Since I have my own periods from time to time where I’m not so good about responding (usually end up catching up in batches) I don’t get too wrapped around the axle about the subject. But your point is well taken … it seems kind of silly to go to the trouble of writing and promoting posts that, by design, are likely to illicit some sort of response; and then never even acknowledge those who leave comments.

As for my link posts …

While I definitely appreciate anybody who stops by to say thanks, I’m not at all expecting any sort of (immediate) reciprocity when I choose articles to link to. Over time, if I link out enough, to as many different sites as possible; and continue to write the occasional “quality” article myself, the links will eventually flow back my way.

… it’s just not always a straight one-for-one deal at the beginning. Gotta have patience.

To be perfectly honest and straight-forward (what else could I be?), as much as I like many of the blogs you’ve linked to above, I’m particularly disappointed at the lack of author interaction with readers/commentators such as….on Mocha Dad. I’ve subscribed and unsubscribed a few times in the past for that very reason, and am currently unsubscribed.

Personally speaking, I wouldn’t promote/link to/recommend such blogs who don’t appear to care enough about readers/commentators to bother with a reply. Is it a community or a lecture? Are social blogs desiring conversation.., ie two-way conversation.., or a Sunday School-like sermon? If blogs are about community and conversation, there are far too many “social” blogs that don’t offer a community welcome mat.

I can have better interaction and conversation talking to myself…the voices in my head love it.

While I can understand why some of the Big Dogs (aka A Listers) can’t possibly respond to each and every comment, making virtually no effort at all to respond to commentators reminds me of so-called social blogs that talk AT me rather than with me. What’s social about that? Blech.
Lin´s last blog ..Zhu Zhu Pets Toxic? Zhu Zhu Pets Investigation by CPSC for Antimony

The output of the plugin down there in the footer widget is much more automated … I just hit the “share this” in Google Reader, and the links show up here on my blog.

For this post, the whole thing is done by hand. I went back and looked at what I’d shared over the week, got the real link (sometimes google reader shares the feedburner url instead of the direct link), and wrote a little blurb about why I shared it.

There is actually an option with the plugin to “share with note”, which probably would have saved me some time on this post … but would mean I’d have to remember to add a note every time I share a story.

I already read Lis’ post about her move, so I’m off to read the 6 things post and the one about dating your wife being the last thing you’d want to do. I hope Fred plays nice with this one lol.
Lin´s last blog ..Are Zhu Zhu Hamster Pets Toxic For Kids? 2009 Toxic Toy List

Love that newest cheerleader!

@ Todd – Looks like you got a nice list of links here mate, and one from a fellow Aussie who’s moving to NZ. Must check that one out.

Thanks for the link luv too
Sire´s last blog ..Why I No Longer Link To The Likes Of ProBlogger And John Chow

Seriously though, I don’t blame you, I’d keep the air conditioner as long as possible too. Good luck on selling the washing machine.