The Seven Deadly Sins Of Culture Blog Commenting

When it comes to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) strike, there doesn’t seem to be much of a shortage of opinions and observations. Case in point, the post here from 10/29/2010 has generated a substantial number of comments that focus on everything from the original blog topic (branding) to a dozen other business related issues inserted into the context of the DSO labor dispute…

Most of the discussions going on in the comment thread are quite thought-provoking and for the most part, they have remained entirely civil. At the same time, it is clear that emotions run deep and on a few occasions, readers have veered over the line and committed one of the Seven Deadly Sins Of Culture Blog Commenting.

With eight years of blogging experience I can safely say that I’ve figured out a few things about how to get a point across. So allow me to share some of what I’ve learned so you can not only contribute in positive fashion but you’ll also maximize the impact of your point(s).

The Seven Deadly Sins Of Culture Blog Commenting

1. Impatience. If you aren’t reading your comment aloud before hitting the “submit comment” button, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Moreover, when reading aloud, try to use some inflection that mirrors your intent. You might be amazed at how something might sound and if you find that you need the inflection to deliver your point, that’s a good indication that you should add more detail.
2. Sarcasm. Comment threads are akin to having a conversation with a four year old that hasn’t quite figured out what sarcasm is all about. In short, they don’t get it and although we’re all adults, the print medium isn’t the best method for conveying sarcasm. So when in doubt, don’t use it.
3. Self Promotion. There’s nothing wrong with including a link to one of your own posts or websites in your comment but make sure you’re adding value to the discussion and not using my blog for your benefit.
4. Anger. Same basis as the original deadly sins but in blog format. When in doubt, save the comment, sleep on it, then make a decision.
5. Trolling. In short, don’t be a putz on the internet just because you can. If you wouldn’t say what you’ve written to someone’s face, then it isn’t fit for publication. As a side note, I don’t mind strong language (we’re all adults) but not in the guise of trolling.
6. All Caps. This is the equivalent of screaming at the top of your lungs and frankly, I can’t think of a single topic related to this business that requires such an extreme measure. Likewise, take it easy on the exclamation points.
7. Being “That Guy.” Within the context of blog comments, “that guy” is the person who (inadvertently or not) simply won’t shut up and uses a steady stream of circular logic to single-handedly grind a good discussion into the ground and draw attention away from the main topic. You can also become “that guy” by engaging in multiple sins within a single comment.

Please keep in mind that Adaptistration has a long standing blog policy that contains a section pertaining to comments. By and large, I’m all for discussion threads that are filled with thought-provoking content and frequent challenges to opinions. So if you plan on leaving a comment, be just as prepared to have someone challenge your position as quickly as they would agree and don’t be offended when/if it happens.

In general, there’s nothing wrong with taking another reader to task on his/her position but so long as you avoid any of the Seven Deadly Sins Of Culture Blog Commenting listed above, you’ll not only prevent your input from getting moderated but you’ll start to build a strong online reputation.

So what are you waiting for? Submit a comment and join the conversation.