Not everyone finds the process of commenting an easy thing to do.
Apart from the writing bit, a lot of the trouble is girding your loins to actually do the deed. Or finding time to make an effort. Even being inspired to do so.
There will always be some people who are apprehensive about commenting on posts. However, let me assure you there is not need to be afraid of commenting. It is something you can overcome quite easily.
Fear of being the first
Seeing that empty commenting area below a post can be quite daunting. A virgin space nobody has yet dared to make an imprint on can easily make a new reader afraid of commenting.
You could see it as carte blanche to have your say. No other reader has superseded you by stating the obvious or even writing what you were going to say. You have a totally free rein to get your point of view across before anyone else.
Breaking the commenting duck is a worthwhile act to get the top position. Here you are more likely to be noticed, and your comment could even influence any that are written afterwards.
Fear of what others may think
Those with a lack of self esteem may worry about what other readers think about their comments. They take no comfort in imagining how others will react. They perceive the worst and feel nobody will be interested in their opinion.
You need to remember that you know stuff that other people don't. What pearls of wisdom can you relate that are relevant to the post? What special gift do you have that you can share to make the other readers' lives better?
It is highly unlikely you will upset anyone with your point of view, especially if you are really careful in how you write it. You won't be blurting anything out regardless to cause offence, because you will have thought about it thoroughly beforehand.
Fear your comment isn't good enough
A continuation on the lack of esteem subject is fretting about your comment's quality. You may be consumed with self-doubt about the way you responded. You may have read all the other comments and assumed they were better than yours.
There is no need to be intimidated by the other commenters. The fact that you have bothered to comment at all puts you on a higher pedestal than those readers who haven't. Your are entitled to have your say and you should do so proudly. There's no need to be afraid of commenting here.
Remember all commenters are individual in their writing style. Basically any comment that doesn't meet the mark (eg it isn't spam) has to be pretty bad to not get published. And the post's author will be grateful to receive any comments that are submitted, so will be publishing them all.
Fear of disapproval
If you are scared others will disagree with your comment, take a deep breath and submit it anyway. Provided you have carefully weighed your argument, and have considered the pros and cons, there is no reason why you should be afraid of commenting to put your point of view across.
Expressing disagreement is good for commenting. It shows a variety of readership that makes the replies more interesting. And if your opposition sparks responses from others, this will result in a lively discussion, which is good for all concerned.
Whatever side you take in an argument, stick to your guns (unless you see the other point of view anyway). You won't look stupid or inadequate in front of the other readers if you are sure of your convictions.
Fear of not knowing what to say
Writers block happens not only to those who write the posts, but to the commenters as well. You may have been inspired by the quality of the content, but when it comes to writing your own response, everything dries up.
It could be apprehension you don't have enough expertise to provide an answer, or you feel not worthy to continue the conversation. It could also be due to insufficient time to write a reasonable comment, and the stress hinders your creative juices at that moment in time.
Commenting shouldn't be a quick affair, even if you are stimulated at the spur of the moment to have your say. Time is needed to compose a reasonable response, something you would be proud to read back again once it has been accepted and published.
Fear of venturing into the unknown
If you are not used to commenting, and haven't had enough time to get experienced at it, taking advantage of this opportunity could make you afraid of commenting.
The answer is not to crave total approval from all the readers. The only person who want to impress is the post's author, as it is they who will be accepting and publishing your comment.
There is no need to fear being judged by others. It doesn't really matter what they think. What is important is that you have spread some love by commenting and made the post's author a much happier person by your actions.
Has being afraid of commenting ever affected you?
Let me know in the commenting box below whether you have been afraid of commenting, or whether you are now.
If you are, would you benefit from some encouragement? The Commenting Club has been created to help anyone who wants to become an expert commenter. You will receive tips and techniques to make the commenting process easier, and a thorough understanding of how important commenting is.
And our community is also there to help you to become less afraid of commenting. Why not give us a try?
- How to generate inbound leads using social chat - 21 August 2023
- 10 steps to get qualified leads using social chat - 14 August 2023
- How to encourage comments through participation - 4 August 2023
How can I not comment on a post about not commenting?
Hi Daryl, I’m very glad you did! It shows you have read my post and even though your comment is brief, it is relevant and a question! However this question is difficult to answer and I don’t think it expects one.
Indeed Daryl!
Oh, wow, yes, agreed with the below that this is somewhat ironic to be commenting given the content, but I’ll say: I’m very afraid of commenting because I fear the backlash any time I voice an opinion that others disagree with. Often, I have to weight if posting in the first place is worth the anxiety that follows, worrying about whether or not I will be attacked for disagreeing (no matter how I’ve said something — whether it was diplomatic or not). So most of the time, nowadays, I will post, then delete very quickly or think about posting then decide it’s not worth it to me, which is a shame, because you’re right, we could use different perspectives. I know there are people who may think like me or appreciate what I have to say who don’t say anything, I just… it’s so hard for me to deal with anyone attacking me in return. I don’t know what to do.
Hi Kate. Do you suffer from impostor syndrome, or just a lack of confidence? I wonder how many other people are in the same predicament as you? Just think how the world will be all the poorer because it hasn’t had the benefit of reading your thoughts, wisdom or point of view. And yes, you’re right, we could all value a different perspective from time to time. Don’t know what to do? Take a deep breath, count to 10, write your comment, carefully check it to make sure it is suitable, relevant and valuable, and then submit it! It’s as simple as that!