The commenters' block

We all know about the writer's block. When the blogger doesn't want to write, when there may be ideas in the head but the body is just too lazy to type. When there are demands on time, place or net usage and you simply cannot get yourself to sit down and write a coherent blog post. Yeah, it happens to all of us.

However, there is another one --- the commenter's block. When you read a post but don't post a comment. Yes, all ye lurking readers... I am talking about you. But, believe me: I completely understand. There is this block --- the commenters' block which is very difficult to overcome. You read a post, maybe enjoy it and then also perhaps it provokes thoughts. You might also want to go into the comments section and see what others added to the discussion there. But going out to type one yourself is a problem. There is this awkward fear, the nagging doubt that your comment may be judged, even met with disapproval. Also, then the fact that you've read the post will be revealed, and then someone might just trace it back to you. It is sort of the unwanted attraction you don't like when you suddenly step into a hall full of people and everyone stares to look at you. And however irrational the feeling is, it prevents the comment from happening.

There are these other posts where you read it, but don't have anything useful to contribute to the discussion. These posts are just to be absorbed in, and enjoyed by yourself. You wouldn't like to put in a comment to express what you felt after reading it --- somehow it spoils the fun; like having to explain the pun in a sentence to a dumbo. The other variety of posts kind of grow on you. Yes, a certain guy might be writing funny. But after some time the humour becomes bland, like you've been sitting in a hot tub or sauna for too long. After all, how many times do you need to carry coals to Newcastle and tell the blogger that "hey, that was a funny post" or "you're great". Hmmphh... let those others do it, I'll just sit back and watch.

Finally, there are some places where you need to tell the blogger that you did come and read the post, or the blogger friend drops an email or a comment saying "Hey, you didn't comment on MY blog?". Sometimes these also get some traffic to your own blog. But, at the end of the day, these "Yes Ma'am" and "Present Sir" comments that you do also bite you at some level... the closest word I can find to describing the feeling is: 'petty'. I used to do that on some blogs: thankfully I don't do it any longer.

But I'll tell you what --- any single comment makes a blogger's day. When I wake up in the morning and open my laptop to see my email, 4 new comments on a post always make me smile. I sometimes just don't open that thread on gmail till the very last, savouring every moment of anticipation and eagerness. Thanks, guys... your comments do matter.