Compiling Thanks to Commenters
June 19, 2009 by Lillie
Each month when I post my thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile the list. I have answered several times in comments but finally decided to put the answer into a post to make it more accessible.
People often ask if there is a plugin to compile this list. If there is, I don’t know about it. If anyone knows of such a plugin, please let me know. There are top commentator plugins, but I haven’t found one that gives credit to every comment each month.
Note added 10/21/11: I have modified the system slightly and edited the instructions below to show the latest process.
Here is my system:
- I maintain a spreadsheet in Excel throughout the month listing all commenters, their URLs, and the date(s) they comment.
- I update the list every time I moderate comments—it doesn’t take much time each time I moderate, and I have all the information in the spreadsheet by the end of the month.
- When I’m ready to put the post together, I add a column and enter the number of comments. Since many people leave only one comment during the month, it doesn’t take long—I fill in the numbers greater than one, then copy and paste many rows of 1 at a time.
- Next, I sort the list by the number of comments—from largest to smallest and add header rows to break the list into categories based on the number of comments.
- I copy the first two columns of the spreadsheet (commenter name and URL) into the WordPress visual editor (as if posting from Word).
- Then I add the image and opening sentences above the table, and the post is ready to publish.
Using this method I can compile a thank-you post in less than an hour each month, and I consider the time well-spent to show my appreciation for comments.
Great that you are compiling now because its a nice work to know your regular visitor and your compiling system is so good. I think if you sort your list then its a super for you. Thank You.
it (if you write YourName@Keywords,I can address you as a real person, and you would still get your keyword link),
I am glad you appreciate the thank-you list.
All those who may have commented before are really great commenter. I had read the comments and they are just simply amazing.
cell (if you wrote YourName@Keywords, I could address you as a real person, and you would still get your keyword link),
Yes, I have fabulous commenters. You can see why I appreciate them so much.
That’s a lot of work, Lillie! Makes us appreciate even more your nod to the commenters and visitors.
Lori,
It’s not nearly as much as work as the first time I wrote a thank-you post, which was for a whole year and I had done no advance preparation. I did it in response to a challenge from Lisa Gates or I would never have finished.
However, once I started compiling the list throughout the month, it got much easier.
It would be nice to find a plugin, though.
I am really impressed with your system. It’s so organized. You really put lot of effort to make your work better. Lillie, you are very inspiring to all of us.
Thanking You
Mark from classifieds posting service
Thank you, Mark. The system has evolved over time.
Its great that you are pretty organized with these comments. That made me comment on it!
Bible Study (if you wrote YourName@Keywords, I could address you as a real person, and you would still get your keyword link),
Interesting that a post about comments inspired you to comment.
I do much of the same to organize my information and am a big user of spreadsheets, I guess because I like to be able to actually see things.
That certainly does seem like a lot of work and really shows your dedication. However, like you pointed out to Lori, I imagine if you keep up with it semi-regularly it is not so overwhelming…
Steve,
It’s certainly not overwhelming now, and it continues to get easier and faster each time I do it.
that is a really good idea to do that list through a spreadsheet, and I really don’t know of any plug-ins that would help with that, otherwise I would let you know. Thank you again for being rewarding to all of your commenters because it makes your blog inspirational
Thank you for the kind words, C.
Lillie, I was wondering how you kept track of us! Now I know.
I make use of spreadsheets for a lot of other things, but this is the first time I’ve heard of someeone doing that for comments. Good for you.
I’d leave comments on your site no matter whether you were to acknowledge them or not for the simple reason that I often find some nugget of good information here that enriches my life.
Matt,
Thank you for the lovely compliment.
That is a ton of hard work to go out of your way to thank all of your commenters. I think most people really appreciate it and are likely to contribute more often.
Matt,
Thanks to commenters does seem to encourage people to comment.
So how many comments do you get in a month??
Chrissy,
Each month when I post the thanks, I include the number of comments and the number of commenters. In May it was 295 comments from 195 commenters. Of course, I reply to each comment so the total number of comments on the blog is twice what I give thanks for.
I have never known anyone to take the time out to actually do this! Wow. You are an inspiration to all of us PR people out there.
Thanks, Mike. I can’t take the credit for the idea of thanking commenters. I got the idea from another blogger, and I know several others that do this as well. However, I don’t think any of them have quite as many comments each month.
LOL! I had the same question in mind whenever I saw your ‘thanks’ post. It looked like a daunting task. I am sure someone will create a quick plug-in for you.
Or you could simply query your comment table to get last month’s comment details.
Dan,
I started out querying the comments. However, unless there’s a way to search I don’t know about, the results list individual comments. I still had to compile the totals to recognize the most prolific commenters. I found it was easier to record comments as they appeared rather than searching comments, then compiling the list from that. If you know of a way to query to get the number of comment per commenter each month, please let me know.
I have the tried a couple of plugins for top commenters but for some reason haven’t got them to work. As far as I know, they total comments for all time, though. If there is one that lets the blogger select a time period, that would be great.
you do a very motivating job…your thanks encourages the commentors to return back to you and maintain good relations with you…its really very sweet of you…:-)
RobertStar,
I notice that you left several comments, apparently thinking your comments weren’t getting through. My comments policy states that I moderate first-time comments so your first comment doesn’t appear until I’ve approved it. Now that your first comment has been approved, future comments will post immediately.
Wow! I am amazed by the effort you put managing your comments. I found out it costs me too much time to do just that. But then the outcome you generate is amazing and certainly gives you the edge over other editors outthere. Thank you for sharing this piece of advice. I reckon its very usefull to editors and bloggers alike.
Vicky,
I don’t recall ever getting any editing business from my blog. Most of my clients are long-term clients that have come to me through word-of-mouth referrals.
My blog is for my own enjoyment. And having lots of interaction with readers is a big part of what I enjoy, so showing my appreciation is a high priority for me.
Matt,
This is my first time to comment here and i love the way you attract with your visitor to become loyal reader. You can also add tweet subscribe to get more eyes.
Jennifer.
Jennifer,
Ah, I’m about to speak heresy now. But I don’t tweet. It’s amazing how everyone in the world except me seems to be on Twitter. It’s wonderful that it is helping get the word out on what’s happening in Iran. I have nothing but admiration for the valuable role Twitter plays, but I just don’t have any desire to participate in it myself.
WoW, it looks like you need a lot of work, especially for the newcomer who didn’t familiar with blog yet, Lillie.
By the way, how’s your birthday? Did you celebrate it with your loved ones or…?
.-= wilson´s last blog ..Painkillers Might Be Unable To Stop The Stomachache! =-.
wilson,
Jack and I went out to a favorite restaurant for friend chicken livers, a wonderful treat! It was a lovely, relaxing day. Thanks for asking.
Wow, never heard of this concept, and, how simple is this? I love it! Good old fashioned “thank you” never never goes out of style, and, this method has just a modern twist on a terrific practice.
Beverly
Beverly,
I wish I could take credit for the idea, but I copied other bloggers. However, it is a simple idea, and something our mothers taught us: say thank-you.
As far as I’m aware, there isn’t a plugin that gives you all the data you’d need to compile that list. Sure there’re ones that display the top commentator, but you want to go far more comprehensively than that.
Simon,
I didn’t think there was a plugin to do what I want, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
Maybe one of the developers of a top commenter plugin will add more features.
Lillie, Happy Birthday! Sending you birthday blessings! I also want to thank you for all the work you do each month thanking commenters. It is such an act of kindness. I have also tried some of the top commenter plug-ins in the past and like you have not gotten them to work. I hope you and your dear hubby are having a fabulous weekend. This calls for cake!
Karen,
Thank you for the birthday blessings. We have had a lovely, lazy weekend. All I’ve done this weekend is go out for a birthday dinner and go to church and read. Oh, and take a nap.
Now, I know how you came up with the compiling list. In my opinion, you’re hard-working blogger (or I should say wordpresser, LoL). You write thanks to commenters. You reply every comment. Phew…that’s tons of work.
Manop,
I do a lot with my blog, but I don’t devote much time to other social media. I’m not even on Twitter, and though I’m on Facebook, LinkedIn, and others, I seldom participate. This is my favorite activity so I focus my energy here.
Hiya Lillie!
Wouldn’t it make your life easier, to reply to comments in 1 post instead of each one? I see at a lot of technology related forums, they use something similar like this (we take mike, funky, cookies for example)
@mike – yes I agree
@funky – no I don’t agree with you
@cookies – Yummy I like!
it would save you a lot of hassle, and looks to be the norm…
Although I’m not saying that you’re not doing it right (on the contrary, I applaude your efforts on replying to every post! Shows real dedication to your “baby”), it’d save you quite a bit of response, as you can make comments to multiple users at once, like @mike & @funky, for example…
wedding (if you wrote YourName@Keywords, I could address you as a real person instead of visualizing a conversation with a wedding dress on a mannequin, and you would still get your keyword link),
Thank you for the suggestion. However, that would not be easier. I responded that way before I started using nested comments. However, replying individually via nested comments has two major advantages:
- It’s easier to respond because I don’t have to keep scrolling back to read all the comments I’m responding to. The single comment I’m replying to is right in front of me.
- It’s easier for other people to follow the conversation when each thread is separated. I don’t like the method you suggest when I’m trying to follow a conversation on another blog for the same reason: I have to scroll back to read the comment that is being responded to.
Of course, other people may prefer the single post response to all comments. But this is my blog so I’ll do what I like.
I do appreciate your suggestion, though.
I like the nested comments Lillie and I thank you for using it.
I have had problems with replying to a comment before where I have to scroll up and down just to read what the comment was again and again (a problem for people with a short-term memory like me.. lol).
If a commenter has a problem with replying to other comments then it must be a whole lot tougher for the blog owner. So keep the nested comments going.
Anyways, I think a programmer can make a plug-in which would make it easier for you to create a thank you post for people who leave comments. Unfortunately, I’m no programmer and I still have to come across a plug-in which could help you out with this. Hopefully, I’ll stumble upon one these days. If I do, I’ll surely let you know.
Terry,
I have no idea why your comment went into moderation. You’ve been approved before so in theory all your future comments should be posted immediately. But theory and reality aren’t always the same.
Glad you like nested comments—and that I’m not alone in not being able to remember comments I’m replying to.
The top commenter (I think that’s what it’s called) will keep track of the people who leave comments on your blog, but it won’t do everything like compile a list for a thank you email. It’s nice you take the extra time to do this. PS. another thank you for using KeyWord Love.
illmill,
I actually have the Top Commenters plugin installed, but for some reason, I can’t get it to appear in my sidebar. I haven’t updated to WP 2.8 yet. I’m hoping maybe it will work when I upgrade.
Wow! That is a nice system, but unfortunately, your traffic and rate of comments will be so high, that you will become a slave to your blog. Then what?
rayallen,
I’ll be greatly surprised if my traffic and comments become unmanageable.
People do like commenting on a DoFollow blog that gives links in thank-you posts as well as in the comments themselves. However, unless they are just spamming, I think most people want to at least find something of interest to comment on. I’d love to think that my blog posts are so scintillating that everyone wants to read them, but I doubt that’s the case. 
Hi,
I really appreciate your system. It shows that you work for your site.
joshrenalds,
I enjoy this so much I don’t consider it work—especially since I don’t make any money.
That sytem is very good to use and also it is something very beneficial to have and also this is pretty good to keep your visitors excited.
Thanks
Snv,
This comment went through without moderation. Maybe Akismet and WordPress are finally going to accept your comments.
I always admires your blog and also the way you reply to the comments, your are doing your job the best.
Thanks
Thank you, Nimmy.
Its back to normal now Lillie.
A big thanks to you and Jesus for what you’ve done in getting me out of that crisis when I contacted you through email. I will never forget the helping hand you’ve lend to me.
(I remember asking you the same question when I first saw you compile the list of commenter’s for which you replied patiently. I also remember when the system you’ve trusted most made you make a mistake in repeating the commenter’s list twice. It was later rectified though)
Kudos. I’ve learnt a great bit from you both on the blogging side and personally on how to live one’s life.
Keep the great work going.
.-= Sriraj´s last blog ..8 Ultimate Gmail tips for better performance =-.
Sriraj,
I’m so glad things are working out for you now, and your kind words mean a lot to me.
Yes, I remember your pointing out when I duplicated the list on a previous thank-you, but I think all the blame goes to me. The system would have worked if I hadn’t messed up.
I’m looking forward to seeing you here more often now that things are back to normal for you.
Sure. I would love being a part of this great blog and visit as regularly as possible.
.-= Sriraj´s last blog ..8 Ultimate Gmail tips for better performance =-.
Sriraj,
Thanks!
You really put more effort into your blog than most of bloggers do. Just wanted to say (like others here:)) that I appreciate your dedication to keep a truly interactive site.
Andrej,
I’m not sure that I put any more effort into blogging than many other bloggers. However, my focus may be different from many. I spend my time on content and community, not SEO and generating revenue. Though I admire bloggers who can earn money from their blogs, that’s not my goal. I enjoy writing and interacting with readers, so that’s how I spend my blogging time.
Finally, I am very happy that WordPress is accepting my comments it is a good privelege for me.
Thanks for this
Regards,
Snv
Snv,
Drat! This comment ended up in spam again. You apparently have several sites. This comment was made with the link to the Infotech site; the one above that didn’t go into spam was linked to the NetHeights site. I’ll try to pay closer attention on future comments to see if it is only the Infotech URL that goes into spam.
Same here. I like to follow up on comments made by the readers for my different posts like the one [ad removed] . If there is interaction, it means readers are interested with your site.
honey,
Yes, I love interaction with readers, something I didn’t expect when I started blogging.
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
Thanks so much for your informative post ,I can’t see myself taking htat much time.. but I do appreciate all of hte hard work you do to put together such a thing! Hopefully someone will come up with a way of making it easier for you to do!
Yours Truly
Jorge
.-= Jorge´s last blog ..Start A Rental Empire With Cheap Georgia Foreclosures =-.
Jorge,
It probably sounds more complicated than it is. I’ve done it so long now that it’s second nature to keep track of comments as they come in, and creating the post itself takes less time than many of the posts I write.
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
Pretty interesting idea you have here. Sounds lik a win-win for you and the commenters I will surely be more active in the comment sections and returning to your site more often!
James,
I look forward to seeing you back here often.
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
Same here. I like to follow up on comments made by the readers for my different posts like the one [ad removed]. If there is interaction, it means readers are interested with your site.
.-= jeeny´s last blog ..Infertility Solutions Online – Insurance for Infertility Treatment =-.
jeeny,
Do you have a better system for gathering the data each month? My system is pretty efficient, but I would love to find a plugin that would record the data so I don’t have to do it manually.
[...] Thank you to the 167 commenters who left 219 comments in May. Your comments extended the conversation and added value and interest, and I enjoyed replying to every one of them.Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
I was wondering how you did it, but never really asked!
Thanks for telling me, I never new how systematic the whole comment system was!
1 small point, if you comment on a post that is from months gone by (like I am now) does this still class as a July 2010 comment, or will it be ignored?
Thanks Lillie
Christopher Roberts @ Technology Blog recently posted..Formula 1 Carbon Cuts
Oooow! Just thought of another question!
How do you know if its me (Christopher Roberts from Technology Blog) commenting, or someone else using my name and site?
I know that this is not really relevant when writing the commenters monthly post, but say I (or someone imposing me) started posting not good comments, how would you know if it was me or an imposter, as I am proud of my commenting reputation!
Christopher Roberts @ Technology Blog recently posted..A Bit of Philosophy
Christopher,
I’ve never had that issue come up, but WordPress does store the commenter’s IP address as well as the e-mail address. If a commenter suddenly started leaving out-of-character comments, I would put that commenter on moderation, then I would compare the IP addresses of the comments. Whether the IP address is the same or not, I would contact a regular commenter like you to ask what’s going on.
ok, thanks for clearing that up, was just asking, as I was commenting on another PC when I wrote that comment.
Christopher Roberts @ Technology Blog recently posted..A Bit of Philosophy
Christopher,
Out of curiosity, I just checked in comments, and your comments have come from a number of different IP addresses. Of course, that’s typical as ISPs assign different IP addresses to the same computer periodically. I don’t normally look at the IP address, but if the tone of someone’s comments started changing, I would check. At least I could see if it was the same ISP and geographic region to have a pretty good idea if my commenter was going off the deep end or someone was impersonating him.
This is all hypothetical, and I hope I don’t have any reason to check out IP addresses on you anytime soon.
Christopher,
The thanks is for comments left during the past month, regardless of what posts the comments were on. Lots of commenters leave comments on older posts.
Thanks for clearing this up also
Christopher Roberts @ Technology Blog recently posted..Is Social Media Just a Fad
You’re welcome, Christopher.
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
Wow. I’m honored and a bit humbled by your efforts here.
There is a plug-in that may help: http://www.dollarshower.com/contact-commenters-wordpress-plugin/
The author of it is also quite responsive (sometimes faster than other times, but he’s never failed to fix a problem I’ve reported, and usually in less than a week). It’s very helpful – won’t do all THIS for you, but it may assist you in your efforts.
Thanks, Holly. I appreciate the suggestion.
This plugin would be very helpful if I wanted to thank commenters individually by email. However, I prefer to thank them publicly to give them a DoFollow link. I installed the plugin and tried it, but all I can see that it would do for me would be to list all the commenters in a given month. I couldn’t find any way to get a count of how many comments they left. So I don’t think it will make it any easier for me, but thank you for telling me about it.
[...] Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
[...] Thank you to the 131 commenters who left 191 comments in December. Your comments extended the conversation and added value and interest, and I enjoyed replying to every one of them.Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]
[...] Thank you to the 129 commenters who left 218 comments in January. Your comments extended the conversation and added value and interest, and I enjoyed replying to every one of them.Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters. [...]