There are two types of people: those who have something to say and those who have to say something.

I heard that statement in the context of people’s behaviors in meetings. Having observed many blog posts and their associated comments, I have to say that this statement holds true in the blogosphere as well. Some people have brilliant insight into a topic and their comments to a post are clear and interesting. There are others that seem to comment just because their feel the “have to” or to get the link back to their site.

Engaging people in conversation is a back and forth exercise of comments, commentary and opinion. In person it is stimulating. Via a blog it should be the same. In an in-person conversation, there will be those that listen and not contribute for many reasons. In the blogosphere, the same holds true.

I have not started leaving comments on other blogs yet (although I was tempted to at Matt Cutts blog post on his cat Ozzie). I will in time, but I’m watching, listening and learning the culture of blogs. I’m sure some post will compel me to leave a comment, but for now I just enjoy absorbing all the knowledge of people who want to share it.

Joining the conversation and sharing your knowledge is important, but it is also just as important to listen. By listening to what is being said, you will learn a lot about your customers, prospects and partners. They will appreciate having your ear for a while. Give it to them and then do something that delights them.

What do you think? Should you comment just to comment? Or do you listen, learn and comment when appropriate?