Focus on reader comments #1
It’s no secret that you, the people who read my blog, are full of excellent ideas. The comments you leave add great value to my articles, and I’ve been told so on many occasions.
Therefore, I’m going to start highlighting comments along the way. Those that deserve extra attention. Here’s the first batch (more to follow soon).
Vivienne Quek, on, “Common client misconceptions in graphic design”
To a client who once told me, “It shouldn’t take you more than 20 mins to do this, why are you charging so much for so little work?”. My response was “It only takes 20 mins because I have 20 years of knowledge and experience to back me up.”
Tony D. Clark, on, “Are freelance designers really suckers?”
Just by making a small shift in mindset, you begin to realize that you really are an expert, and not just a pen (or tablet and mouse) for hire.
Leslie Tane Hannus, on, “Spec work can damage your business”
All of you students who are saying it’s great experience to post in the SitePoint contests, I applaud your initiative. It’s great that you’re getting out there. However, if you’re willing to work for such little money, one suggestion is that you contact a small non-profit near you (and if you believe in their mission, so much the better) and inquire if there’s any work that they need done for very low pay. Many smaller organizations don’t have very much money, but could really use help with their web site, logo, publications, etc. They’d get better quality design than what they’re used to (typically a volunteer clip-arting away in Publisher or Microsoft Word) and you’d get some money, experience, and pieces for your portfolio.
Lelia Katherine Thomas, on, “The hypocrisy of Unilever advertising”
Dove may be hypocritical for being under a parent company that owns it and Slim Fast, but how hypocritical are we, as people, if we watch the Dove commercials and agree with them, while drinking a Slim Fast? Should we really hold companies to greater responsibility than we hold ourselves?
Randa Clay, on, “What does your website say about you?”
People make almost instant judgments about others based on their site design, but when you’re so close to it, it’s difficult to be objective about what kind of impression you’re leaving with your visitors. So, it would be really nice to have input from others who could help us refine the look of our sites to accurately reflect our “image”.
Thanks again for all the kind comments you’ve left here. The current comment count is 7,803, spread over 296 articles. That’s an average of 26 comments per blog post. The aim is to highlight as many different commenters as possible (a small thank you for your time and thoughts), so perhaps next time you’ll be the one featured?
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18 appreciated comments on “Focus on reader comments #1”
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What a cool idea, never thought about posting about comments on your articles. You really have a great blog and the time you spend on it shows in the final product, thanks. Scott
Unique ;)
Those comments are not just simply comments, but they also educate all of us. Thanks to them and you, David.
P/S: I’ve got a lot of off-topic comments. Lol~ :D
Rafie’s last blog post..What Do You See?
David,
I really appreciate your respect for your readers. Will be a regular visitor as long as I can.
Niyaz PK’s last blog post..IE8: Some Feedbacks
Scott,
I like to do what I can to feature my readers, because without them / you, my website wouldn’t be where it is today (the cornerstone of my business). Thank you.
Rafie,
They’re great comments, indeed. Glad you agree.
Niyaz,
It’s a pleasure to have you as a reader. Many thanks.
I think Randy Clay’s header is awesome!
Thanks for including my comment, David. Sorry I’ve been MIA lately but I’ve been lurking around. It’s very nice to get the props.
Leslie Tane’s last blog post..Enter the March Contest
Great comments for a great blog! Only with excellent content, can you elicit excellent comments. Kudos to you and all! :)
Calvin Warr’s last blog post..American Idol, Song Choice, and your Ad Agency
Thank you for including my comment. It was literally a shock to see my blog’s header at your blog post. I agreed with Scott Fillmer that it’s a really cool idea to pay tribute to your reader. No wonder you have so many supporters all over the world :)
I’ll always be here learning from you and your readers. An excellent blog gets excellent reviewers.
Vivienne Quek’s last blog post..How Does Ad Agency Charge Rush Fees – Reject/Accept? (Part 4 of 4)
We’ve just gotten settled in after our move, and opened my reader to 700 unread items and yours was one of the first I clicked on- nice idea! Thanks for the link love. Great quote from Vivienne- I’m going to have to remember that one.
Randa Clay’s last blog post..Ad Lib Group Writing Project Winners
This is a very good idea and should help increase comment loyalty. I’ve tried to feature the actual lawns of my lawn care readers, but none have taken me up on it yet.
Allyn Paul’s last blog post..Trimming and Pruning Perennials in Early Spring
Putting the audience, the blog readers in the spotlight is something that is too easily forgotten. Good idea! Makes everyone feel more involved and encourages more discussion.
jay’s last blog post..How To Create Your First eBook
Graham,
Randa’s a great designer, isn’t she?
Leslie,
You deserve the props for comments like that. Thanks!
Calvin,
Nice to hear from you again. I hope all’s well.
Vivienne,
Kind words, thanks, and it’s a pleasure to know you’re one of my subscribers. I always enjoy receiving your point of view.
Randa,
I hope the move wasn’t too stressful!
Allyn, Jay,
Thank you both for stopping by. Have a great week.
I like reading an article, reflecting upon my overall impression and thoughts, then reading how well these gel with others (or not, as the case may be).
Personally I kind of like it when what I’m thinking doesn’t take the route of those who have gone before (and posted comments), as it feels good to add another dimension to the topic.
Vivienne also hit the crux of the matter right on the head.
Karl Hardisty’s last blog post..R.I.P. RIAA et al?
An excellent idea. Readers often leave some real gems in the comments, and this is a great way to highlight them. You’ve given me some ideas. Thanks.
johno’s last blog post..Sunday Type: farnham type
One thing that I enjoy about your blog David is:
one) You give people a free mention of their blog via commentluv
two) You reply to ‘most’ comments which shows you actually read them
three) You do stuff like this…
Its no wonder how popular you’ve become..
Jermayn Parker’s last blog post..No Matter What it Takes – Jeremy Camp
I am already a fan of David and a subscriber to his great blog. And he is a nice guy too, I had contacted him when I lost my Page Rank and two hours later I got the reply. By the way I got my PR back. Thanks again and keep up the good work. In fact another two other blogger s had also helped. “The best way to keep something you have is give it away, I mean knowledge and experience”, I read this in a book sometime back.
Take care and cheers.
P/s Vivien just sent me a message. Told her I am already there
FW_Robin Bal’s last blog post..Become Wealthy Without Losing The Quality Of Your Life
Hi David, first time to comment here. I’ve visited your website quite some time now and while reading I noticed you really pay attention to your readers.
I believe this is the key factor in running a successful blog (and good content), there are too many people focusing on seo / too hard trying making money online and not paying attention to what a blog is really about. Imo a blog is about creating a topic and start a discussion.
Thank you, keep it up! Great blog.
Sander’s last blog post..Stalen sculpturen en Architektuur
Karl,
I also enjoy when not all comments are on the same lines. A good debate stimulates different ways of thinking, and adds interest too.
Johno,
Glad to offer something to think about. I know there are a lot more comments in my archives that will create excellent follow-ups.
Jermayn,
You’d make a good Irishman with comments like that. ;) Thanks for leaving your thoughts.
Robin,
That’s great to know your PR has returned!
Sander,
I very much like your opinion about blogs. For me too they’re all about the conversation.