Thing Four.

Comment.  Comment.  Comment. 


The most important aspect of commenting, according to me, is that it turns blogs into discussions.  Without comments blogs turn into narratives that someone is writing in order for others to see.  With the comment ability that narrative can turn into a discussion on the written topic.  This creates a sense of community by letting the blogger know that others are reading their material and others are thinking about and reacting to their thoughts.  Commenting allows interaction between bloggers who would otherwise not be able discuss topics.  No matter where you live you can comment on a blog from anywhere in the world.  Blogging and commenting shrink our world and allow everyone access to a new community, the blogosphere.


One thing that I found important about commenting from the blogs I read was to comment on something meaningful.  While a simple "I agree" is nice, a comment on what the blogger has written would be much more appreciated.  A blogger would also be more likely to respond to meaningful comments, therefore, strengthening the community and interaction. 


I also found the advice to bloggers to respond to comments very important.  Obviously, not every blogger can respond to every comment, but a simple "Thank You" is polite and would make the commenter feel good about their comment being read by the blogger. 


The following are some blogs that I have commented on:


1.  23Thingstodowhenyouarebored.blogspot.com - I chose to comment on this blog because A. H. is my friend. :) More importantly than that I know that A. H. is very thorough in her writings and I thought I would have plenty to choose from and comment meaningfully on.   I decided to comment on her post about setting up a blog since we worked on it together.


The following is what I commented:  "Do you really walk around with a flower in your hair and a computer on your hip?  It would not surprise.  You making blogging sound like so much fun in this post.  If I had not already made my avatar and blog your post would make me want to try it.  Way to go!!  I love the look of your blog and what a great pic of you and your hubby.  As for the Will Ferrell thang, you are crazy girl!  Blake Shelton is so much cuter!  Have fun with your blog and I know we will chat soon!"

I wrote this to let AH know that I felt she did a great job on her blog and that I enjoyed working with her creating blogs and avatars.  Also, I knew that if I made my post funny (at least I think so) that she would comment back.


2. Scott Atchley - "Seeking Harmony" - I chose to post on Scott's blog because I felt like I had something to add to his learning styles.  I commented on Thing #1, and I had some questions for him. 


The following is what I commented:  "Hey Scott!  We should study together because I am a planner, and I can help you with your "shoot from the hip" problem. :)Actually, I think that improvising your way through a problem is a great way to learn about yourself and how you problem solve.  Are you a procrastinator?  Or do you just prefer this way of doing things?  Great post!  I am sure that we will chat soon."


I made these comments because I thought that if I asked some questions it would give him something to think about and expand on.  I also thought it interesting that we are total opposites and I wanted to point that out. 
3.  23 Things by Schlauch - I chose this blog to comment on because I was curious about the shutterfly account.  Also, I have the same view as TS about blogging in the classroom.  I commented on the Thing #3 post about using blogs in the classroom.


The following is what I commented:  "I have never used a shutterfly account.  Is it similar to Blogger?  We are on the same page with blogs for the classroom being time savers.  They could also eliminate many excuses about missed assignments.  I love it when the students are accountable for their own learning, and I think it better prepares them for college and life after graduation. Great Post!"


I posted this in order to ask TS about shutterfly.  I have heard of it, but never investigated about getting an account.  I also wanted TS to know that we are in agreement with blogs saving time in the classroom.  I think that part of our job as teachers is to prepare the students to take accountability for their own learning and actions.


4.Mreese7 - Life Long Learning - I chose to post on this blog because, after reading several posts, I think MR does a great job of getting her point across in her writing.  I have not completed Thing #6 yet, and I wanted to see how she felt about it.  I learned something new and decided to post.


The following is what I commented on:  "Thanks for posting about Pandora.  I have heard of it, but never used it myself.  My husband is a landscaper and uses it all day when he is on a job site.  He swears by it!  Great idea about using it in the classroom.  In my future history classes, I could play some music from the time period we are discussing."


I made the above comment because I feel the MR gave me a great idea about music in the classroom.  I wanted her to know that she gave me an idea to use in the future.  I also wanted her to know that I was now going to try Pandora.
5.killebrew123 -  I commented on this blog because I was getting ready to read the articles she posted about, and I wanted to see her view of it.  I commented on the Web 2.0 post for thing #3. 


The following is what I commented:  "I am getting ready to read about Web 2.0, but I wanted to read your post on it first.  I like that you got some new information from each of the articles that you read.  I do not know a lot about Web 2.0.  Did you know about it before doing the reading?  Also, I agree that it is amazing how fast technology changes.  When I got the iPhone 4, just a few months later they came out with iPhone4S and now the iPhone 5.  How can anyone keep up?  Sheesh!  It's exhausting!"


I made the abouve comment because I wanted Killebrew123 to know that her blog post helped me to decide how to go about writing my own.  Also, I totally agreed with her on the speed at which new technology comes out.  I think my comment was meaningful because it let her know that he post helped me out.  Thanks!


6. Knitpurlgurl.com - I chose to comment on this blog because I love to knit.  No, I am not retired, nor do I have an AARP card.  I learned how to knit when my boys were babies and went to bed at 7pm each night.  I needed something to do other than watching the crap on TV these days.  So, I learned to knit.  (I also crochet.)  I have read several blogs on knitting, but this one was new to me.  I commented on a post about how garter stitch, the simplest stitch in knitting, should be appreciated and used by the most experienced knitters.  Basically, knitters shouldn't be snobby about their stitches and the easiness or hardness of them.  (Sorry if this is confusing to you non knitters out there.)

The following is what I commented:  "I love to knit and watch movies so, garter stitch is perfect for me.  Even if it is just part of a pattern it relaxes me.  I think I could do it in my sleep.  Thank you for not making me feel lazy by loving this simple stitch.  I knit to "get away" and garter stitch helps me do just that. I would love to make a Wingspan.  This is the first I have heard of it, and now I will have to try it." 


I wrote this to let the author know that I read and agreed with her thoughts on garter stitch.  I think my comment was meaningful because it let her know that I understood the meaning behind her post, and I also let her know that I learned something new.  I will be learning how to make a Wingspan because of her post, and I think she would appreciate that her blog is helping to pass on the craft of knitting. 


7.www.saltyrunning.com - I chose this blog to comment on because it seemed to be the best running blog for beginners and lots of tips were given to help others.  The blog was about running without a plan.  The point being that all of us are busy and if you don't plan to run you won't


The following is what I commented:  "Thanks for all the information about planning your runs.  I usually run without a plan and that means running gets put last on my list.  I have two kids and I am currently working on my masters degree, but I really want to add more running into my schedule.  I will definitely try to plan as you suggested, including the dry erase board.  My kids are too big for a jogger, but I am thinking of putting them on bikes with me running along beside them.  Anyone have success with this?"


I think this comment is meaningful since I asked for some extra advice.  I also let the author know that I agreed with her about planning being important.  Also, I added that I would try some of her suggestions.  Hopefully she will respond.