22 Comments
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Cindy Trump's avatar

Thank you for helping this newbie learn to give value back. I struggled with this so I just "liked" and subscribed.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Aw you're welcome! This comment warms my heart. I'm sure you're doing well, and won't be a newbie for long!

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Michelle Buck's avatar

Or you could be more lazy and have AI write it for you 🤣

Sometimes writing comments isn’t easy. It requires time which I feel short of these days.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Lol, I see the point there. I also listened to a podcast recently about how some people have severe comment anxiety, which I didn't know was a thing.

But yeah, in those cases, AI might be useful, provided you set the intention, tone, and direction. But otherwise, I wouldn't recommend it. For some reason, I can always tell when AI is being used in a comment.

It's not like writing long form pieces -- AI comments put me off a bit.

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Michelle Buck's avatar

Really? Comment anxiety? I’ve never heard of that either. I think the really wordy comments are usually AI.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Yeah 😂 Heard it from a Jasmin Alic podcast. Kinda makes sense, I guess. I do know the feeling of finding it difficult to comment. But yeah, it's really easy to spot AI comments.

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Esther's avatar

Thank you for this great advices^^ it gives me (and maybe other people out there) a frame on how to leave not just impressions about other's people work but also sharing ideas with writer and other readers✨

Well, I don't know if me (and/or some readers out there) are being too shy or lack of words in expressing my thoughts through comments for any post I've liked in internet (Substack, Ao3, Instagram, etc) I usually have a ton of words in my mind to express my impression or comment on other people's work, but then it just stuck in my mind without reaching my fingers😅

So, I'm really look forward for your further advices or articles about giving comment💫

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James Presbitero's avatar

Awe, thanks Esther! That made my day.

Don't worry, I think commenting and interacting is like a muscle that you exercise. At the start it might be a bit difficult to get used to, but over time it'll get easier and easier.

And there's no pressure, too. No one's forcing you to do anything! But if you're willing to go through it, you might just find it exciting and fulfilling, connecting with like-minded people on the internet!

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Esther's avatar

Of course I’m excited to hone this skill. It is so nice to interact with other people and gain different POV^^

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James Presbitero's avatar

Definitely :D

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Julius Torelli's avatar

As another newbie, this was helpful. I did not previously understand the concept of commenting on posts and the importance of it. Now it makes sense! Very much appreciated. :-)

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James Presbitero's avatar

Awesome, Julius! Let's get that checklist filled, haha.

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April D's avatar

I don't like commenting but it's the only way to show people you appreciate their time and the value they share.

So keep engaging, drop that comment , let people know

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James Presbitero's avatar

For sure. I also used to never engage, but as I've said, I've seen a lot of growth from it. Plus, I'm finding it to be very fun lately. It's like composing mini essays themselves, and it feels great to interact with diverse perspectives. Substack is especially well suited for this I think.

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April D's avatar

Yes , and more people have real engagement here too☺️

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Barry J McDonald's avatar

I find that too. That most comments, if they were said in real life would be embarrassing to hear.

If there's anything that's a sure sign of what's in your head it's the comments you leave. Comment like an idiot and guess what, people will see you as an idiot.

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James Presbitero's avatar

Yes! You can spend a ton of time on your long form posts to present your best self, but you don't spend that much time on comments. It's a closer look at what's happening in others' brains.

This reminds me of what's happening in Medium. When something goes viral, it immediately attracts a horde of cringe, one word "zombie" comments.

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Barry J McDonald's avatar

Love that one - ‘one word zombies’ : )

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James Presbitero's avatar

Agreed.

Lol jk. But I like the term too, and I see them a lot. I make it a point to differentiate from them :D

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Great post!

Just kidding (even though it was great).

I absolutely have found my most meaningful connections within comments and community conversations. Posts and notes from a given account are great but you can really start to learn about a person in the comments.

That’s where I’ve learned how great you are 👊🏻

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James Presbitero's avatar

You're really a compliment machine, aren't you 😭 I might start believing you at some point ... 😂

But yes, I agree. I've also connected with the best people (like you!) by 1:1 interactions with them. You can't really do that in a 1:many medium like posts and notes, by themselves.

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

😂. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. Keep up the great work 👊🏻

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