Number FORE! of 23
- explain why commenting helps create a sense of community and interaction
Commenting causes blogging to become more of a conversation than an essay. People want to know they've been heard when they are speaking to someone, and I believe for a writer it is no different. Sometimes it is even more important to be "heard" when writing because you don't see a person's expression as they read, and you really don't know if they're "getting it". By commenting a person can get clarification, affirmation, encouragement, and the blog can become a two-way street which can benefit the blogger and the commenting party.
- discuss two other points from the readings about commenting that you found important
I read the Edublogger and the How to Comment Like a King or Queen blogs on commenting, and from both I learned there has to be a clear communication in order for comments to be effective. In the King blog, I learned to make a thoughtful comment related to the material in the blog or do not comment at all. In the Edublogger blog, I learned sometimes it is necessary to pick and choose which comments to respond to, and which ones to leave alone. A response to a comment can either make or break the success of a blog.
- give the names of the seven blogs (5 from our group + 2 others of your choice) you selected to read and comment on and tell why you selected them
I have chosen the following five class blogs to follow: Miss Michelle's 23 Things, Stephanie's 23 Things, Midlick's 23 Things, These are a few of my favorite things, and Ms. Emily Mount's 23 Things. I chose these because they are five very different blogs and by commenting on such diverse blogs, I give myself practice on making effective comments in different situations.
The two blogs outside of class I chose are: Kidlit Junkie Tells All! which provides information to aspiring writers and the unspoken rules of etiquette with regard to communicating with the editorial/publishing world and Emerging Writers Network. I chose these blogs because one is by an insider in the world of publishing and the Emerging Writers Network is filled with tips, encouragement, connections and other resources for those who wish to have their writings published.
- discuss the comments that you chose to make and why you made them
Comment on Emerging Writers Network:
There are two things in your blog to appreciate. First, The Cupboard, itself and second, Lorraine Nelson: A Biography In Post-It® Notes. I read the excerpts from Lorraine and it is genius! I believe it is a collection of thoughts that we all have, but they are never said and David Hawkins puts all of them down on paper using a person who does not exist so anyone can relate to her. I am looking forward to getting my own copy of Lorraine and looking at post-it notes a little bit differently.