Blogging has many parts: the post, the comments, and the sidebar.
If you do a good job with all of the parts, your blog will be more interesting.
One of the key aspects of blogging is composing quality comments. This is especially important because blogging allows for interaction, almost like an on-line conversation.
So to make what you say relevant to the person's post you are commenting on, there are a few tips you need to remember.
The Commenting 3C's + Q
1. Compliment - Start off positive. Compliment the person on something specific you have read or observed in the person's blog post.
2. Comment - Comment on something relevant and meaningful about what the person wrote. Be specific about what you're commenting on. Remember your comment might not always be agreement. You can "politely and tactfully" disagree.
3. Connect - Connect with something the person wrote. Text to self, text to text, text to world - but explain that connection with details. Try to give a complete explanation or picture to your audience of what you're talking about. Or think of it as adding information or insight - or another point of view.
4. Question - Ask a specific question about something written or to the writer. Keep the conversation going!
Content is key!
As a class, we will evaluate our blog comments. Each student will be expected to self and peer assess comments, as this opportunity to reflect and assess will make you a better writer.
The Quick Evaluation Guide to Comments...
A one-point comment is a general comment that doesn't add very much to the post.
Example: I like your blog. Please visit mine!
A two-point comment adds something to the comment conversation. A commenter might compliment the writer in a specific way or add new information.
Example: I like how you say.... I also think.... because...
Or, have you thought about....
A three point comment is when a Connection is made. Try to make a connection (text to self, text to text, text to world). Maybe the post reminds you of an experience that you've had or something you've read or seen in the news. Share that connection! But explain the connection fully, so your audience knows what you're talking about.
Example: In your post when you say.... It reminds me of .... (Connection explained)
After reading your post, I started wondering about…
Finally, for a four point comment... try to end your comment with a relevant question. That way, an interesting conversation can develop.
Example: After reading what you said about.... I wonder....
Or - Why do you think that...?
Have you thought about...?
What do you mean when you wrote… in your post?
Remember, Bloggers should always proofread a comment before publishing!!
If you are worried about spelling or grammar, use your tools... Your digital tools!! Type your blog post or comments in Word. Then use Spellcheck and grammar check to help catch mistakes. But be sure to revise for quality content, interesting voice and word choice - as the computer can't do all that.... Well, maybe try the thesaurus feature! After you compose in Word, copy/paste into your Kidblog post.
