I’m having a bit of a love/hate relationship with the addition of the new “like” button in the comment window. My first reaction when people started putting the button on their own blogs in the comment section was that it was a lazy way of saying to someone that you either agree with them or that you enjoyed their comment. Before it showed up, one was forced to actually write out his or her thoughts. I wasn’t going to put the option of “liking” comments on my blog. Now, it seems, I don’t have a choice. If the comment shows up in the notification box, it’s fair game for a “like.”
Now I’m not saying I don’t think anyone should use them, nor am I complaining when someone “likes” one of my comments. Though I still think it’s a way to be lazy, I find it handy to use when all I really want to do is acknowledge that I’ve read a comment. Particularly if that comment is simply a 🙂 Thus, my love/hate relationship with it.
What do you think of it? How do you use it the most?
August 21, 2014 at 3:07 am
Sometimes it just makes sense to like/agree with a comment when someone has articulated their thoughts so clearly and so thoroughly 🙂
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August 21, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Agreed 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 11:01 pm
Haven’t used it extensively but when a particular comment resonates with my thoughts or if it is a very nice one then I have liked them. I haven’t enabled it in my site though.
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August 21, 2014 at 6:01 pm
Yep, I use them sparingly as well. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 10:37 pm
Since I am forced to do everything on my tablet or phone, and my fibro and eyes have a hard time with it all, ‘like’ and ‘share’ and ‘reblog’ are about my only way of communicating to the world that I am alive and still care. I wish those kinds of responses were everywhere. I would love a ‘sorry’ or ‘unlike’ for when folks are blogging sadness or bad situations.
As an example of how hard it is for me to make comments beyond buttons, I have had to try to write all this four times as the table lost what I was saying. I had to get out the keyboard and put in the USB doggle sit in a very uncomfortable position where I can barely see the screen and make sure I have typed real words. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 10:45 pm
Oh boy, that is a huge bother! I appreciate you going to so much trouble to write out your explanation, Dar. I’ll remember that next time I see a “like” from you. 🙂
I agree, it’s difficult when the news is sad on a post to know whether your “like” is showing support. A “sorry” button would be just the thing.
Thanks again for the comment. Take care of yourself my dear. 🙂
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Pingback: Liking Comments on WordPress, Reevaluated | lindaghill
August 20, 2014 at 8:53 pm
Another button of interaction is never a bad thing. The same people that hate the “like button” as some above are saying are probably the SAME bloggers complaining about lower views when they changed the format. That is highly amusing to me… 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Actually, now that you mention it, your comment like buttons have had a few people interacting. In fact, I’ve clicked on sites of people who have liked my comments – bloggers who I wouldn’t have otherwise necessarily noticed. I think I may try it and see what happens.
Thanks for commenting, m’dear. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 9:54 pm
Heh, this comment wasn’t directed at you btw. I just find it funny when people complain about lack of interaction and views and then wordpress offers just that… a way to interact. And then people complain “oh this is like Facebook.” Makes no sense to me, can’t have it both ways.
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August 20, 2014 at 10:01 pm
Whether the “like” button is a further way to interact isn’t the entire issue though. Yes, it’s another way to get noticed, and to notice people you wouldn’t otherwise have seen, but at the same time it’s a very shallow way to do so. That’s why I was bugging your ass off to extend your reply button down further (yes, I know why you can’t do it now) so that we could interact with each other by actually writing sentences.
So yeah, the “like” button is better than nothing. But I think it’s far from ideal in that it can only give partial meaning to the sentiment of “like” – it can’t say why.
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August 20, 2014 at 10:02 pm
🙂 Well we have discussed this before and you know my view. If people want interaction, real interaction, that is on the blogger to find it. Not to expect it.
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August 20, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Agreed. And the “like” button on the comments, just like the “like” button on the posts, can be a great way to start those discussions. Gotta start somewhere, right? 😀
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August 20, 2014 at 10:07 pm
Yes. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 8:04 pm
I don’t “like” people’s comments too often. I do sometimes, but it’s rare. I’d rather just comment back to comments on my blog. I usually “like” someone’s comment if it’s towards the end of a conversation and there isn’t much to add, but I want to let the person know that I read their comment and appreciated it.
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August 20, 2014 at 8:10 pm
Yep, a few people have said that and I do it too. It’s handy that way. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 8:11 pm
I agree. It’s starting to remind me a bit too much of Facebook though. And I don’t know how I feel about that.
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August 20, 2014 at 8:13 pm
Yep, I agree. That’s one of the things I don’t like about “likes.” 😛
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August 20, 2014 at 8:15 pm
Me too! There are too many “likes.” 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 8:17 pm
Agreed. They start not to mean anything anymore.
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August 20, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Definitely. Here, have a “like”! 😉
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August 20, 2014 at 8:26 pm
Thanks! You too! 😀
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August 20, 2014 at 8:27 pm
Yay, thank you! 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 8:33 pm
😀
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August 20, 2014 at 7:15 pm
I rarely Like comments, I consider it more as an acknowledgement. Sometimes I don’t want to Like a blog, either, because it’s sad or something, but I think Likes are good at showing acknowledgment.
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August 20, 2014 at 10:38 pm
It’s really tough sometimes to figure out whether “liking” something means you’re liking a bad situation or just giving support. Most of the time I just see what everyone else is doing or skip it and write something. But yeah, acknowledgement is a good thing. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 6:08 pm
I use the “like” on the third pass only. For example: Comment, I respond, the comment-er responds again. I like
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August 20, 2014 at 6:32 pm
But what if a conversation keeps going on and on, like I’m going to try to make this one do?
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August 21, 2014 at 8:35 am
It is not a hard and fast rule. I usually know when it is time. It is sort of like a smiley face after someone else said a closing comment.
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August 21, 2014 at 6:17 pm
Okay, you win. Go ahead. 😉
hehehe
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August 22, 2014 at 8:57 am
Thanks my leader. 🙂
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August 22, 2014 at 8:59 am
😉
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August 20, 2014 at 5:27 pm
I still get confused when I see that happen. Makes blogging feel like Facebook in a way. Soon we’ll be a species of ‘likes’ and no words. Like teenagers.
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August 20, 2014 at 5:29 pm
Haha! Yeah, I mentioned that in another comment. Just one of these new-fangled things us old fogies have to get used to, eh Charles? 😉
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August 20, 2014 at 7:22 pm
Guess so. Makes one wonder what’s next.
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August 20, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Don’t ask. Your mind may be blown. 😉
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August 20, 2014 at 5:22 pm
Great post! I also do not like that when I remove “like” on some posts, it still gets “like” on the email and people are “liking” it although on my public post I only have room for comments. I like that about BlogSpot ..only comments, no likes.
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August 20, 2014 at 5:26 pm
That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t introduce them like WP recently did. 😛 It seems to be the way of doing things these days. It’s so very complicated.
Glad you liked the post – thanks! 😀
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August 20, 2014 at 5:41 pm
You’re welcome…I am struggling weaning off WP for Cher Shares blog to post all my Haiku on BlogSpot (sigh) and it is too much work doing both…last year I tried to combine Stigma and cher Shares…I may just have to do it with one last post on WP to explain.
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August 20, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Oh no, you’re leaving WP? I hope you’ll still participate in SoCS!
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August 20, 2014 at 6:01 pm
I have 2 other blogs at WP…not to worry, I sent you an email about my other blog…so I will still haunt you {grins}
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August 20, 2014 at 6:31 pm
That’s great! But I haven’t received an email yet…
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August 20, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Hmm, I sent it a few weeks ago…I’ll check, maybe it went into your spam folder:(
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August 20, 2014 at 6:53 pm
Please try sending it again, to bacamjoly at gmail dot com. Thanks 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 7:22 pm
Yep, I just did
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August 20, 2014 at 7:26 pm
Got it 😀
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August 20, 2014 at 5:13 pm
Linda, that’s so funny – I’ve seen the like but never even thought to use it. I just reply to the comments. Liking kinda seems redundant. Y’know?
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August 20, 2014 at 5:17 pm
It is but sometimes it isn’t. I find it’s just enough sometimes, without having to expand on the thought.
You can see the love/hate thing I suppose? haha
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August 20, 2014 at 5:19 pm
😀
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August 20, 2014 at 5:24 pm
😀
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August 20, 2014 at 5:03 pm
I agree with you; it makes it easy to be lazy. Therefore, I try to only use it to say, “I liked your comment but didn’t know what else to say in response.”
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August 20, 2014 at 5:14 pm
For that, it’s a great tool. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 5:25 pm
(see? case in point…)
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August 20, 2014 at 5:27 pm
Yes! Haha!
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August 20, 2014 at 5:40 pm
😀
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August 20, 2014 at 4:50 pm
I generally use it to acknowledge that I’ve read a comment and/or liked it – sort of like the Facebook “like” button. A comment/reply may or may not follow, depending on if I have anything to say in regards to it.
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August 20, 2014 at 5:12 pm
It is a great thing for when there’s nothing to add. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 5:13 pm
that it is 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:45 pm
I didn’t even notice it lol.. But I do agree with one of your bloggers, it will feel to much like facebook. I am one that does push the like button on post that I really don’t know what to say but agree with sense it has already been said for me. (does that even make sense lol).
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August 20, 2014 at 5:11 pm
It does! A lot of people seem to use it that way as well. You’re in good company. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 5:34 pm
🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 5:35 pm
🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:34 pm
I mostly just use it to say I’ve read a comment, but I sometimes use it to say I read a comment and don’t know how to reply to that comment.
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August 20, 2014 at 5:10 pm
Yep, I use it sometimes just to show support. Sometimes there’s nothing we can say. I can relate. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:31 pm
I use the like for two reasons; 1.) I agree/resonate, but I don’t have any comment beyond a general agreement, so nothing to add to the discussion. 2.) if someone posts a direct reply and I’m not going to respond because the conversation is at a conclusion point, I want to let them know that I read their response comment and am not ignoring it or missed reading it, so I like it. Especially if I appreciate the response.
So, I suppose I use the Like Button as a way to express Simple Appreciation.
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August 20, 2014 at 5:09 pm
I do what you describe as #2 a lot – nothing left to say and I saw your last comment.
These are excellent reasons to use it. Thanks for commenting Dominika. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 5:19 pm
😉
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August 20, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Okay, it’s not like I have any burning desire to click “like” on anyone’s comment, but how do you do it? I don’t see a “like” button next to any comments on this post, nor do I see it next to any comments on my posts. Hell, if I did, I’d like all my own comments because they’re that good. Yes they are.
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August 20, 2014 at 4:36 pm
You can monitor whether you have a “like” button in your comment section. However, I think you can also click “like” when you receive a notification from WordPress
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August 20, 2014 at 4:39 pm
Haha! Yes, they are. Look beside the “Reply” button on this comment. I’m not sure how you add it to your own blog posts, but a lot of people have them. OM, for instance.
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August 20, 2014 at 4:53 pm
Okay, when I’m on your blog, there is no “Like” button next to the “Reply” button in your comments. BUT, when I get that little word bubble in my orange notification icon on my WordPress status line, I do see a “Like” next to “Reply.” Is THAT what you’re talking about?
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August 20, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Yes! That’s it.
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August 20, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Okay, now I got it. I’m a little slow today. By the way, I “Liked” this comment. And yet, I’m still commenting. Best of both worlds, no?
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August 20, 2014 at 5:01 pm
It is!
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August 20, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Actually, I didn’t “Like” THIS comment, meaning my comment, I “Liked” YOUR comment. Oh this is so confusing. Gah!
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August 20, 2014 at 5:01 pm
I’m just liking everything 😀
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August 20, 2014 at 5:10 pm
I think you’re getting a bit carried away.
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August 20, 2014 at 5:15 pm
I think so too. But I “like” it! 😉
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August 20, 2014 at 4:24 pm
I was driving yesterday in a parking garage and a woman walked in front of my car kind of skittishly and instead of mouthing “thank you,” or doing the “excuse me” shuffle, she gave me a thumbs up. It made me laugh aloud. I think of the “like” button kind of like that—the meaning is broad and slightly obscure, but we get the positive intention 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Exactly. It’s an acknowledgement, but it’s obscure. Personally, if I have something further I want to say other than simply “I like this,” I’ll write it out. And I usually do. 😛
Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:21 pm
I just heard through this post. I won’t use it. I refuse to make my blog like Facebook
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August 20, 2014 at 4:29 pm
That’s the other thing – the more “like” buttons that show up, the more I feel like I’m in more of a “text-speak” thing than actually in a place that’s meant for writing.
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August 20, 2014 at 4:31 pm
I see and I agree wholeheartedly. I may be in my early 20’s but I don’t text that often anymore so I get this. I do use my phone for wordpress though 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 5:06 pm
I couldn’t live without text – but I always try to use proper spelling and punctuation even then. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 8:15 pm
Oh I do too. If I misspell something I need to send a text with the correction right after
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August 20, 2014 at 8:16 pm
🙂 It’ll bug me til I do. 😛
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August 20, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Exactly
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August 20, 2014 at 8:27 pm
🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:17 pm
No reall thoughts on it yet!
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August 20, 2014 at 4:20 pm
Let me know! 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 5:01 pm
will do!
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August 20, 2014 at 5:02 pm
🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:17 pm
I will definitely like a comment if I agree with it. Whether I do or don’t agree, I respond, even if it takes a bit.
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August 20, 2014 at 4:19 pm
Just to get it straight, you “like” every comment you agree with, don’t hit the “like” button if you don’t agree, but you respond regardless? That’s a nice, consistent way to do it. 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Haha, yes, exactly that. I just did it 😆
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August 20, 2014 at 4:27 pm
Me too! 😀
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August 20, 2014 at 4:29 pm
Let’s stop before it gets outta hand 🙂
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August 20, 2014 at 4:39 pm
😉
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