I’m a pretty hard-core introvert myself. Phone conversations are hard for me because there’s got to be a subject to talk about. If there’s no subject, I’ve got nothing to say. (I don’t know why I said that).

Anyway, I guess what I’m trying to say is great post!! I love seeing insight into how the pro’s do it.

Keep on keepin’ on!

When it comes to connecting with fans, a big problem that I struggle with is actually reaching them through all of the noise of the Internet. Richard Wong wrote a post just a few days ago about just that, and concluded that good communication will cut through the chatter: “cream rises to the top,” as he puts it. But I responded that I’m skeptical; it seems as though there are a lot of great bloggers putting in a lot of work on building community, and a lot of them don’t get the attention they deserve.

Maybe I should primarily respond to comments through more comments on the post then instead of emailing that person individually. I wasn’t clear if there was any etiquette on that or established practices. Would love to hear more on this.

I’m thinking some kind of community forum could be especially good for me, as my topic is a bit wider than most pundits recommend (I’m covering music AND horror.) I think there is a lot of intersection between the two but forums might allow those who are only interested in one or the other an option that is a bit more topic specific.

Can you recommend some good programs for setting up forums?

Diana

PS. This is not on topic with this thread, but it seems most advice for bloggers is in relation to business or how-to blogs. I am trying to find blogging tips specific to those who do entertainment based blogs, as that means a bit different type of posts. Know of any good resources? Or any posts here that would be applicable that I have overlooked on searches?

Thanks!

I’ll be careful not to burnout if you will! :)

Thanks to everyone for the comments – lots of meaty reflections!

Deb Ng – it’s certainly a challenge isn’t it.

The Handyguys – sounds like you’re building a solid foundation of loyal readers.

BrianJUY – I noticed the same thing, a forum is a great way to give people a space to get their questions answered by others. In fact if I get emails from my photography readers and I don’t know the answer my automatic response is to encourage them to ask the question in the forum where the wisdom of the community will no doubt answer it.

Heather – I think it’s good to come out of your comfort zone – just don’t burn yourself out by trying to be something that you’re not. The world needs introverts too :-)

Oleg – love the way that you put that, thanks.

Car Seat Traveler – to be honest in the early days of my blog I would reply to almost every comment, even those without questions. I was just so happy to have comments :-) But in time I realised that perhaps I was over doing it. Answering every comment even when the comment was just a ‘nice post’ was a little over the top. I’ve seen a few bloggers recently who pride themselves on answering every comment and at times it does seem a little over the top. You end up with a comments section with the blogger dominating the comments and sometimes stretching themselves to make conversation even when those who leave the comments don’t seem to be wanting to do anything more than add a simple point. Each to their own I guess but my preference is to respond to those comments with which you’d naturally want to respond to – almost like in real life conversation.

Eric – great image there with the magnifying glass comment :-)

This Mama Works It – thanks for buying the 31 day workbook. This post is probably a good accompaniment to the workbook as a lot of the days focuses upon this type of stuff.

nandoism – I think you’ve just got to work out which of the networks you’re going to be active on and then perhaps try to communicate to others that you’re not able to really engage on the others. Pick a handful to engage on and let the rest just be places to point to your main points of focus.

Jacinta Dean – love that last tag line :-)

I especially like how you draw attention to the differences between an introverted and extroverted approach to blogging and social media. It’s not that introverts don’t enjoy people. It’s just that they may require more down-time to assimilate thoughts and formulate responses. It’s a learning style as much as a personality trait. It helps to understand how the medium can support both types, with the caveat that introverts might have to push themselves a bit harder, on the more conversational and spontaneous parts of social media.

Thanks for your useful tips on helping us to build community through our blogs.

One more thing I can add to this: extend your interaction in other media: Twitter, Facebook and so on. Or, as I use to say: your blog is beyond your blog.

great post and great advice. I have only just started blogging in the last year and I am now really starting to understand it all from a readers and bloggers perspective. Sometimes it be hard on where you draw the line.

However I do very much agree with the relational side of things. Thank you for the advice, very timely for me to take on board as I am finding every day my readership is growing.

Kind Regards

Jacinta :D
(An Aussie mum trying to create a business online while her 2 year old sleeps! :))

While I sincerely thank you for the advice, buddy, this has never worked for me.

You see, I was born and raised to be an ass of all holes (kinda like a jack of all trades but much less able). People hate my personality, and I hate people, thus I desire as little visitors to my internet cave as possible.

I took your advice, listened to my heart and told everyone to get lost, and yet people keep on coming! What the Frisbee is going on?

I don’t even know why I keep coming back to you, Darwin.