Comment Etiquette

1. 61

   Specialk3749posted 15 years ago

   When you receive a comment on one of your hubs, do you always post back with a comment? Or, just when there is something to post back about.  For example if someone just comments that it is a nice hub, do I need to comment back to them?  Thanks!

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      cosetteposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      i always try to respond, since they took the time to read my hub. sometimes i get distracted and then forget and then a month later i find their comment when a new comment appears on the hub and i feel bad. you don't have to comment back, but it is the nice thing to do.

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         K Partinposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Hi cosette, I agree ditto!

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            cosetteposted 15 years agoin reply to this

            i also do this with forum posts

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      shazwellynposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I always like to comment back x

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         brianzenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         And you do it elegantly, you should write an etiquette hub!

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      JYOTI KOTHARIposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Normally I comment back to all comments on my hubs.

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2. 72

   KCC Big Countryposted 15 years ago

   It's entirely up to you.  Everyone does it differently.  I sometimes wait on comments like "nice hub" and thank them when I thank a more substantial comment that comes along later.
   
   One consideration.....if you're trying to get your hub noticed, then it wouldn't hurt to respond to each one.  Each comment puts a line on the hubtivity where others may notice it and decide to read it.

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3. 84

   timorousposted 15 years ago

   If the commentee had something interesting or witty to say, then yes, you should respond.  If it's just a short compliment, you can wait for a few more short comments and thank all of them at once.
   
   I try and make insightful observations and somewhat lengthier comments on various hub articles.  The hub artist is more likely to respond with more than just a thank you, since you're showing more of your personality.  They're also more likely to check out your own hubs in return, and other hubbers who read your comments may do the same.

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      Marisa Wrightposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      timorous, there is no "should" about it!  Many longer-established Hubbers, like me, only respond to comments if they raise an interesting point which demands a comment.  That's not impolite, it's simply a different attitude.  We don't all react the same way.
      
      To me, there seems little point in responding merely to thank the commenter.  A Hub is not a forum, and the commenter has already left the Hub, probably never to return.  So it's like saying "thanks" to the door after the person has walked out! 
      
      If you want to thank someone for a comment, go and join their fan club or leave a comment on one of THEIR Hubs, that way they'll know you've done it.

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4. 77

   Mikel G Robertsposted 15 years ago

   I try hard not to comment on comments. I feel like I had my say in the Hub, and the comments are for the opinions of the people that read it.
   
   Sometimes I can't help myself.

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   K Partinposted 15 years ago

   I always comment on a comment. If they take the time to read and comment on my hub, it's the least I can do is thank them. And also answer anything they may ask.

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   MyWebsposted 15 years ago

   I think responding to comments is the polite thing to do. I try to immediately respond back so I don't forget.
   
   I've noticed one of the top hubbers here makes a point to respond to every single comment left. This persons hub always have high scores and often rank well for "hotness", traffic. It seems hubtivity, comments, is kind of important.

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      china manposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      I answer and go across and return the favour because after all this is a get notice setup and it benefits both them and Hubpages generally the more attention is being generated.
      
      I have never yet gone over and not wanted to fan and leave comment anyone who has been either simply polite or genuinely encouraging.

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         brianzenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you for following my work and I look forward to seeing your comments in my box

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   StormRyderposted 15 years ago

   I always reply when possible..mainly because I am shocked anyone likes my writing!!   So I like to thank them for any nice comments they leave.
   
   Stormy....

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      timorousposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Stormy...you underestimate your worthiness.  Your presence on Hubpages makes it that much better than it would otherwise be.  Keep it goin'.

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8. 60

   Hokeyposted 15 years ago

   I try to comment back individually for every comment I get. I haven't done this on the latest ones just because I have been going through things. When I read a HUb from someone I always comment even if it is just saying thank you.

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9. 68

   darksideposted 15 years ago

   If someone says 'nice hub' I double check to see if they're just doing it for a live link to the profile (I check their hubtivity to see if they've been making 'nice hub' comments on other peoples hubs).
   
   If it's a simple compliment I won't respond. If the person says something that requires an answer or adds something to the conversation then I'll comment.

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10. 60

    logic,commonsenseposted 15 years ago

    I try to answer all comments!  All are appreciated, no matter how abbreviated!

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11. 64

    Lisa HWposted 15 years ago

    I take it on a comment-by-comment basis, although most often I probably do respond.  Sometimes a comment will really seem to call for a response.  I have some Hubs on things like grief and loss, and comments on those often go beyond just comments on writing and get pretty personal.  It's only appropriate to respond. 
    
    If people take the time to say something really nice to me about my writing I'll always respond because it's really nice of them to bother.  If someone takes issue with something I've said, I'll usually respond because I may want to clarify or further debate.
    
    If a comment in a few lines that contribute someone else's thought on the Hub, I'll usually respond - again, because they took the time or else offered something to the subject. Sometimes, though, I think it's only polite to let the commenting person have the last word.   If there's a comment that doesn't seem to call for a response I may or may not leave it, depending on whether I'm already responding to other comments - and if I am I'll throw in a "thanks" to someone who wrote a one-liner or "good Hub".  It seems kind of cluttery to add a "thank you" to every "good Hub" without having more than that in the comment section.
    
    In other words, for me, every comment brings on a mini-decision (or even mini-dilemma with regard to what's proper etiquette).  I do know that when I'm the one commenting sometimes I'm kind of waiting to see if the person follows up, and sometimes just assume there won't be (and doesn't need to be) any response.

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12. 86

    rebekahELLEposted 15 years ago

    as others have said, it depends on the type of comment and time. I don't know about you, but I'm not always online. I try to comment to those that add more than a nice hub comment. actually, I like to see more comments in that section than the authors after every comment. I also like to see posters comment on others comments. but I do appreciate anyone who has come to my hub and really reads it and leaves a thoughtful comment. it's very much appreciated. 

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13. 0

    ralwusposted 15 years ago

    I always reply to comments on my hubs. It is called respect. Unless it is spam.

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    pinkyleeposted 15 years ago

    i alway comment back even if just to say thank you

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15. 83

    habeeposted 15 years ago

    I have no choice but to comment on comments - I'm from the South, and it's genetic. We send thank-you notes for gifts, then the recipient sends a thank-you note for the thank-you note. Then you have to send a thank-you note for the thank-you thank-you note. This can go on for years.

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       pinkyleeposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       lmao habee you are so very right there! im from the south too and have been known to do this lol

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       Specialk3749posted 15 years agoin reply to this

       habee - that's hilarious!

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    digitalexplorerposted 15 years ago

    Im new hubby here, and it is disappointing to found out that my comment was deleted or disapproved by the author in one of the hubs! My comment was posted not as a member but my name is link to my blogsite. So, it is a legitimate comment. For curiosity sake, I visited again the hub and my comment was not there.
    
    So, I decided to open an account just to prove to the author that I existed. Maybe the author was not happy to found out that I would like to verify the authenticity of the set of photos included in the hub - either they were taken by the author or extracted from the internet which need to be acknowledged.
    
    Why people cant accept criticisms about their hubs?

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       darksideposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       If a person doesn't accept a comment because there's a link to your blog that's their right. You'll just have to learn to accept it.
       
       And an image does not have to be credited. While it should only be used with permission I don't credit my own photos or those of other people who have given me permission but don't require acknowledgment.

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          brianzenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you for your loyal following! (coming soon to a fan mail near you)

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          digitalexplorerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks for the reply and I do understand what you are saying. But in terms of posting comments, why you should only members of the sites should be approved? The reason why I link my post is not get traffic towards my blogsite but to tell the author that Im a legitimate reader. On the other hand, I still believe that if you use someone images require acknowledgment especially with good quality shots!  The efforts and being there in that particular events, locations and time are the main reason why I want to acknowledge the owners of the images.

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    2. 64

       Lisa HWposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I'm actually (and not very proud to admit it) one of those people who doesn't accept comments with links with them (unless the link is to something like an expert site with information related to the Hub).
       
       On the one hand, I feel like a big crumb for not accepting them.  On the other, I think, "I don't go putting my links on other people's Hubs."  Even when they put a legitimate comment (that I may want to respond to or that would be an addition to the Hub), it just goes against my grain; because I think, "They didn't really want to comment.  They just thought something up so they could add their own link."  I guess I feel like their comment is phony or "doesn't count" (or something).
       
       I know that a comment is a comment, and that all comments generally add to a Hub; and I know it isn't a big deal at all - and yet, when someone posts their link it just irks me.     I guess it's just an "emotional issue" for me.     You know, I'm a pretty reserved/"shy-ish" person who tries to be so careful about "being polite" it can hinder me with some online/writing efforts.   If I analyze myself I realize that I feel like I fore-go some "opportunities"/"advantages" because I think "trying to be polite" is so important.  I guess I just think people should try to be "equally polite" to me; and when they do something like comment, "Good Hub - here's mine." I think, "Hey, keep your link off my Hub!"     (Besides, much of the time links are out-and-out spam.)
       
       Again, every time I hit "deny" I really feel like a giant crumb; but between not wanting to worry about what's spam and what isn't, and being irked, I just established my "policy".   

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          digitalexplorerposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          It is a fair game really... and be polite and honest!

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    TheGlassSpiderposted 15 years ago

    I try to comment back when I get a chance, even if it's just one long comment going down the list and responding to people...sometimes I just don't get the chance to, though. And I hope the readers understand!!

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    Dolores Monetposted 15 years ago

    I always comment back, it seems polite. Also, I wind up reading some interesting hubs and checking out other hubbers that way. However, I do not accept or reply to idiotic comments that have nothing to do with the hub like the one I got last week on a gardening hub where the commenter started talking about dress shoes.

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19. 64

    Dale Mazurekposted 15 years ago

    I am terrible and I know it.
    
    I get so busy online that sometimes I dont comment back.  If it is just a basic comment saying great hub or anything I usually dont comment back.  For all others I do try and comment.
    
    I really dont mean to be rude.  Its just that no one has figured a 40 hour day yet.
    
    I do try and do better but sometimes it just seems to be a whirlwind.  Especially on days where I get a ton of comments.
    
    Dale

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20. 83

    habeeposted 15 years ago

    Dale, I admit that sometimes it's really time consuming to reply to all the comments. But I also find it very enjoyable! I'm retired, however, so it's easier for me than it is for someone who works. You're not terrible!

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21. 68

    wyanjenposted 15 years ago

    Some of my hubs have hilarious conversations in the comments section. Others kinda get blown off. No big deal.
    
    I always acknowledge my comments, but I don't think twice if other hubbers don't respond when I leave one. People are busy! If a comment I leave is approved, I take that as an acknowledgement and leave it at that.
    
    habee, you are just a sweetheart through and through.

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    habeeposted 15 years ago

    Awww...thanks Jen!!

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23. 81

    sunforgedposted 15 years ago

    Perhaps its a side effect of having my own sites, where more often than not a comment is just an attempt for a backlink, not only dont I respond back for a "nice hub" comment..i delete it.
    
    There are exceptions, many visible hubpage users that comment on alot of my new writings  they can say whatever they want and will always be published..I will respond or comment in one of their hubs.
    
    Im nearing 1000 comments across my hubs and I certainly cant say that 500 of them are me thanking someone for commenting. I have probably deleted an equal amount of comments that were spam or simply not worth sharing with my readers.
    
    I tend to hope that the comments are an extension of the content, i hope to see related concerns, personal experiences and disagreements/request for better details...I want to be removed as the writer and have the topic be the point of the conversation.
    
    some personal hubs and topics are exempt...but a little thank you for each comment? I cant imagine that provides a good user experience to readers who are looking for information.

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       rebekahELLEposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I do agree with this. I would rather see a continuation of the hub content in the comments. to say thank you for a thanks, great hub... I don't think it's really necessary each and every time. as marissa said, those posters aren't going to return to see if we responded. (some may not have even read the hub!) I think most of us spend quality time on writing and constructing our hubs. I appreciate everyone who reads it, if they want to leave a comment, great, if not, that's fine too, just rate it up on the way out or share it!   that is what I do when I visit hubs. I share them, bookmark them, rate them up and may leave a comment, but not each time. I do try to acknowledge my regulars who comment often!

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       Lisa HWposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       I like your rationale/approach.  I agree that a zillion, little, individual, come-back "thank you's" just seems to detract from the substance of the Hub and other comments.  Once in a while if someone puts a really stupid comment (often a one-word type of thing) I'll approve it just to paint an accurate picture of the collection of comments.

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    sunforgedposted 15 years ago

    there was a lively debate on this at the
    
    anti-good hub thread
    
    http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/32107  lol

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       brianzenposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for joining my fanclub (in case I forget later)

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25. 62

    whiteorchidsposted 15 years ago

    I always comment it is proper etiquette.

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       Marisa Wrightposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Well that's the point I was making, whiteorchids - you may regard it as proper etiquette, but there is no rule. Look at Sunforged, one of our most helpful and knowledgeable Hubbers - he and I treat comments the same way.  And I know Relache is the same. 
       
       That doesn't make us rude, it's a different choice.  We don't regard HubPages as a social networking site (because it isn't, by the way).

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26. 0

    Lecieposted 15 years ago

    i started out only commenting on what needs a comment. yesterday in one of my forum topics many people here posted that they didn't like it when i didn't comment back. they also told me to add more to my profile so they would know if they could relate to me. i did that but i'm still working on responding to all of those comments. lol
    have fun and be creative
    lecie

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27. 0

    Will Apseposted 15 years ago

    Every comment helps a little with SEO. It is an update in Google's robot eyes. If you comment you get the backlink. Even internal links help a little.

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    Lynda Garyposted 15 years ago

    This comment has to do with not accepting a comment:
    
    Today, for the first time ever, I rejected a comment - something I never anticipated doing.
    
    The commenter started his comment with something like, "Good, except you need to add a poll and you need to clean up your grammar.  Fix that, and this will be really good..."  Then he went on to add some interesting, topic-specific comments directed at the previous comment.
    
    First, I searched for grammatical errors. There were none.  I DID find two typos (I'd left out a period after a link, and I spelled whichever as which ever.)  For a 3000 word hub, and though I'd prefer NO mistakes, that's not bad without a professional editor, right?
    
    Then I sent a note to the person asking if he'd repost without the opening paragraph, and that he might consider doing that in private email next time.
    
    It's not that I can't accept criticism.  Argue with my contents all you want.  But, as a writer, perhaps I AM a little too sensitive when it's my actual writing that is being publicly criticized.  Send me a private note.  I'll gladly consider those type of comments that way.

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       Marisa Wrightposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Lynda, I've made constructive comments on a Hub when I've felt it needed improvement, especially if it's a new Hubber.  But I always finish up with "since this is advice rather than a comment, please feel free to delete after reading". 
       
       After all, if the Hubber acts on the advice, the comment becomes irrelevant.
       
       The thing is, if I send you a private message, I reveal my email address to you.  I'd prefer not to do that if I don't know the hubber.

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          timorousposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          It is my understanding that an e-mail sent to a particular hubber will have a hubpages address and not your e-mail address you use to sign in with.  The recipient does not see your e-mail address, and vice versa if they reply. 
          
          I could be wrong, though.

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             thisisoliposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             If you send a message through hubpages contacts it goes from a Hubpages address, but it INCLUDES the senders email address in the email itself.

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          Lynda Garyposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Marisa,
          Your method of providing critical comment is totally acceptable, so far as I'm concerned.  Quick and convenient and no need to decipher the captcha.  But what makes your method "okay" is your closing comment, to please feel free to delete.
          
          One other thing: Timorous' understanding aside, I always see the message that "your email address will be revealed..." whenever I email someone.  Like MyWebs, I don't care.  But many people do, so you've found a good way around that (unless, of course, the hubber hasn't activated the moderating option).

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       MyWebsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

       Lynda - I always feel funny about posting anything negative in a persons comments. I feel like I'm coming into your house and being critical when I'm your guest. And I know I really wouldn't want the world to see someone pointing out my typos or grammar mistakes.
       
       So I send them a site email. I could care less if most users have my email. If they abuse it I will just label their emails as spam a few times and then Gmail will take care of it after that.
       
       There is no need for them to respond back to me unless they wish to thank me or whatever...

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          Marisa Wrightposted 15 years agoin reply to this

          Well, if people are doing the sensible thing and moderating their comments before they appear, the public won't ever see a critical comment.

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             MyWebsposted 15 years agoin reply to this

             Yes this is true and I moderate all of my hubs having experienced before coming here how much of a pita spammers can be. But I see many authors I leave comments for on here who don't. Probably 9 out of 10 don't of those I follow.

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    pddm67posted 15 years ago

    I will always reply to a comment left on my hub. It may take me a while since I don't get to spend as much time on HP as I'd like to, but I will reply

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