A few years ago, I was attending a marketing class in pursuit of a graduate certificate and one speaker who specialized in search engine optimization got on the subject of blogging.
He said only about 1% of Internet users blog and then asked if anyone commented. He went on to say only 10% of surfers actually comment and I just wonder what drives our commenters to do so.
I know I got tired of reading some of the nonsense in the news and commenting is a way not only to vent, but to slip in an alternate POV. I've also enjoyed sharing the lives of the Lemulites and I think engaging in the hurly burly of idea exchange helps keep the Alzheimer's at bay.
So why do you comment?
89 comments:
Don't comment much any more. Ceased commenting at Althouse six months before she had her shit fit.
When the blogging thing originally hit, I was fascinated by the potential of the forum. Commenting seemed important. I was a minion in the dot-com R&D explosion, so I was naturally drawn to the blogging/comment thingee.
Then, the adrenalin rush of engaging in hysterical combat with idiots kicked in. That was fun for a while.
Over the past couple of years, it's all fallen apart. I always knew people were crazy, that everybody needs a scapegoat and that raging paranoids are everywhere.
But, Facebook and blogs have shown me that people are exponentially crazier and filled with blood lust than I imagined.
So, it's been entertaining.
I've mostly given it up in order to shed the false notion encouraged by the comments wars that we're living in a constant state of political emergency.
Because I'm really a dog.
On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.
I came for the pictures and stayed for the comments.
Not just any jerk -- an entitled jerk. Like Friedrich Engels.
Some gotta vent,
Most don't;
Some vent the pent,
Most punt.
When you write down a thought, the very act of writing down the thought helps you to understand where it originates. It allows you to get to to the base assumptions of why you think/feel/believe a certain way.
Putting it up for scrutiny, and open to refutation helps show where the holes are in the thinking.
So in this sense, it is a personal journey of understanding.
I've tried going to liberal sites to discuss topics of the day, but it's simply not possible. As soon as they realize you aren't one of them, they shut you down. Group attack. So I have to look at folks here to help me understand the huge hole in my thinking about leftist thought.
And finally, there is a sense of validation that can come from the discussions. Seeing people who have similar thoughts is a great experience. Being from CA, there aren't many like me, and one has to be very careful about who you discuss openly with.
There are other reasons. In short, it's a great way to explore, if you can find folks tolerant of different perspectives.
Some girls just wanna have fun. Even old girls. Debate is ok, discussion better. Socialization with strangers who became less strange is great. Learning about the people and their lives, behind the avatars is interesting. Discovering some new things about human nature some good, some bad can be instructive. Confirming or debunking things I thought I knew about conservatives or liberals generally. Those are just a few I can think of now.
Inga's all sweetness and light until you disagree with the party line. Then it's katy bar the door.
When I said "stayed", I think I lied.
First a couple of reasons to not comment, i.e. the worst kind of comments -- the "pat on the back" comment, e.g. "great post!" "thanks for saying that"; and the dumbass lame comment that is the equivilent of some yapping dog, the "hey look at me" comments, including those over at Ace saying "First!", which is especially lame when they are the forth or fifth comment.
Now, back to answer the question -- why comment?
To advance the conversation. The above two types of comments do not advance the conversation and are a waste of everyone's time, including the commenters.
Advancing the conversation generally involves two types -- (1) disputing or objecting to what the blogger/other commenters said, and having to correct the record; and (2) adding something that has not been said, either factually or to provide greater explanation or to instruct. Either way, the commenting is dialogue, a dialectic toward discovering and recognizing truth.
At TOP, more and more it was necessary to engage in type (1) since the blogger not only would spout insults, but did not know what she was talking about, necessitating some corrective to her offensive nonsense lest someone be misled into thinking that what she was saying was true.
In addition to advancing the conversation though, which approaches the question rather seriously, are the frivolous kinds of comments to the more frivolous kinds of posts.
We know we can trust that man. He lied to us and then told us about it.
No, I disagree with the party line at times. Abortion is one issue, I'm probably more conservative regarding time limitations than some folks here. Also feminism, seriously folks I'm no feminist, I like men far too much for my own good. I'd make a terrible feminist.
For me, masturbation has always been pretty much like having to go to the bathroom.
"At TOP, more and more it was necessary to engage in type (1) since the blogger not only would spout insults, but did not know what she was talking about, necessitating some corrective to her offensive nonsense lest someone be misled into thinking that what she was saying was true."
LOL
Nowadays I don't have to go to the bathroom nearly as much as I used to.
I suspect most of us, at a minimum, have a mild case of Tourette's.
I post therefore I am.
Comments seemed to help me believe I was something more than a milk cow for the US government, merely a battery for their Matrix. It was as if I had a voice in things, by commenting.
But in reality, no one gives a shit what I think, and I'm really just a battery. A battery, and a scapegoat for all of society's ills (it's the new white man's burden), for the benefit of the narcissistic rage of the World's Worst Generation, the baby boomers.
I may comment to point out some things, for that remnant of thinkers who might carry on Western Civ for a rebirth some centuries hence. That function seems useful, keeper of the flame.
First, thanks, deborah, for posting this.
I thought the one about learning new skills would be the only one.
If you'd done it Thursday, it would've been a nice birthday present, but today's The Blonde's birthday (16 and holding), so it's just as good.
Second, thanks for linking the piece on Engels. I saw it yesterday and was struck by how, 160 years later, communism is still attracting rich, dumb wannabes.
PS Happy Anniversary.
What pogo said.
I Comment So That I Can Talk to People While Not Wearing Pants. And Not Get Arrested. Again.
Firstly, great topic and question. Many of us commenters are not used to being asked something about ourselves, but to react to the musings of someone smarter and better than us. The posts here, like @ any blog, set the tone. And to date, the tone has been impressive. Before answering your good question I contemplated my thoughts as to why do I read blogs. I read several regularly and probably 25-30 intermittently. On some I often comment, a few once in awhile, a few never. They range from heady blogs, to food, movies, sports, etc. I comment because I have something to say. It can range from serious to ball busting, but I never comment just for the sake of seeing my name.
Since my profession was PI, I became an expert in reading people. I would never want to interview people telephonically unless that was needed for reasons of distance or time. 80% of all communication is nonverbal. Being able to sit face to face w/ someone is the only way to be able to really discern their sincerity, veracity, etc. This type venue is the most challenging. Even telephonically one has the ability to hear tone, inflection, etc. So, reading commenters is a real challenge. I love challenges. Commenters over time reveal themselves. My opinion changes much more than when I read someone in person or telephonically. But, eventually the true colors emerge. However, as others have noted, the thoughts I had regarding specific commenters @ TOP has changed regarding a few. And, that take on the specific commenters has been almost exclusively for the better.
What the lineup of bloggers here understand intuitively, to varying degrees, is that taking a back seat, making the commenters feel important, not only sets a positive tone, but allows people to express themselves in a different light. And, as I said, that difference has been almost exclusively for the better.
Perhaps Pogo, but one thing I learned way back when I wrote for the high school and college newspapers -- people would come up and thank me for voicing what they believed themselves, but had thought that no one else did.
Commenting also allows other batteries to know that they are not alone, that, in fact, a great number of people agree with what they think. Validation and vindication of thought are valuable things.
...the narcissistic rage of the World's Worst Generation, the baby boomers.
I think gen X and Y are giving the boomers a run for the money.
meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
@April:."I think gen X and Y are giving the boomers a run for the money."
Brought to you by the World's Worst Generation.
@Bender
That seems true; preference falsification sometimes collapses with just the right push.
I read blogs and comment because I'm interested in a person's opinion, and commenting gives me a chance to express approval or disapproval. Expressing disapproval sometimes means that your comments will be deleted, but that says a lot about the deleter, who is unable or unwilling to engage in a conversation about the subject at hand.
I comment where I can because I can. But only if I feel like it.
WC: 15
I do it for you. I'm a giver. I don't why you need it, and I don't care. You have a need - I fill it. If I'm not wanted I go elsewhere, and don't look back. There is too much need in the world, and I have so much to give. No need to thank me - I love you - it's my duty.
It's okay for Pogo to tell us Pogo's nothin'. But what if I said it? So I won't. Pogo, you're a prince among men. And a mover and shaker. And...and...you'll never die. There, that covers all bases. FORWARD!
And bagoh's an impossibly good person. Are we blessed or what?!
Heh, squared. :)
Group conversation for introverts.
To the extent that I comment - which isn't very much - it's sort of what Bender said: either to bring up a relevant point that hasn't been mentioned by somebody else, or to try to draw somebody out. I don't try to convince others of my views; I just want to understand and be understood better.
Occasionally silliness is involved, also.
I'm an extreme introvert.
I have strong opinions.
I spend a lot of time on the computer.
Are these why I comment? Maybe.
It's a good question. I don't really know why I comment.
I like being occasionally distracted with topics outside my field.
I have to keep a fairly firm lid on my opinions about a lot of issues, so commenting gives me a chance to let off steam, sketching out thoughts or responses or making a joke.
And commenting helps give a bit of immediacy to responses. Twitter is like muttering to yourself. Facebook is like being deep at a cocktail party where only small talk is preferred.
So maybe it's something like:
I hate small talk. I like writing.
Group conversation for introverts.
This.
And I have to add, I think participating in comments here and over there (you know, that place) has helped me become better at real life group conversations, too. I still have trouble making my voice heard sometimes before a point gets lost in a hourly burly meeting, but otherwise I am finding participation and engagement easier.
I can't say it any better than AlenS did at 11:05.
Meade,
You most certainly are not a dog, despite how much time you spend on lawns. And that you are taken care of and "kept."
Your boxwine wife however, there is strong evidence of being a female canine.
Have a super day, lawnboy.
Just read the end of the "Community introspection"thread (the 400+ one).
Felt like a public radio pledge drive.
Where are the coffee mugs and tote bags!?
I comment often enough, but not more, to tell everyone I am still alive and can still say everything I need to say or want to say in one line, or at most, one sentence.
hourly burly
That's hurly burly.
Definition: hurley burley:
disturbance: a disorderly outburst or tumult; "they were amazed by the furious disturbance they had caused".
So hourly burley would be regularly scheduled tumult.
Kinda like some blogs.
Hurley burley is an organ grinder with a hairy chest and a monkey in a bell boy uniform with a cup.
And bagoh's an impossibly good person. Are we blessed or what?!
Blessed.
That's 'herky jerky', Chip.
Donovan sang it best.
"Group conversation for introverts."
Yea, I'd say this is the primary reason for me, and it's great, because I would almost never have the opportunity or inclination otherwise.
Smart people choosing to converse in their underwear. It's unprecedented and very cool. You can continue what ever you happen to be doing and have a conversation at you leisure simultaneously.
Or maybe it's 'heavy duty.'
Or harem scarem.
Or hoi palloi.
Anyway.
To talk to you people.
bago:
"Smart people choosing to converse in their underwear. It's unprecedented and very cool."
Choosing too? Or was it predestined from the instant of the Big Bang?
Ed, happy birthday to you and the Blonde!
Group conversation for introverts.
I agree with this in some ways. Although, I'm just about as vocal in discussions on some topics IRL.
I started commenting or interacting on the Internet in the 1980's with Usenet and participated in several newsgroups. The newsgroups were on specific topics. Language and linguistics, Anthropology, Economics. You can learn things and give information. Other groups were just free form conversations and generally devolved into pixel yelling matches and trolling exercises. As I recall there WAS no moderation or people to get all butt hurt and whine to about it if you got your feelings hurt. Toughen up cupcake was the general reaction.
I comment here and until recently at TOP to interact with people who have different points of view on various topics. Not one as in the newsgroup format....but LOTS of different topics. Sometimes I laugh out loud at things. Other times I get irritated by stupidity or by moronic trollings. But....Hey....such is life.
For the extroverts out there, you probably don't really grasp that our culture is dominated by your personality, and you are what is considered "desirable" in our culture. In Asian cultures, introvert is what is considered preferable. We introverts, and I am an uber introvert, can converse here w/o expending much energy. You see, introverts love talking about subjects that interest us. We HATE small talk. Parties are hell for us. However, if we're engaged in a conversation here we can do so w/o depleting our energy. And, if it's something that doesn't interest us we can just not join..no pressure. Extroverts replenish their energy w/ conversation, even if it's small talk. Introverts replenish their fuel w/ solitude. The folks who have come forward here as introverts do not surprise me.
and I am an uber introvert
Same here. A friendly one; but socializing IRL takes a big toll on me.
Also, my anonymous persona (and your great company) allows me to express aspects of myself, thoughts and opinions, which-- because of my milieu-- I have to suppress, censor, or strongly mitigate in real life, even with my best friends. E.g., politics.
Being "honest" IRL (or not being honest, and contorting or restraining myself, pretending) does and would take a toll too. So here, among you lunatics, I feel much more free to be "myself," or some of my selves, anyway.
So, if we met in real life, would we all just sit around the table and stare?
While my background is in Philosophy, I've worked for 35 years in IT. In IT, knowing that one vital piece of information about an app, a system, a network, etc can turn a task from hell into a piece of cake. Hence, the on-going love affair between IT workers & Google.
I see, especially on FB(oh, God, especially on FB), folks who are just caught in the web of their assumptions to the point where the outside world seems scarcely to exist anymore. In my commenting, I hope, on my best days, that I can provide that piece of alternate information or point of view that makes someone say "well, yeah, I guess those other guys got a point after all." Yeah, it's mostly a frustrated hope, but not always, and the victories are as joyous as the Biblical one lost sheep that is found.
That, and it's a great way to tell a joke.
Sydney, We would most likely not meet around a table or anywhere. That's the beauty of a good blog.
That, and it's a great way to tell a joke.
And you're much less likely to suffer l'esprit de l'escalier.
"l'esprit de l'escalier"
RIP Theresa Duncan..
As a Conservative and somewhat of a contrarian (or so I have been told)I think I have been commenting for decades in the interior dialogue that comes from getting news from left leaning and now, full-blown, leftists. My wife and probably my kids are probably relieved that I can comment on blogs instead of talkingto the TV and the radio.
I also believe that commenting lessens the cognitive dissonance of being a Conservative in in an increasingly leftist world of news, government, education and entertainment. It is very difficult to live in a cognitively dissonant state which is why leftists put so much effort into controlling narratives that are at odds with even the most basic observations of reality and common sense.
Call my commenting, "Existential Therapy."
Oh thanks Baggy, how sweet. I love you too. Not that way the other way.
More than one are saying this is the only place they can really express their views.
How did that happen? If you can't discuss with others, then you are fed whatever the talking heads tell you. And you are susceptible to brainwashing.
caplight45 is dead on about "Existential Therapy" for all the reasons he mentions. As an ex-USAF pilot and Vietnam vet I found mine at the "Neptunus Lex" site run by a recently retired Navy Captain and fighter pilot. There, until his untimely death in an ac accident, I found the most remarkable commentariat I have ever seen in the blogosphere--before or since--much like the commentariat here, a congerie of ex military from all branches of the armed forces--officers and enlisted, active and retired plus a goodly smattering of civilians interested in aviation as well as civilian historians, sociologists and anthro types. Subject matter ranged from the cultural, things military to current politics--all done with the utmost civility and respect tho doctrinal/cultural/political disputes were often intellectually heated--mainly due to the tone that Lex himself set. Neptunus Lex was the blog and commentariat to which all here seem to aspire. It might behoove some of you to hie yourselves over and peruse the archived posts and comments--especially yrs 2008 on when the blog got really big--to see what you all seem to be groping for actually looks like in the flesh.
The world is divided into two groups of people (per Robert Benchley): those who divide the world into two groups of people and those who don't. Thus so with the blorg: some here come to make jokes and not have to endure the uncomprehending eye roll of those insufficiently sophisticated to appreciate their humor. Then there are those who wish to expound on the evils of abortions or the dangers of SSM or how people like--well you know who I mean--are a threat not just to democracy but to civilization itself........I'm mostly here for the jokes, but, on occasion, I'll offer my cool, reasoned analysis of an important issue. Many here have thanked me for helping them understand the nuances of the abortion issue and helping them make up their minds about it. No thanks are necessary. Like bagoh, it's just what I do. I am, however, glad to see that Kerry is following some of my recommendations on the Near East situation......This blog is how the needle of public opinion is moved.
A few things that I think makes this particular group of commentariat different are:
The higher than normal for a typical population instances of INTJ or introverts.
More scientific, engineering, mathematical, mechanical, technology interests as well as professionals in those types of fields. Which goes along with the INTJ or introvert theory.
Most are either highly educated in a formal way or self motivated to keep learning. Many are widely read and others have in depth knowledge of specific fields. I think we are an interesting bunch and a good mix of knowledge bases.
Most seem to be mature or older. Now mature doesn't always equal old in age either. Maturity is a state of mind.
The writing skills are superb. Unless we are joking and fooling around, you don't see a lot of LOL cat type writing or texting shortcuts.
The group seems to share a quirky sense of humor and almost everyone can take a joke.
There is more, but those are the things that seem to make this group different and what made it shine at TOP and again here.
I comment because I enjoy the smart people who get the obscure jokes that I make.
I enjoy the people who don't get it even more.
Oh and by the way, Bender thank your for your comment. Thanks for saying that. I couldn't have said it better.
William@2:51/
See, William superficially presents as making a sophisticated humorous/satirical comment, while I believe that is what he really believes..
DBQ can haz LULZ!
Yes, along with Trooper, I forgot to mention that I associate myself with Bender's comments@10:39 as falling in line with caplight45's post and my comments as well. And am also in full agreement w. DBQ's latest missive.
I'm just here for the free snacks.
So, if we met in real life, would we all just sit around the table and stare?
Understanding that we do have a few chicks around here - and fine ones at that - being majority guys, we'd probably stand around most of the time going "yep," "yep," "mm-hmm," and be just fine with that.
DDQ gives some of us too much credit
People want to engage with the world and with others.
I'd do it (and did it) more IRL but that takes a whole series of formalities. You have to give each other reasons (usually superficial) for wanting to interact. You shouldn't be just out of the shower... (or needing one). Perhaps there's an underlying business transaction. Do you consider each other attractive or well-socialized or intelligent or interesting enough to not be put off by mutual engagement? Do you have time to make it deep or must it be superficial until agreed upon otherwise? And on and on and on and on. It's tedious and annoying and unfortunately the way people assess each other's "appropriateness" in modern society for what would otherwise be just plain normal interaction.
Here, we're just words. (And a picture). And you know what the New Testament (and many other sources) have to say about the value of words.
I usually don't comment. I think I've said more here than I've said pretty much at every other place I've ever commented, combined.
But I'm also easily scared-off, so there's that.
Whoever you all are, and whatever your reasons for commenting, I have to say that this group is ... different. :) Even when I haven't commented (for years), you've been the source of many an interesting conversation in real life. And many more that have occurred only in my own head.
You're an interesting (and entertaining) bunch!
I don't know if I will continue to comment here, or how often; I'm not really sure why I felt it was ok to start in the first place. Maybe just the shared experience of being kicked out of someplace else.
The ultimate leveler.
@EileenLurker/
It's always fine to just jump right in--the water's fine. I lurked for over five years at Neptunus Lex because it was a Navy blog and I was Air Force before I commented. How I now rue that caution as I missed five years worth of interaction with some of the finest people/minds in the blogosphere.
Interesting comment @eileen lurker, so human and open.
I thought the ultimate leveler was sitting. From the mightiest pharaoh to the lowliest peasant, who doesn't enjoy a good sit?
Wow, two Simpsons references in two days.
Hope this isn't too off-topic, but regarding blogwars, I think this clip of modern professional wrestling represents the transition in American society from brawny physical altercations to burning each other with bad words!
I enjoy the people who don't get it even more
Get what?
I've always found that most folks aren't really all that interested in chewing over the news. My father-in-law read two newspapers a day and had a pile of clippings he'd pull out whenever a conversation at a family gathering veered into something other than fishing, grandkids, whatever. Talk about eye-rolling. Pretty sure I'd be that old guy today if it weren't for places like this.
You have to give each other reasons (usually superficial) for wanting to interact. You shouldn't be just out of the shower... (or needing one). Perhaps there's an underlying business transaction. Do you consider each other attractive or well-socialized or intelligent or interesting enough to not be put off by mutual engagement? Do you have time to make it deep or must it be superficial until agreed upon otherwise? And on and on and on and on.
Yes. This is one of the things that sucks about adulthood.
One of the greatest things about college is the college bull session: engaged in anywhere, at any time, with a variety of people, sometimes the most unlikely people, about anything and everything. Wide-ranging or obsessive, deep or frivolous, abstract or intimately personal.
IMO that's one of the big losses that comes with maturity: the opportunity to have those kinds of conversations, as ends in themselves. Not conversations framed and circumscribed by specific contexts and purposes beyond the conversation: a business relationship, a date, a cocktail party, an academic conference, chatting with co-workers at lunch, socializing with other parents at a play-date, etc.
For me, this commenting community provides something like that dearly missed, ongoing bull session. For that I'm very grateful.
Eileen, You are always a thoughtful and eloquent commenter. I sense you too are an introvert? Quiet, and The Introvert's Advantage are two good books. Stay in touch, woman. We enjoy your company.
I just like to argue. And in real life, no one I know likes to argue, or they agree with me, or they pretend to agree with me so that they don't have to argue. Or they really don't care about whatever it is I'm trying to engage them in an argument about.
I come from a ling line of arguers.
C Stanley, You sound like Joe Pesci in My Cousin Vinny.
Good post, edutcher. In my tradition why questions are generally discouraged. Basically we reduce it down to something like "Never mind why, you'll drive yourself crazy. The question is what are you going to do about it?"
Lol, ndspinelli, except female and Polish. The family holiday arguments were epic.
I comment in order to bring the vulgar to the high minded. That must make me a high-minded vulgarian. Or maybe a social climbing mug. Nah, I'm too much of a snob, a reverse snob, given my particulars.
Mugs require a voice too. Even if it's a silent one. Just like everyone else here.
I think you all have covered the reasons I comment. I started commenting on the internets nine years ago. Back then, I enjoyed tenaciously debating, but as the years went by, I became tired of it, and am usually content to state my viewpoint and move on. Once I argued tenaciously that the llama could have been double-teamed and used as a draft animal during Incan times, or somesuch. (With regard to the Guns, Germs, and Steel theory.)lol good times.
I am an intense introvert, and as bago said, arguing in your underwear with smart people is unprecedented, but it is also troublingly time consuming. The treasure trove of intelligent, witty people here is priceless.
I dislike talking politics with relatives, and will take greater pains from now on to bow out, not that I do it much now. But this carries with it the risk of people viewing me as not thinking their views worthwhile and being a smarty-pants. I'll be diplomatic :)
As Dante said up top, it really concentrates the mind to think out what you think when you have to write it down. I have gained insight into myself just considering this issue.
I comment because I want people to read my ideas and I get to see theirs.
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