It really depends on the specific blog, blogger, and audience. Generally speaking, I think most people figure out the link thing pretty quickly, but if it’s a very non-techy audience, they might not.

Similarly, some bloggers don’t mind signatures in comments, but many will just delete your comment (or worse, mark it as spam, which can get you blacklisted from thousands of blogs if it happens enough) rather than take the time to edit out a link they feel is overly self-promotional. Unless you have reason to believe a blogger is signature-friendly, I wouldn’t chance it. Too little return for too much risk.

My question is though, do you think the average blog reader knows to click on my name to access my website for further information. Is it really non kosher to put the site in the context of my message?
How about signature lines? I feel if I want to be a resource to the blog owner and their readers, I would be more than willing to offer my site in the verbage in some format.
What’s your take? Thanks
~E

That said, even without necessarily bringing in buyers, I find the social aspect to be worth the time put into it. I just never know when some contact today will lead to something bigger.

It is effective in getting visitors to your blog. If your blog is interesting enough these visitors will become subscribers or regular readers. What they don’t do is buy anything through your blog because they’re already advertising the same offers as you or simply don’t click offers on other, competing, blogs. In the end, it’s a social exercise, not a moneymaking exercise.

@David: the “standard advice” always seems to be 1) ask for comments or 2) be controversial. Being controversial does seem to work but may not be the best strategy for long-term success. Asking for comments when there aren’t any seems a little desperate. I think it’s a “social proof” thing; when other people do it, I want to do it.