Care to Comment?

Writers write for myriad reasons, including but not exclusively: to be read, to invoke, provoke, inspire and entertain. Most blog writers appreciate getting comments on their posts, and while a number of my readers respond either via Facebook or email, there are some who like commenting directly on my blog page. An advantage of having comments left on the actual page is that a conversation begins to unfold that includes other readers. Readers inspire and give one another courage to use their voices. Also, I then have an active archive of responses, which is valuable feedback.

This “How To” post is offered today for those who want to leave comments on my blog site. Hopefully, by following these steps, you can successfully engage in blog commenting not only on Martha Phelps blog, but other intriguing sites also.

Step 1) At the bottom of any blog entry, there is either an empty field (looks like a blank box) entitled “Post A Comment”  or there is a line that says when the blog was posted and the word "comments" highlighted. (Sometimes there is a number after the word "comments" showing how many comments have been made on that particular post.)

Step 2) Either click in the box/field and begin typing, or click on the highlighted word “comment” which will then create the “Post a Comment” Box - in which you can start typing.

Step 3) Let’s say your comment is “Gee! I didn’t know this. Thanks for posting.” So, you type that in.

Step 4) Next, just under the comment box are the words “Comment As:”  with a tab that reads “select profile.” If you click on the “select profile” tab, you’ll get a drop down menu with choices like: Google account, Live Journal, Word Press, Type Pad, AIM, Open ID, Name/URL, Anonymous. Your profile is your identity.

NOTE: Selecting Name/URL is probably your best choice, as you can simply type in your name in the "Name" field and then click "Post Comment."

If you select anonymous, then (duh) I won’t know who wrote to me. Anonymous posts make that challenging - though not impossible to have virtual conversations. Be brave. Let me know you’ve stopped by!

Step 5) Now. whether you hit the "Preview" tab or the "Post Comment" tab, you’re going to be asked to do a word verification. This is where there are a bunch of scrambled letters in odd shapes, sizes, upper and lower case that you are supposed to read and type into the required field. This is to prove you are a human being and not some mean-spirited computer out there in cyber world. In a nutshell, this step helps reduce viruses and spamming. It’s a good thing.

Step 6) After having done the word verification and clicking submit, you will receive a notice that reads “Your comment will be visible after approval.” The comment then comes to me via email, and I read it and post it for all to enjoy.

Easy!

Just as you are one reader at your computer screen so are most blog writers. We prefer constructive criticism, lively debates, alternative thoughts, hearing that you liked what you read, and gifts of chocolate and wine more than negativity. I reserve the right not to post comments that are clearly inappropriate or offensive, especially if they are anonymous.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!