Thing 4

         Commenting on a blog isn’t just about getting your name in lights, it’s about community and making a contribution to the conversation. http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-comment-like-king-or-queen.html said making a comment like “Yeah” or “Right on” may make the author feel good, but of more interest to conversation participants is "Why do you think it is right on?" If you don't care, don't comment, but if something truly resonates with you and you have something to share, do it!” I know how good I feel when I make a point that resonates and attracts a lot of interest. I love making people think and that’s what a good comment does; it makes people think! Facilitating conversation, community and thought should be a high goal for the effective blogger.

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/10/12/10-techniques-to-get-more-comments-on-your-blog/ I guess a typical problem for bloggers is actually getting hits on their blogs. On the previously posted link they state 10 ways to increase blog activity. It suggests that you could ask open-ended questions. It gives something for other bloggers to write about. If they feel you have already answered all the questions they will likely look elsewhere where their comments are needed. It also suggests that you invite or ask for comments to encourage people to post on your blog.      

Classmate's Blog Comments

1) I wrote on Jessica Brown’s blog at http://jbrown2526.blogspot.com/2013/09/mommy-wow-im-blogger-now-thing-2.html. She basically said she wasn’t a fan of the blog nation. I responded to that first post of “mommy wow! I’m a blogger now!”

 2) I also wrote on Brooke Cox blog http://brookecoxsped93.blogspot.com/2013/09/favorite-childrens-books-and-authors.html?showComment=1380080233328#c5985328845890140894. She asked for suggestions for children's books and I gave her several different ones that I love. They ranged from K-5th or 6th grade.
3) http://airwin3040.blogspot.com/2013/09/thing-3.html?showComment=1380082166480#c6066742495843784934 I commented on Ms. Irwin's blog for thing 3. She had some great comments on using a blog for journal responses to reading assignments. I mention how it could also be beneficial for special needs students as well.
4)  http://kitchens23thingsjourney.blogspot.com/2013/09/thing-6.html?showComment=1380116382224#c1247007860666018234
I commented on Kayla Kitchens blog for thing 6. She found this app she was so excited about. She attracted my attention because of her excitement. I commented that I would be downloading the app to my phone so I can stay organized.
5)  http://lbowlinapsu.blogspot.com/2013/09/thing-4.html#comment-form
I commented on Laken Bowlin's blog for Thing 4. She used pretty much the same sites I did from the 23 things blog site. I just acknowledged that I agreed with her perspective and that I also love pintrest as a resource for teaching.

Outside Source Blog Comments

1) http://www.stevehargadon.com/2008/03/web-20-is-future-of-education.html 

He posted a list of ten trends that he thinks have particular importance for education and learning, and then discusses seven steps he thinks educators can take to make a difference using Web 2.0.

This is part of my response to his blog: As I was reading through your "food for thought" I think it is necessary to learn all you can, and in response to the learning you should communicate back what you have learned. By restating what you learned you are showing comprehension. Maybe that's what it means to be overloaded and produce more info???
I'm glad to be getting involved in Web 2.0.
2)  http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-comment-like-king-or-queen.html
Coolcat teacher blog was about commenting. She writes "Commenting has truly been the fuel that has fired readership for my blog and opportunity for me. It is also part of being a responsible blogger in general. If one is an expert, I guess they may just want to keep their "wisdom" on their own blog, but the true conversation participants are those who contribute to the discussion wherever the blog posting is. There are several techniques for effective commenting that I try to follow." She then lists several ways in which she believes comments are most useful/ways in which to get comments.
My response was "Thank you for your post. I am new to the blog world. I honestly don't know the do and don't of commenting (well, that is until now). often I'm nervous about commenting on other peoples blogs because I feel I'm probably too inexperienced to make a contribution to the conversation. I love the idea of open-ended questions to facilitate conversation."