Thing #12 - Commenting

Point 1 - Contribute to the discussion. When you read a post with which you connect, comment. I tend to be a lurker. I think it's because I'm nervous about making a comment that goes into the permanent public record. I started thinking about this when I was reading some of the comments made in Draper's Takes interaction included in my previous post today. Ryan Bretag commented

...participatory media does not allow K-12 students to make mistakes within a smaller culture.... The thing is that my mistakes, heated situations, odd conversations, etc. weren't there for the world to see. This mistake (not really the best description of the situation but stick with me) is now there for the world to see and is part of his virtual footprint.

I'm paranoid about even silly things like typos, let alone my post being misinterpreted. Of course, it goes deeper than that to my insecurities and vanity. How will this post make me appear to others? Needless to say, I have been very hesitant to comment.

Point 2 - Respond to comments and appropriately manage comments on your own blog. Not a big issue for me, so far, not many hits! (I do have one I need to get to immediately - sorry lauraann) But I have noticed that the few times I was moved to comment on someone else's blog, they came to mine and contacted me. It was very exciting to make that connection! It was a reward for being brave enough to risk making the comment.

I'm starting to think more about putting my name out there. Of course, it's accessible via the email I'm using. Still, I'd like to read more about the pros and cons of this.

When I've commented...

• Creative doubt - My Google Alert picked up on Joylene Nowell Butler's post on Doubt, Self-Deprivation, and Creativity. I immediately connected to her comments and felt moved to respond. Maybe all creative women doubt their abilities. I think most gifted females feel like frauds - that any time now everyone will figure out I'm not as smart as they seem to think I am. Joylene responded to my comment by commenting on my Thing #3 post.
• Asynchronous development - As I mentioned above and in previous post, I was terribly excited as I read the interaction on Drape's Takes. I was nervous about responding directly on that blog, though. I was concerned that my comment would start a totally different thread - though that might be a good thing. Instead, I commented on The Tempered Radical's post.

The suggested readings for this Thing were very helpful. I was losing my momentum in this learning experience, but am rejuvenated. I'm getting excited about the opportunity to connect with others and expand my opportunities for growth.