Focus on reader comments #2
The excellent discussion that takes place here is part of the reason I’ve kept publishing new content. Following on from my last focus on reader comments, here are five more insights from you, the people who kindly donate time to add to the conversation.
Doug of Doug Cloud.net, on, “Advice for online graphic design portfolios”
“When I finally realized that my online presence should be a reflection of “me” I began to build around that, implementing a layout that showed my own personality and character. I believe portfolios should relate something about the person whose work is being displayed. The Web is filled with countless sites of this nature, which is the number one reason why you should strive to be original.”
Cat of NO!SPEC, on, “Spec work in the internet age”
“So the problem (of spec work) is twofold:
“Designers who don’t educate. Clients who don’t communicate.
“The creation of a decent mark is a two way street, so there’s no point in trying to wiggle out of shared responsibility.”
Kathy of Beyond Niche Marketing, on, “The importance of client testimonials”
“Testimonials are an essential element for building trust.
“When someone comes to your web site with the intent of hiring you… they’ve got all kinds of WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) questions running through their head.
“While you can try to “answer” those questions (and you should), it’s always nice when a satisfied customer can provide support for the answers you’re giving.”
Andy of Nonimage, on, “Design pricing and when to talk money”
“Every job and client varies, and I like to work out a quote based on my hourly rate multiplied by the rough number of hours I estimate, but then I adjust based on lots of factors such as repeat business, loyal clients, one-offs, how likely I am to have to hold the client’s hand through the process, etc etc, and for these reasons, I would never want to make public a standard rate. If only I had a pound for every time I get a new enquiry just asking, “How much for a website”!”
Jason of No More Mr. Nice Guy, on, “Are you an eco-friendly designer?”
“Sometimes, it is easy to forget that whatever our profession, it could be done with the environment in mind.”
Once again, thank you to everyone who has contributed by leaving a comment. I’m making this focus on reader comments a regular feature, and hope to mention you next time around.
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20 appreciated comments on “Focus on reader comments #2”
Anything to add?
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Hi David,
How are you?
Well, your blog is very good!!! I’m a reader its now!
Congratulations
Best Wishes
Daniel
What an idea! That was really good, I think I should be paying attention to my comments from now on, it may be featured someday. :)
I wonder what % of the viewers read the comments compared to just reading the articles and moving on? I know there is a lot of lurking, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that as sometimes there’s just nothing to add. But I wonder if it’s due to skimming and skipping reader comments or lack of something to add. Either way this type of stat would be great to know and utilize. Personally, I enjoy reading all the/your comments.
Daniel,
I’m very well thanks, and I hope you are too. Good luck with your Spanish logo blog. I’ll be keeping tabs on it.
Sherif,
Glad you like the idea. It’s a little way to give some extra exposure to your readers, and I’m all for that.
Peter,
That’s a good question, particularly because people leave comments on my portfolio entries. It’d be interesting to know how many potential clients read what others think of my design work. Great to know you enjoy reading the comments too.
Peter: I’m probably one of those lurkers you mentioned who doesn’t feel like he has anything significant to add (funnily enough, it was your comment that made me de-lurk), but I’m trying to be better about commenting and actually adding to the discussion. Short of back-end tracking tools, there really isn’t a way to make yourself known unless you speak up.
David: I’ve been a long-time fan of your blog (and your logos, too) and I think your site really exemplifies the “open discussion” philosophy that really invites your audience to participate. Recently I’ve converted my own site to showcase my portfolio second, and make the blog more prominent in an effort to spark discussion. And after all, isn’t that what advertisers, marketers, and even designers try to achieve?
Gio: I’m excited to hear that my comment has created change and change that is proactive. As this article states, it is everyone’s comments that add that extra edge and dimension to the blogging experience. Let your voice be heard. We want to hear it.
Another good aspect of featuring the best comments is that it shows your regular readers how much attention you pay to them! Mind you, the fact that you reply to pretty much everyone gives that away to. :)
That’s how you keep people coming back – interesting posts and making them feel part of it all. Good stuff David.
Hi David,
It’s been a long time after my last visit.
This wonderful list of insights is something different. I like how Doug Cloud came out with his article that you’ve mentioned, it brings more admiration to what he has accomplished so far as a professional graphic designer.
For me, I appreciate my blog reader by publishing a round up of link list in biweekly blog post.
All the best to you!
(Stumbled and Dugg :D)
Gio,
Great to know you’re a reader, and even better that you introduced yourself. Never think that you don’t have anything significant to add to the discussion, because everyone’s opinion is valued here, no matter what the background.
Thanks very much for adding my site to your ‘blogroll’. I’m among some fantastic company!
Peter,
If your comments continue to bring ‘lurkers’ into the conversation I’ll be over the moon! :)
Steve O,
Thanks buddy. Much of what this website is about is based upon the readership, and those who offer contributions. These small features are the least I can do.
Audee,
Nice to ‘see’ you again, and I hope things are going well for you. Bye for now.
Thanks for the link David. That comment I made seems so long ago now.
You’re very welcome, Andy. I choose comments that don’t appear too time sensitive, so I hope you haven’t changed your mind too much. Just let me know if you’d like your comment cut in any way.
Hi David. No, I haven’t changed my mind at all! Though I am always trying to refine the process, as I’m sure you are.
Most definitely. I don’t think I’ll ever stop refining, as it’s an ongoing lesson we’re taking part in.
Ah, refining. It’s akin to humility; less of you, more of the talent.
I have found that talent is like a living thing. I am not in control of it and quite often it’s as Richard Bach once said in his preface to Illusions, “But once in a while there’s a great dynamite-burst of flying glass and brick and splinters through the front wall and somebody stalks over the rubble, seizes me by the throat and gently says, I will not let you go until you set me, in words, on paper.”
So for me it’s not exactly trying to refine the talent, per se, but to empty myself as a blank canvas and allow the talent to draw on me.
Hi David,
Im impressed with the way you get your readers to involve a lot in your posts. Which actually gives me a big inspiration on what I would do to get more members to participate actively on our newly launched professional networking site.
Featuring the contributions of members in a site is definitely going to motivate everyone to get involved. Thanks a lot man. I appreciate your site.
Hi David,
You have a very well organized website. The structure and design tell a story about clean, sharp work. The “whats in it for me?” mindset of people when they arrive to website is probably everyones way of thinking. I like the way you put it. It seems you are a busy man, so I will keep this comment short to the point. My question is, at what age did you start designing websites?
Sharing readers comments, what a grand idea! And even better as one was mine ;-)
Doug,
I like your take on refining. Very creative, allowing the talent to draw on you.
Steven,
I’m glad you appreciate my site, and it’s always great to know people get use from what’s here.
Matt,
No worries about keeping the comment short. I’m interested in what you have to say, though where long comments are concerned, it’s always a good idea to consider your own blog post for what you’re thinking (if you author a blog of course). Thanks for the question, which I’ll keep for another round-up.
Cat,
With the value of reader comments, I felt it made sense to give them a little more prominence. I truly do learn a lot from them.
I appreciate your logo designs. Please keep them coming. I am a self-taught graphic designer and enjoy seeing other designer’s work for ideas and guidance. Thank you for sharing your work with us.
Thanks very much, Val, and thanks for your recent answer to my comment-moderation question. Great to read your insight.