I guess I always new the day would come when I'd have to put some additional parameters around commenting on this blog.
As our blog has grown, and rankings increased, I am seeing more and more questionable comments being submitted as the incentive to drop a comment here for a link has increased.
Why The Change to a Policy?
I love the comments we get on this blog, the conversations they start, and the interaction I can get with our readers through the comments. Interacting in the comments section with our readers is one of the most satisfying things I do around here.
I want to maintain that aspect of Smallbizbee, and ensure the comments section is still a great place to hang out while your looking over our articles and content.
By putting some parameters around what kinds of comments will be accepted I feel we will continue to foster the type of environment where people feel comfortable leaving their thoughts or comments on a post.
Commenting Policy
1. Only comments relevant to the post being discussed will be accepted. "Nice post", "Great job", "This site rocks" type of comments will be deleted.
2. Use your name when adding a comment to the site. No more comments from "widgets are us", or "Russian nesting dolls online" will be accepted. Making a comment for the sole purpose of getting some link juice back to your "pink flamingo shop" is just spammy.
3. Relevant links in your comments are encouraged.
4. Irrelevant links in your comments will cause your comment to be deleted.
5. I will never delete a legitimate comment just because I don't agree with the point of view of the commenter. I will delete comments that push the envelope of common human decency (luckily we've had none of that so far).
I don't want to seem like I'm coming down on commenters, quite the opposite. I hope the new comment policy will make Smallbizbee a great place to drop your comments and converse on topics related to small business and entrepreneurship.
We currently have over 2900 comments on this blog, and very few would have been filtered out due to the new policy - I'm just making sure it stays that way.
Your Turn
Thank you for being part of this community, if you have something to say about the new policy drop a line in the comments section below.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Ahh, the perils of success. Great job with the blog and glad to see it grow. I personally have learned a lot from it and hope to comment more. Hope the new system alleviates the moderating task a bit.
Anthony Russo
anthony.russo10@gmail.com
http://www.anthonyrussoblog.com/Anthony
Skype: anth.russo
Twitter: @AnthonyRusso
@Anthony
We shall see if this creates more or less work when it comes to moderating, but the end result will be a blog with a “commenting culture” that keeps people coming back and adding to the conversation.
Thanks for the kind words. Good to see you!
Matt
Hi Matt,
I Do not remember how I found your blog put when I did I was impressed with the quality of the content. Matt Cutts always says write great content if you want to have a successful website or blog. I think in your case this has proven to be true. When I leave a comment I try and add value to the post and complement you, it is well deserved. I do use my name and a keyword, I hope that this is OK with you. I do like the juice.
Thanks again,
Robert Wagner
info@sbaloans-123.com
P.S. what are your feelings on guest post?
@Rob
You’re comments have always been on target, and add value. I appreciate that you use name along with the keyword – it’s the keyword only comments I’m trying to avoid.
We’re always looking for quality guest posts to share with the readers. Here’s an overview of what we’re looking for:
http://smallbizbee.com/index/guest-post/
Email me if you have any questions. Thanks,
Matt
Hey,
Nice Post! Great Job! This Site Rocks!
Come see all my widgets at www dot russiannestingdolls dot com
Signed,
You know who.
sorry buddy. couldn’t resist.
@George
You know how when you are typing something and you put LOL, but rarely are you really LOL’ing…well my friend I read this comment and actually laughed out loud, which is good for the soul, and something I’ve been in need of lately, but it’s 12:00am here in Portland, the wife is (was) sleeping, and now I have to explain to her what all the “giggling” was about…think she’ll get it?
Always a pleasure Geo,
Matt
Matt,
Making you LOL made my day!
And thanks for bringing the Avatar back. I just love that little guy.
George
You have handled the comment policy with the same grace and dignity that goes into every post. I appreciate the efforts to keep the commenting culture here focused on interaction and relevant discussion. Thanks for the great content and commenting culture!
@Karen
Thanks for the nice words. It’s a fine line with something like this, as I certainly don’t want to turn anyone off from leaving comments, but at the same time want to make sure we maintain a system for comments that encourages people like you to drop by and say hi, or leave your thoughts on a post or two.
Again thanks,
Matt