h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hey folks!

Following the Ed's guidance on commenting in the Post, I'm feeling confused, and I need to talk about it.

So I'm going to perhaps post this hopeful little statement into the places I've commented on this week, and see if I can reach some clarity.



What has been my approach to the Comments Box?

Well, sometimes I will enter a comment of my own, which either starts off a conversation, or stands alone.

Sometimes I enter an existing conversation. Someone else has entered a comment with a title, and I follow on, perhaps to add an insight of my own.



However, out of respect for the Ed's guidelines, contrary to the organically developing conversations which I love and encourage, particularly in my journal, I feel in this context I need to sharpen my approach.

How do I do this?

My instinct is to want to contact the contributor directly, acknowledge their contribution, and offer a few insights.

Essentially, I need to keep my focus on their work.

This really matters to me.

I could title my comment, To The Contributor.

It might feel strange to do this, because it then sounds like no further conversations are welcome.

However, I want my message to get through, even if the contributor doesn't want to respond, that's fine.

I want them and their work to feel recognised. A personal message from me.

Sharpness and focus seem to be my key words.

Perhaps also, if they want, a contributor could attach a directive paragraph to their work, like, 'I'd like some feedback on .. (certain area)' ..

However, I guess that might be too much like a workshop.

Don't know. Help!

Obviously with the caption contests its a bit different, but I still need to focus on finding that elusive caption. heheh.

I'm hoping writing this down will help, and it would be great to talk to someone!

cc

Actually, I decided what I need to do about the commenting question.

This will be my way of honouring Ed's guidelines.

I'll open up a comment with a new thread, so then I can begin with a direct communication with the contributor.

I think this is the main element for me, that focus of communication.

Then, if the thread develops into a conversation, that's fine.

And its also OK if the contributor thinks 'oh no! not 'er again', haha, and doesn't want to open a conversation with me.

Its just getting it right for me, and this feels like it.

If the contributor adds a directive, like, could I have some feedback on (photographic technique/writing technique etc), I'll just say, like I used to in the AWW, well, thanks for your contribution, I'm not qualified to give you the feedback you need, but someone will be along soon!

Sorted!