Chances are in the realm of internet content, you're like my ex-boyfriend - you're a taker.  You take in news sources, catch up on favourite blogs, or check out product reviews, and you never give back.  Don't be selfish - give the online world a little bit of you!

We spend hours surfing the web, but they are few and far between - those gems among us - who actually LEAVE A COMMENT (or know how to treat a girl)! 

"But Chelsea," you say, "I don't care what the internet community thinks of my opinions, that's why I read their ideas!"  Well you should care, there are many
pros to becoming a commenter:


1. Grow Your Own Profile - Like a smart bespeckled kid in grammar school, you have an opportunity now to become that clever commentator (just try not to get a wedgie on the playground for it!) who the rest of the class (or reader audience) will take note of.  Don't forget, people listen to those with attitude and opinions, even when they aren't being said out loud.
 
2. Brand Awareness - Mention your company whenever it makes sense to do so.  But be forewarned, acting spammy (placing obvious, promotional comments) looses credibility and may even get you blocked from posting.  Don't think of posting comments as a chance to get your name out, as much as an opportunity to create a dialogue with the blogger or author.
 
3. Networking - Make friends with your fellow commentators.  You'll find other people dealing with similar issues and holding interesting opposing or agreeable opinions.  Think of them as your online pen-pals; people you haven't ever met in person, but who you get to know through words.
 
4. Widen Relationships - for all those who miss out writing their own comments, they'll be reading over your ideas.  Each comment allows you to incorporate one link to a website of your choosing, so be sure readers will be able to find you or your company with that link!

5. Test Ideas - Commentators are typically spontanious, honest, and sometimes downright cruel.  But this is good!  When you have an opinion let it show, the responses (positive and negative) will make you recognize the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and improve it.  

Now you know why you should comment, "But Chelsea, I have no idea what to say!" you complain (excuses, excuses...).  Like my x-boyfriend, you think putting in any effort into a relationship (with your blogger) would be equivalent to climbing Everest.  But I'll give you another chance, "benefit of the doubt" shall we say?  And assume you're not commenting because threads are looking a little intimidating.  Or perhaps it's just a simple case of writers block.  Some ways to inspire your comments:

1. Ask a Question.  I do this because I'm too lazy to actually write a real response.  What don't you understand about the article of blog?  Push the dialogue further, think of it as your job to probe the readership.  

2. Memory Lane. Lend your personal experience or explain how your company dealt with a similar subject matter.  As long as you keep it brief, walking down memory lane with an audience can teach beneficial lessons to all.

3. Priory Post or Related Material.  Figure out how this article/post relates to older material by the author.  Find inconsistencies?  Point them out!  It will make you look like you know the source material really well.

4. Be Specific. There is a lot of information in a post, be sure to refer clearly to which bit you are commenting on.
   
5. Grammar & Spelling.  Look smart, don't use "u" when referring to "you" or numbers for letters, you know the drill.  For a professional edge, these are basic requirements.

So get commenting!  Transform that post or article you're reading into a two-way dialogue (remember, in a relationship you have to talk about everything together).  And after you leave a comment, be sure to check back to the site later and see who responds to your ideas (and follow up when appropriate).  IN FACT - practice leaving a comment here!  Do you think my post sucks?  Do I have any good ideas?  Where did I go wrong in forgetting to mention ____ (fill in the blank)?  Let me know!