Here at your own blog, you often have extended discussions. Of the 15 comments here before I started this one, 12 were from 10 people other than yourself. That's a terrific exchange, though I doubt that's the norm. For me to get 15 comments, I have to go back a month, and half those are my own.Dave points out that given the 90-9-1 Rule he's not likely to get much dialog by creating a blog, posting and waiting for comments. I actually think Dave has a pretty good blog. So, the real question is:
What should a blogger with relatively less traffic do to generate more dialog around topics he's interested in online? Should they try to get more comments? If so, how? Or what else should they do?I talked about different Types of Blog Discussions before. And Dave is participating in blog carnivals that certainly help. He also has participated in the Learning Circuits Questions. These would be first level suggestions for most bloggers.
Some other things I've seen around this topic or have experienced myself.
1. Comments are Not the Only Blog Discussion
Cross linking and discussion on other blogs is discussion.
2. Ask Questions in Your Posts
Make sure that your posts inspire people to interact. Easiest way is to ask questions.
3. Invite Comments
Make it clear that you'd like discussion. Of course, that's probably same as asking questions.
4. Make Openings Clear
Make it clear that you know that things are missing. For example, I know that the list I'm writing right now is incomplete and there are other things you can/should do.
5. Post Controversial Topics
Take a stand, but something you believe in - not just to be controversial.
What else should bloggers do to create dialog?
