Customize comment message to encourage replies

[QuirkyJessi]

(Not an addon, but a nice tweak with code just for Blogger users)

Nathan recently posted a nice tutorial for how to change your Blogger comment message. You know, the standard "0 comments" or "10 comments" that you see all over the place?

He gives reasons for using phrases like "Be the first to reply!" instead, and then very clear, simple steps for customizing your own.

Customize Blogger Comment Message to Boost Post Replies - Experiment Garden

(I figured I'd post it here since you didn't, Nathan. )

[Nathan]

Wow!

I'm glad that you liked the article so much that you mentioned it.

I figured that it might be slightly spammy to publicize my own article, even though I probably could have got away with it as a Super Moderator.

But yes,

This template tweak that I came up with can improve comment performance on your blog dramatically. It encourages people to comment more frequently and to become part of a discussion, all by changing you comment message to be a cue of sorts inviting them to share their thoughts.

This is one trick that in the long run can make the difference between an average blog and a truly amazing one.