Comments on: Love Means Never Having to Fake It

By: Malaysia SEO Consultant

Malaysia SEO Consultant — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:21:02 +0000

Link building should not be automated too. It should be done manually.

By: Hypotheek

Hypotheek — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:28:55 +0000

I do like the “Notify me of followup comments via e-mail” feature, but I hate it when I get e-mails when I didn’t subscribe. And I hate it even more when I can’t unsubscribe from the e-mails..

By: AndyW

AndyW — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:10:50 +0000

I can’t say emails like that get on nerves… it’s just another piece of crap in my inbox which I should delete and but usually just leave (over 12k emails and counting…)

By: Andrea Hill

Andrea Hill — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:42:26 +0000

I actually just came across a plugin the other day that sends the automatic responses, and it struck me as really spammy.

Yes, I know that people want to encourage commenters to come back, but that’s why you can allow them to CHOOSE to get updates by email, or subscribe to an RSS feed of comments. The idea of sending unsolicited email is not something we’re supposed to be doing, and the idea that it’s not even personalized is even worse.

Thanks for verbalizing (writing?) what I had on my mind!

By: Annie Cushing

Annie Cushing — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:56:29 +0000

I find automated messages like the one who showed a little disingenuous. If I email tech support and receive an automated message that my request has been received and will be followed up, great. If it gives me additional info that might help me while I’m waiting, even better. But beyond that, I can’t think of an example of helpful automated messages.

Since most people wouldn’t expect a thank you note for commenting on your blog, why take the risk of creeping someone out or looking like a poseur? Just engage w/ them on your blog, which is where the real conversation’s taking place anyway.

By: JadedTLC

JadedTLC — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:53:45 +0000

Lisa – I totally agree. I think a personal touch is very important in making a reader feel acknowledged. I’d rather not be contacted if it isn’t personal. I think that’s where big brands are going wrong.

By: netmeg

netmeg — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:36:33 +0000

Now, if you *really* want to make an impression, you’ll hand-write your thank you on engraved notepaper and *mail* it to them.

(How creepy would *that* be? ork ork)

By: Jill Whalen

Jill Whalen — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:26:35 +0000

Heh…you must have commented on the same blog I did (or I suppose it’s a canned response that many use).

I had the same reaction and even mentioned it on Twitter the other night.

It’s really just kinda ick. I don’t like Twitter follow autoresponses either.

By: Darren Slatten

Darren Slatten — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:26:05 +0000

Just so we’re clear, by “intriguing” I meant “hypocritical.” Everything I wrote thereafter was actually just one big metaphorical synopsis of why my last relationship failed. I expected your response to be a continuation of that metaphor, but after reading it several times, I’ve come to the conclusion that you’re speaking in literal terms and missed my message entirely.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:18:06 +0000

Bob: Agreed, agreed and agreed. I commented on your blog because I wanted to participate in the conversation that was happening there. Not because I think we need to be best friends or because I need validation that you found my comment to be worthy with a personalized email. We’re all antisocial, why force a connection?

Darren: Hmm, I don’t like either of those options. I just want to comment on someone’s blog and leave it at that. I’m not doing it with the hopes that they recognize me and send me a handwritten note back thanking me for my time and my insight. The “thanks for commenting” email is actually a bit creepy to me. I left you a message at your house; why are you suddenly in my email?

That said, if you ARE going to send it, send me something genuine. It doesn’t have to be a novel or anything impressive, but at least talk to me like I’m a real person. Don’t send me something automated that does nothing but shill your RSS feed. That’s worthless to me and shows that you’re not interested in me, just what I can do for you.

And as an aside, yes, I do have unrealistic expectations. We’re both aware of this.