How to Have More Fun Reading a Blog

I know, it’s hard to believe that it could possibly be more fun. But it’s true. I’ve experienced it all over again this last week.

Here’s the secret:

Leave comments.

I don’t write that because I’m begging for comments. Seriously. You don’t have to comment on this blog. Just go comment on any blog. More than once.

The reason? Because then we start experiencing community. Once you join in the discussion, it becomes yours. You care far more about that blog, and the people who write it or read it along with you. You become connected. You get to know what kind of people enjoy reading the same blog that you enjoy reading. So much fun to be had by all.

I also read on this blog that if you want to show appreciation to someone for the time and effort they put into writing a good blog post, the best way to show it is by commenting. I read a lot of blogs, and ever since I came across that thought, I’ve felt like I need to comment more, just like I say “thank you” when someone does something for me.

But guess what? Commenting the first couple of times scared me – very much. I got extremely nervous and worked up over the whole thing, which was extremely silly, because it’s not like it’s a big deal, but it was really out of my comfort zone. I was very self-conscious about writing something that would sound dumb.

And then I made a mistake while I was trying to post my comment, and accidentally posted it twice, which felt like it was announcing to the world that I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. And I didn’t, but I didn’t want anyone to actually know that I didn’t. I am not what you would call computer-savvy.

So of course I had to call Ben and tell him all about how I made a complete fool of myself in blog world, and I was so embarrassed, and then I told him that I would never post anything on a blog again. And my darling husband responded with, “That’s exactly why you SHOULD keep posting. No one is going to remember or care. It’s good for you – it will stretch you.”

And then I had to get over myself, and work up my courage, and start posting comments regularly.

Funny how that was such a big deal, when I write on my own blog all the time.

So I get it. It’s kind of intimidating. And yet you might be the person who will gain the most from it. You will transform from a lurker to a member. You will feel a sense of ownership. Other people might be blessed or inspired from the things that you have to say. And it might even be fun!

You should at least give it a try. Somewhere. Anywhere. I know you can do it!