I quietly disabled comments a week ago. I didn’t think it would matter much, and wasn’t going to make a statement or make a big deal out of it. I did get one email about the lack of comments and I responded with some of my reasons. Then today, I read an outspoken bloggy pal’s tweet about Pugly Pixel’s comment status. I thought it deserved a response. If you’re interested, read on.
Blog comments are great, guys — they’re awesome. But, you know what? I’m really neurotic — I’ve grown to like them too much. I love them so much, that (1) I sometimes tailor my posts around topics I think will generate the most comment feedback. (2) I love them so much that I kinda get depressed when a post I worked on for weeks doesn’t get the reaction I think it deserves. And, to be honest with you, reason #1 is really a terrible reason to have a blog and #2 is a stupid reason to be depressed.
But really, guys, as much as I value being part of the blogging community, in the very end, Pugly Pixel is my platform to express myself, a place to share my enthusiasms despite the popularity — or rather — unpopularity of whatever it is I’m sharing. I turned off comments because my emotions are easily influenced by public opinion and I don’t ever want my means of expression to be stifled by the number of comments at the bottom of each post.
I’ve heard that only huge, successful blogs can turn off comments and stay alive and thrive. Pugly Pixel is not huge nor is it hugely successful, so turning off comments is a risk. But, the way I see it, turning off comments is a way for me to survive and still have a place to express myself without the pressure of outside influences. In the same vein, I no longer check my statistics (i.e. Sitemeter, Alexa, Analytics). I do my best work when I create content purely for the love of it, and I have the most fun when I’m following my inner guide.
I want to thank you for all the wonderful comments you’ve left over the last year — I enjoyed reading every single one of them. I’m still reading your blogs and I’m still doing my thing. It’s not like I’m disappearing or anything — I’m always available by email, so you can still contact me whenever you need to. :)
