You can pay but that is artificial If you really want real good comments, you can simply state at the bottom of your article "comments appreciated" or "please comment" to emphasize that you really want it. If your article is worthy, you'll gain them naturally.
Actually, commenting on your own articles is likely how many do it. I know that many admin for forums have multiple accounts in order to make a forum look active. It only stands to reason these same people would boost their own articles as well. So personally do not condone such activity, but I do know that it can and often does happen.
Just like people who post in their own forums under several usernames I think if you were to do this.. you would have to have several split personalities to pull it of, when it's obvious that it has been done... doesn't reflect so well on yourself, the article and site.
Just focus on writing quality content, and building visitors. The more people the read, the more chances you have at comments!
Well, as far as I can tell, the right way to do it is to write controversial articles. Say something there that people would love to comment on. Put there in your article something like "What do you think?", people will feel like answering. Start an emotion, make them feel angry, sad, happy, anything but bored. If you made them feel anything, they will comment. Also don't forget to tell them, ask them like I said a bit earlier. ask yourself when you write an article if you like the way it is written and if you would comment on your own article. That's the right way!
Excellent advice on how to get comments. I bolded "anything but bored" as if you end up boring people they will hit the back button long before they get to the "leave a comment" link. An article should not only be informative, but it should also reach out and grab the person in some way. That's the difference between a text book, and something you'd actually want to read. Q
I like blog posts that are personal... "I know that..." "Now in my opinion..." Also, "Does God exist?" is a hot topic at a couple of forums now, including my own.
On my blog I have tried a few different thinks to get user activity.. The best would be writing a very personal, or emotional article that gets your readers blood flowing, and then leave them with a question.. Or give them some AWESOME information and then leave them with something like: "Are you already using this? Then tell me how well it works for you! Or if you are going to try it make sure you post up your success that I know you will get!"
I would do something similar to this... http://www.copyblogger.com/landing-page-tips-for-book-sales/ See how at the end of the post she offers to do her readers a solid (for free) by offering to review their landing pages. This is nice because she controls how many she will do, not promising that everyone that posts a link will get a review. It's a win-win situation because it gives her more fodder to write about (especially in a creative slump) and people are incentivised to initiate their comments becasue they may be able to get something for free that interests them. just my two cents...