers. If there mine or not - I feel good feedback or advice, should be replied and I actually enjoy this.

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       btrbellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That has been my feeling as well! Thank you for answering!

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