Four Things To Avoid When Replying To Reader Comments

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Readers can be good or evil; it depends on how you interact with them.

So you've got a successful blog? Great. So many loyal readers? Brilliant.

Readers are the heart of your blog, along with well written posts and a carefully designed layout. If one of those factors is missing, more than likely the blog won't be as successful as it should be.

What do readers do that is so important? For example, a visitor who seems like a simple passive lurker or passerby is free traffic but also a hidden promotor (maybe he spreads the word about your blog behind your back!). Those who actively comment, of course, are the asset of your blog, so don't neglect them. Definitely don't interact badly with commentators.

Usually the blog authors replies to reader comments. This is usually done to build a readership and community for that blog, as well as enticing them to return to the blog. As a blog author, make sure you don't do any of the following 'evils'. These are the biggest mistake for an author when replying to comments. You don't want to lose a reader, do you? Worse yet, lose several readers who react to your bad reply!

1. Launching personal attack.

So, you made a mistake when you posted a content. And then, after the post went live, a reader pointed out your mistake. You read that and thought it was a mockery. In anger, you replied with a harsh word and attacked the reader personally. A very good way to lose a reader, it is.

Hint: Instead of doing this, it would be better to re-read the comment so that you won't misunderstand the intent. Anger is normal, but shouldn't be exposed. Reply to it after you've cooled down. Add humor if you can.

2. Using sarcasm.

Sarcasm is a form of irony that is bitter or cutting, being intended to taunt its target. -- Wikipedia

Even when you do this as a joke/unintentionally, chances are high that your readers may be offended. You don't talk on blog, you write. When you write, the emotion can't be conveyed properly. Maybe an emoticon helps, but don't count it. I suggest you not reply with anything related to sarcasm and or satire at all... at all...

3. Deleting genuine comment.

It ain't spam, so why delete it? Unless the comment contains something racist or other severe things, leave it alone. If you moderate it harshly, just because it doesn't suit you, and the reader finds out, she'll more than likely be annoyed. And along with it, there goes your reader.

4. Replying with junk.

Simply said, junk comment (I had done so too in the past )is a comment that doesn't add any value to the conversation. Not only does it give an unproffessional impression, but also kills the interest.

An example of junk comment: 'Thank you' and that's all. Sure there might be times when you just need to post that line, just don't do it excessively.

Making your readers happy and interested in your blog is important, so don't disappoint them by making unnecessary mistake as I've listed above. And oh, is there anything you want to add? Tell us through the comment form!