Thing #4

I've learned that commenting can be useful in broadening social interactions. At times it can even be a learning tool. For example, if you were to post pieces of creative writing, and you were open to feedback, you could use comments from others as a way to improve the weaknesses that your readers suggest. It's important to be careful here because some people don't appreciate constructive criticism.

A point about commenting that I find important is the use of emoticons. In my experience, it is sometimes hard to tell the tone of a person's comment. You may think someone is saying something kind when they are actually being sarcastic. The same goes for the opposite. I think it's best, when leaving a comment, to read over it to see that it will be perceived as you intend it to be. If you are concerned your comment will be misunderstood, include a smiley, angry face, or whatever face best depicts your attitude.

A second point I would like to highlight is the importance of being polite. I mentioned sarcasm and angry faces in my last point, but I would like to say at this time that I hope I don't see any of those on my blog! You can be polite even when you disagree with the point in the blog. If you can't maturely and respectfully disagree with someone's idea, then you probably need to move on to another blog. The last thing anyone needs is a blog feud.

Blogs of classmates I will be reading and commenting on:
Kimberly Hamilton
(I commented on Thing #16, regarding iGoogle)
Tiffany Allemand
(Commented on Thing #12, again on iGoogle and those awesome gadgets)
Stacy Averill
(Commented on Thing #14 about flowcharts vs. mindmaps)
April Hall
(Commented on Thing #12, once again because I'm so fascinated with iGoogle. I commented about the variety of available themes and gadgets.)
Michelle Burkhart
(I commented on Thing #16 about how great it is to be organized, and also about iGoogle)

The choices I made concerning which classmates' blogs to follow were, for the most part, random. I would like to read everyone's blog, but I'm not sure that's feasible in my current situation.

Blogs not from our class:
Rachel (Mom in Real Life) (Because I hope to gain some insight into her humorous approach to motherhood) (I commented about her hilarious Halloween adventures)
Maegan (...love Maegan) (Because her profession as a graphic designer and her talent for writing caught my interest) (This is SUCH a great blog. I commented her entry about the election, more specifically on the Will.I.Am Hologram)

I have not commented on all or even most of these blogs yet, but I will be reading and commenting throughout the semester!