No, the Active Rain gurus haven't created something new without telling you. They're still smarting from the missing Blog button controversy:)
My definition of Diablogging has to do with keeping an ongoing dialog going through the comments made by members and the original blogger. Way beyond the "nice post, thanks" comments we frequently see.
This one has been in my draft folder for a while but I decided to revive it after seeing what I consider the perfect example of Diablogging. Richard Weisser has a featured post on being a square peg in a round hole. As of this morning Richard's post has accumulated over 239 comments. I find that to be a pretty amazing number, considering the post is less than 24 hours old. Most featured posts never accumulate 100 comments before they roll off the main page.
Take a look at that post and you'll see the dialog between the poster and members of the community, and between members of the community to each other, with the poster in the background. The creativity of the comments is compelling reading.
He just threw the fresh meat into the cage, probably not knowing where it would ever go. The community, by way of their comments, took it in a direction that they wanted it to go, and Richard went along for the ride.
There has been a lot of carping lately about how featured posts get selected. AR staffers even felt compelled to weigh in on the subject as to how the selections are made. Richard's featured post struck a nerve with the community, even on a lazy Sunday evening. The AR staffers didn't have a difficult decision to make, the community already made it for them by the sheer number of comments. Comments and responses (Diablogging) are what takes a blog post to the next level.
Of course, my definition of Diablogging assumes three things:
- The original post is actually worthy of comments.
- A comment is actually worthy of a response. "Great post, thanks," is not worthy of a response but we see it all the time.
- The original poster goes back to reply to a comment and keeps the dialog going. This doesn't always happen either.
Active Rain is a phenomenal resource and we, the community, can make it even better. Thoughtful comments and responses by posters can take this platform to the next level. Keep the dialog going.
Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
SKYPE ME: RichSellsHomes
I guess we do learn something new evey day! Thanks for making me think this Monday Morning!!!
Richard, Sometimes it hurts to think this early in the morning.
What this particular instance is called is a highjack. I was sent an email to participate but I was not available to do so.
I do like your term though - it makes good sense.
BTW - Thanks for brining up the 'missing 're-blog button' controversy. I was the one who made the fuss about it. At least you paid attenion. Bob Stewart even called me about it.
At least the mystery is solved.
That's a clever name for it. That's actually how I subscribe to blogs. If I make a comment (I'm not a "thanks for the post" commentor) on a blog and the OP responds to my comment and others I subscribe to it. The dialog and comments can be as interesting and informative as the original post. Also the dialog is how relationships are built.
Great post. Thanks! :-)
HI RICHARD!
Many times when I read an AR post, I feel compelled to say something. I mean, I want to provide my 5 cents! Sometimes when I read a post, I may not have an opinion on what's said, but may like the presentation. At which time I will say "great post!" I think most individuals want acknowledgement of their work. So, I grant them that.
Oh and yes it is too early for such intense thinking!
Marlene, Wow! That missing blog button thing went on for a long time. We are creatures of habit.
Beth, Interesting take on subscribing to blogs, I like it. Great comment. Thanks :-)
Yvette, I can see your point. Acknowledgement is important. I never know what to respond to a great post comment...maybe I'm overthinking it.
At least now I and many others know how to 'Re-Blog.' They cut out the most important peice of information. Sheeez.
I'm flattered to be part of the subject matter but this was a great post ... so well thought out and you hit the nail on the head.
Did I write the blog with the intention of grabbing attention? You bet I did! And it paid off big time.
BTW, this will be the first featured post in Square Pegs other than my intro.
Richard, Thanks! your fingers must be tired keeping up with the responses to that post. It was amazing watching it transpire. First time I've seen something like that on Active Rain.
Never thought of it in these terms but I like it.
Cameron, It's like Instant Messaging...except with a lot of people at the same time.
Definitely deserving of first feature post!
Liz, Thanks! Coming from you that's meaningful. I really enjoy your posts.
Thanks Richard. Great post! Just kidding, of course, although it was a great post. LOL The flow of conversation is what seems to have sucked me in to this AR addiction. I also agree with Yvette on responding as a way of acknowledgment and encouragement even if I don't feel strongly about the post. I think if folks are not getting some sort of response on their writings they may give it up.
Terri, We don't ever want to do anything to stop people from expressing their views...either on posts or comments. It can take some work but it's definitely worth it.
I generally don't do diablogging. I've noticed that many of the posts that have hundreds of comments only have half that many if you take out the post's owners additional comments. For the blog owner to make four separate comments like
is, I think, a waste of time, mainly because probably only about 10% of the commenters subscribe to the notification for additional comments.
Rather, if there is a legitimate question, I will answer that in the comment section so that new commenters might see it, but because I know that most people don't subscribe to notification, I'll email the person with the answer to the question. Most questions are rhetorical anyway and don't need an answer.
Richard, I have become very fond of Richard and many others through the process of diablogging. I love to interact back and forth and look forward to the chuckle I get when someone responds with something funny. For instance, when the blog button went missing, I emailed Gary Woltal directly and he let me know where it was. When I had a problem with Skype, I emailed C Tann Starr and she called me on Skype and walked me through it. Now these are two people who I would never have had known if not for the back and forth that goes on in AR!
Susan, Richard's posts get hijacked frequently and the banter back and forth is great.
Richard, That post sure got going in the evening. I found it when it had at least 300 comments on it! I missed the par-tee!
Jacking a post can be fun!
April, I don't know how he kept up with returning comments as well as he did.
Richard,
I don't know either. When I've been featured I haven't been able to keep up, hard as I tried!
April, Been there, done that...actually not too well though.