A few weeks ago, Hugh published a post about comments on blog posts. I could relate to what he wrote so well. If you have a little time, please hop over and read his post. He completely nailed the issue I observed too. At that time, I had already written a draft. I was not sure whether to publish it, but Hugh’s post encouraged me to do so. So, this post is neither a complaint nor a rant, just an observation that particular comments were just left to be left. I think, why not share and see whether others make similar or other observations:

Sometimes, I think that a lot has changed here in the blogosphere. I notice that some comments get more and more contentless. You can tell from the general wording who did read the post on which they are commenting and who did not. Also, a word cannot be taken seriously anymore, which I always appreciated compared to other social media platforms. Some people say what sounds nice, and then it evaporates into the air. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I respect others and take my counterparts seriously, regardless of whether in a personal meeting, on the phone, or in written words. I could not do my jobs without that attitude.

I know life changes, and what was important yesterday isn’t anymore today. Also, the time available may not allow the same engagement anymore. I completely understand since I can definitely tell from experience. But why leave a comment on something you have not even read? Since it is so obvious, it is not adding value. Wouldn’t it be better to ignore the post instead of pretending to be interested? I do not only notice those stereotypical comments on my posts but also on other bloggers’ posts those same people follow. I understand that sometimes you read something, but you don’t have to say something. Then, I think, it is better not to say anything but, in case you basically liked it, leave a “Like”. This is absolutely OK! Sometimes, when I receive a comment like “Love it”, “thought-provoking”, “wonderful” or “beautiful” or other cookie-cutter comments that work for any content, I ask questions like: “What do you think is beautiful?” or “What do you love about this?”, “What is the thought-provoking part for you?”. Mostly, there are no further replies.

Anyway, there are still so many of you with whom I share inspiring, insightful, and funny discussions about various subjects on your and my posts. However, I am still questioning what I perceive and trying to find an explanation. Maybe it is subjective, and I am the only one with that feeling or perception. Perhaps, it’s already been like this for a long time, and I only noticed. As I said, I completely understand when there is no time or no desire for reading posts. I am not even on WP every day anymore. That leads me to the point that there is no reason to apologize if one has not read my posts at all or not instantly. No one is obliged to read everything from everyone they follow.

So, what do you think? Has the atmosphere changed here on WordPress? Have bloggers who left WP also taken this old connecting attitude along? Has our blogosphere become more superficial and indifferent over the years? Or are these only my thoughts?

In Love and Light

P.S. Please don’t forget to read Hugh’s post What Kind Of Comments Are The Best To Leave On Blog Posts?