Are you the kind of person that doesn’t say something when someone sneezes?
Of course not.
Do you take the big slice of cake, without offering it to your companion?
Probably not – unless they’re family.
Do you make snide comments about a person’s appearance, lifestyle, or belief system?
Of course not – uhm, unless they’re family.
You don’t do these things because you are not a rude person.
What’s my point?
Well – how many blogs do you read? Do you enjoy them? Do you share them? Do you add your comments, or do you just glance and advance?
Blogs have come a long way. At first, it seemed that they were no different than your teenage daughter’s diary – well, maybe a little less angst, but not far off. But since their whiny start they have evolved into a way of interacting with your audience. A blog is now 60/40 soapbox/self-indulgence. And you, dear reader, can actually help make a blog better by contributing your thoughts, your views, and your comments.
Some of the most interesting blogs have mundane posts with AMAZING comments. Ok – usually not mundane, but the comments, flames, and taunts can help a blog go from ordinary to amazing. Why is this?
Because of your opinion.
Your older brother told you that your opinion doesn’t matter – but, once again, he was wrong. You read a blog because you are interested in that topic. You engage with the blog because you agree, or disagree, with the writer. Help make the blog better by sharing your thoughts. Maybe the writer is way off base. Maybe he’s bang on, and you didn’t think anyone else felt the same way. I guarantee, if you read to the end of a post, you will have an opinion. Or your money back.
Why is this relevant?
No, this isn’t just a thinly veiled attempt to get you to write comments to inflate my ego – and not just because my wife says it probably not possible for it to get bigger. I’m actually sharing this to help you. In your comments you can find support from those that think like you do or constructive arguments from those that hold a different opinion, sometimes affirmation sometimes condemnation. But above all – you will be contributing. The new way of the web is built on this concept. You and I creating something better than either of us could create on our own. – It’s also handy for self-promotion – but that’s just a side effect
How do you help?
Be honest. Be accurate. Be interesting. Be involved.
I look forward to reading your comments – unless you’re family.
– Jason
We make it all better 
Part of the problem lies in the society we live in – instant gratification – as if it all comes to us at no cost. But it does, and the cost is engagement. If no one out there engaged, it would be pretty boring. How many of us really know our neighbours, much less our co-workers, customers, the lifeguard at the local rec centre? Taking without giving back is simply rude, as you so aptly put it. If you get something out of a blog, a tweet, a facebook link – it takes very little to add something to the conversation. Social media has a chance to change attitudes, but it takes more than the effort of one, it takes the greater whole of the social media village to make it work.
Good point Scott,
engagement is a tough nut to crack.
Though the lack of engagement is a strong motivator to become a better writer. (but it’s nice when someone throws you the occasional bone!)
I think the true value of a blog is to start a conversation – not end one.
thanks for speaking up and contributing – much appreciated!
Jason