My blog has too many plugins to count. I don’t even think I even realize what they all do and forgot why I even installed some of them in the first place.
But there are many very useful ones for sure, like the CommentLuv plugin I installed just over a week ago. Or the Comment Relish add-on that sends someone a thank you for commenting the first time.
The WordPress video plugin has also proven to be useful.
Lately though, I’ve come across one single plugin that I find lacking at almost half the blogs I visit and I am always bummed out by it. With my recent addiction to BloggingZoom.com, I’ve started visiting more and more blogs and randomly posting comments on some great articles I find.
There is only one problem: Unless I return to check on it, I never know if someone responded to my comment. I could bookmark it, or subscribe to the comment feed, but that’s just a good way to clutter up my Reader.
That led me to realize that the Subscribe to Comments plugin is the one that I cannot see living without in my travels from blog to blog.
(Now I know Askimet is probably the best plugin out there, but it comes with WordPress already, so I am not counting it here)
When you visit a new (to you) blog with a cool post, you might want to comment on it and then quickly move on to something else. I tend to do this a lot, and love to leave comments anywhere I land. Bloggers love comments, as do I, so it’s fun to help them out.
But I don’t always subscribe immediately to a blog using my Reader, because I am not sure yet, or I just am not interested in their overall topic. Yet I REALLY want to know of any follow-ups, especially if I asked a question or want to know what other people think.
I’d rather not subscribe and I’d rather not bookmark it either. It’s so easy to click that little box that says “Notify me of followup comments via Email.”
Now, I’ve only been blogging seriously for about six months now, so I may not know fully why some people choose not to use it. I am curious, for those that don’t, why not? Am I missing something?
I guess I could understand that there might be a bandwidth issue if you send constant emails out to people, but is that the reason?
It seems to me that this is a huge way to ensure someone returns to your blog and helps build that community. Sure, some people may not like the email method as much as I do, but those types can still use the RSS feed if they want.
Curious what other bloggers out there think.
The reason? Generally it’s a matter of getting a lot of emails, 100′s a day. That’s why I don’t like Comment Relish, SU thank you notes and so forth. It’s called “Bacn”, email you want to get but that can clutter your inbox terribly. Organizing it is an ongoing struggle so finding ways to reduce it is important.
Frank C’s last blog post..BlogRush Sucks Update: BlogRush vs. EntreCard vs. Cliq
Like I said, I can understand not WANTING to use it, but at least having it as an option for your readers seems like a must.
I like the commentluv plugin (I use it meself). I’m not too fond though of sites who have the subscribe to comments box and have it checked by default. I tend to forget to uncheck the box on my way out…
mcangeli’s last blog post..For Teh Win!
I have the Subscribe to Comments plug-in on my blog, but if I leave a comment somewhere, I don’t check the box to get the emails. I use the co.mments.com bookmarklet to subscribe to the comments and it then appears in my feed reader.
But prior to finding this, I did subscribe to the comments, and it’s a given that it will be included on any site that I’ll be setting up in the future.
Rod Templeton’s last blog post..When Do You Consider Your Blog Successful?
Never messed with co.mments.com, but now I’m signed up and will check it out.
Thanks for the tip Rod!
I agree with you. The reason why I installed Subscribe to Comments was because I also tend to blog-hop and when I comment to a great topic, I want to be updated at least. So I thought some of my readers might be thinking the same way. Hence, Subscribe to Comments was installed.
Some of the readers do come back, some don’t. Having this option, in my experience, broadens the discussion of your post.
Saedel’s last blog post..Pulling The Trigger Benefits Both Parties
I’ve been subscribing to comments via email for years, but had never heard of co.mments.com. That said, I’ve signed up as well. If this can save my Inbox from 60 or so emails waiting for me every night, then I’ll be happy.
Thanks for the info, Rod!
Jason’s last blog post..How To: Fix Things
I use Subscribe to Comments and wish all blogs had it. I signed up at co.mments.com but have not figured out how to use it. I get an error message every time I try to put the bookmarklet in my Favorites.
Lillie Ammann’s last blog post..Reading the Bible
Lillie, I just dragged their little bookmarklet to my favorites toolbar and it was that easy.
What browser are you using?
I’m using IE7. When I drag the icon to my favorites list as instructed, I get the instruction page when I click on the favorites link. When I try to “add to favorites” with a right-click, I get a message that the name is too long – the javascript is in the name field, and if I remove the script and put in a name it doesn’t work.
Lillie Ammann’s last blog post..Reading the Bible: Part 1 – Bible Reading Plans
Time to switch to Firefox
I guess you’re right, Mike. I’ve been thinking about it.
Lillie Ammann’s last blog post..Reading the Bible: Part 2 – Reading to Learn and Understand
Yeah, I’d have to say that it’s a necessity. You have to give your visitors the option if you want them to contribute.
Jason A Clark’s last blog post..BloggingZoom – November Stats and Review
I really like comment luv, and had been meaning to get around to adding subscribe to comments and now I’ve added it too. Not sure about comment relish, but as a new blogger it would be nice to reach out to new commenters.
Scott’s last blog post..Sometimes less is more; when to take the leap
I saw it today Scott, nice job! Already subscribed to comments on your latest.
Hi Mike,
Subscribe to comments was one of the first plugins that I installed when I switched over to wordpress. I’m not sure how many people actually use it on my blog, but like you, I know I subscribe to comments most times I leave my thoughts.
Overall, I think the coolest plugin that I’ve found over all is one called redirection.
I’ve also been meaning to install Andy’s Comment Luv plugin … I like all these examples of seeing it in action. I guess I should go get it done.
Thanks
Todd Morris’s last blog post..A few pictures from after the Hawaii storm
Todd, thanks for stopping by! What does the Redirection plugin do?
Comment Luv is a wonderful plugin as well, such a benefit to being involved on a blog as a commentor.
Hi Mike,
The Redirection plugin does just that … automatically sets up 301 redirections. Also had a pretty nice Log that shows how many times, and from where people clicked that particular link. Here’s the url for the plugin homepage: http://urbangiraffe.com/plugins/redirection/
Todd Morris’s last blog post..SuccesswithTodd is now using the CommentLuv plugin
Several plugins can be hard coded into a theme or wordpress – so I guess its hard for me to pick a favorite.
All the subscribe to comments is nice – i rarely use it on many blogs – I get enough email as it is.
Matt Ellsworth’s last blog post..I’m attending the Ross Goldberg’s Masters Internet Marketing Seminar Are You?
I like the CommentLuv myself. I also like that you do not have the subscribe to comments checked by default. I will be back, don’t need the email flooded
David’s last blog post..Yooter Free Keyword Selection Tool
I really like this plugin but am concerned about the effect it may have on my googleability… i think if you are going for readers this plugin is great… if you want search traffic it’s not as good… as a compromise I have it on about 1/2 my blogs
Stock Trading Software’s last blog post..Using eSignal Trading Software
How does it affect GoogleAbility?
I have been following up on this blog for a while and i find it very impressive. I plan to add it to my rss feeds
Very useful information, but the main problem was not disclosed and not understandable.
Country somehow, I doubt that’s true. I need to paint in more detail.
An interesting opportunity to learn something new and useful
I think this information will help many internet users.