Comments on blogs

When commenting on blogs, I think the rule of thumb should be to balance praise, questioning, and critique. 

I think the most helpful comments are those that first point out one thing the writer did well (giving them a "strength" to focus on continue to use and rely on) as the commenter then questions or critiques the blogger's argument or interpretation. 

However, I do not think praise is always necessary. If you are responding with an idea to a question or furthering the blogger's discussion, praise may not be needed. Only when you are going to critique their reading/interpretation should you first pull out something that you did agree with or like in their post. 

I believe this will encourage every one to maintain a positive perception of blogging. Also, it gives us practical experience in providing positive feedback to "students" while we are also commenting on their compositions (blogs).