How I handle Comments on MY blog

This is my blog.  I own the domain www.EricHegwer.com, I pay for and manage my own server space, and I write and create all the content.  My website is a combination of my life, job, travels, hobbies, and whatever else I decide to write about.

How often should you leave a comment on a blog?  I encourage you to leave a comment on every single page, or at least every time you visit.  It’s OK to post comments frequently.  I know I do.  It shows me that you are visiting my site, and find it at least sort of interesting.  A comment is like an internet pat on the back.

If you see a photo you like, you can say something simple like: “neat shot”, or “great color”.  If you feel so inclined you can ask a question like “what lens did you use”, and I guarantee I’ll get back to you with an answer.

If you want to know more about a technique I use for home repair, or photography, just ask, and I’ll be more descriptive.

Statements like “great site” will cause me to think twice  - those two words are almost equivalent to Free Cialis, or Mexican Viagra.  It’s a common trick spammers think they can use to get their foot in the door and begin to take over.  

What is not cool is to use the comments in a bad or malicious way.  I know a TON about the internet, and when you decide to write something that isn’t on the up and up, I get your IP address.  You can put in a fake e-mail and website, but behind the scenes, your computer is automatically sending me your computer’s unique code that identifies it from all the other machines on the web.  With your IP, I know exactly who you are – and I have friends all over the world, so be careful, you don’t want to wake up to hot coffee spilled all over your keyboard, or worse.

I also moderate all comments.  So if you think you can publicly humiliate me into getting you your wedding photos or albums faster, forget it.  Everybody gets incredible customer service.  That’s just how I do things.  But sometimes I make the creative process sound easier than it really is.  Just be patient, you don’t want me to rush and do a crappy job on your wedding photos, right? (Even if you did, I wouldn’t do that anyway.)

I won’t discard authentic negative comments.  If you know of a better way to do things, I’d love to hear about it.  If you find a particular photo not to your liking, and want to say so, do it!  I want to hear what you have to say, it helps me become better.

Finally – Sometimes I close comments, If you want to post a something about an entry that doesn’t allow comments DON’T add it to another post.  Please stay on topic.

Whew I feel better.