Tagging is how I do it @then the name with no space.  It will pop up who you're tagging click their name and they'll be notified.  If it's really important shoot them an email found on the right side of their page.

Two ways...

If you want to keep it private for some reason, send them an email.

If privacy is not the concern then just leave a message in the comments section of your post and highlight their name like this Tracie Juhas Barrios 

Hi Tracie -- the suggestions you have are spot on and the method I use.

For some comments -- I will do a blanket "thank you for commenting" response when it seems appropriate.  I also like comments left on my posts to acknowledge that I have read them and appreciate that they have done so.

If you can, it's also great to reciprocate on their posts too.   That's one of the many things that make AR such a different forum than others.

Tracie,

Just leave a message like I am doing right now for you.  If you want to highlight their name use the @" sign and a box will drop down, start typing their name and the box will fill providing they have commented on your post, or you are following them.A

Tracie, if someone has taken the time to comment on a blog post of mine I most always respond with an individual comment back on my post.  I do not tag them because I don't want to blast their email with a notification as this might be an irritation for some.  I do like their comment and that will show up as a notification on their home page on AR.  If they would like to see my response all they have to do is click on the "like notification".

I was taught by my mentor here on AR that if someone took the time to comment on your blog you should go over and reciprocate and comment on their blog site.  I do that as a way of saying thank you and it is always fun to learn what is new.  I realize that some do not have time to do this, but I always find time in the late evening or by getting up an hour earlier than normal.

Great question, Tracie!

When someone comments on your post, you can click on their name and be taken to their profile page. Then click on their blog link. There you will see severa of their posts. Pick one, click on it and comment. Members love it when you return a comment to them. 

Hi Tracie- I think you've been given some good advice.  just respond to your comments in the comment section of your post.  You can tag them so they get a message that you commented or not.  It's up to you. 

Some members choose to respond to each comment, some write a blanket comment, and some don't respond at all. 

You can also "like" each comment you receive and you can go to their posts and comment on a post of theirs. 

If you really want other members to see your comments, make a comment on one of their blogs.  Tagging members does not assure that they will go back to read the message. 

Just comment!

Some good answers here.

Tracie Juhas Barrios Looks like you have gotten a lot of great advice here, the best way to asnwer comments is to be open and honest and be yourself, perhaps even creating your own "style", like choosing a different font, or color or centering your response.

This Q&A would be a great place to practice by thanking each of the commentors below

You've got the answers I would give (use @their name or email them). It's nice to have our comments acknowledged but a general "thanks for all the comments" is more practical if you get a lot on one post.