How old is too old for commenting on a blog post?

Last week as a gift to you, Patsi and I hosted a free Q&A teleseminar about business blogging (replay here if you missed it) and received dozens of excellent questions from newbie and advanced bloggers alike. One question was sent to us a couple of days ago and warrants a blog post and comment from you...Maria asks:

I have a question about commenting on other people's blogs. Sometimes I find a blog that deals with my topic (usually from a Google Alert). But then I look at the date of the blog post and see it's from one year ago. Or two years ago. Sometimes even from 4 months ago.

Do you see any benefit to posting a comment on an older post? Do you have a date cut-off as to what you will or will not comment on?

Excellent question and one I had not really ever considered. Blogging is about having conversations and interactions between the author and reader. I personally don't think the date of the blog post is relevant if the conversation is still relevant. In fact this may be a good opportunity to restart a previous conversation about a subject that may have evolved since the original date of the post.

The benefit to you, the commentor, is that you are engaging with the author. If the material is evergreen (not dated or expired), then the conversation is still worth pursuing. You may develop a new friend, colleague, partner or client just by taking that step to comment.

We frequently link to older posts as reference to new material. So we're not surprised when someone comments on older content. If there's value there, then it's worth having the conversation.

What say you? Any thoughts or ideas about commenting on "old" posts? Any reason NOT to comment or to have a cut off date for blog post comments?

Comments

[Drew Gneiser]

If you have something valuable to contribute, I don't think the age of the blog post matters as much. While the writer may never see it, others may also stumble upon the blog post (just like you) and value from the info.

[Stephanie]

The risk is that spammers often use the same idea. Of course, they're pretty easy to spot, just like on new posts. I get "great post" comments on posts of all ages, but also some comments that when you look at the site connected, looks more like a way to try for the link than anything useful.

But if it's useful, that's what matters most. You WANT people to find your old posts useful, after all.

[Denise Wakeman]

Drew, I think we're in agreement. As long as there is value to the reader, age doesn't matter.

[Denise Wakeman]

Stephanie, thankfully most blog platforms have good spam filters so the mild stuff like "great post" is about all that gets through. I just delete those comments.

And you're right, you WANT people to find your posts - they help paint a complete picture of who you are, what you stand for and the depth of your expertise.

Blog on!

[Tom Bonner]

Hi Denise,

I don't mind when someone comments on one of my older posts, however, this is where I see all of my spam comments. My theory is that the spammers don't comment on new posts because they know they will be noticed and quickly deleted.

If they post on an older post, they assume that the owner of the blog won't notice. It's not true, at least most of the time, but I do see spammers targeting old posts.

As for myself, I have commented on older posts from time to time, but unless there is evidence of other recent comments, I usually don't bother. I assume that no one will read the comment, unless the blog has a recent comments area.

Even more interesting to me, is the wisdom of commenting on a post with dozens or even hundreds of comments. If there is a long stream of comments, most of them similar, will your comment actually be read? I'm guessing that busy bloggers don't take the time to read each and every comment when the comment stream grows past twenty-five or so. How many blog readers actually dig through a huge list of comments?

What do you think. Is it worthwhile leaving a comment in a long stream?

[Sheila]

Interesting response. I have often come across interesting posts and not commented because it was an old post. From now on I will not let the date affect my commenting.

[writeasrain]

I personally don't think that date of the original post matters overmuch. It is about the theme of the post and the connection it makes to you the reader/commentor.

If the posting moves you to comment and the interaction between the author and you can be educational, professionally rewarding or used just as a means of building a relationship then it is perfectly acceptable to post a comment, in my opinion. The author of the post will be thrilled to get the feedback regardless of your reasons for posting to it.

The only time i can see the older posting not deserving of a comment is if the information is outdated and or is no long useful. Then you could still comment...and point out their need to update their post, politely of course!

[Linda Carruth]

I always comment on older posts if I have something to say or add. If the post touches a nerve, sometimes the passage of time doesn't matter. People inherently know sometimes what should be left alone, comment-wise. And the author always has an opportunity to read it.

[Robin & Tony Logue]

I agree with what has been said so far. I try to follow blogs that have comments on at least some of their posts. I like to get the feedback of others as well as the viewpoint of the author.

If their isn't a lot of commenting on a blog that doesn't mean the content isn't meaningful, maybe folks just haven't found it yet.

I'm not sure what is considered spamming. I know many folks use posting comments to blogs as a way to attract folks to their sites if they find a connection to their comments. I think that's part of what this whole social networking is about...making connections.

Take care...Tony

[Denise Wakeman]

Tom, generally the author of the blog post will see the comment and that's what counts for me. It's gravy if other readers see it as well.

You do pose an interesting question about commenting on posts w/hundreds of comments. Again, my comment is generally directed at the author and if others take the time to read it, that's great.

Many platforms allow you to be notified by email or RSS when new comments are posted and I think that helps people see the nature of the conversation and continue the dialogue.