Commenting takes place when a reader/commenter has read a post that you’ve written and posted on your site or blog and would like to provide a positive level of feedback.
Venting is occurring when a commentor has taken a strong position or stand that is emotional concerning the subject matter. They have focused personally on you with their comments or other commenters on your blog. Animosity is being felt toward the messenger instead of the message.
Both of these types of comments can be displayed on your site or blog. However, decide what message you are trying to convey to your reader before putting either on your site or blog.
The commentator
This is a reader that is reading your post or article and wants to share with you how they have evaluated the information. They may share feelings. However, these are basic likes, dislikes, wants or needs specific to the content. They are focused on the subject and generally not he writer or person sharing the information
Comments are typically simple, well thought out commentaries of your article or post. They may comment on how well written the article was or how many points of different matter were displayed. They are commenting on the story and don’t get personally invested or tied to the writer or other commenters on your site or blog.
The venter
Venting comments are chocked full of emotion. The commenter can sometimes be so full of emotion over a subject that you have written about; they are unable to put all of their effort in the small space allotted. Examples, titles, personal names and references to other articles, blogs or events are generally included in their feedback.
Those readers that vent many times are in "attack mode". The attack mode characteristically is directed at the writer rather than the subject matter. They will go after the author of the content or other commenters that have left their comment on the subject matter.
Venting can be well and good in the correct place and time. However, website or blog comments are not necessarily the way to do it. If you have strong opinions on a subject matter or an article you identified on a site, you should write your own article concerning the issue. You can display your opinions in a format that will reach a larger audience than a comment does.
In addition to reaching a larger audience, an article or blog post will be read by more than a single comment. This is a great way to get your individual point of view to a more readers.
Comments for your articles are terrific because it means your audience is engaged in the information you are writing about. However, moderation of comments is a good thing because you want comments that are going to help drive traffic to your blog or site. There are some comments that can drive traffic away from your site or blog.
