Responding to most But Not all Comments

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   FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years ago

   I tried to post this in the answers section-where I think the question should be-but I kept being told the question had already been asked by someone else-not true-and I couldn't post it. This is directed only to hubbers who tend to respond to all comments left on their hub, rather than never responding, answering  people as a group, or just responding to people who ask you a question about the hub.
   
   I have recently come across some hubs where the author has responded to every comment but one or two in the comment section. Is this because the person simply missed it,or did he or she not think it was worth responding to it. If it is the latter, why approve the comment if you think it is not relevant?

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      Becky Katzposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      There is a way to set your hub up so that you don't have to approve the comment. If your comment shows up immediately, it does not have to be approved. In those cases, a comment can be missed very easily.  I have seen this too, and wondered why some comments were not answered so I checked.

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         FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks for the information

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      AEvansposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      When someone comments , respond with a comment. There was a time when HP's system had a glitch and we did not know what hubs had comments. Recently when people post  on current or passed hubs, I have ran across comments from several weeks ago to months ago. It is annoying for me personally because I like to say thank you or respond with an answer. This thread has just given me an idea on all of my future hubs.

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         FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         oh, I'm gad this thread has given you an idea

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      Cogersonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I try and respond to every comment that my hubs get....sometimes I might miss a comment...but I have never found a comment that I simple ignored....I think of the close to 5000 comments I have on my hubs...only two or three were refused and they were strictly spam comments that had nothing to do with my hub.

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         FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I certainly haven't seen you ignore any comments and you get a huge number of comments on your most popular hubs.  Your responses are also more than simply thanks for commenting, too. I don't know where you find the time.

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      ktrappposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I try to reply to most comments. I actually enjoy a good conversation in comments, as well. But, I know I have not responded to every single one. What happens is sometimes I approve comments early in the morning when I don't have time to reply, thinking I will remember the hubs with these new comments, and then when I get time to reply I sometimes forget which hubs contain the comments that I recently approved but have yet to reply.

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      smcopywriteposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      depending upon the comment the etiquette may not require an answer. you can thank your commentors, several at once in one comment from you. i try to respond to all of the comments that i can. i even take that information from the people who took the time to comment and create more hubs from their suggestions and information.
      comments are a great way to gain the trust of an audience, find ideas for hubs and network with others in the community

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   psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

   Maybe they were busy, maybe there was nothing to add...

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      FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Maybe. I know not everyone responds to comments as I do-to every single one that I approve.

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3. 82

   Hyphenbirdposted 13 years ago

   Send an email to the Hubber and ask them. Only that person has the answer, the rest of us must speculate. I know I have missed comments before. Also sometimes I get busy and cannot reply for several days. I have deleted comments when they were not relevant or were spam but keep critical comments as I feel they are helpful sometime.

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      FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That's when I delete comments too...
      I should say that when I first started moderating hubs-I was getting spam all the time from one hubber and needed to switch to moderate-I would approve or delete a bunch of comments at once and THEN go back and answer comments. As such, there were times when I actually forgot which comments I had answered and which I hadn't yet-I've stopped doing that and instead approve and respond to  each comment individually -I was wondering maybe if this was the reason...

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4. 73

   ThoughtSandwichesposted 13 years ago

   It wasn't me was it?  I like to reply to everyone who takes the time and effort to say howdy.  I hope it wasn't me...I would feel bad.  Was it me?

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      FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      No. And I won't say who it was either as it more than one hubber...

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5. 0

   Website Examinerposted 13 years ago

   It can happen when responding to comments through the HubPages feed. In that case, one may only see the most recent comment. I have had to go back to amend replies on hubs for that reason.

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      FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      true, when there are glitches in the system the feed is the only was to respond.

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   homesteadboundposted 13 years ago

   I make an effort to respond to every comment. If I have not, I just missed it. Like ThoughtSandwiches, I hope it wasn't me ...

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      FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      See my response to Thoughtsandwiches.

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7. 77

   psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

   I respond to comments when I have something to say, otherwise... I don't.  I don't think that needs to be justified.

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      FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I wasn't askin gfor justification just curious

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8. 61

   LindaSmith1posted 13 years ago

   Comments on my hubs are sent to me. I take the time to thank those who have commented and look at their hubs if not already done so. I also add to the comments if I feel it is warranted
   
   Today, comments being posted are almost nil.  Problems with hub  pages today for some reason.

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9. 71

   Reality Bytesposted 13 years ago

   If a reply does not add value to the reader then I do not respond.  If I think an answer may help other readers then I do.

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10. 62

    Lisa HWposted 13 years ago

    I pretty much reply to all comments.  If I get something like 4 "good Hub's", I may lump together the names of those who posted them in one reply, by listing each name and saying, "thank you".
    
    Once in a great while, though, I'll get a comment a comment that really doesn't seem to call for an answer.  It's rare, and it doesn't EVER have anything to do with its "not being worth responding to".  I can't really think of an example, mostly because those times are so rare.
    
    What's behind my not replying is generally my thinking the person said something that said it all, and that my adding in my two-cents on top of it could come across as if I needed "the last word" (even if my "last word" added nothing to what the person had said).  So, for me, on those rare times that I don't reply, it's more that I think I'm the one who doesn't have something worth saying.  Some comments just seem to say it all for the person.  If they don't have something in them that would call for a "thank you" from me, I do sometimes feel as if it's the more polite and respectful thing to let their comment be that "last word".  I guess usually it's a matter of the person's offering some brief statement that either goes along with, or doesn't go along with, the Hub; but I may feel that the statement is a perfectly valid one; while my "side to things" has already been made clear at length in the Hub, itself (or at least in earlier comments).  Basically, it's usually that thing that I think the person, or their comment, really deserves the last word. 

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       FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I hadn't thought of that. Thank-you.

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       Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       That's exactly how I think about comments. If I keep popping in to say something inane in reply to a comment, it feels as though I'm just trying to steal the commenter's thunder.  So personally, I rarely reply to a comment unless I have something of value to add to it. 
       
       There are many different ways to deal with comments, each to their own I say.

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11. 60

    FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years ago

    Understand this. As I generally leave detailed comments, people generally respond to my comments unless they fall into the categories of hubbers like those who respond to questions etc. So I'm not talking about me as the person leaving the comments unanswered. I guess I should have included my difficulty in remembering which comments I had answered when I first started moderating my comments in my original post-it is what got me curious in the first place. I never noticed before I started moderating my comments.

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12. 87

    Stacie Lposted 13 years ago

    I think it's the writers responsibility to respond to every comment..unless they are rude or combative...
    if people have taken the time to read and write a comment on my hubs then I feel I should at least thank them

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       homesteadboundposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I agree 110%

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          Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I "mainly" agree, but sometimes (not often at all) I've run into something like this:  10  "good Hubs"/ 3 "good reads", to which I post a "thank you" for each of them (either individually, because 3 of them showed up individually; but the another few showed up on the same day, and I thanked them in a little group.  Either way, the Hub now has a bunch of comments that say "good 'whatever'" and a bunch more (mine) that say "thank you".
          
          If someone comes on and comments something like, "I agree with what x and x said," (and neither of the "x's" are me", I sometimes can't really see the value in throwing in another "thank you".     I may add a "thanks for your input" type of thing or not, depending on whatever else has gone on with comments.  I take dealing with each comment seriously, and I appreciate most of them (at least the ones that are clearly intended to offer something, as opposed to the ones that may be sincere "good Hubs" or may just be someone's wanting to do a quickie comment (we can't always tell).  I appreciate those "good Hubs" and like to think most of them are sincere, but we all know some comments shouldn't be more "appreciated" than some others.
          
          So, I think sometimes all someone can do is his/her best, based on the comments and the situation.  One thing I can't/won't do is be insincere, so that can complicate some responses to some types of comments.    I don't treat anyone or anything in life in a one-size-fits-all; or no-exceptions-to-any-rules-ever" kind of way. 

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13. 86

    cardeleanposted 13 years ago

    I make it a point to respond to each comment made on my hubs.  If for some reason I have not responded to a particular comment, it would only be because of an unintended oversight.  I feel that if people are making the effort to read and comment on my hubs, it is important to show my appreciation by responding back.

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14. 69

    Cagsilposted 13 years ago

    If someone didn't response to a comment, then I would say that that was their choice, whatever the reason. I personally respond to all comments left on my hubs, even the absurd.
    
    Not everyone responds to all comments. Someone might choose to selectively answer or respond to comments posted on their hubs. It is after all said and done, their hubs.
    
    If they choose to be inconsistent, then that's what they choose.

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       FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       choosing to be inconsistent... I love that wording. Thanks.

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    PaulGoodman67posted 13 years ago

    I do read all the comments that I get on my blogs and websites and I do appreciate them.  I find it a struggle to keep up with them all, however.

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       FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       ah, then you are getting lots a hits...

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          PaulGoodman67posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I don't think I am rude, I am more into the writing element than the social networking thing that some people do on here.  I waste lots of time in the forums though sometimes! 

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             Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             The only "social" stuff I do at all on the Internet is coming to the forums on here.  Everything else I do is writing (or e.mailing or shopping, of course).  I often think of it as "wasting time on here", but I come to the forums to get away from work (not necessarily work on here).  If I weren't wasting the time on here I'd be "wasting" it on some other useless activity    . At least I sometimes get ideas for writing, or else sometimes learn something on here.

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                PaulGoodman67posted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Yes, I'm just kidding.  I have learnt lots from the forums, especially when I first started.  That's why I come here.  But we all have a limited amount of time and have to decide how we are going to use it, that's my serious point, I guess. 

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16. 62

    Lisa HWposted 13 years ago

    What I've gotten a lot of is this:  Someone posts a really long, meaningful, heartfelt, comment on my Hub.  I see the comment when I'm exhausted or in a brain-fog, or otherwise unable to write the kind of really meaningful, serious, thoughtful, response I want to write to them.  I'm faced with either not approving the comment right away, and leaving them to wonder if I even saw it; approving it right away and planning to come back and respond at another time when I feel better (in which case I'll run the risk of them thinking I didn't bother to respond, or else needing to follow the comment if they even want to be bothered).  Or, I can post, "I'll be back with a better response later," (which makes me wonder if they even want to bother waiting for it anyway, or whether my "later" will be too much "later" than they want to bother with.  Then again, if my "later" will only be a few hours (which I may not know), it may seem that I should have just let their comment sit another few hours and skipped the whole, "I'll be back later," thing.         Also, sometimes I even think the person only wanted to share his own story/thoughts (maybe vent), and really isn't interested in whatever my two cents on his story may be.    Some of those longie comments really are ventings.
    
    Point is, sometimes when someone (the writer) sincerely appreciates comments, and takes them very seriously, there can be a few more challenges than for the person who just whips up a string of "thanks, Fred's" . 

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       PaulGoodman67posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, there are all sorts of comments.  If you get a lot of Google traffic and lots of comments from casual (non-hubber) visitors, some of those comments are pretty 'random'.  I don't tend to to answer those comments so much nowadays, as I think most of those people are passing through and won't be back to see my answer anyway.

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          Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          That's another factor:  The "hit-and-run" commenter. Lots of times you can pretty much tell which ones are that.  Not every commenter is all that invested in whatever comments he decides to leave.

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          Cagsilposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Hey Paul, every comment that was left from someone who was outside of HP, I have responded to and actually had additional comments posted, and had to respond to them also. It's not wise to assume that people are not going to check for a response, especially if there's a question left to answer.
          
          Not to mention, I've had many comments on my hubs from people who just spout off because they didn't like what the hub said or didn't like my response to their comment. Sooner or later they will stop responding, especially after they start calling you names and you point out it to them.

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             PaulGoodman67posted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Cags, I had a look at your site and saw that you write long responses even to people who write brief moronic comments desrcibing your writing as "shite".  You must have lots of patience and spare time on your hands, Cags, that's all I'll say! 

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          AEvansposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Oh they do, I have had quite a few. I just had one recently, he commented yesterday and came back today.

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       FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       oh, yes I've read those types of original comments and responses to comments too-usually the same people. The only time I leave that type of response  is when the original comment is "good hub"

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    blake4dposted 13 years ago

    I tend to only respond to comments that are not left for me. On other peoples hubs. Until I accidently comment about myself. Then I have to leave in shame. Don't tell anybody.
    
    Keep on Hubbing. Blake4d

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    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    I think it is the writer's responsibility to write.  Everything else is optional. There are enough real rules without making up more of them.

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       FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       again, I wasn' t wondering about hubbers who *never* respond., but rather to people who usually do but might not on one out of 20, say.  People who never respond are the most consistent group of all.

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       Uninvited Writerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you, I totally agree... Do as you want but don't expect everyone else to do things the way you do... no one way is right or wrong.

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    imatellmuvaposted 13 years ago

    I actually broached this topic some time ago, and it caused a stir. Their were an equal number of hubbers who made an attempt to reply to every comment, and those who felt that either it wasn't necessary, depending on the value of the comment, the number of comments, and or hubs created by the hubber.
    
    While I understand that it may be challenging for hubbers to reply to comments when they have many comments and/or hubs, I am still of the opinion that a reply to every comment is a gesture of goodwill to your readers. And one reply to numerous comments is even acceptable when there are many comments. This is far better that no acknowledgement at all.

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       Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       You are entitled to your view, but other Hubbers are just as entitled not to agree with it! 
       
       I wrote a Hub some time ago about this, called HubPages Etiquette.   The way I see it, there are two "extremes" to Hubber behaviour.  At one end is the social Hubber, who is here to network with other Hubbers and sees Hub comments as a conversation. The other extreme is the business Hubber, who is here to make money and may not even allow comments. Both have an equal right to be on HubPages, and you'll find many people on the continuum between the two, all of whom also have an equal right to be here.  You have no authority to dictate, or even recommend, how those people should manage their Hubs - please respect individual's rights to manage their own sub-domain in their own way.

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          imatellmuvaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Whoa, Marisa WRONG, what I said is similar to what you said, in the sense that it is an opinion.  I said that I recognized how replying to comments can be challenging for hubbers with numerous comments and hubs.
          I have read about decorum in the forum's...perhaps you should read up on that...NOW THAT is dictating.

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20. 97

    PaulGoodman67posted 13 years ago

    @Flora  So the big question now is are you going to answer every single one of these forum comments on your thread, or just some of them? 
    
    (Sorry, I couldn't resist a little mischief! hehe!)

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       LindaSmith1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       HeHe Paul.  If we take the time to approve them, read them, then another second to simply say, thank you, or great idea is not going to ruin our day or put us behind schedule.

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          PaulGoodman67posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          With respect, Linda - You only have 16 hubs written according to your profile.  Some people have a bit more going on than that!

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       FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Well, my hub number does keep getting bigger...

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    BobbiRantposted 13 years ago

    Guilty as charged.  But in my defense, I sometimes feel like a comment has said it all, so I hit 'approve' and let it stand alone, especially when I feel there isn't much more I could type to add to what is already an excellent comment.

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       Website Examinerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       There is nothing to apologize for. It is your loss if those who left such splendid comments misunderstand your silence, then decide not to return.

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       FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Hey, Bobbi. Just curious, that's all. Your type of topics do tend to be the ones where people leave comments that do say it all.

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    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    The way I see it the potential added profit of turning my hubs into a quasi-blog is less than if I used the same time writing a new hub.  My hubs present information, there isn't really much to discuss. My comments are general 'that was nice' or 'that was interesting'.
    
    There is no one true way to manage hubs. The implicit guilt trip here is a bit weird IMHO.

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    Mark Ewbieposted 13 years ago

    Pre Panda I believe comments could add keywords to your page.  I'm not sure if that is true or even desirable now.
    
    If everyone added a pertinent SEO'd comment that would be great, but they don't.  I sometimes feel that comments are diluting the message of my page, rather than enhancing it.
    
    As a newbie I was thrilled to receive comments, visits, accolades, etc. from fellow Hubbers.  It took a long while to realise that these are worth nothing in money terms.
    
    I kidded myself that I could play the popular game AND play the money marketing game at the same time.  I don't really have time for both and I'm still rubbish at the money side.
    
    Comments can take a long time to deal with.  A similar amount of time to checking stats.  This is time that might be better spent tweaking non performing material, or writing something.
    
    Exactly the same applies to forums.  It is beyond me why people spend forever in the religious and political forums (for example) - when they could put those words into pages and maybe make some money instead.

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       PaulGoodman67posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Well said, Mark! 

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       FloraBreenRobisonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       yes, I can think of particular hub of yours where the comments got out of control

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          carol3sanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          I try to comment on my hubs as soon as I get the email.  That takes me away from doing what I set out to do initially.  Most times I end up spending time reading more profiles and hubs that I hadn't planed on doing at the moment.

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    rebekahELLEposted 13 years ago

    agreed.

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       livewithrichardposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Same here!!!

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    Greekgeekposted 13 years ago

    Some of us have been on the web since the 90s and have thousands of webpages and articles. We do not have time to respond individually to the 100-500 comments we receive each day across all our different blogs, articles, and websites. If we did, we'd never have time to create anything new.
    
    There are many models for publication of web content. Web 2.0 is a comparatively recent development, in which readers may leave feedback or comments. Some latecomers to the web seem to think that the interaction and socializing are a fundamental part of the web, but I would argue that the content still comes first, unless you're on a social community like Facebook where the socializing is the primary goal of the site. Look at the comments sections of any major news site and more professional and industry blogs. The author does not typically engage in guestbook discussions. The guestbooks are there for readers to sound off, or even talk about the topic with each other.
    
    If an author isn't socializing with readers, that doesn't make the article content less valid, nor does it mean the author doesn't appreciate the comments. I appreciate them deeply! But personally, my primary audience is my readership, and a whole bunch of "thank you for that comment" responses doesn't really serve the readers of the article. I generally only respond if a question provokes me to add some content that has bearing on the topic of the article, and may thus be of interest to future readers. This is standard on the other websites where I write. Perhaps it's not the standard paradigm for Hubpages? If so, I apologize; I know each site has its own customs.
    
    I do spend an hour or two each day replying to comments and answering people's questions when they're asking for help on something, but that's it. I think I help a lot of people, even if I don't give everyone equal attention. Does that make me a bad writer?

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       Becky Katzposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Since you have so many hubs, dating back to the '90s. You could just put a note at the bottom of the older hubs that you don't want to comment on saying that you will no longer be responding to comments. That would leave you free to write and comment on just the newest ones.

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          Greekgeekposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Why on earth would I do that?
          
          I respond to comments if and when I have something pertinent and useful to contribute, like an answer to someone's problem. I still get questions on articles I posted ten years ago, and I'm not going to impose an arbitrary cutoff on them if they've asked a good question!
          
          But on the other hand, I don't get around to checking the comments on all my pages every day. If you get 200+ comments a day and another 200-500 emails, I guarantee, you will have to learn to prioritize which ones deserve a 10-30 minute answer, and which ones you approve and archive.  (Unless of course you're just doing this as a form of socializing or as a hobby. Then it's fine. But if it's your job, that's not a good allocation of your time.) I can spend up to an hour on a response, sometimes, so I prefer to respond to the ones that need it, not the ones that don't.
          
          Also, telling people not to have comment capsules if they are not willing to respond to every comment individually is wrong-headed. As several of us have noted, 95% of professional blogs and news sites have comment areas where readers can engage one another, and the author seldom if ever steps in. There's no reason to strip readers of the chance to discuss a topic, even if the author does not participate often. Or are you annoyed at Sanjay Gupta, Violet Blue or Danny Sullivan when they don't respond with a "thank you for commenting" to every single reader? That would look ludicrous, and it would make the comments sections of their websites far less useful, because it would be more difficult to find the posts/comments that actually had something substantial to contribute to the discussion!

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             Motown2Chitownposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Those of us who may have suggested leaving aside a comments capsule have the room to express our opinions.  In no way are we attempting to dictate how other authors should handle their comments.  Ultimately, it's all about you.  If you want to engage along with your readers, do so.  If you feel that it doesn't ultimately add value to what you've written to do so, then don't.  At the end of the day, do what works for you and what helps you to achieve the goals you've set out after.  That someone else suggests an option that doesn't suit you does not make that individual wrong-headed.

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    Website Examinerposted 13 years ago

    Greekgeek, that is a very insightful comment, which I agree with. However, the OP concerns the situation where someone responds to nearly all comments, but happen to ignore or overlook select comments.

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    WriteAngledposted 13 years ago

    Generally, I only check for new comments once every couple of weeks/months.
    
    I respond to a comment if I feel like responding, and don't if I don't feel like it.
    
    What's the problem and why are people getting so het up about this?

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       PaulGoodman67posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I think it's clear from this thread that there are blogger/social network type hubbers who think that all writers are (or should be) in direct conversation with all readers and should thank every comment, or write a response.  They consider anything less to be rude.  That attitude irritates people like myself and others who don't respond to every comment, as it is an implied, or open criticism.
       
       Hubs can (or should be) informative articles.  Therefore it is not unreasonable to expect the comments convention to be more like an online newspaper or info website, than a blog.  Often (usually?) with newspapers and info websites, comments are posted mainly for the other readers to look at, and the writer of the article doesn't have to  directly respond.
       
       Write replies to every comment if you want, is what I say.  Some hubbers approve and respond even if the comment is banal, moronic or irrelevant, or if the comment is a repetition of a point, or question that has been made before by other commenters (sometimes many times).  That's fine if people want to do that.  But many (most?) of us just respond if we feel inspired, have the spare time, and believe that the comment merits a response.  (The vast majority of comments don't fit into any of these negative categories, of course and are much appreciated).
       
       I think a comment can be approved, but not require a response.  That seems plainly self-evident to me?

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    Mark Ewbieposted 13 years ago

    I think I have been guilty of doing the "thanks" thing to every comment I receive, thinking it might otherwise be perceived as rude.  As my focus shifts more to actually making some money, and I don't get any, no matter how many "thanks" I type - I am in agreement with your comment.

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    Motown2Chitownposted 13 years ago

    Personally, I make an effort to reply to every comment I receive, as a gesture of gratitude that someone has spent their time reading my work, and felt that it was worthy of comment.  In addition to that, I definitely look upon my comments as an opportunity for the type of conversation that adds to the overall content of what I've written.  Frankly, if you don't wish to reply to comments, don't have time to reply to comments, or feel that comments are unnecessary because you're only writing to earn, I think the best option is to not include a comments capsule.  Why make it a possible hassle for you if engaging your readers in conversation or discussion isn't what you're looking to do, you know?
    
    Just my take on it.
    
    We have way too much control over how we manage readers' response to our hubs to waste time arguing about it.
    
    

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       Mark Ewbieposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Now I feel like a heel.
       
       Second rule, after not responding to comments that is.  Never get involved in a forum thread.

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          Motown2Chitownposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Mark, you're a goose!  You said nothing worthy of heel-dom...lol  I was more or less addressing the more argumentative tones in the thread.  Just seems silly for people to be concerned about the way other writers handle their comments.  If you want to reply, reply.  If you don't, don't.  Seems a lot simpler than it's been made out to be in some cases.  And, to tell someone that you noticed that their comments got "out of control" is not necessary.  If they came to read your hub and left a comment, they don't need to continue to follow the comments once they've received a response. 
          
          As writers, we can control whether readers even leave comments on our hubs.  As readers, we can comment and choose never to see even the author's response.

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             Mark Ewbieposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Ah goose.  Is goose better than heel?  I hope so.
             
             The whole comment issue is a minefield and I plan to remove all my hubs and repost them as comments on someone else' pages.

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                Motown2Chitownposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                That's genius!
                
                Coming from me, it's better to be a goose than a heel...lol  It's more or less my way of reassuring you that you've no need to apologize for having an opinion.
                
                

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    SimpleGiftsofLoveposted 13 years ago

    Motown2Chitown, I agree with your view, as gratitude for the reading, and the encouragement that some of the comments bring me much joy too!  I love the comments, it is critical to me, not to adjust myself to other's opinions, but the growth it causes in me to consider different points of view.  The only thing I have not allowed was one that slammed me for my perspective which is based on 14 years of working in a 900 bed state prison and seeing realities of prison life.   Interestingly enough he posted a link to my site to direct others to his after he decided mine had no validity.  That made it personal.

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       Motown2Chitownposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       That's a decision I understand, SimpleGifts.  That's the beauty of it all, I think.  Ultimately, the author has the final say on what appears or doesn't, along with whether or not they choose to respond.
       
       

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       LindaSmith1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Not nice of that person, SimpleGifts. If I disagree I move on. I have used the blog this button which will post the title and hub link to your blog. I add a headline or description most of the time. Some of these hubbers have other hubs, web sites, and are fellow affiliate marketers. I never add my links to direct readers from my blog to anything of mine such as my affiliate products. That is a selfish move to make.

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    LindaSmith1posted 13 years ago

    I try to respond if anyone asks a question about hub. But, remember, many hubbers are busy trying to me writiing quotas they have set for themselves.Plus, they may have family, little ones at home, a job outside the home, etc. As long as they approve your comments, don't worry about it. There are hubbers who do not respond to comments at all. If you look  at some of the older writers here, you will see a list of comments that is endless. If you have over 100 hubs with tons of comments, well I think you get the rest. It is impossible for every hubber here to respond to every comment. Otherwise, that is all you would have time for.

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    psycheskinnerposted 13 years ago

    Exactly.  I comment when I have something to say. Nothing wrong with that.  It's a hub, not a forum.

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    ktrappposted 13 years ago

    Whether one responds to comments or not really is a personal choice. Quite frankly it takes time to respond to comments and read other hubs, which does take away from writing time. I certainly don't consider it rude though if someone doesn't respond and honestly I doubt many people really check for a response to their comment.
    
    One point that has not been explored though in these responses to this forum topic is the value of comments in terms of seo. I know, we're probably all sick of always hearing about seo but comments impact that, as well - in two ways at least as far as I can tell.
    
    (1) Comments become part of the page's code and the words in the comments also become part of the words that search engines "read." I wrote a hub about getting the most out of the comment section. In it I give an example of how a keyword phrase written by a commenter to my hub on cell phone rules makes that particular hub come up #1 in google results when that phrase (never let a friend borrow a cell phone) is searched, even though that specific term was never used within the hub itself. Someone clicking on that result would still find great value in the rest of the hub as it all relates to the same topic. Commenting back gives a chance to use additional keywords - although overt keyword use and stuffing is horrible. It should only be done in a natural way of writing.
    
    (2) Comments provide new, updated content on a page which is also probably good for seo. When I see that someone has responded to comments on their own hubs, then I feel that they are more likely to comment on mine, thereby providing some more content for google to index. However, I don't do this as a game. For new hubbers, like myself, who have only been at this for 3 months or so, the give-and-take initially helps get our hubs off the ground.
    
    So I don't look at responding to comments as an either/or situation between using it as a social environment or making money. My number one goal here is to make money by informing, and as far as I can tell from what other people post about their early earnings, I'm doing really well earnings-wise in comparison.
    
    I know as time goes by and I have more hubs and am busier at other jobs not related to HubPages I will have less time for responding, but in the meantime if I feel moved to comment I will - especially knowing that it actually helps my earnings in the process.
    
    But the fact of the matter is that I pass absolutely no judgment on whether or not someone responds to comments and I don't necessarily go back to see if I have gotten responses from comments I have left.

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    SmartyPensposted 13 years ago

    I try to respond to all comments, and sometimes all I can say is thank you.

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