Every once in awhile someone asks me... Karen Anne... how do you keep getting so many comments on your posts ? What's the deal ? What is your secret ? What can I do to get that many comments on MY posts ?
OK. I have shared this with those who have asked... by private email... but hey, why not just let the secret out ? What is my "secret weapon ?"
Alright... Here's the deal... <she said, laughing to herself about how totally dumb she thinks that phrase sounds... >
I... care. So... I not only reciprocate... I do more than that. I comment on things others skip over.
I have written 919 posts so far. [The 971 on the chart ---> includes 52 posts in draft mode.] About half of my posts are real-estate related. Perhaps the other half are split between social commentary stuff... like "marriage equality stuff, and women's rights stuff"... or some political posts... or just some plain ol' personal stuff about my life, my daughter, my sweet kitty Mollie T Cat, my old teaching days, my family, or even just about me.
So... it's a mixture. But... out of my 919 posts... I have only received 53 Featured Posts. Only 53 Gold Stars. Not bad, but not real good, either. That averages out to just a smidge under 7 Gold Stars for every 100 posts written. Still... nothing to write home about... so to speak. But that's ok.
The reason I am sharing this is... I average almost 30 comments per post... and very, very few of those posts are the "Featured Post kind"... the ones that really pile up the comments.
So why such a high average of comments on my posts ? My easy, Ultra-Sneaky, Top-Secret Secret is... because I care enough to not only write posts... but I go out of my way to make comments on the posts of others... especially Newbies.
As of today, just from the points I got from commenting on the posts of other Active Rainers... I hit 400,000 points. JUST from commenting.
Sure, I have received 26,918 comments, but I have made... 29,025 comments.
Give to other Rainers, share with other Rainers, even jump in and defend other Rainers when some smart aleck is attacking them in a post or a comment. Giving is the way to make it happen.
Do that enough, and people start subscribing to your blog. They start looking for your posts. They get to know you. And they start commenting on your posts.
Also... who and what you comment on can make a difference.
When it's time for me to make my "daily comments..." while many, many Active Rainers run straight to the Featured Posts Blogroll to read and comment on "all the good stuff..." or all those "Gold Star posts" that everybody else runs to comment on... I go to the Newbie Posts. Remember how you felt when you were a Newbie, you finally wrote a post, and nobody commented ? Well...
Or... I will pick out some of the Listings posts that almost NOBODY comments on... and very simply say something nice, something complimentary about that agent's listing.
It's a "help them feel good" kinda thing. Also, if a member of the public pulls up that post... it can really help that Listing Agent if the buyer who looks at it... instead of seeing a big BLANK for comments, they see something really complimentary about the Listed house. You have to help others here on Active Rain. You just gotta do it.
I'm not looking to be Number One. I just like to feel really good about what I am doing.
To quote the title of a really good recent book... You have to be a "Go-Giver." What goes around... really does come around.
~ ~ ~
Nice post Karen Anne! I need to read that book, everyone keeps mentioning it. :)
Thanks Christine. And all the stuff I wrote about... actually works. It really IS a great way to build relationships here on Active Rain.
I have made it a challenge to myself to comment 10 times a day, along with trying to meet the maximum points allowed for the week. By doing this it has helped me to become consistent which is one of the hardest things to commit to with a busy schedule.
I have to say. If I had commented daily for all the years I've been on Active Rain... I probably would have a lot more commenters on my blog. :) It just makes sense.
I have hit the suggest button Karen Anne! I enjoy your posts and really enjoy your comments!!!
I am proud that I have helped you reach the 29,025 comment level by some of the blogs you have responded to me on.... and Jaime's spring volleyball starts in a few weeks so be ready to respond to some more vb blogs about my daughters team!!!
Winston: Consistency is a good thing, but this post is NOT about points. It is about building relationships... and doing that by giving to others. But... I agree with you. Content may be King, but consistency is Queen... and we ALL know it's the Queen who runs things... LOL.
Ms. Karen Anne: I was just about to say CONGRATS, you have been featured in the Active Rain Go-Givers group! But wait ... although you mentioned the magic word, you didn't post it into the group!
I know you care and that's exactly why I keep coming back!
Lindsey... yes, once in awhile I actually DO say something that makes sense. Not often. But once in awhile.
Example: In January I only wrote ONE post. But I probably made between 450 and 500 comments. I was in a bummer emotional mood... no motivation to write... but I pushed myself to comment. And I did. And it works. You know how much I miss my family. So... I read your posts, and comment about the way you share YOUR family in them. Hug the boys for me.
Andrea... I didn't know there WAS an Active Rain Go Givers group. I don't know. I don't remember. Ummm... just what IS a memory ? I dunno.
OK... I'll go fix that right now. So... Feature me... LOL.
Andrea... I just tried THREE times to cancel one of the above groups, and include this in The Active Rain Go Givers Group... and some nasty BUG in Active Rain would NOT let me do it. Grrrrr. I will call Kerrie tomorrow and see what I need to do.
I know I leave about 2 comments for every one that I get. My featured post are a lot less then yours and I have a lot more post.
Solid agreement with your post! There is one more secret not-so-secret ingredient. Just like every other good chef, you use a lot of natural ingredients. Your opinion is your own, and there's no doubt what it is. You don't beat people over the head with it, but I can't recall anyone ever calling you shy. You get a lot of comments because you think before you type, and you are an interesting read. Keep up the good work, and I'll keep coming back.....
Gene: I know the frustration. There are many who average more Gold Stars than I do... but I don't really care about THOSE numbers. And as far as the number of posts... I think I am only one of TWO Rainers in Texas in the Top Ten with under 1000 posts... but I am ranked higher than many folks with a ton more posts. Thanks to my subscribers. I personally consider each of my subscribers to be my OWN personal Gold Star. Thats how it works for me.
Very thoughtful and considerate, Karen Anne. I am trying to read/comment more on those I'm not as familiar with...thanks for the push!
Mike: I think I remember you saying that this is Jaime's last year for a chance at her championship... so I would love to do more than just comment on your volleyball posts about her. Let me know the home schedule... and if weather and my health allows... I would love to drive up and see one of her matches in person. I DO goofy things like that. <smile>
Karen .. That iis very helpful information ..I am so glad you are back
Missed you
HelpfulHannah
Karen, I hit the suggest button, as well. Thanks for sharing your strategy. I agree that commenting on other's posts often results in an interest in your posts.
Karen Anne, I too have more points from commenting than from creating posts. I like your style and let me volunteer to be one of your "little known" types that receives comments from you!
You're so right that I "look" for what you have to say. Always happy to see your face pop back to the top of my blog roll
Karen Anne - It is intersting to see how points shadow the conversation. So, first the points were to foster the conversation, but somewhere on our way we forgot about it
Fred: I noticed that you have really been jumping over the last three months. Excellent blog post production and consistency. They say that is Content is King, then Consistency is Queen. Looks like you've got both of them working for you. Keep up the fabulous work. It really does take time. But if you can keep it up, it will eventually help you grow your business.
Just look at what Lindsey Hasford in #3 has done with her blog in your neighboring state of Minnesota. She is a great example of what really working at it does.
I just LOVE your comment... that I use a lot of "natural" ingredients. What a great and imaginative way to look at it. I love it.
And no... beating people causes an emotional reaction, and you get nowhere. And make enemies. And end up looking like the United States House of Representatives, or the Republican Primary debates... LOL. Really emotional, and really beat up.
You are very kind with your comments. They feel very good on my tired eyes and tired ears tonight. Thank you for that. And yes... you have kept coming back since you became a subscriber. I am very thankful for that.
Kim: You are very welcome. Sorry for my fuzzy memory here, but I don't remember if you have subscribed to my blog. If not, I invite you to. We... (my commentors and I) we do a lot of interesting stuff here. It's not often that someone falls asleep reading one of my posts... LOL.
Thanks for your kind words... and... you are very welcome.
Hannah: You are very welcome. Nice to see you here tonight. And yes... I am glad to be writing again, as well. Missed you, too.
Sharon: Thanks so much. And, you are very welcome. Sharing is a good thing. As you know, real estate is a team sport. Commenting on the posts of others also really helps you meet folks, and make and grow some nice relationships. Everybody wins... what a concept !
Mark: Sounds like I have been neglecting you. So sorry. I will have to tie a lil string around both my finger and my nose to remind me.
Dummie me. I thought I had subscribed to your blog, but had not. Sooo... I just took care of that.
Your current post about creating an "Autoblography" looks very interesting, and very original. I will have to go over there and read it and comment. From the little I peeked at... it looked very interesting. I liked the photo of the library and the ladder, too.
Isn't it a shame that so many kids have probably NOT been in a library like that ?
I just re-read your comment, and you have certain parts of me "bouncing around" while I laugh about you calling yourself one of my "little known" types. Cute. I will see what I can do. Take care...
Tammy, I still find myself threatening myself to take out my current picture, and replace it with that one I blogged about that just had the back view of my head... with all hair. I just might DO that. LOL.
Thanks so much for your sweet encouraging words. Hope things are well with "the troops." Be well...
Jon: The points come automatically... when we just sit here and type. I just don't get all excited about them anymore... except when I need to use them to make a point... like on this post.
What floats my boat, and makes me smile... is seeing that someone else subscribed to my blog.
I don't know what makes me smile more... seeing faces of people I know who come back, and come back and comment... or seeing the faces of Newbies tippie-toe'ing in to make their first comment. I very much remember how scary it was when I made my first comments, or wrote my first posts. But, I got over that pretty quickly. I think it took about a week... LOL.
Huggs to Ms Inna.
First, I'm sure this is #54 on the gold star chart, Karen Anne. Now, I really must disagree with you for a moment. I think you get people to comment on your blogs because they are just downright GOOD!!!!! All the rest of your hard work pays off, too, but if you don't have the content, you won't get the comments!!!
Hi Karen Anne--congratulations on the Feature. You make some really great points. If one gives a little extra one gets back a little more. I have left many more comments than I have received and I don't care about that. I like the fact that I read and comment on lots of posts and learn a lot of new and useful information every day.
Great Karen Anne ! The basic idea is "Give a little, Get a little..." or A LOT ! Congratulations on your great discipline!
Karen Anne, you are so right! Add to the fact that your posts are so much fun to read, so much fun to participate in the comments... you have the knack.
I know I go back and see what someone has to say back to my comment. I can bet so do others!
Karen Anne, I have never understood the strategy to comment mainly on the featured posts. I have subscribed to many others and try to comment regularly on most of these. I do like the idea of going out of my way to comment on newbies posts.
Cal
Karen Anne - I'm kinda surprised your milestone is 400k. Not that it isn't impressive, but somehow I always assumed (but didn't check) it would be more like around the million mark. It seems to me that you've always been part of the landscape around here, especially since I started about 1 1/2 years ago. Everyone looks to you to comment on the social occurrences of our time. I was also surprised to hear you have 52 in draft form. I never really have more than 1 or 2 so you're using the function differently than I am. I'd be interested in hearing the pros and cons of that. Maybe you can make that a new post.
Jill: That 400,000 points is ONLY for comments I have made on the posts of others. That adds up to 16,000 comments I have made on the posts other people have written.
My TOTAL points, if you will look closely at the point charts in my post above... my TOTAL points are just below 800,000.
I will write a post about what's in my draft mode... but just quickly, whenever I get a little mini-brainstorm about a post idea, I quickly write a blurb, and stick it in an unfinished post and put it in draft mode. That way i won't forget, and also, if I get a brain freeze and cannot come up with something to write about, I can go to my "draft" collection and usually find something.
Also... Sometimes, even like THIS comment I am writing here to you... the comment ends up being long, and also looks to me like the beginnings of a post... or an idea for a post. SO... I will copy THIS comment of mine, and drag and drop it into a "write-a-post box"... and label it "draft..." for later. Make sense ?
So yes, I understand your surprise if you thought with me being here for over four years, that I only had a FULL total of 400,000. That would be pretty non-productive for all the writing and commenting I have done. For my FULL total, look at the chart in the post on the upper right. It has my total.
Have a great week.
PS... I love that picture of you in your blog posts... the one with your big smile and your hands up in the air. It looks like you are either dancing on top of a table, or just having a great time at a party. Very cute.
This post already has too many comments, so I won't leave mine here, I'll go find some poor lonely orphaned blog post to go and comment on. Gotta spread the love.
Malcolm: Yeah... I agree with you. Why waste your breath. Heck, I wouldn't comment on my posts, either. Actually... I lied. I comment all the time on my posts. And I actually think a few of them are pretty good.
But really... you can keep your comment right here. This post has yet to get "Featured..." so all the comments are needed. <dorky smile>
Here comes another gold star your way Karen Anne, and if not from AR well in our books anyway because this one is so worthy of a gold star, maybe five even!
Karen Anne - I joined Al & Peggy and "suggested" this post. Not that much for "oldies" but for newbies on AR
Karen Anne,
I also have hit the suggest button and stop by my blog you are mentioned. I think this post is good for everyone on A/R not just newbies. I think this post is good for oldies and newbies! Have a great day!
Karen Anne: You are one of my fondest people here in AR. I remember how you reached out to me in the beginning and provided suggestions for my blog and how to best interact with fellow members. I have seen you do the same thing many times over the years with other newbies. You are amazing in that way. I missed you when you were not posting as much. You and Mollie T are one of a kind and the membership of Active Rain is better for your presence.
We agree with you Karen Anne, We too visit newbies and try and reciprocate to all that visit us...did you say 52 in draft mode ~ wow you really are way ahead of the game!
Hi Karen Anne,
You do give a lot of yourself on the Rain. I have noticed how you write very thoughtful posts and even more thoughful comments. You are a great model for how AR is supposed to work and work well.
Lisa
Karen Anne... I agree with the other's before me.... your comments are always so thoughtful that people just want to keep reading your posts!! This particular post provides really good information about 'giving to get'...especially useful for the newbies just beginning their blogging journey. You're awesome!!
This should net you a lot of comments as well, Karen-Anne:)
And it is true that you pour a lot into your comments which makes any comment that you make a valuable one.
Hope you are doing well.
Hi Karen. I love this post! Congrats on your 54th feature!
I have been reading you awhile, and if I may add one reason for your success...
Your posts tend to be easy reads. No long paragraphs. Written very conversationally...
Thanks for writing!
Ken
A couple more...
No Fluff. You are obviously a straight shooter...
:)
Ken
I'm really glad you wrote this because it is so true - comments lead to comments. Look at how many subscribers you have! That alone would generate comments but really engaging truly goes a long way.
I couldn't agree more with everything you state here Karen - thank you for writing it. You definitely do put care into all your posts and it shows.
Karen Anne,
That's good advice, and a very good habit. I had started but have slacked off, to the point where I feel guilty. I can always play catch-up, though. Where to find the time...oh, I know exactly when I can do that....
Thanks for the advice and keep on blogging.
Hi Karen, or do you prefer Karen Anne? I am just stumbling upon your blog probably because of this feature. Thank you for sharing your secret with us - you have a new subscriber and I'm glad I found your blog. Congratulations on the feature and your success in Active Rain!
Karen,
Want a larger live time active voice, try Facebook and/or Twitter – just sayin
Happy Valentine's Day
Steven
Hi Karen. I just checked back...
I think you write like me! Or I write like you!
:)
Ken
I am going to estimate that this post got its little Gold Star and got Featured right about comment #42 or so. I will be curious as to what follows.
By the way: If you like what you read in this post... I invite you to SUBSCRIBE to my BLOG. Hey, it's Valentine's Day. A girl could use some TLC. <smiley-faced grin>
Hi Karen, Wow great ideas and gosh why couldn't I have thought of that??!! I have to bookmark this and remind myself about some of these basic ideas. You're the best!
Thanks for sharing the secret Karen, and congratulations on another featured post. Seven out of 100 sounds pretty good to me!
Ah... the go giver book. I haven't read it but have seen it mentioned several times. will have to check it out.
The troops are fine. I am exhausted and looking forward to dinner "out" this evening.
Great reminder for all of us! Congratulations on getting the job done and being a great example of HOW TO!
Thanks for your words of wisdom and the nudge in the right direction for the right reasons! I enjoy reading posts, comments on posts and I've come to enjoy adding my own comments. There are definitely some people I seek out, but I do try to check out the "newbies" and the unfeatured posts which often times hold really interesting content. Sounds like you're definitely giving to give, not giving to get, and that's what brings the good stuff back to you over time!
Karen~ Thanks for the nice post....and sharing your TOP SECRET!! I try to do the same thing...thanks!
Nice Karen, I like the way you think about reading other's post and making comments. It always feels extraordinarily nice when people comment on something you have written, even if it is short. I like It!
Comments seem key to the forming of relationships here in the Rain - giving, receiving, and responding back again. And you are a pro at thoughtful, provocative, or laugh out loud funny comments!
Steven in #51: So, you recommend me to use Twitter and Facebook for a "larger live time active voice ?"
No Thank You. My Active Rain voice, and my various outside blogs are all I want or need.
So... again... No Thank You ! I'm just sayin'.
By the way... I just checked your blog to see how your "larger live time active voice" was doing. You have written FIVE posts since 2008. Ummm... errr... is there any other "advice" you would like to share about helping us all get a "larger live time active voice ?"
Karen~~ It seems that it is the only way to get to know people. I do see that the process here takes time for those of us that relatively new to meet as many people and follow them. I do see some of the same people over and over again. I also am finding new people every day. Great fun.. Congratulations on the feature!
Janis in #65: You really DO have to go out of your way to get to know people. It will become much more natural, and really fun, the more you do it.
I have found that a mixture of things works well. Writing posts, reading the posts of others, and commenting on those "others" posts that you read.
And... you comment here is a good one. You have shared your thoughts, and added to our dialogue thread. Just keep it up. Although "they" say that Content is King... Consistency is Queen. And, as we both know... the Queen calls the shots.
Janis: I just checked your blog. Heck... you've only been here like five months, but in December and January, you wrote over 40 posts. Awesome. And, of course, for your Valentines Day post... you wrote about CHOCOLATE. What more could a girl want or need !
Shirley in #57: I thought The Go-Giver was a great book. Short, but very well done. I liked the style, and the way the author's message was presented. It was thought-provoking... and memorable.
As for the second book... I think it was called "Go-Givers Sell More"... or something like that... I did not like it at all. Very "contrived." Very "forced." Honestly, I know I am sounding jaded here... but I bought it, and then gave it away. If I wasn't such a lady... I would say "it sucked." But I am, so I won't ! LOL.
The Go-Giver... I bought it, read it, and then bought two more copies. I kept the first one, and have the other two... "circulating..." for people to read, and then pass it on to someone else. It gives me warm fuzzies to do that.
Thank you for the inspiration, Karen. Now off to leave some comments on some posts :-)
Great post on a simple method. Look at you now with almost 70 comments on this pos! Yeah!
I love how your strategy isn't just based on getting points or lining yourself up for more comments, but rather on being kind to others who may not get so many comments. Great attitude.
Gretchen
You commented on one of my posts a couple months back. It was really appreciated because I had few comments and I am a 6 month newbie. Thank you for being a go -giver.
Happy Valentines day.
Karen,
You bring up some great points in your post. I especially like the one about commenting on listings and how that can help out the agent in the public's view. I am going to start commenting more. Thanks!
Reciprocating is a great way to stay connected in the Rain.
Ms Karen- you are everything you just said you are! Yours was one of the first posts I began reading and commenting on religiously. One of the reasons was that you acknowledged your commenters. I have to play catch up on my commenting because right now the # of comments I've received is outnumbering my comments given. Great post and well written!
Karen: First of all congrats on 400,000 points! What an accomplishment...and just by commenting. I will say that you have commented on several of my post and I was happy to read your wisdom. You go beyond a few words...your words pack a punch. I'm proud to say you are from my home state of Texas...and a darn good Active Rain members.
Karen. I enjoy making comments more than I write my own blogs. I just do, however, I know I have to pick up the pace on creating more blogs. For some reason it is just easier for me to comment. What I like the most about what you said is that you don't go straight to the feature posts...your right newbies need a little love too.
Go-Giver is one of my favorite books. I have written a blog on it and have often used it as a raffle prize for networking events. Highly recommend it!
Hi Karen Anne ~ Someone above congratulated you on having 400K points, but you actually have nearly 800K points -- Wow! Even though you're not "in it for the points," that number represents a lot of time dedicated here at AR to help others and to share your considerable knowledge with all of us. Your comments are always welcome and written in a way that it's obvious that you -- more than any another person I've seen at AR -- go above and beyond to find something substantial to say when you comment. You've set a great example for us, and it's obvious why you receive so many comments :-)
Congrats on the Feature, too!!
Congrats on the feature! Great post. I appreciate your perspective, it falls in line with the golden rule! Thanks for sharing and have an awesome week.
Allright you're up to 80 comments. Geesh you're good! Happy Valentines Cutie!!
WOW this makes a whopping number 81 on your comments. I agree with you. I like to go through the blog roll and see what interests me and comment on it. I don't stop at ten comments a day, either. Well some days I don't. But I do have to limit my time.
I think the number of comments you get also reflects the kind of person you are. You are always willing to help, always have a kind word, and are just plain great. Your blogs aren't too shabby, either.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Well, i I hadn't stopped at the features I would have never seen this post and you are right about reciprocating and just being considerate. I hadn't thought about going back to the Newbie groups and just being neighborly, especially as I remember the times when a post would get nothing but a post.
Karen Anne, you are spot on! And learning the ones who reciprocate back is key! Some folks won't comment back, but some are great.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Sharon
Great advice Karen Anne! I definitely need to spend more time reciprocating and commenting on a consistent basis.
However, I think there's more to your secret than being a social butterfly- You write a lot of great posts that are comment worthy! Go ahead... just admit it ; )
Happy Valentine's Day!
Gina Lemos
Gina in @84: Social Butterfly ? Me ? Moi ? Gawd ! Iron Butterfly, perhaps.
If I every get anywhere NEAR being a social butterfly... just put me out of my misery. Well... let's see. Ummm... just how much of a "social butterfly" was I when I wrote my last three posts ? LOL.
*** - Mitt and the Tax Dodgers - Now There Is Proof. (Humor... kinda sorta... )
*** - Washington State Senate Politely and with Great Civility... Approves Marriage Equality
*** - Bill O'Reilly and Ellen DeGeneres. Fair and Balanced ? Yes !
I see myself as more of an "instigator." A "pot-stirrer." And an "I'm not afraid to say what's right'er." I'm just trying to bring folks together on stuff like this... but I believe it has to be done in a low-key, "help folks come to their own conclusions" kind of way.
I love it when you stop by my post and I am always thrilled when I see you on my blog roll. You really do show that you care and that's why people care about you.
Hi Karen Anne, Congrats on the feature. I don't write many blogs but I do enjoy rolling through the blog role and finding interesting posts. Yours was one of the first one I subscribed to. For good reason. Also, I like the way you think. I like the fact that you DO think.
Karen Anne -- I was so thrilled when you first stopped by to visit my blog with a reciprocal comment. Many bloggers do not do that for I am sure various reasons. So I really appreciate anyone who is nice enough to do that. You also comment with substance. That really means a lot to the writer. Thank you for always being so kind.
Great advice from a MASTER blogger... :) My goal is to comment a minimum of 10 times. Thanks for validating my efforts mean something.
Karen Anne, if it wasn't for you, Activerain would be a boring cest pool! Love ya!
Karen Anne - Thanks for sharing your "secret." But, your secret is well known...you are a giver and you care, and everybody knows it. Congrats on the feature.
GOOD MORNING KAREN ANNE! You are indeed someone who cares - you have written some very nice comments on my posts and I can always tell that you actually read the full post before writing something!
Hi Karen,
What is the quote?
"It is more blessed to give than to receive?"
Something like that.
Attributed to Jesus, no less...
:)
Phil
Your Top Secret should also net you viable referrals as time moves forward !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing. You lead by example.
I won't tell anybody your secret Karen. :)
"Go-Giver" - Love that term! And you are so right!! Obviously with this great post and all the comments just here alone. IT really helps! I try and find something unique about a person or their business. I noticed a gal the other day that had a great pink sweater and with her dark skin, just looked amazing!! I complimented her and now we have a great dialoge going. Care.. just a little goes a long way. HAve a fabulous Wed, Karen!
Hi Karen Anne what a wonderful post! Your post is so warm and inviting it is easy to see why so many people comment. Congratulations on your milestone in points. I saw the book Go-Giver on someone's desk recently and I'm going to order a copy today. I am a giver too. I give my time helping others with their technology issues.
Great post-I used to spend so much time on Activerain I almost forgot to go out and sell. Reading and commneting is a great way to meet agents from North America.
Hi Karen Anne, well, this time you got way over 3 times as many comments. Must be the super secret title. Great post.
Wow, I never connected extra points for extra comments. Okay, now you have e thinking!
Thank you for sharing. It's important that we all are a team. : )
This is so great! Give and you shall receive! Thanks for sharing your super secret. I appreciate it! Love the name of your cat too!
Makes sense, Thanks for sharing. for the record i have been on active rain for about a year or so and this is my very first Comment ever :)
That is how I found your blog back in 2008. I was a newbie and this successful blogger from Texas took the time to comment on my post. She not only commented she gave me constructive criticism. I will never be able to thank you enough...
Thanks Karen for sharing the secret! I'm reminded that it's better to be more interested in others than myself even when it comes to blog comments.
i found you from comments you'd left me when i was a newbie here in the rain! it's always very much appreciated to feel welcomed when you're a little fish in a very big pond.
your sense of writing and generosity in your comments is definitely memorable!
You have to give a little to get a little don't ya?!
Karen Anne, can I give you a hug? You sound like an awesome person. Thanks so much for the great tips, and more so, the great attitude (but I don't think you're writing this stuff to get compliments, but there ya go anyway!)
Karen Anne - I love that fact that this got over 100 comments! Like you I enjoy a dialog through commenting with fellow bloggers!
Karen Ann, looks like there's a lot of people that wanted your secret! I've been trying to show up and comment on blogs other than just what's on the Feature list. I'll start hitting newbies, too.
Hi Karen Ann, I'm joining the party a little late so not much to add except for thank you for sharing your secret! :-) I do look at the Feature list but don't always comment there, actually I often go for posts that haven't gotten any comments yet and you usually find them in some of the groups. Keep up the good work!
Karen Anne - And, there you are; a gold star for sharing your knowledge! It's a simple and easy recipe although no longer so top secret.
Karen Anne,
You titled the post "Ultra-Sneaky"; I'm thinking it really is "Ultra-Smart"
Just a slight nuance of difference.
_Claude
Karen Anne ~ I loved what you said here and in your other posts. I try to comment everyday, but your different comment point totals say a ton about you! We all should aspire to even come close to that!
Karen Anne - Thanks so for sharing your "secret sauce" for success in the Rain.
Hey Karen Anne- Thanks for the reply above. Maybe that's why I gravitate to your posts- I tend to tell it like it is as well : )
Maybe social butterfly was the wrong term- I just meant that you get around a lot...on Active Rain, and in a good way : D LOL!
Hope you're having a fantastic and outspoken week!!
Gina Lemos
Gina: Outspoken ? Why... I'm just a Nice Catholic Girl from Cleveland trying to make it in the bright lights and city life of Fort Worth, Texas... LOL. Just shy, inward lil me, here. <smile>
Karen Anne, I think your favorite thing to do is defend rainers with smart alecks. I know you've done it more than once on my posts.
Tammie: I was very concerned that I was over-doing that on that recent post of yours. I do NOT want to look like a ball-hog... so I hope that was okay with you ? If I ever am "too much"... please let me know, okay ? Promise ?
But that last guy was just an ass. He was just "wrong." And was being so pompous about it.
And... it is also much easier for me to say stuff about how good you are, and what a great post you wrote... than it is for you (as the post writer) to do that.
Hi Karen Anne, I saw this post the other day, and meant to comment, since I have built my AR network from doing exactly what you are speaking about here. Of course, I have been subscribed to your blogs for some time now. I do believe in commenting on 10 to 20 posts per day, and sometimes more if I have the time. It seems like the more I read, the more I am able to comment. Thanks for sharing your "Secret"
Karen Anne~Love your "secret tips." :) I love the term "Go-Giver," which you most certainly exemplify. You set a great example to follow in how you leave comments, I know I appreciate the ones you've left for me.
Have an awesome weekend!
Good morning Karen.
The more you give the more you'll receive.
Keep up the great work.
Karen, and it looks like you won't be lacking for comments on this post either. You have such a great attitude about this. I always go back and comment on posts of members who were kind enough to leave a comment at one of mine. The one thing I haven't done enough of is visiting the newbies. I think that's in part because I have a regular group that I have gotten to know...I plan to change that and visit newer members on a regular basis. I also like to look for posts that may have gotten overlooked with only two comments on them nudging them up to the required 3 comments to receive points. Anyway great post and well deserved gold star!!!
And by the way, I just wanted to let you know that I'm a card carrying member of the Karen Anne Stone Fort Worth Real Estate View.
Hi Karen, I took your advice and was able to comment on (10) blogs yesterday. That's the most for me ever! Have a great week!
Cynthia... that is just terrific. If you can learn to do that on a consistent basis, other Active Rainers will begin to recognize you when they see you again. And... it will also help your "comfortability factor" which will allow you, and encourage you to do even more. I am guessing it took some effort for you to do that, Cynthia... so... Good... For... You ! <smile>
True that! I comment on virtually every blog I read. I even get annoyed when I see a re-blog without the option to comment. I also try to post comments with character, with care, with support, etc. That is how I grew my base too. Thanks for sharing and caring.
Cathy: You are very welcome. That is one of the many things that attracts me to your posts, and to you. You really do seem to care about all of those you come into contract with... and it shows in your writing.
Have a great weekend to come. Sorry it has taken me so long to comment back to you. <dorky apologetic grin>
Karen Anne,
I rarely ever comment on a featured post unless it is one of the people I subscribe to their blog. I will usually comment on it about a week later because I know that person may be swamped in trying to reciprocate to all the comments they have received. I just think a lot of people on AR only comment on the featured posts so they get noticed by the HEAVY HITTERS and are more likely to have them visit their blog and eventually get some eventual features because of WHO might hit the suggest button on their posts.
I don't comment a whole lot on our "together" blog, but I always do try and reciprocate! I deeply apologize for taking so long to get back to your blog as last week was simply off the wall! I do appreciate the time and the thoughtful comments you left, Karen Anne, concerning the Battle of Tippecanoe posts I wrote in the past.
I do comment heavily on my other blog on AR as my comment points are about 5-1 over my blogging points, but things are so busy right now to do even that!
Thanks again for your thoughtful comments and you do live what you have talked about in your post!
BW
Funny thing about it is that it really isn't a top-secret secret or even a secret at all, now is it? :) It does, however, take time and effort to be authentic and, like you said, Karen, that's where it counts!
Thanks you kindly!
RB
Ryan: You are very welcome. I gave up being concerned about my points totals quite a while ago. I used to get upset when someone would pass me by... but that's no longer the case.
As I said... I just enjoy being able to comment on posts that "move me" or on Newbie posts where the writer could use a "boost." I like that feeling.
It may be easy for me to say that considering the fact that I have as many points as I do... but still. It's more fun being able for me to be more relaxed about commenting and writing.
I thank you so much, by the way, for going so far BACK... over a year, in fact, to a post I wrote so long ago. That was nice. :)
Also, just below the bottom edge of THIS post is the key word "tutorials." Click on it, and you'll find a collection of "tutorials" that I have written to help both Newbies and Oldbies alike. July 13, 2013
Karen, Thinking about you and hoping you are doing well. There are so many of us who care about you.
Margaret: I appreciate your concern more than you know. Surgery #1 in six days.. on Friday July 19th. Depending on how that healing goes... surgery #2... the aortic valve replacement and the partial atrial amputation... should be ten days to two weeks after that... perhaps around August 10th.