Comments Etiquette---what do you do?

[dugarner]

Randy & Katie, the site is flyin'! Thanks so much for the upgrade.

I have a general question for folks about comments etiquette. I love to leave general praise for layouts (and have been seriously trying to get back in the groove in the gallery lately), but I also love to interact with stories and journaling. A lot of times I ask questions, and they are always genuine questions---I love to learn about people, whether it's a technique they used, something that was in their journaling, or about a photo. I'm a people-watcher by nature.

If someone leaves you a question in your gallery, do you usually answer it? How do you answer? In the comments, or in a PM? Typically, in the U.S., when we say, "Hi, how are you doing?" it's a rhetorical question and most people really don't want to hear how you're doing. So I wonder if when folks ask questions in a comment, do they really want an answer? I'm just curious. I don't want to be PMing people if it bugs them.

Sarah

[Kathie]

Don't know what everyone else feels, but when I ask a question, I only ask because I want an answer. Don't expect to get one--but most times I will even check back on the layout to see if it was answered. (If I remember I asked. LOL)

Good question!

[dorah]

I don't know how most people feel, but if someone asks a question in a comment on one of my lo's I usually pm them an answer. I opt to pm them because I don't know if they will check back or not to see if I answered them. I just always assume if they ask a genuine question then they want an answer.

[Britgirl]

I often wonder about this. I sometimes answer questions in my comments thread if you have left one. but then I think you're unlikely to return to look again LOL
PM-ing them is a good idea, or editing to add it at the top with the layout credits.

[hguenthe]

Great question! I have also wondered this and never been sure what to do. I know when I ask a question, I love to get an answer because I really am asking but also never, really expect one because myself, I have never been sure how to respond to questions.

[Kirsty85]

If it's a question about a technique I've used, I'll edit the details to include the information.

If it's about something personal, like the kids or whatever, I'll PM them with an answer.

And if I ask someone a question, I usually do genuinely want to know the answer

[jazzmatazz]

If I ever get any questions, I PM the person as I'm not sure whether they would come back to the page for the answer.

[sawdust]

I ask questions but I haven't ever got a reply. I wish they would answer because I ask because I really want to know.

I think a public answer would be fine but if they feel it is private then you could always pm.

[quilter422]

i usually try to pm them b/c i don't know if they check back.

[laura grimes]

If I get questions, like Kirsty, depending on the nature I will edit/pm the answer. I think it is a great way to learn and get to know everyone better!

[dugarner]

Yay! I'm glad everyone feels pretty much the same way. I PM people if it's a personal-type question, but I never do check back on someone else's LO if I ask a question---I forget! I'm really absent-minded. All that to say, I guess for the most part folks don't mind PMs.

[bluelemur01]

I too only ask if I am really curious! I'd always love an answer, PM, message, etc. I'd like to get to know people here!

I LOVE getting and giving comments. It really brightens my day.

Good question...I've always been curious about what other people think about this topic.

[krutten]

I've tried both - a PM and a post in the comments - but I'm always wishing for a way to interact more. And I tend to feel like I'm bugging people when I PM them, though no one has ever really said so. It would be nice if there was a way to reply to comments like you can in some blogs, but I realize that may be beyond the gallery's capabilities. Glad to hear I'm not alone, though...

[earlofoxford]

If I get a question in a comment, I pm the person, and I love it when a poster pm's me with an answer to a question I've asked.

[Jen D]

I pm the person asking the question... I figure they took the time to ask so I take the time to answer =)

[BrittanyLane]

You know, I too have wondered this. I usually just edit my description to answer the question but I think now I'll start PM'ing the answer. Great thread!

[kikimama]

I would usually pm too, if they've asked a question, they deserve an answer.

[nativescrapper]

I rather PM the person. But at times i tend to forget...(shame on me).
So if you want to ask me a question or just to chit-chat just PM me....
I just love getting PM's...the more the better.

[KerryMac]

I've been wondering about this, too! In Flickr, you can just reply back in the comment thread and that person will see it if they check their recent updates.
Here, I don't know what to do. I always want to say thank you for the nice comments people leave and would like to answer questions, too.
I'm a bit shy to pm to answer a question asked of me because I'm not sure they really want an answer

[MIDA78466]

I usually just PM the person. Seems to work well---I usually get replies.

[anke]

I think PM is the best way to answer questions

[katrinak]

I'm a PM'er

[kathleen.summers]

If it's a question I think someone else might also ask, I'll add a comment and possibly edit my description. And I usually PM the person too.

I'm honored when someone is curious enough to ask. I figure it means they care enough even if just a wee bit.

[sam ellis]

This IS a great question. Something most of us have thought about it seems. I do answer in the lo but it is a bit silly cos the person probably won't come back. specially if it's a question like....Sam is it summer there ? .....

Perhaps we should have a sticky thread headed, just wanted to ask, and you can put your question there.

[susiecw]

I pm the person if I have a question. So far, every one has replied graciously.

[carollee]

I've been using the pm a lot more lately for this type of thing.