Friend Friday: Criticism and Comments

1. Do you allow comments on your blog? Why or why not?

I definitely allow comments on my blog. I love the feedback, support, constructive criticism (which is rare but, it happens,) and hearing from all my lovely blogging friends in general! It brightens my day a little when my phone beeps with an email and it's a comment. I don't understand people who don't allow comments, they are so much fun!

2. Do you think at times people leave comments that are insincere or not well thought out? What's the point?

I think people definitely leave comments that are not well thought out or are extremely calculated in an irrelevant way, for example: love your outfit, follow my blog! or enter my giveaway! I don't delete them but, they aren't my favorites.

3. Would you ever leave a comment that could be considered negative?

I wouldn't ever leave a flat out negative comment because things said in type can be grossly misconstrued since the nuances of tone and such are lost. People might take it more seriously than you mean it for example: "I don't think that shirt it the most flattering on you..." becomes "That shirt is horrible why would you wear it at all?!" It's like those wierd fights you used to have in high school on AIM that were all because one person didn't understand the sarcasm or context of what you were saying. If I want to leave a comment I focus on the things that I really do like about the outfit or topic of discussion.

4. Most people claim to like constructive criticism. Do you really and how do you offer that kind of criticism to others?

I genuinely do appreciate constructive criticism but, it really depends on how it is offered. See above answer... I offer constructive criticism to people but, only those who ask for it or who I am closest to. That being said, if it's a person I don't know I might fluff it up with extra niceness since (according to some people) I am a bit intimidating...

5. Some bloggers don't allow comments in order to cut down on negativity. Do you think that is the way to go or are there other ways to deal with the negative vibes?

I think it's crazy when bloggers don't allow comments! What is the purpose for putting yourself out there if you can't get any feedback or support? I don't think that there is so much negativity in the blogosphere to justify that and if authors feel that way there are probably better ways to deal with it. You can approve all comments or just ask that people don't leave those types of comments. It sounds so simple but, if a person is really supportive and respectful they will listen to what you are asking. There are always going to be some negative people and that can't be helped but, for the most part blogger friends are awesome!