In the past, I’ve done more of the magazine-style blog post, just writing on topics I enjoy, making money from the advertising, and not worrying about building a community. After all moderating comments and engaging folks can be time consuming! (Yeah, yeah, the lazy introvert confesses all.)

But it’s clear that the web is developing into more and more of a social beast, and I’m trying to work hard to being more of a community creator with my new blog. I’m trying to remember to ask questions now and then or encourage readers to leave comments.

I try to relate to my readers by addressing them directly as much as possible in my posts and also by signing off at the end of each post with a friendly closing and my first name.

I encourage my readers to comment by directing a few questions to them at the end of each post–some more general ones (i.e., “Did you enjoy this post?” “Have anything to add?”) and one or two specifically targeted to the topic of the post. I also usually end the question section with something along the lines of “I’d love to hear your thoughts!”

Aside from that, I always reply to comments — most often individually — addressing each commenter by name and treating each with friendly respect and goodwill. I feel that addressing each commenter individually (even if doing so in a group comment occasionally) and treating each in a manner that makes him/her feel happy to have contributed are critical for letting my readers know how much I value their input.

Finally, I publish a comment-recognition post near the beginning of each month, recognizing, thanking, and linking to those who have commented at Writer’s Notes during the previous month.

All these practices help demonstrate to my readers/commenters that they’re an essential, respected, and appreciated part of the Writer’s Notes conversation.

Thanks for a fantastic post!
Jeanne

Why would I do that? I hate my readers. I’m always right and they’re always wrong. They need to just shut up and listen to me.

Kidding aside, write some posts that serve one purpose and one purpose only - reader interaction. I do this with my weekly flame war parody that I call the Sunday Retarded Argument. Even if you hate my conservative politics and my repugnant posts about eating babies, you should enjoy the Sunday Retarded Argument… Except the ones about eating babies.

They’re definitely the most commented upon posts each week and that’s because they serve the sole purpose of reader response.

BTW, I encourage everyone to join in the fun every Sunday.