Monday
29Sep2008
When Commenters Crash Your Party...Celebrate!
Monday, September 29, 2008 at 11:03AM
Image via WikipediaYou've discovered a wonderful product or service and you want to share it with your friends on the interwebs. Feedback is great, comments are complimentary and you're feeling good.
Then your blog subject's competitors come swooping in like the flying monkeys on the Wizard of Oz. And it's obvious they're on a mission.
What are the telltale signs?
They don't trickle in, they flock, and the general theme is why their product or service is better than the one you're writing about.
This happened on a recent post I wrote about Daily Grommet. Within a very short period of time, several comments were left about how great deal-a-day site, One Goodie, is and that I should check them out. It's clear that the commenters are skilled masters at using Google Alerts. (I'm working on my green belt in Google Alerts as I write this.)
Most people would think that my first reaction would be feeling annoyed by this. But I have to confess. As soon as I saw what was going on, let me tell you, I had one shirt-eating grin on my face (yes, I meant to say shirt).
No. Seriously.
The more comments people leave on my blog, no matter what the motive, the better the conversation. Sure, One Goodie will get a few visits out of it, but their comments comparing their favorite site to mine gives me more to write about. I'll take an even deeper look at the offerings of Daily Grommet so I can address their comments accurately.
When you think about it, no one loses when commenters try to crash your lovefest for a brand that you love. The competitor gets more exposure and the brand you're evangelizing (and in this case the brand hasn't even launched yet, bonus!) gets to define and drill down their offering through the conversation that ensues. And as a blogger who truly believes that the comments of my readers are what makes my blog even better...I'm thrilled!
So yes, when JessicaKnows throws a party, EVERYONE'S invited. Word.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_a.png?x-id=ace630f6-a9a8-4048-866c-415d587a76ab)
Reader Comments (10)
It's nice to hear that sort of thing doesn't bug you. They don't even come close to Daily Grommet!!
I had not even thought about that. I usually just delete the comment. You're making me rethink things. Hmmm...
Pamela Kramers last blog post..http://babyandtoddlerproductreviews.blogspot.com/2008/09/australia-day-109.html" rel="nofollow">Australia - Day 109
This is why I love you - and totally agree - the more the opinions, the better.
Katjas last blog post..http://www.skimbacolifestyle.com/2008/09/scary-sale-at-boo-tique-skimbaco.html" rel="nofollow">Scary Sale at Boo-tique Skimbaco
i agree with katja - the more opinions the better! and i'd like to get my green belt in google alerts too! ha ha ha
classymommys last blog post..http://www.classymommy.com/blog/2008/09/mommyblogger-highlights.html" rel="nofollow">Mommyblogger Highlights!
Ah, yes. This is one reason why one blogger I know would purposely blog about controversial topics. The comments would be slung back and forth, but in the end, the blog got more exposure. It can backfire if done on purpose, but I agree that there is no reason to delete comments unless they really cross that line of human decency. Word.
Yes absolutely! You are right and having loads of comments even telling me wrong can energize me, because I hate living in an echo chamber.
Heart you!
One thing to also remember is that, they aren't always trying to crash the party...sometimes they are trying to be helpful :)
Anissas last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePublicistsAssistant/~3/406885231/" rel="nofollow">If You Are A Narcissist And Need Publicity…
[...] Feedback is more valuable than ever, and it’s never too late to track conversations. Whether a direct comment or overheard, input from stakeholders should flow across silos and be addressed. [Image credit: "Listening Post" by Fenchurch!] [...]
I'd be happy to help you achieve your green belt! You too classymommy (i should prolly tell her that on her site.. huh?!)!
As for comments, the more the merrier unless they are inappropriate -- all blogs should have a "what is inappropriate" disclaimer, imho. I always tell my clients, "don't delete comments! conversation is GOOD, even if (especially if) people disagree with you." The more transparent we are, as writers and as readers, the better. Again, imho. Why all that is good is a whole blog post, or a blog, or an ebook... ;-)
Ok, that my two cents! Keep up the great writing Jessica!!
MaThurrells last blog post..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/mediaawaken/Orvm/~3/397222590/" rel="nofollow">Test
Hi Jessica,
Absolutely, everyone should play in the comment section sandbox. From my limited reading of your blog, it seems natural that "competitors" would want to be included in roundups. They behave, inform and try to be objective and all is well.
One element I really like about TechCrunch, Mashable, CNET and more traditional review/mainstream media sources is they include at least a list of competitors playing in a space.
I'm not your BlogOmbudsperson - gosh, sometimes we need those online, right ;) - but it might be good to include a brief reference/links for your readers to consider in their buying/evaluation phase.
P.S. I heart @MaThurrell and support all of her clients!