One of the things that has encouraged me to get back to my blog has been comment spam.  I receive alot of comments that tell me how wonderful my posts are or what a good writer I am.  However, in most of these comments there is nothing that suggests that the person submitting the comment has even been reading the blog.  Unfortunately, there are many who try to up their own website's visibility by posting flattering comments like "Wow! what a great blog" on a hundred different blogs hoping to get link backs.  (It is particularly apparent when the same person has made the exact same statement multiple times.) 

Getting complements is always nice.  However, comment spam just clutters the conversation.  Thus, I do not accept the "great post" type of comments unless their are 1) from someone who I know follows the blog (in which case I truly appreciate the compliment) or 2) there is something in addition that furthers the discussion.  "Your blog is great" will get deleted, while "That was a great post.  I have been facing a similar situation . . . " will.  Likewise, comments that take a contrary position will also be accepted as long as they are respectful.  (I am one of those people who believes that you can disagree without being disagreeable - a view which is apparently losing ground on the net.)  Attacking my position or that of anyone commenting contributes to the marketplace of ideas.  Attacking the person making the comment does not.

So a word to SEO types.  I will gladly accept your comment - just make sure it adds to the discourse.