When I’m out and about on the Internet reading slices, I always read the comments others have left before I write my own, even though reading the comments first absolutely influences the comments that I write.
Sometimes I’m not sure what to write (I’m a slow processor, but who has time to linger for too long while writing a comment? There are so many more slices to read!), and seeing what other people have said quickens my thinking.
Sometimes a comment unlocks the piece for me or shifts my perspective in a way that changes what I planned to say.
Other times, a comment expresses exactly what I want to say, better than I could possibly say it, but I don’t mind repeating the same thing in my less effective language.
I’m often in awe of fellow slicers’ ability to zero in on what makes a piece so effective and to articulate their noticings in incisive and insightful language. The comments are so often a lesson to me in how to provide meaningful feedback as a teacher.
I’m lifted up by the encouragement I see in the comments–to keep going, to keep writing, yes, but also to keep living, working, teaching, familying.
I love it best when the comments themselves become a kind of conversation, not just with the slice itself but with other comments. Commenters commenting on each other’s comments: proof of the power of this writing community.
Commenting can’t help but be a secondary genre of writing during the March slicing challenge. But I can’t imagine slicing would continue to be a beloved March tradition without the comments. They are the true gift of writing this month.
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This slice is in conversation with Juliette Awua-Kyerematen’s Comments. I was also inspired by her blog title and motto.
the dirigible plum 
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