I am reading this post about strategic commenting by Amy Gahran. If you look at the number of comments and trackbacks regarding the mentioned post, it is easy to see that many, me included, agree with her. The fine writer of several web sites is also an editor, ghost writer and teacher. I do take what she has to say seriously. I think there are also a few things I would like to add.

I am currently suffering from the worst sinus attack in my life and I also have several drafts to follow up on so I am going to be brief on this post. I am also going to try and cut down my obsessive compulsive pattern of "perma-revision of the draft". Here’s my two cents.

First of all, she is right about defining an audience but this is secondary to one important thing. WRITE!!! This means that comments, posts and daily drafts should come first. This, at least, seems to be what works for me. I have had a very hard time narrowing down who reads my eclectic personal blog, my blog on the web and society (that would be this one), my podcasts or my comments. One thing I do know is that Amy has left comments on my blog. Another thing I know is that I read Jack Vinson and Bill Ives and they have both stopped by. I have commented at their blogs. I have also seen traffic jumping from their sites. (Also of note, there are other writers and sites. I have not forgotten them but this is a post to make a point. It can not become a list. I do not care if you are Tom Clancy or Joe Smith; I appreciate ALL of your comments and e-mails.)

That is how I found out who my "target audience" is. So, as politely as I can say it, in some manner, I do not fully agree with Ms. Gahran on the defining a target audience. (Read on and you will see she too has given the topic more thought.) I do agree that commenting is an integral part of the process though. Of course, my method of haphazard discovery of who wants to reads me is one of many reasons that I am not as read as Amy, Jack or Bill. Also take into the account that all of this traffic exchange started with the action of me leaving comments. (This may well be something like how one chooses to pronounce potato…)

We must also take into account that fact that the individuals mentioned above are professionals who have not only the education in the area but earn their livings from their respective profession. I am far from that. (I’m one of those intellectual underachievers so to speak.) My topics are also much more eclectic and, as an individual, I do not feel I focus on blog topics as they do. The bottom line is I like to talk, IRC chat and write. For me the topic is not as much a focus as the process.

The comment/traffic cycle did accomplish something else though. It drew attention to one niche of my writing on which those "in the know" gave positive feedback. This was, in psychological terms, a considerable positive reinforcement. I, however, would be more likely to term it motivating. Positive comments from any source are a motivator. It is even more so when they come from some well read blogger or journalist.

Next I created a network of those who have similar interest and are decent enough to share. I started with those who commented, those I read, and those who I know through IRC. They often share OPML lists, delicious bookmarks and opinions. Obviously we have some common interests… The end result was that my focus narrowed even more.

After the amount of attention that Amy’s original post drew, she reconsidered her thoughts on "target audience". I am thinking the most important thing for an aspiring blogger should be defining your "target intrests". I have heard everyone from Chris Pirillo to the kid next door agree that the key to success in writing, blogging and podcasting is to have a passion for your topic. Odds are that, if you are truly interested in what you write about, you will write better on the topic, more frequently on the topic and become more and more knowledgeable on the topic.

Think about what you read. Would you seriously consider reading a book on a topic that is written by someone who cares not about the subject, knows nothing about the subject and is being forced to write it only because some demented literary terrorist is holding a loaded pen to his/her head?

Amy has written many a post about conversation, connectivity and, in short, the interactive and social aspects of the web. She even has a blog titled The Right Conversation that focuses just on that subject. The largest reason for my being a long time subscriber to Amy’s publications is because she has astute insight into these topics. She has a talent for drafting posts that create conversation. This is an important aspect of the new media. It is, in fact, THE distinguishing characteristic between the new media and old media of print. It would be wise to use it to your advantage.

You now have a list of sources that those you read and an open channel of communication. Use them. Read the material and keep the conversation open. This will not only increase your knowledge but it should, I know it has for me, motivate you. It is appropriate to mention that one should remember that anyone who comments should serve as a motivator. Do not just "suck up", practice the art of "sucking down" as described by Guy Kawasaki with equal diligence. Build your network, build your knowledge and connect. Isn’t that why you got online in the first place?

If things work for you the way they have for me, you will find yourself reading more, learning more and writing more specific and meatier posts. (I have not posted as often however but that is entirely due to massive amounts of overtime at my day job.) All in all, I suspect your entire web experience will become more meaningful and enjoyable. BTW, comments are welcome .