Have you ever watched a young child at play? I am amazed at the way they will walk right up to each other, introduce themselves, and are instant friends. Occasionally my daughter while we are waiting at a restaurant or meandering around the mall will just walk up to a child she sees and just give them a hug! And more often than not, they hug back. How weird is that? And then I realized that the only reason this is amazing is because we adults are not like this.
What is it between childhood and adulthood that suddenly makes it not okay to start a conversation with someone? To smile at each other and say hi? I know that there are some people like this, but they are not the norm. In fact they are so rare that the rest of us think they are foward and "loony". Why? Because they are friendly?
The blogosphere is less like this. You can stop by someone's site, hear what they have to say, and just leave them a casual comment. (Unfortunately it also makes some people more comfortable with be hateful towards others.)
I have been visiting Michele for some time now, and have been watching her. Her posts are usually short, and also usually interactive. She is highly popular, and I have read that if you are the target of her comment game, she sends more traffic to your site than Blog Explosion. So what is it about Michele that everyone loves?
Well, I'd love to tell you, but I think our friends Sigmund, Carl, and Alfred said it better than I ever could:
"Michele's blog is like a improv theater stage. Michele provides the ideas, and you and I, her readers, pick up the ball and run with it. Every commentator... gets to take the stage and be the star. In other words, Michele offers us all the chance to show the very best of ourselves- and almost all of us do, everyday. Our words, ideas and humor bring out the best in our fellow readers, and so on."
I think the problem with the world (well, one of them) is that we aren't friendly with each other. We go about in our own little bubbles and for the most part keep to ourselves. We are quick to judge others without information and are cruel to each other without considering the other's feelings. We are all different, but that is what makes this world so interesting and wonderful. Why can't we accept that? (And seriously, would you really want everyone in the world to be and think just like you? Then what would make you unique?)
Michele's site is different because whether she knows it or not, whether she means to or not, she is making the blogging world smaller and friendlier. We are getting to know each other because Michele is here introducing us to each other.
So in the great spirit of Michele, I am giving you all an assignment for today. All you have to do is comment on one site today that you've never commented on before. Easy, right? Yeah, that's it. The only other rule I have is if you can't say something nice, move on until you can.
You blog explosion users have it easy - comment on the next site you come to. Click the "next blog" button at the top right of my site and it will take you to a random site. Or click on one of the sites on my blogroll.
Leaving comments makes others feel good. It makes this world seem a little less harsh and a little more close-knit. (It can also increase your traffic.)
Ha! I am commenting on yours as my new site of the day. :-P Partially because you commented on mine and partially because your post strikes me as true. Maybe not for me, though ... I've actually become less introverted as I grew older, more likely to smile at a stranger than when I was young, when I always hid behind my mom. Which is a nice thought, actually, and I wouldn't have thought of it without your post, so thanks!
What a great idea. :) I have to agree about the easier to be friendly/easier to be mean thing. Ths whole internet is like that. It amazes me how people behave on here. I will be happy to take on your assigment. Hope you have a great day! :)
I think I will go comment on Michele's blog as she is new to me :-)
By 
Crazy Single Mom, at
5:54 AM
Children are so easily social because they aren't at all self conscious, ro wound up with inhibitions like us supposed mature grown ups :)
i'm cheating a little because i've been here before just never commented. i found you through BE but have been reading you "on my own" for a little while now. but i guess i'll have to go on over to M's site... i've heard great things about her and she's new to me!
there's an ongoing conversation in our house about the same type of thing... my son is very social, social to the point that i joke he's not mine. we're finding two main problems with his sociality... he's very tall for his age (he'll be 3 in Feb) and at least a year behind on speech. because he's as tall as a 4-5 year old, people expect more from him. because he's behind on speech the other kids his age don't understand him and tend to shun him. what shocks me is that this doesn't stop him from continuing to try. if only i shared his lack of fear for failure and rejection!
I posted a comment yesterday but forgot to say that I found you on the BoB website and have really enjoyed reading your posts. Your challenge is a great idea so I'll be heading off to comment on someone's blog right now.
Good idea! Like pay it forward! :)
I'm game..
Chana
www.bunnyburrow.com
Btw, I love Michele's site too.
By 
, at
8:16 AM
I thought about this just the other day. I was wondering why I find it easy to talk to the children at the school gates but avoid conversation with the mothers. I came to more or less the same conclusion. To a little girl I can say 'That's a pretty dress.' or 'Your hair looks nice today.' but I'd feel weird saying that to her mother. Which is a shame.
That's what I like about the blogosphere, you can just stop by and let someone know how great their blog is. I shall make sure I do that today.
By purpleelephant, at
8:17 AM
That's very nice of you -- I feel exactly the same way -- about all of it! Michele... commenting... community.
Thanks for the nice thoughts & great challenge.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
By Barefoot Principessa, at
8:40 AM
Hi, my name is Liz and I'm a recovering lurkaholic and dork.
I love your blog!
Come visit my January 5th post and be a part of De-Lurking Day.
(Liz at This Full House)
By , at
9:03 AM
You are awesome! I have noticed how sometimes blogs end up linking together in their posts. It's like a little community and I want to be included! On many of the blogs I read daily, Michele is mentioned and raved about. I have only looked at her blog once or twice but your post just inspired me to add it to my regular list!
And kudos to you for recognizing that friendly energy in the blogosphere and raving about it on your own. That's very kind. A great way to start that "pay it forward" type of rotation.
Way to go!
I have posted before and a devotee to your site, but I am going to say Hi anyway :) Good idea you have.
Done. Great idea!!
By seeingdouble, at
10:11 AM
I don't know if I've commented before, but just like to say that I love your blog. Yes, we all need to be a little more friendly. Going through my blogroll as we speak...
I hate you and your blog!
Heh, ok just kidding. I have seen many accounts of people being mean on the internet because they can get away with it, but I didn't think those types of charecters would be in the blog community. I haven't seen it yet, but then again I am fairly new. Here is to hoping that I don't see it!
Today is really a commenting type of day! I've seen two De-Lurker's Days (and commented on them both) and now a new comment game. Good idea. Who doesn't love comments? Have a great day!
Beth
http://supermom3604.diaryland.com
By , at
11:41 AM
People must think I am looney because I talk to everyone all the time. In the store on the shuttle everywhere. I am not one of the annoying people who keeps talking like on the airplane but I just comment all the time. I think i even talk to myself. Wow what a dork!! or maybe just childish.
Hello...I did just what you said to do, now do I get a sticker? : ) Sorry, I am a preschool teacher, couldn't help it. Anyway, I enjoyed your site! You have just gained a new reader. Have a great day!
http://truewillow.blogspot.com
By Ruby in Paradise, at
12:51 PM
Great post!
It makes us happy to see that others really do 'get' what Michele is all about- and it is even more satisfying to see other good bloggers, like yourself, do the same thing she does.
Irrespective of the nature of the blog, be it personal, political or anything in between, the blogsphere only improves when the idea of community is enhanced.
By , at
12:56 PM
Great post!
It makes us happy to see that others really do 'get' what Michele is all about- and it is even more satisfying to see other good bloggers, like yourself, do the same thing she does.
Irrespective of the nature of the blog, be it personal, political or anything in between, the blogsphere only improves when the idea of community is enhanced.
SC&A
By , at
12:56 PM
My Wonderful Friend Christine,
Do you know how wonderful you are? I hope so because many other people know it. Your remarks about me are so very appreciated. I do indeed encourage as many people as possible to comment on a regualr basis and to mix and mingle at any given oppourtunity. I love that you have just encouraged friendliness....and who better to encourage that then YOU.
Now I will play along and comment on a site that I have never commented on before (which of course I do all the time) but today I wil return to your site several times and visit YOUR new friends. (clapping hands in glee)
Thank you so very much. Hugs.
Delurkin' for a day to say "Great Post!"
A decade ago, my grandmother would embarrass me by stopping and talking to EVERYBODY she meets. She would make it a point to compliment a cashier at the store if they were moody and clearly having a bad day. Now, a decade later, I think, "what would grandma do" when I come across a crabby patty. It doesn't hurt me when I smile, it doesn't hurt at all!
Assignment completed. That was fun!
Catt
http://cativa.blogspot.com
By , at
4:35 PM
I haven't crossed that line of adulthood, I guess. There are few strangers in my life, only people whose names I haven't learned yet. Its a trait I share with my father, a one eyed jeweler. Another story for another day, though. Great blog and I will be back, lurking or not. Come see mine if you can.
http://tishasharpthewriter.blogspot.com
By Tisha from Texas, at
4:41 PM
Your assignment has spread like wildfire! Everywhere I go today its Delurker day!
Thanks for coming by my site. I always enjoy reading yours. :) And I must have felt your spirit because before I saw the trend earlier today I had already posted on several people's sites I had never been to and some that I lurk at. :)
By Sleeping Mommy, at
4:46 PM
hi,
wow. seems like blogger is getting slower by the day. please check this new blogging option out: www.blogladder.com. Thanks to anyone who signs up.
Ryan
im cheating today, just b/c i feel like commenting on yours lol, anyways i love you site very much, i am devoted to checking it everyday and seeing whats new. Anyways, i totally agree with you on the whole child friendliness thing. Children are more likely to be nice to other's. The only reason people become rude or set in their own little bubbles is because they grow up and things change and opinions are formed about what they think society is really like. I think that's the reason people judge before they take the time to really see what a person he/she is. I've tried to be happy and ive tried to be perky at the same time. It didn't work because thats just not me, i've never had a week without something shitty happening. If im not at least in a bad mood or a tired mood or just plain sick of you mood at least once a day, i wouldn't be me. Im the drama queen and that can't be helped. I can be happy sometimes, but that's only if something goes right for me that particular day. I think people should be nicer to others but but then again i don't think that that is going to happen for one reason. I like how every person in this crapy world is different. With out different races. religions, moods, and practically everything that makes a person, this world would be like that movie pleasantville where everything is perfect. Perfection has never existed and it never will exist. Well i think i've written enough, sorry about that, well take care
By Rebecca Seiler, at
6:51 PM
Christine,
I have returned from visiting and saying hello to everyone that commented here. Well, except for Beth because I could not open her site (if you have a different URL please send details so I can drop by ot say hello).
You certainly do have a lovely bunch of friends. This was very kind of you.
This is an excellent post. In fact, I was just thinking something like this when I left school today. Normally I'm shy till I get to know someone, but not with blogging. I also notice I'll act "like a blogger" when I feel I have to. I met one of my best friends in college that way actually, by just going up and saying hi. It sucks that we don't do it more often.:(
Hi! Loved your post today! I agree, the internet is much more friendly than a world where you can't even walk into a convenient store and get greeted with a friendly hello anymore. When I finish my purchases and say, "thank you ...have a nice day!", I'm just looked at as if I'm strange! Go figure!
By TimeSavers4U, at
8:19 PM
How fun! I have been going around De-Lurking - only to find this post! Happy De-Lurking Day!
You and your kids make me laugh regularly!!!!
I find that Michele's site is like my own private version of "Whose Line Is It Anyway" I like to think that my humor is like Colin Mochrie's but I often find that I'm the only one that feels that way.
C'est la vie.
Spread the love, Christine, spread the love!! :)
When I started my little game I had no idea it would catch on, but I'm glad there's so many more people around who think the same way. Call me an incurable optimist if you like, but maybe the world isn't such a terrible place after all.
Since I joined blog explosion, I've become familiar with a great many blogs [and some bloggers ;)] - seeing everyone so friendly and welcoming puts a smile on my face everytime I turn on the PC.
To the blogosphere - thank you for just being there. All of you individually, and everyone as a group. I love you guys!
But to address your post...
I think the reason we become "less friendly" has nothing to do with how we perceive others, but rather how we think they see us. As we grow older, we think we become wiser, but in fact the only things we gain are more insecurities. We become more selfconscious, more closed in.
Blogs strip away that shell, and expose the softside of every cynic, the coolness in every geek.
And people who leave bad comments on blogs are probably still living behind that barrier... inside that closet.
-anna
By , at
4:29 AM
Stumbled upon you thru blog explosion. I'm not a very friendly person, I guess that's the wall I've put up to protect myself. I know I've got a number of insecurities. It takes a while for me to warm up to people. But once I do, I get really friendly and nice. However, today, your post has inspired me to try to be friendlier, even if just thru blogs.
So, here's my baby step...
I like your blog. I'm looking forward to coming back.
