I did a little informal comparison between my posts and the ones at r/Superbowl, and whole the ratio was at least decently better at the time, I still get disappointed if I don’t get a few comments on each post.
The likes are great and all, but to me, that just kinda feels like I’m just checking off boxes. It’s the most basic form of approval.
Comments though are what really let me know making the posts are worth my time. It lets me know I’m reaching you guys enough to make you say “hey this is cool.” And actual questions or you sharing something about a life experience, etc is worth way more than a hundred upvotes because it lets me know I’ve triggered good feelings in you from something I posted and it makes me want to post a hundred more things to do that again.
I always make sure to thank my commenters and let them know by replying, they are doing something as important as I am by posting. Without them completing the other side of the equation, it’s just me telling into the void, and it’s boring for me and makes posting a chore. But by you saying literally anything positive, I know I’m having an impact on your day, hopefully in a positive way, and that encourages me to post more, making a positive feedback cycle that will keep this a good place to come.
You are right, upvotes are useless internet points but comments stay for future people looking for info. This was why Reddit was useful, finding an answer to a problem in a 7 years old post.
I did a little informal comparison between my posts and the ones at r/Superbowl, and whole the ratio was at least decently better at the time, I still get disappointed if I don’t get a few comments on each post.
The likes are great and all, but to me, that just kinda feels like I’m just checking off boxes. It’s the most basic form of approval.
Comments though are what really let me know making the posts are worth my time. It lets me know I’m reaching you guys enough to make you say “hey this is cool.” And actual questions or you sharing something about a life experience, etc is worth way more than a hundred upvotes because it lets me know I’ve triggered good feelings in you from something I posted and it makes me want to post a hundred more things to do that again.
I always make sure to thank my commenters and let them know by replying, they are doing something as important as I am by posting. Without them completing the other side of the equation, it’s just me telling into the void, and it’s boring for me and makes posting a chore. But by you saying literally anything positive, I know I’m having an impact on your day, hopefully in a positive way, and that encourages me to post more, making a positive feedback cycle that will keep this a good place to come.
You are right, upvotes are useless internet points but comments stay for future people looking for info. This was why Reddit was useful, finding an answer to a problem in a 7 years old post.