The Writer's Community Part 2: How to Leave Stellar Comments

In the first part of this series, I talked about the four different types of commenters. and While comments can be a way to promote dialogue about an interesting article and promote your own work, they also are an awkward medium: you don't know the people you're conversing with and they don't know you. Often that comment will be the only thing some people will ever know about you and your idea. So, how to leave a thoughtful, encouraging comment?

1) ENCOURAGE. Instead of adding a blanket "good job" to articles you read, include a personal note. If the article discusses New Year's resolutions, add a note that you intend to implement number 3 and appreciate the encouragement or the suggestions given in the article.

2) INFORM. If you want to add information to the article, this can really help the readers and the writer, so do it! Often it's hard to figure out how to tactfully point out what's missing. Try encouraging first, noting what you liked. Then add, "For resolution number 5 I once tried this and it helped a lot." Treating the information as a personal find avoids suggesting that the article writer should have known the information in the first place.

3) FURTHER THE DISCUSSION. Have you read the articles that have a string of 250 comments (mainstream newspapers) that all say the same thing, except for those few gems that make it worth skimming the comment section? Don't jump in on the discussion unless you have a point to add or you're encouragement is more than perfunctory (or self-promotional).

4) DISAGREE. This is the hardest part about commenting: what happens if you know the article writer is wrong (or think you do)? In a New Year's resolution article, it's easy to simply say, I tried that and it was a disaster because there's probably a funny story that will put everyone at ease. But, in AC's opinion section there are many more controversial stories. Remember, though, the basics of verbal debates: debate the argument, not the person. In the example I started with, I mentioned a different fact, but the writer replied back by attacking me. If he had simply said, actually you're thinking of this instead, I probably wouldn't have thought to write this article! Preview your response before sending it: is this something you'd send to your best friend when you disagree on something?

5) DISAGREE AGAIN. What happens if the article writer appreciates your response, but is adamant that you're wrong. And you still know the writer's wrong? Ask them where they got their facts, mentioning too where you received yours. This will let you know if you're debating over interpretations or different/inaccurate figures. If it is the former, evaluate the tenure of the debate: are people looking to vent or discuss? If it's a ranting session, probably best to move on and forget about it. If the latter, if both of you support your answers then it's up to other readers to discover the truth.

These are by no means comprehensive so feel free to follow steps number 2 & 3 on this article and let us know strategies you've found that help you leave wonderful comments. If you're interested in knowing more about how to reply to comments others have left on your writing, check out part 3.