THE BOOK--Playing The Percentages In Baseball

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Blogging economists

Economists give their view of blogging.

It was noted that comments probably are not an accurate cross-section of your readers (most readers don’t comment).  From what I recall, there was also not much enthusiasm for responding to comments from readers.  For example, it was argued (not sure by who) that one is often better off just ignoring the comments.  I would note that I do read all of the comments (or almost all) offered in this forum.  And I do respond from time to time (although, I am not sure that’s always a good idea).  My sense, though, was that my fellow panelists were not in the habit of actually responding to reader’s comments in the comments section of a blog post.

If there is one difference between me and them, this is it.  I respond to virtually every comment directed at me, and half of those not directed at me, but that I think I can offer something.  I think it’s almost insulting to not do that.  Imagine you are a student, and you raise your hand, and you say “Prof. Wohlers… how would you...”, and then he just ignored you?  This is exactly what the panelists are in favor of doing here.  And for Berri to say that he’s not sure it’s always a good idea to respond to his readers?!? 

I challenge all bloggers to treat their commenters the way professors are expected to treat their students.

And then I laughed about this:

Justin offered three rules for reading comments: 1) Make sure you have a thick skin

I think this comes directly from the blogger not having a dialogue with his readers.  By having a monologue, and the reader knows the blogger has no intention of responding, what do you think the reader is going to do?  My being involved in my blog basically ensures that it’s not a breeding ground for a$$holes, and indeed, actually attracts insightful-minded folks.

My favorite section of Bill James’ site is the “Hey Bill” section.  The comment area of his articles is so-so, because Bill rarely makes an appearance there, and he’s all over the professorial “Hey Bill”.  Why do us lay people know more about teaching than professors?

...and 3) comments can also further the conversation. 

Exactly!  That’s why the blogger needs to respond to the commenters.  I learn more than I teach, but the view of the economists is that they teach far more than they learn.

On a related note, I also noted how odd it was responding to people who adopted some of the “unusual” names you see in the comments section.

That must mean Berri is an old man basically.  In 20 years, no one will think this is odd.  It’s his bias.  “This guy Eminem invited me to a party… no way am I going to a party by someone with an odd name.” Really?  A bias in responding based on unusual names?  All I ask is for consistency in name, and preferably uniqueness.  There is a ton of “Dave” that post here.  It makes it harder to keep a thread of the person’s dealings with that.  I mean, I would much rather respond to “Davey blue-eyes”, so at least I know who I’m talking to each time.