Thing #4: Why Commenting is Important

I spent several hours reading the blogs provided in the Discovery Resources. I also read a number of links provided in those resources. I certainly learned a lot. I also felt completely overwhelmed by the amount of information available and the amount of information that there is yet to learn. What I did learn was interesting and informative. I learned about lurkers, trolls, flaming, court cases, ways of managing information and on and on. I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed. Like I said, it's a lot of information.
I'm a bit skeptical of some of the information that I read. For example, that 90% of users are lurkers. Where do they come up with these numbers? I clicked on the study and scanned it to see if it met valid research criteria. At a glance, it appeared to. I still don't believe it. That would, according to my Educational Psychology class, make me fit right in with the people who don't believe research that they really just don't want to. I'll only believe it after I study it in depth, and frankly, I really just don't want to read a lengthy research study right now.
Commenting helps create a sense of community and interaction because it brings together people with shared interests. The people with the same interest may be seeking information, or they may be simply generously relating to others the specific knowledge which they have gained with experience. Commenting encourages other bloggers to share their expertise or point of view. In addition, commenting may inspire others to consider another point of view, and it may lead to an increase in the general knowledge base.
I think that coolcatteacher gave some very good advice when she said to remember the power of words and to beware of Darth Commenter. She's right that words can build up or tear down. I don't think that there is anyone out there that needs abusive or mean-spirited words aimed at them-even the worst of people. We lead by example, and hopefully our examples will be good ones. Of course, it all boils down to using good manners, and good manners for any true Southerner just come naturally. :)
I also linked to Wikipedia and read about the social and legal consequences of comments. Now that was some fascinating stuff to me. It really showed something that I already knew-the power of words. It is a reminder to be mindful of what you are saying and to remember that your words can have an effect far beyond what you may have intended or imagined.
I chose to comment on Sarah LaBean's blog (http://sarahlabeans.blogspot.com/2010/09/thing-1.html#comment-form) both in order to encourage her and also to commiserate with her. We share some things in common: similar character traits and outlooks. We both struggle with self-confidence issues with this class but find it easy to mentor/teach others. In addition, both Sarah and I have a tendency to view problems as problems, not challenges.
I chose to comment on "Teach Effort...Learn Life." MCiezkia's blog (http://teacheffortlearnlife-mciezki.blogspot.com/2010/09/2-of-23-things.html) because I liked the guy's attitude. I commented on how this will positively impact his future as a teacher. I also commented on the fact that I believe that I have spotted a fellow lover of words. He has a story to tell and an interesting way of telling it.
I chose to comment on Megan Artz's blog to encourage her in her continuing efforts to press on despite her occasional discouragement and struggles as a student. Since I also share the same struggles, I wanted to share an inspirational quote which I personally find inspiring and one which I hope that Megan will also.
I commented on Brittany's "thing #7" blog because she was having trouble downloading a picture from Flickr to her computer, and I wanted to give her some tips that I hoped would help her out. I wanted to hopefully save her the same misery that I encountered trying to download a picture on my "thing #7."
I commented on Sarah LaBeans thing #23 because she has finished all 23 things already! I congratulated her and told her I was a little bit envious. She deserved an acknowledgment for all of her hard work!
I commented on Cool Cat Teacher's blog about How to Create Your Circle of the Wise. She provided some sage advice on finding good RSS feeds in this post, and I just thanked her for the good information. A little box telling me that my comment would need approval before being posted popped up, and I don't yet see my comment posted. I'll keep checking back. P.S. I am amazed! Cool Cat Teacher actually took the time to wish me well in creating my "circle of the wise." How nice of her!
I also commented on Pioneer Woman's Ten Important Things I've Learned About Blogging. I told her that I found her tips useful. I also commented that I found the blog entertaining and that it had great photos. I commented because she really does have a good site and it is enjoyable to check out.