I had a few comments to post on her blog in response to posts she’d made. The comments weren’t negative to the writer, and they simply pointed out some good advice about things a freelance writer should avoid. The comments weren’t attacks and they weren’t personal. In fact, they were pretty normal, reflecting the beliefs I uphold here in my blog – quality and value for reader.
My comments, of course, weren’t immediately posted on the writer’s blog due to the moderation process. That’s fine; I can wait.
I’m not going to wait forever, though. A response within 24 hours is pretty standard practice for those serious about their business. After a week of waiting for my comments to be posted, I dropped the writer a nice, polite email asking about her policies on moderation and her usual turnaround for comment approval.
Two weeks later, I’m still waiting. My comments aren’t posted on her blog, and I haven’t received any acknowledgement of my email. That’s just rude. Unresponsiveness in business is irresponsible and shows a lack of manners and respect.
Commentary, discussion, and debate is a good thing. That’s what blogs are for. I certainly don’t avoid feedback from anyone. Contact with other freelance writers is a good thing. Networking is smart for business. I encourage it. Screening blog comments for the glowing praises and fawning adoration only? Pretty selfish, if you ask me.
The lack of communication and attention from Writer X regarding my email and comments are shameful. Refusing to answer questions is reflects poorly on her already sub-standard business. A quick, “I’ll get back to you,” would’ve kept me satisfied for another week at least. If my comment aren’t going to be posted, the writer should answer my request about moderation policies and tell me she has no intention of posting my comments. It’s just polite.
So, who is this writer? Someone who doesn’t deserve the honor of a link to their site from my blog nor five minutes of fame by my noting their name and providing them with hits from negative press.
If you’re going to be a freelance writer and are serious about your business, be polite and responsible. Answer your emails, allow people their voice, and take the bad with the good. At the very least, show a little respect. No one is above criticism and everyone should be able to answer questions on their motives and business practices if they’re serious and honest.
That’s interesting. You must follow your comments pretty closely. I make lots of comments, but only occasionally go back to see if they get published.
Anyway, here’s my take:
If I noticed something like that happening to me I would ask the following: 1) Is it an active blog? By that I mean, is the blogger still posting on a regular basis. I have seen blogs that go without posts for weeks, even months. 2) Are other comments appearing on the blog? If so, then you know that yours are being withheld for some reason. (Could the blogger have mistaken you for a spammer?) If no comments are on the blog, perhaps the blogger a) doesn’t understand the moderation process b) doesn’t wish to include comments (I personally think bloggers who don’t wish to include comments should turn them off).
If you’ve done everything you can to be professional, I’d say just drop it and move on. Don’t waste energy posting there again.
Have a great day (and thanks for letting me get my two cents in).
1. Yes, very.
2. Yes, the positive ones that gush. That should be a first clue why my comments aren’t posted.
No worries, though. I’m in no way frustrated to the point that I’m going to continue the matter. I wanted to point out to other bloggers and writers what *not* to do. Takes far more than that to ruffle my feather, but the situation gave me a blog post.
And thanks for your two cents!