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So what was it that caused this change? Well, I'll tell you – it was spam!

Here's the history. Back in 2014 the rise in spamming was starting to become unbearable, especially for successful bloggers.

The huge amounts of spam made moderating comments more difficult and time consuming to deal with. This got so bad bloggers were forced to close their commenting systems to continue engaging on social media, which is where they believed their conversations and discussions were happening.

However, about a year later these bloggers started to turn their comments back on. They realised social media was not a good substitute for getting feedback on their blog posts. They had not only lost a sense of community, but also their blog's viewing stats had declined. 

And what was worse this period of non-commenting time has had a devastating effect on commenting. It seems people had forgotten how to comment on blogs, and the social media style that had developed seemed to be unsuitable. 

Spam issues

Now there may be plenty of people who scoff at the thought of resurrecting commenting. They have got it firmly fixed in their heads that blog commenting has died and we need to move on. 

For them social media is where it's at. It's where we can come across so many more people to communicate with. It's where all the best conversations are happening. And it happens in real-time. No moderation, no waiting, no restrictions.

But I'm not only talking about blog commenting. Commenting is used in so many ways, in different locations, and for a variety of purposes. Here are just six examples:

See, it's not only about blogs 

However, it is because of blogs that comments were made possible. Back in the last century websites were static. They were not able to accommodate any interaction. It was not possible for a visitor to leave a message on them.

But with the development of Web 2.0, blogging technology allowed commenting. A text box was provided that enabled the reader to type in their point of view, and then after submitting it, see it published on the blog!

However, nowadays this mind-blowing concept has become diluted. We expect to be able to comment. And also to like, share, reblog, submit an emoji or meme, or whatever the latest craze is.

But the art of proper commenting, on a  blog or wherever, has been slowly declining.

This is because real-time allows instant gratification through an immediate response. Time-poor lives combined with being constantly active and a diminishing concentration span means nobody has time or the inclination to sit down and write a proper comment any more.

And that's because proper commenting is difficult. It requires time, thought, concentration and writing skills. 

Not to mention empathy, knowledge, comprehension and a proper purpose.

It's time to start really thinking about commenting: Why should I do this? What can I gain from it? What difference can I make? How will it affect others? Is it worth the bother?

Now I suspect you're interested because you've read this far. 

And you may have wondered how effective interaction can help you. Did you know that commenting can have a beneficial effect on both individuals and businesses? Here are some examples:

However, the main function of commenting is 

communication

"Now this already happens in social media!" I hear you say. But think about it. This kind of commenting is usually very bitty, unimaginative, repetitive and unremarkable. Single words or one-line comments are soon lost within the usual dross. 

However, if you want to stand out above the crowd, get yourself noticed for who you really are, or showcase to the world everything you have to offer...

It's time to start commenting properly!

How to

Learning anything new, or even differently than before, works better if done in a group of like-minded people.

Having a community behind you to share ideas, answer your questions, give encouragement and even comment on your posts, on whatever platform, can make a real difference. 

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And having at your fingertips a wealth of knowledge about commenting, exploring every facet and responding to suggestions about new ideas and concepts could be invaluable if you wish to progress further.

This is some of what could be included:

All within a friendly environment, a commenting haven, where you can explore the concept of commenting to however it best helps you. 

Delivered in a variety of ways, from blog posts to short courses, from quizzes and games to community activities, from answering problems to trouble shooting, all based around a monthly theme.

Still interested? Then let me introduce you to...

After four years of researching into commenting (and I'm certainly not stopping there!), I have created The Commenting Club to reeducate the world to comment again. A safe environment to resurrect the art of commenting to new dizzying heights!

This is what is on offer:

"Comments are my main way to communicate with you bros.” DewDiePie

"By having a blog, you can make yourself very accessible to your target audience. You can leave comments open on your blog so you can learn exactly what your audience likes about what you're doing with your business and about what they think you should change." Fabrizio Moreira

"I've always been motivated more by negative comments than by positive ones. I know what I do well. Tell me what I don't do well." Abby Wambach

"Either positive or negative comments are good, because it shows I'm still relevant." Justin Guarini