Commenting on blogs or simply reading comments have been one of the best ways for interaction and also to get ideas for more blog posts. I have been a frequent commentators on quite a number of blogs and there are some really interesting things I noticed. Some blogs make it really easy to read and comment on, while some makes commenting like an obstacle course.

Why do I say this?

There are blogs which makes use of plugins that requires you to key in a Captcha before you can submit your comments. Despite the anti spam function it holds, I think it is one big factor that turns people away from commenting on your blog. At least it makes lazy people like me reluctant to comment and I believe there are many lazy people like me! Why make it such a big fuss for your readers when all they want is to leave a word or two on your blog? I believe Askimet and Wp-Ban are good enough to deter spammers from your blog.

Another problem which I have noticed is the automated checking of the ‘Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail’ box. Not everyone wants to subscribe and follow up with your comments and I believe it should always be made optional. For those who did not realise the little box would end up having their mail inbox flooded with new comments which I don’t think they are really interested in. Imagine one that ask you for a security pin and you have to uncheck the notify box manually, would you still return back for more commentating? I won’t.

Now let’s look on the bright side alittle. I am going to share with you some stuff that helps to increase your number of comments and boost the interactivity level on your blog.

1. Use CommentLuv. This is one cool plugin that allows your commentators to leave a link to their last blog post or whatever they desire below their comment. This highly increases the chance that other readers might head over to their blogs or website. Given this incentive, I am sure most of your readers would be tempted to leave a word or two.

2. Use Threaded Comment. Whichever version you want, doesn’t matter. When readers find it easier to reply to another commentator, I can guarantee you they will. This will encourage discussions and interaction with each of your blog posts. It also makes it easier for you to answer your commentators’ questions.

3. Use Gravatar. Let your readers and commentators be known! This is a plugin that shows the photos of your commentators and I always believed photos make a big difference.

4. Use Subscribe to Comments Plugin and Captcha Plugin sparingly. Make sure it is easy for your readers and they don’t make commentating a tough job for your commentators.

5. Lastly, the Top Commentator plugin! This has been said so many times and so I shan’t repeat them. If you don’t know how this plugin really helps, its time you read your blogging books again.

Well my dear readers, let your opinion be heard here!

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