I've had comments (open, anonymous, no screening) on my blog since it started in 2004. Back in the day when it was very popular, most of my blog posts were the result of reader tips/advice/heads-up/etc. I have to work MUCH harder now that comments have pretty much dried up.

Yes, unfortunately spam and rude replies come with comments. I also don't have comments on my blog. I instead have one of those email masking services that allows to people to email me (and I have found this effective).

Isn't that that point of POSSE[1]? Host your blog, post a link to it on social sites like Mastodon, and let the conversation happen on Mastodon.

[1] https://indieweb.org/POSSE

> Anyone who wants to let me know something about my blog can message me on social media.

But, can they?