Negative comments: 8 reasons why they’re good for your blog
Posted by Jean-Baptiste Jung on Sep 13, 2008 | 25 commentsAll bloggers loves to receive feedback on their articles. But how do you handle negative feedback? As a blog grows, it becomes more exposed to negative comments. Despite the fact theses comments aren’t flattering, they’re good for your blog. Here’s 8 reasons why.
You can be wrong
Yes, really. Everyone can make a typo, forgot to say something important or just being plain wrong. In theses cases, the negative comment is just a way to improve your article. Blogging is all about exchange: You give to your readers, why shouldn't they give to you?
Criticized posts are...popular posts
Last month, our "How to: Customize your GNU/Linux desktop in 7 easy steps" article hitted digg.com front page. Many readers and digg users left negative comments on the article, mostly saying that the article was for Ubuntu instead of GNU/Linux. It can be very easy to think that this article sucks because of the important amount of negative feedback. But hey, wait. You said, it hitted digg.com front page, right?
So, despite the negative comments, more than 700 people digged this article, which is definitely not a bad deal!
Negative comments on your blog shows that you respect your readers and their thoughts
Some blog owners delete negative comments. Sure, negative comments aren't flattering, but well, if you provide a way for your readers to express their views about your article, you should respect their right to criticize.
Not censoring negative comments shows that you respect your readers point of view and that you are an open-minded person.
Negative comments can create a debate
Debates are always a good thing for your blog: They encourages rss subscriptions, comments and can provide new backlinks.
So, when someone left a negative comment, maybe another reader will respond, and a new debate will start, which is good for your blog.
Negative comments don't devalue your blog
When I was younger, I use to think that a negative comment can influence other people. But people have their own advice about things. If I find a very cool blog post, I'll leave a comment saying I loved it, nevermind if 1, 5 or even 10 peoples left negatives comments.
Negative comments are...content
That's simple as that. A comment is content and there's nothing better for seo than content.
Only the unknown aren't criticized
Think about Microsoft: If you google the term Fuck Microsoft, you'll get 418.000 results. That's really a lot of people who doesn't like them. But they're also being criticized a lot because it's a very big company and everyone knows Microsoft, even my grandmother.
As a blog grows, it become more and more exposed to negative feedback. Negative feedback is definitely a good indication of growth.
What about you?
And you, what's your thoughts on negative blog comments? Do you hate it, or do you think it's a great way to improve your blog general quality? Let's talk about it.
Click here for demo and more info
Insightful insight! We (and our blogs) can only grow through honest criticisms than fake praises. I love this statement, “Only the unknown aren’t criticized..” Excellent stuff, Jung.
Yan
Thank you, Yan!
I dont mind negative comments, and agree with you that a comment is a content weather its a good or a negative comment
This technique is actually been used by bloggers to gain attention to their content. They purposely posted wrong content to seek attention which in turn leads to a dozen of negative comments. This is a good way to see a period of traffic spike but overdoing it will hurt your credibility. Have to use it appropriately with care.
@Wei Liang: Wow, I really never thought about writing an obviously bad post just to get attention from people. As you said, even if it can be good in terms of visitors, by doing that you’ll definitely hurt your credibility for good.
very good point. it’s interesting how the debate turns out actually because on some of the blogs i’ve visited, those people who leave negative comments sometimes end up rebutted by other comments from people who disagree. now, if the author had suppressed the negative comments, he might have missed out on seeing his other readers defend him.
This article is crap.
@SOMEONE: As I said in the article, your advice is welcome. Therefore, you should explain why you think it’s crappy.
@Someone: your comment is the most deliciously succinct irony possible. Gave me a great chuckle.
Shouldn’t “and they’re nothing better for seo than content” be “and there’s nothing better for seo than content” ;o)
Good entry, though!
Negative comments are great. The best thing that can happen is either people love your post, or people hate it. Both sides of the love/hate spectrum involve really strong feelings, so when people criticize or give praise they show feelings about your post — they’re involved. The worst thing for your post would be if nobody comments and it’s ignored.
Very thoughtful post jbj, the best thing i like about negative comments is that they really make the conversation long and its in your side a long list of counter comments comes in.
Well, you have presented valid arguments, I’ll give you that. Then again you only presented 7 reasons, not 8 - that clearly contradicts your post title. (Is this a negative comment yet?
)
@Lucas: The 8th reason is reader’s reason
I’d like to receive answers and thoughts about my posts.
Ah, I see, but then if the “8th” reason is the reader’s… there could still be a possible 9th, 10th, … nth reason - a reader may have 2 or more reasons, yes?
Haha anyway, enough of my arguments.
I really like your posts jbj. I have subscribed to your blog. Keep up the great work!
@Lucas: Sure, a reader can have more than one reason
Glad to see that you enjoy Cats Who Code btw!
Mr Someone, This article is not crap!
And if you are trying to use the technique in the post for generating more discussion you just got your wish!
I agree to your blog post, but i have a question regarding this
“Not censoring negative comments shows that you respect your readers point of view and that you are an open-minded person.”
What is your commenter say any bad words that are very annoying like
“sh*t”.
do you mind censored that??
@Dilson Decano: Very good question! If someone leaves a comment saying “This article is shit”, I’ll publish it. If the comment is really insulting, this is one of the rare reason I should consider censoring a comment.
Negative comments are great indeed. But I don’t see a reason for publishing offensive comments. Negative comments can create debate if they are constructive. But if someone just wants to tell you that you are sh** as well as your blog I think it doesn’t contribute to anything.
Negative (and constructive) yes, but offensive - no.
At least it gets interaction and activity going on your blog..
As it’s already mentioned, negative comments can be good only if they (people who post negative comments) offer a solution. I hate comments such as “f*ck this website” and I never publish them. Why should I? Just because someone is so stupid?
People always criticise, however they USUALLY don’t come with solution. Say that you publish some PHP code that contains some logical error. People won’t fix you, but instead they’ll blame you. Exceptions do exist, of course. But they’re rare!