Penshurst Place, in Kent, England, is a centuries-old medieval castle which has been in habited by the same family since 1552.
(I adore this window. I contemplated how to extract it and get it into our garden but did not have a really good plan present itself to me.)
The eleven-acre walled garden is at its peak in early June, when we visited.
(I am occasionally asked if I enjoy photographing anything other than gardens and flowers. The answer is yes, quite a few different things. But especially architectural details, and especially doors and windows.)
Hope you enjoyed this brief tour! See more of our Penshurst images here and visit the Penshurst Place website for the full fascinating story of this historical gem.
• • • •
And now, for a dilemma
I’ve been grappling with some that I would sincerely like your viewpoint on. If you prefer to answer me directly, please do email me.
The matter is on the subject of comments, response to.
I do believe that any communication deserves a reply. I consider that when I (or any one of us) create a post for their blog that that is an originated communication, whether it be photos, words, videos or just an account of the day.
Now, comments that are left which acknowledge that communication (post) let the originator (blog author) know that their message has been heard and such comments are important and appreciated. So far, so good.
NOW, how vital do you feel it is that the acknowledgement of the original communication, in the form of a comment left, is then in its turn ALSO acknowledged back? (Certainly, if a question is left, that should be answered). Do you feel slighted if your comment is not acknowledged?
And if a comment is to be acknowledged, what is the best way to do that?
– a follow up comment on the original post to the commentor? (does everyone subscribe to follow up comments?? if not, how do you see it?)
– a mass follow up comment? (“thanks everyone!”)
– a comment left on the acknowledger’s blog? (polite and probably best)
– an email reply? (I like, but not always possible if an email address is not left)
– a Flickr comment?
– a Facebook comment?
Do you see the dilemma? I think I must not be the only one puzzling over this. I deeply appreciate everyone who visits here, and feel each deserves to be thanked and acknowledged. But how far does it go? And when does commenting become so cumbersome that there is little time left in a day for a new post? (I know of one dedicated blogger that ran herself into illness through fretting about not acknowledging each of the hundreds of comments left on her popular blog!)
I feel many of you will have insightful answers. Having only opened comments on this blog mid last year, I am a little adrift on correct protocol or practicality. And one does want to use proper form and manners!
I value your opinion. And I will acknowledge your replies!
Thank you, thank you!!
xo – g
First off..gorgeous pictures! What a romantic setting!!
As for comments that I receive, I don't always answer every comment unless there is more to be said. It's a bit like do you answer a thank you note with another note?
If they are set to no-reply but have a blog, I'll go and have a look and possibly comment as a reply, but I don't sweat about it.
As for leaving comments…I leave comments on so many different blogs, I don't remember what I've said and I don't worry if I get a reply. I think most people are like that.
What a magical place, love the windows, as you said!
I agree with Jane. If someone leaves a specific question on a post, then I'll answer it there because other readers might be wanting to know the same thing and perhaps email them too to make sure they get the answer.
It's truly impossible to follow up on every comment but I do try and visit their blogs in return and leave comments when I can.
I think everyone has the same problem of just not having enough time to respond to everyone, although we wish we could!x
Oh, such lovely photos! What a magical place…
My philosophy is to answer comments to my own blog on the same blog post that they were written on. That might be answering a question or just thanking for a lovely compliment etc. If it's an unknown person I usually have a peek at their blog and maybe write something there.
I think that while it is very nice to be polite and thoughtful (and always appreciated by the "receiver") it must not be something that eats up all your time. If one has a "small" blog it might be possible to thank each and everyone that has commented in a more personal way, but if there are 10+ individual comments on each post it doesn't seem reasonable anymore. In that case you couldn't do anything but write thank you's in all your "allotted blog-time" and there wouldn't be any new posts :)
I hope you figure out how you would like to handle the comments!
Have a great weekend!
Moa xo
Bonjour Georgianna. Beautiful pictures, I love the roses in the English countryside and when it's sunny it really makes me appreciate where I live (when I manage to get out of London).
Now, for the comments: I've been wondering the same thing and have at times felt very rude for not replying to every comment on my blog. I love the comments and really appreciate them, but I simply don't have the time to answer each one individually, though I wish I did.
I don't expect anybody else to do that either, so when I leave a comment on somebody else's blog, I don't often check back to see if they've "answered" because I figure that they've done a post in the first place and that's their contribution on the subject…
So, what I tend to do (and I'm still wondering a lot about correct blogging etiquette) is that I leave one Thank You to all comments and then try my best to visit those blogs. I hope that with this I might have found a way to appreciate comments, follower and other bloggers and I hope that I'm not offending anybody.
Have a lovely Sunday, Love from London, Carole x
More beautiful roses from you G, I'll never tire of them! That window is indeed incredibly pretty, I can see why you wanted to take it home, it may have caused some problems at customs though lol.
About your comment dilemma, I really don't think you need to worry about responding to every single one, that's way too much to take on board and like you say you end up spending far more time commenting rather than blogging!
When I leave a comment on a blog it's always because I really like what I've seen and want to let the author/photographer know how they inspire and delight me. But I never expect to get a comment back! I'm always delighted when I do, but I don't think any less of a blogger who doesn't reply to me directly. As someone who blogs I know exactly how appreciative you feel when you get a comment, but I also know how impossible it would be to keep on top of things if I were to start replying to every single one.
Also I think your readers already know what a caring soul you are, and they know that you appreciate their presence and their comments, but I doubt that many of them would be disheartened if you stopped replying to them all personally.
I hope you find an answer that is comfortable for you and gives you more time to spend creating!! You are such a lovely person, I love that you care so much about your readers xx
I enjoyed the fabulous tour of Penshurst Place this am.
I do not leave comments expecting a reply, but I do think it is important to leave them as I think bloggers appreciate responses.
I normally respond to my commenter's on the blog itself, if they are interested enough they will have subscribed to the comments thread, if not it does not matter does it. Usually individually to answer comments or questions, but sometimes a general, thanks girls or similar.
I am very unsure about responding to comments on the commenter's blog as it can look as if you are visiting only for that reason! I prefer my blog visitors to be there because they want to be, not because I commented on their blog!!!
Georgiana, chill do not worry just go with the flow and the appreciation comment just above here says it all anyway.
Dear Georgianna, I so appreciate every single comment I receive. I try to answer every one of them. But that is only because I receive so few comments, my blog is fairly new.
When I comment on my favorite blogs I don't expect an answer and most often I don't follow up anyway. I do appreciate an answer to a question, but again, I only ask questions so very seldom.
Georgianna, you posted your question very late last night and you get up very early to record your birds. You are not getting enough sleep.
Blogging and sharing is addictive. However, it can take up too much of our time. I don't think that comments on top of comments are necessary. I am much more interested in reading my favorite blogs and I am grateful that my favorite bloggers are willing to invest so much time and energy into bringing beautiful posts and photographs, such as yours, for us to enjoy.
Gina
Hi Georgianna,
Again I love your beautiful post.I,too love doors and windows-especially in England.
I read with interest the answers to your question because I feel bad not to reply to everyone but if I did I wouldn't have time for much else.Also,summers are short here and I want to be outdoors as much as possible so I am hopeful that visitors understand.
I have marveled at the time you take to write such sweet and thoughtful comments but as more and more people find your lovely blog you would wear yourself out trying to keep up.
I agree totally with Eadaoin's reply so just keep up your beautifuland inspiring posts.
All that being said, I am still flattered that you would take the time to visit me!
Carolyn
Hello friend! I love the little stone brick corner at Penhurst in your composite with the blue flowers climbing up! This was a gorgeous post. As to your questions, you are not alone. I find it very remarkable that I have been grappling with this, as well recently. I know that questions as these never have black and white, easy answers. I have also gotten demands on the other end when I frequent someone once a week vs. each day and then catch up with some coffee on what they have been up to. For some that is not enough and they feel slighted. I can understand them. Yet, I want people to be restful at my blog. To come to get away from it all. Sooo, one thing I know about life is this (for me)the more intense demands one puts on people or things, the less satisfaction one has in receiving what they wanted AND the harder one falls if they don't ever get it. With that, graceful visits of true kindness seem to be what I want to give my blog friends. I could never respond everytime or my children would suffer, (my housework already does, hee hee) my creativity would suffer and there is already too much suffering in this world. I didn't answer the questions, really. I figured I couldn't. Scatter light and sweet gratitude where you can adn hope it brings joy sometimes to those who visit and to whom you visit. Blessings friend, thank goodness you and I have ease!
as my blog has grown over the last few months, i've thought about this questions a lot. i like it when bloggers respond to comments individually on the post, so that's what i do on my own blog. however, i don't take it personally or like a blogger less if they have a different style: email, mass reply, etc. to me it's just about communicating in some way. the only time a blogger turns me off is when it's obvious that they really don't take the time to respond + interact with their readers in any form at all. that's just no fun.
:)
anyway…i really adore those windows in the 2nd photo. they're kind of incredible.
xo Alison
your photos are as always, breathtaking. i would love to visit the english countryside someday. i adore the english gardens and thatched roofed buildings homes and outbuildings. there is nothing more beautiful to me than flowered vines or roses growing along a wall or a trellis in a garden.
i understand your dilemma. even though i don't get a ton of comments on my blog, i do like to try and respond to everyone that is nice enough to stop by and pay me a visit. i will always at least visit the commenters blog simply because i love to read blogs.
there are times, however when i just don't have the time to reply or the comment doesn't warrant a reply but that makes me feel guilty if i don't at least acknowledge the comment. i think a simple "thank you" is more than sufficient.
i try not to leave a question that i would like answered in the comment section. i don't want the blogger to feel that they have to respond. i generally will email the recipient if i have a specific question. or i will just leave a general comment. i know that bloggers have busy lives. i am not offended if someone does not answer my comment.
g, you are always good about acknowledging comments but sometimes i feel guilty leaving a comment that requires an answer. i think the way you do it by answering questions in a comment within a comment is wonderful…i think that people will understand if you cannot get back to absolutely everyone everytime.
we all love you and i am content to just take in the beauty of your blog….
hugs, cindy
Hi Georgianna,
As usual, your photographs are magical!
In a perfect world, everyone would respond to me and respond in seconds after my comment hahha. No really, I don't get many comments, so when I do, I like to respond but it's not always possible like you say. I don't like leaving comments about my comments??? does that make sense…so I usually will look for an email address to either thank or answer that person. If there is no email to find…then so be it. I can also certainly see that a high traffic blog could be bogged down with questions and I wouldn't expect answers from them as sometimes life is just too busy. I get that, but inside I always hope for some hint of "hey I know you're out there and thanks."
In any case, thank you sooo much for sharing all your lovely photos!
~Stacey
I have often wondered about that too…
You get a lot of lovely comments on your blog and I think it would be very difficult for you to respond to every one. If they had a specific question that required a response, they should email you directly.
If someone comments on my blog, I usually try to make the point of visiting theirs and reciprocating. I have commented on many other blogs, I don't check back to see what comments were left after me, but occasionally they'll send me a message or visit my blog.
I just assume that blog authors read and appreciate all of the comments left for them, and that is good enough for me.
Cait
Oh my G, the history, architecture and the roses; what a wonderful place and thank you so much for sharing.
My thoughts on comments are much along the lines of what has already been said – a follow up email to each person commenting on your blog is going to become overwhelming. I have to admit, I thought you were the most polite blogger I ever ran across, always sending me a note when I left a comment but totally unnecessary my friend.
Enjoy what people have to say but don't feel obligated to reply.
If I have a question I will email the blogger although it is frustrating when you can't find a way to contact them. I won't go back searching through their posts for an answer.
A visit to the blog of someone who has left a nice comment is something I like to do and let them know through my words left on their blog.
Great discussion you've initiated to see what others do or feel about protocol on blogging.
Judith
Lovely images. I am noting this as another place we need to visit this summer.
And as for your dilemma it's a tricky one and I'm interested to hear what others have to say. I comment on lots of blog and I always try to remember to check back and see whether I've had a response to my comment. Unless it's a specific question I don't really expect a reply as such though. As for my blog, the comments I usually get are just generally agreeing with my thoughts about a specific photo so there isn't any real need to reply to every single person. If someone were to ask me a specific question though I would definitely reply probably on my blog and on theirs. I think I will try to put more reponses on my own blog though as I really do appreciate all the comments I get.
Lovely photos….and comments can turn a blog into a "job"…..don't do it….I am never offended when my comments are not acknowledged. In my mind, that is not their purpose. I simply want the "author" to know how much I either enjoyed, laughed at, thought about, cried over, or was inspired by their effort. If I ask a question, an answer it great, but if I don't receive one, I assume that they are as busy as I am……smiles.
Carolyn told me I would like your blog and I certainly do. I am especially interested not only in your gorgeous photos, but also about what everyone will answer to your question. I always answer every comment with a visit to their blog, but this has become so taxing on me. Some posts bring me 50- 75 comments and I just can't do it anymore. I have always felt that it was polite if someone took time to visit me that I should visit back.But now I am thinking that this is why I am receiving all the comments…because others feel the same way, and we are creating our own monsters per se. Now that I am in the garden full time, I find that I no longer can do this well. I want to continue to blog and share my passions, but I am having a hard time keeping up. I would rather have the shovel or the camera in my hand, than the computer on my lap! I can't wait to read all your comments on this dilemma.
hugs
I've just come back from a break, and I've missed so many lovely posts here! Gorgeous images, especially of the arches on the castle!
Mine are very low traffic blogs, so most of the time I reply to all comments individually, on the same post. When I comment on other blogs, I do so just to let them know I like their work, so it doesn't really offend me when they dont reply :)
hi sweets!
love your photos! :) what's new anyway, hehe.
well, what i'd do is well if someone has left a comment on my blog, i'd check theirs out and comment on theirs too. and at the same time, i'd leave a thank you note or some sort. :) i acknowledge it. even if i don't acknowledge it, i'd still leave a comment on their post. :)
pretty much what we've been doing! i hope you'll sort this dilemma out soon! x
Again, you have beautiful pictures!
I agree with everyone else that you don't need to comment back, unless, someone is asking a question.
I have apreciated you comments on my blog and I hope you will come back when I get it up and going again soon! (But to relax and visit not to stress!)
Hello dear friend…so long time ago…and now i´m back to have time to answer to comments and read your post…it fits perfect for my work today…;)…i believe tonight i will only read comments and jump to my good blogger friends to leave my comments, too…;)…i´m sure you will do the right with your postition…we all have a life behind the bloggerWorld and everybody who loves your blog will certainly understand if you couldn´t answer every comment…i follow always my heart and my mood…and i´m sure you, too…so have a great week and thanks for your words always…;)…cheers and hugs…i…
First, let me say that I loved this tour, as well. What wonderful adventures your camera has taken you on.
I do love it that you are concerned about how best to make others feel appreciated. That is so you.
OK, on to your questions: I don't think there is any right or wrong way to do blog or to respond to comments. For example, I think profanity is inappropriate and unimaginative, but you will find it on many, many blogs. I think it is better to use your own images if possible, and always give credit when you don't. But, many very popular blogs only use "stolen" images.
I mention those things only to point out that there are many styles of blogging and types of bloggers. You have to do what works for you, keeping in mind the time limits you have.
For a time I tried responding to every comment in my own comments section. That took forever. After two years of blogging, I have a system that works for me. If I get a specific question that I think many readers would be interested in, I answer in the comments section. If it is more personal, but not private, I go and answer on that person's blog. Then, they get another comment, which is always fun. If it is a private reply, I send an email.
The one thing I always do is visit each commenter. About once a week or so I sit down for an evening and visit every single commenter. I reread their comment first and then visit. It takes an entire evening because I really do read their blog posts. I don't just leave a random "I wuz here" type comment, but one specific to their post. What takes me so long is that I generally read each post back to the last time I visited. They took the time to visit me and deserve the same consideration. Plus, it's the give and take of blogging that makes the connections. And the connections are why we do it. Aren't they?
Well, dear friends, I can't thank you enough, each of you, for taking the time to leave such well considered and lengthy answers to my questions. I really, really appreciate it and know it has helped me and hope it also brings some calm and order to others. Big hug to each of you. You all amaze me. :) xo – g
Dear Georgianna, Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos of Penhurst Place. What a gorgeous castle and garden! Its amazing to learn that the same family has lived there for so many generations.
Re comments, its too time consuming for me to reply to every comment left. I like to insert a "thank you" comment after every four of five comments left to let people know I'm reading their comments and appreciate their interest.
I also try to visit each commenter's blog. I used to do this whenever they left a comment for me, however as my blog has grown, its becoming harder to stay on top of it all, so now I visit when I can.
Sometimes I "like" or leave a comment via FB. Its a quick way to let someone know that I'm still around & taking an interest in their activities! :)
Love the romantic mood of the photos! And agree with everyone (I think…since I took quick glance only) — do whatever that feels right for you at the time, be that responding to original comment on your own blog, mass message etc No obligation–else you'd go crazy and have no time for your own creativity. If people want to see if you've responded, then they can check back; and if no response, it shouldn't be the end of the world for them. No one should "expect" response to general comment PS–so why haven't you responded to my last 10 messages!! (I'm totally kidding) Best
what an extraordinary home.
gorgeous castle~ amazing garden.
it's always nice to get comments on blogs but you can't sit in front of the computer 24/7 either.
do what works for you best or it won't be fun anymore.
Thank you for taking me away to this magical piece of England :) I can understand your dilemma. As nice as it is to receive email replies to comments, I would not want you to tire yourself out trying to reply to everyone. Blogging should remain fun not a stress. I try to visit each persons Blog and comment when they have visited me, I find this a nice way to acknowledge them. If they ask a question I try to reply via email and also after their blog comment. Catherine xx
Hi G,
I believe everyone who has networked/ shared online has grappled with this question! When I think about it, my blog- and my comments to others- are meant for them because I personally enjoyed or related or even stumbled upon their post. So, I would never feel slighted or anything if I never heard/ saw a response. I may never have time to even re-visit the post I commented on! Deep discussion is difficult via a blog. Save that for forums or email. The best compliment someone could give me, if my comment made them smile? Check out my blog sometime- at your convenience- or heart my etsy shop- or nothing at all, just say hello or comment once in awhile on flickr or whatever. You get to see names again and again, and no one that I know expects immediate response. Blogging and sharing is meant to be fun! ;)
What a gorgeous place! I too love doors and windows – it's a subject I never tire of.
I personally think it's more important to leave a comment on someone's blog to say you've been there and enjoyed the post (if you did enjoy it, that is!), rather than answer each comment you received on your blog. Unless, of course, the comment begs for an answer or you are especially touched by it. Most comments don't seem to require an answer – they're just meant as a sweet acknowledgement.
::Jill