It’s normal to monitor comments, likes, and reposts as soon as a new post is published. These reactions are interrelated, and there is a growing awareness.
The ratio is the number of comments on a post compared to reposts and likes. The mathematical formula is commenting/(reposts +likes). This is especially relevant to Twitter, as these numbers are easily arranged right under tweets.
Comments that exceed retweets and likes are a sign of a negative reaction. If the number of comments exceeds retweets plus likes, it’s a sign that the tweet was not successful. If the ratio exceeds 10, it’s the Hindenburg, Fyre Festival, or Emoji Movie.
Is it wrong to have more comments than retweets or likes?
Likes are by definition a sign that others view you positively. Retweets can be considered endorsements unless they are written sarcastically to show a weak view. Although comments may support a tweet, they can also be used to debate, critique, upbraid or lampoon the tweet, and so on.
A ratio of 0.5 indicates that there is a balance between comments, likes, and retweets. This means that the tweet is solid. This scenario is where most comments are positive or neutral.
It is clear that people didn’t want to share the tweet with their followers or retweet it. However, there were many comments. This is viewed negatively by people more than comments on sub-1-ration tweets.
Example Tweets with a High Ratio
This one got people agitated:
6,003 comments + 186 retweets and 503 likes = 8.7. That’s quite a lot more than one. Do the comments tend to be negative? It is almost impossible to find someone who endorses Marie Claire. Swifties aren’t happy when people criticize Tay Tay for sticking to music and not mixing politics. Comments included, “No Marie. We are not, just hoping that you get a better life,” “Maybe because she realized that fans don’t want entertainers preaching to them” and “Leave Taylor alone.”
Another one with numbers that are even more outrageous:
1,800 / (14 + 75) = 20.2. This is more than twice the size of disasters! Who would have any problem with a tweet praising charitable employees? This tweet was posted on the same day as United Airlines’ news story about a dog that died on a flight. The owner had been instructed to keep the pet in the overhead compartment. United did not tweet about the incident that day, so instead people used this tweet to express their reactions. We are all waiting for your response. #united #dog”.
What should you do next?
You might be intentionally trolling. This is not a common goal for eClincher customers. However, if you are able to achieve it, congratulations and enjoy the achievement. Perhaps you can achieve a ratio higher than 20.
You can comment on your disagreement with the ratio and offer your defense. Although this may increase the ratio, it will not harm the thread. The comments will be better able to present your views and allow for criticisms. You might even get some likes or retweets, which could help to shift the ratio in the other direction.
When faced with a high ratio, it is best to admit to the problem. An apology might be appropriate if a mistake was made or persuasive comments were made. A little self-deprecation can help to ease tension. To convince your followers and commenters that you have reformed, you can offer penance in the form of a charitable donation.
The last thing to consider is whether or not you want to delete the tweet. Keep in mind, however, that if there are already enough outraged critics to the tweet, then this might be a way of adding fuel to the flames.
You have been ratioed. The best way forward is to be a little more wise and start posting again soon. With greater consideration for how things are received and what you should post or tweet,
