While making my usual morning Twitter rounds over a cup of coffee – I read a tweet by @Crissy. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then begin to think “did I read that right?” so I went back, read it again.

This is one of those “ah-ha” moments for me.

A similar incident I can compare this to happened a couple of years ago. My husband pointed out house roofs while we were out driving around. He pointed out how light roofs show nasty streaks from rain and age, while darker roofs do not.

I had NEVER noticed that before, but now, NOW – every time we are out on a drive, I see icky streaks on roofs. Seriously, Every. Single. Time.

Not the pretty landscaping the owner may have invested money and time in, but roofs that look like they need a good old power washing.

There, I’ve ruined it for you too! You’ll see what I’m talking about the next time you take a drive.

Now, back to comments… This whole comment signature topic is exactly the same.

There have been times when I find a new blog or writer I enjoy enough to subscribe to simply by reading the comments left on the blogs of others- never paying much attention to signatures really. Now, however, I will notice the way the comment is fashioned. If the writer uses the name/URL section fine. If the writer tries to double-dip and over solicit their name (or keyword) and link, I’ll recognize it as blatant abuse of privilege and  move on.

Blog commenting is one of the most popular spam tactics of schemers, scammers and slobs. At the same time, it’s a powerful networking tool for those looking to contribute value to a topic, help build a brand and community and to expand an online existence.

Don’t abuse that privilege. Be grateful for the right to contribute, contribute value – be knowledgeable and helpful. You’ll gain more attention with good manners then with in-your-face marketing tactics.

Do you agree? What are your thoughts on blog comments? Do you participate? What are some of your habits when it comes to commenting?

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My Comment Commitment: If you leave an approved comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog and “share it” in some way whether on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook depending on if I can find a nice fit.

While combing through many of my favorite celebrity gossip blogs this morning, it occurred to me just how little I actually know about some of the writers on my favorite blogs.

As I began looking for an ‘ABOUT PAGE’ I further realized that I’d grown to enjoy the gossipy goodness they’ve delivered for several months without giving any consideration to who is actually writing all that juicy gossip.

On the other hand, when it comes to sources of information that pertain to my primary sources of income, I seem to have a bit of a double standard. I want and NEED to know WHERE the information comes from.

I’m actually beginning to feel like one of those ‘dads’ that has one set of rules for their teen daughter and one set for their teen son. You know the kind I’m talking about!

Typically I’m one of those bloggers that heads straight for the ABOUT PAGE — but I only do that when it comes to topics on MONTETIZING or MARKETING. I suppose having that glimpse of a REAL person makes their tips and ideas a bit more believable.

Oh, I know it COULD be a fake picture, name and bio, but still, it’s providing me with a ‘PERSON’ that I can relate to.

My QUESTIONS to YOU:

Does it depend on the topic as to whether the blog needs a name and a face?

Are you an about page voyeur like me? Do you always check to see if there’s some offering of reality behind the blog?

Or does it all really even matter?

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My Comment Commitment: If you leave an approved comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog and “share it” in some way whether on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook depending on if I can find a nice fit.

Watch the video and share your thoughts. I was completely amazed by some of the statistics!

Lucky for me – “social media is more than a fad – it’s a fundamental shift in the way we communicate.”

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My Comment Commitment: If you leave an approved comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog and “share it” in some way whether on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook depending on if I can find a nice fit.