I've Done It Twice Now...

...and it makes me kind of sad.

What is it that makes me so sad?

I just unfollowed a blog that I've enjoyed in the past.  Today's post did it for me.  Essentially, the author said that if you're her friend or family member, please comment.  If she doesn't know you - don't.  "Not cool" is the final sentence in her post.

Why am I pissed about this?  Look, if you don't want anyone to follow you, make your blog private.  If you don't want comments from people who don't "know" you, turn off comments or moderate them.  But, for Christ's sake, don't slap your followers' wrists for commenting.  I honestly don't remember if I've ever commented on her blog, but I'm sure the hell not going to follow a blog where the whole world has been told people who don't know her aren't welcome.  And it's a shame, because she's got a neat blog and I've enjoyed some of her posts.  All I can say is that it'll be a cold day in Hades before I ever visit that blog again.

The worst part about the whole thing is that now I'm second-guessing my desire to comment.  I've always assumed that because I love comments other bloggers do, too.  I personally like the interaction.  I'll typically follow someone and lurk for a bit before I comment, but on ocassion I'll see something that I just have to comment on during my first visit.  I mean, exchanging comments is how I've met some of my best blogging buddies.  Blogging has made the world a lot smaller (in a good way) for me.  I love meeting new people, even if it's via the internet.

So...what's your take on a blogger telling people not to comment unless they know you personally?  Am I wrong in assuming that other bloggers enjoy comments?