ratherastory | Random pondering about feedback

OMG I've been thinking about posting THIS EXACT POLL on my journal. *blinks at you* With my wrist the way it's been, I haven't been able to comment well on other things, let alone reply to thirty comments on one of my own fics, and I always feel guilty about it until I realize that I personally don't really care one way or another if I get replies. But I always feel guilty because I love getting the feedback itself. It's a twisted cycle. I may just watch this poll for a while myself, LOL.

ETA - I cheated and linked to your poll at my journal. *shifty eyes* I hope you don't mind! It...seemed easier, haha.

*HUGS*

Edited 2010-12-02 14:09 (UTC)

Hee! No problem. I'm always happy to be of help, and this way it'll give your wrist a break. :)

I gotta say, I do like hearing back from authors... or anyone really. I do think it's polite, but also the nature of fan works is (I think) about connecting with other fans. Saying "thanks for reading, watching, commenting etc." is part of that community. It's also nice to know that people care about what you have to say.

Having said that... people are human and when the choice comes to replying to comments or writing more, then time might dictate that writing more is the way to go - which I can understand.

Personally, I make a point to reply to every comment - mostly because I appreciate them. I'm not at all ashamed to say so.. :)

xx

I don't like to think of the whole fic thing in terms of contractual obligations, and if people in fandom are strapped for time I think I'd prefer it if they paid it forward and spent the time reading and commenting on more of the other fic out there rather than sending endless "Thank you" replies to comments on their own fic.

On the other hand, I get that for some people this is a gift economy, and replying is like sending a thank you note for wedding gifts. Plus, I often want to engage people who say things in comments that are cool and fascinating, and I do think that if one replies to some comments one should reply to all.

So I guess I'm divided in mind. Plus I have a to-read list which is like a notebook page long now, so I feel like the guilty non-commenter to begin with.

I don't feel offended when someone doesn't reply to my comments... sometimes RL just gets too busy and then I completely understand that people don't feel like replying to every single comment they get.

I appreciate it to hear back from people when I leave longer comments, mostly because I just enjoy discussing fics or whatever, but it's not really necessary. I'm usually just thankful that there are fics around that are worth commenting on ;) [Because in some of other fandoms that hardly ever happens]

I totally second everything you wrote.

I don't exactly keep a list of comments I've made and keep track if I get an answer but if I've left a particularly thought out response (you know, other than a short 'OMG! I love this') I appreciate a reply/acknowledgement. If I don't get one, it's not going to shatter my ego but I would hesitant to leave future comments for the author. I think we all appreciate feedback and it's a polite thing to do, to reply especially if we want future feedback. Having said all that, life sometimes gets in the way and a catch up is next to impossible.

I agree with what others have said on here... especially

ash48 and

asilia.

I think "it's polite, but also the nature of fan works is (I think) about connecting with other fans. Saying "thanks for reading, watching, commenting etc." is part of that community. It's also nice to know that people care about what you have to say." and is the reason why I try to reply to all my reviews within 24 hours. However, then again, I have the time for it. When I don't have time... I just try to get to it ASAP because I feel that it's only polite and the person *did* leave a review, which took time and consideration.

But then again,

asilia gets it right: "I don't feel offended when someone doesn't reply to my comments... sometimes RL just gets too busy and then I completely understand that people don't feel like replying to every single comment they get. I appreciate it to hear back from people when I leave longer comments, mostly because I just enjoy discussing fics or whatever, but it's not really necessary. I'm usually just thankful that there are fics around that are worth commenting on ;) [Because in some of other fandoms that hardly ever happens]" I love leaving reviews but if the author doesn't reply, I completely understand for whatever purpose. But I also *LOVE* hearing back from the readers and facilitating discussion because that's what the fandom is to me. SPN is also a unique fandom in that it's so community-oriented and open to discussion -- I used to write for two other fandoms (I need to get back to them...) but it's harder because in SPN I tend to get that instant gratification of a review and in the other fandoms, I'm lucky if I get 4-6 reviews per fic. I say I write for myself but the truth is, the reviews really help a lot in the sense that it spurs me to write more.

Well anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessive about replying to comments even if it's just a quick thanks....but that's me.

I SUCK at commenting....So for me I try to comment on everything I've read that I like. Even if it's short. However, I don't expect the author to reply at all actually. I'm leaving them feedback. It's nice when they do because I've gotten to know some really super people that way but it never bothers me if they don't.

I like hearing back from authors, particularly if something I say resonates with them, but they've already done me the huge favor of writing the story. I'm not the least bit hassled if they never reply, or do it, oh, 3 years later.

Exactly what

dragonlit said!

I'm one to talk, though. I have comments from two months ago that I still need to answer. But I make it a point to answer all of them because, I dunno. I just do.

I love getting feedback. Both on my fic and when I comment to a fic. Sometimes it is simply because I am a wordy bitch and I like to chat about things I like to read. This is fandom. We enjoy talking about, reading about, living vicariously though *giggles* and sometimes grumbling or squeeing about (in my case) Supernatural. So, engaging in conversation with someone about something I enjoy is lovely.

That being said. No one owes me a comment about my fic (although I LOVE THEM LIKE BREATHING) and no one owes me a reply to my comment. Still, I think that it is only polite to respond. Not only do I feel that way about fic, I feel that way about storyfinders too...if I offer a rec (either self or other) to someone in storyfinders, take a second to say thanks. I mean, they are actively soliciting help in looking for a story. It just seems appropriate to be appreciative of it.

But not getting a response doesn't piss me off, nor does it getting one a month later. Sometimes I actually get a giggle out of that because I read the fic so long ago I sometimes re-read to help jar my memory :)

I respond to every comment. I personally feel like if someone takes the time to talk to me, I should reply in kind. But I would never hold it against anyone for not responding or not responding in a timely fashion. RL is a bitch and sometimes the best laid plans....

Dude, I love you :-D

And I'm with you 100%! I actually wrote a kinda-essay about what you said, cause I didn't read yours first.
Whatever - we all love getting comments, no matter about what, right ;-)

Comments are wonderful but not obligatory. Thanks for the love!

Mostly I think the gift of a story is enough. I appreciate the time taken when an author responds but I certainly don't expect it. For mr thr chance to say I really liked it is enough.

here via

morganoconner!

I like getting replies, but I don't really expect it -- I usually forget about it entirely within a day or two. The only time I notice is if the author only replies to some people and not others, which makes me feel a bit like my feedback just wasn't that important. (But even then, if it's really good fic/art with twelve million comments, I understand needing to stop individual replies.)

Fun poll!

I think we all love getting replies to our comments (mainly if they are detailed, as you said) but life happens! We do not always have time to comment all fics we read so it's obvious authors also have things to do and lifes to live (and wonderful fics to write XD). So I don't really expect replies, but I feel very honored everytime I receive a reply to a comment I give, whenever it is!

I've been mulling this over myself recently. I've been slammed at work recently and while I'm posting fic VERY intermittently, responding to reviews has fallen (for the most part) by the wayside. I'm much better at responding on LJ because, frankly, I don't get many comments here. :) My ff.net reviews though have been really generous and I feel HORRIBLE for not responding. I've been trying to get through the latest ones, but I'm behind. Of course. It's kind of nice to see that "whenever" seems to be the majority response. It inspires me to keep going in spite of my tardiness!

I think a reply is lovely whenever, but I don't spend time angsting over it if I don't get one.

If I hear back from a writer I leave feedback for it's just a happy little bonus. I definitely don't expect to hear back from anyone, especially the people who get 30+ comments per story, but it sure makes me happy when it happens. :) If it doesn't, eh -- the writer wrote an entire story for us! There's no need for anything further.

So, I posted "Other".

I really kinda expect an answer to a long comment, if I only say "Good work", I think it's ok if they don't reply, or only answer with "Thanks".

Of course, nobody owes me for giving a review, and there might be stuff happening and after all, around two weeks after I gave a review, I kinda forget about it.
BUT: I am one of those persons who don't review (much) for meh-stories. Meaning stories that are fine, but haven't got "it", you know?
Or I really don't like saying: "Sorry, but you should go and get a Beta", so stories which are written really horribly won't get a review (to be fair, they don't get read either...)

If I leave a comment, it's because I want to tell the author how much I appreciate their writing and the plot. It's only fair to tell them if I liked it a lot, and for longer stories I tend to write long or at least well-thought-about reviews.

It's a gift for the writer, and even though I gave it freely and without force, a "Thanks, dude" is kinda fair, I think.

I even go so far that in a story where I see the author never answers the reviews, I don't leave any feedback.
Maybe "Cool", if I feel that way. Is it unfair? Maybe. On the other hand, seeing that there is no reply implies that the writer doesn't even read the comments, and if that's the case...why bother?

Even worse, if I go and give long, happy, beaming feedback because I simply loved the story, and all I get is "Thanks" - like everybody else - I feel a bit robbed.
I don't expect novel-length, but a few lines that show that it was actually read... Would not only be nice, but polite.

So yes, I expect some gratification for giving my thoughts to them!

I know of authors who say outright that they like writing and love reviews, read them all but have no time or whatever to reply to all. That's fine! If they tell me so, I certainly won't withhold deserved praise.

So, saying that, I could have ticked "ten days to two weeks" as well, because after two weeks, I kinda forget the feedback myself :-D
Which doesn't mean that I'm not happy to see some feedback from months ago. Indeed, that feels awesome too.

Hmm, I think some sort of acknowledgement is nice and, well, polite, but I also don't feel like it always has to be in the form of a comment. Often you will hit a lot of your readers just by posting a comment amnesty/thank you post on your LJ if rl gets in the way. The majority of folks will totally understand and be perfectly happy with that. Also really short comments like "loved this" etc, you can probably get away with not replying to, but I would always reply to the really detailed/long ones, if only because those take effort and time to leave.

A response is always nice, but if you're working on more fanfic, a tardy response is definitely not a problem.

BTW, when is your next Fusion 'Verse story coming. I've re-read the others about three or four times now.

Uh, soon? I'm working on a couple of things with deadlines, and my latest Fusion story has hit a minor roadblock in terms of where I want it to go. But I'm working on it. :)

Wow, that was quick! LOL

I've seen your beta requests, so I know you're working under a few deadlines.

Is it the puppy? Or are those two idiot hunters giving you trouble?

No puppy. I'm really sorry. *hangs head in shame*

Dang, woman, you need to get a trainer for that Fusion!puppy. ; )

Probably he ran off into the woods to chase plot bunnies.

Seriously. She's not even in this story, either. Yes, I know who the puppy is (it's a dog, not a puppy, and I already know her name and what she's like). I will get to it eventually!

there is a reason why this kitty states that me and the human emphatically love lurkers. Sure, comments are nice, but then I have to reply to the comments, and usually when I could be stretched in a window, watching the birds in the garden.

You humans make this stuff way too complicated. Sunny window or tip-tapping on the keyboard replying? Come on, think about it! :D

It's definitely nice to get a reply to a comment, especially if I actually managed to say more than "read, enjoyed, thanks", just to know it's appreciated. But I don't expect one. And I feel that if I have to chose between an author spending time on replying and writing more fic, I'll take the latter ;). And it might not make readers happy, but real life is kind of important, so no need for a bad conscience when you have to cut back on fandom.

(Btw, I clicked the last option on the poll, but only because apparently I can't read. So no, I don't expect an answer.)

three days. I mean, it's a thank-you which is always a nice thing, so it's good whenever, but I'm more likely to actually remember leaving the comment if it's replied to within three days or so. 24 hours is extreme - so many people can't catch up on everything within such a short span - but after two weeks it's like what? this is from when?

Honestly, I don't even expect replies. I'd rather they were off writing more fic...

;)

At any rate, most of my feedback is pretty brief and generally positive (really, I don't like commenting negatively in public but would probably PM with those sorts of things). If someone takes the time to thank me, great. If not. *shrug*

See, I have such a short attention span that I have to answer comments the moment I see them in my in-box or they go out of my brain foreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeever. (eta That's the need to reply, not the comment itself.) This also means that 20 minutes after I commented on something, I forget it happened, and then an authorial response is a wonderful surprise. . . . (well, half the time it's a "who the hell is that?" then a wonderful surprise.)

On the other hand, I've spent years cultivating a slightly more careless approach to fandom, so I might not be the best barometer.

Edited 2010-12-02 21:00 (UTC)

Personally, I tend not to comment if I know the author isn't going to acknowledge it...unless it's so amazing I feel it's actually a privilege to have read the fic. I'm not a gushing sort of person so I'll comment if I enjoyed the fic, but if it seems like the author feels she's owed and basically treats the adulation of the masses as something due to her...no.

Maybe I'm a bit petty, but...that's how I tend to personally react to things.

I love hearing for authors, but ya'know life happens, I don't mind if the reply comes from 6 mos. it's cool either way...

What ever strikes your fancy

Doesn't bother me in the slightest when I don't hear from an author. For me AS the author, I always try to thank people who leave feedback just because I genuinely appreciate them taking the time to say something, especially if they ask a question or prompt a discussion about a certain part. But as a reader, I feel like the important part of the exchange is over once I've told them how much I enjoyed their fic. If they respond, awesome, then I know they appreciated it and got good feelings from having someone acknowledge their work. If they don't, they don't.

It's nice to receive a response to feedback, but I don't expect it or demand it, and there's no timeframe. Writers have lives too, and frankly, I'd rather more writing!!

I say whenever, but I do very much enjoy the feedback. It makes me happy when I get it, lets me get to know the person better, and makes it that much more likely for me to leave feedback the next time. BUT, if a comment doesn't happen I am not going to go off and weep in a corner or anything.

I was thinking about similar subject recently when under someone's fic I saw that she answered to every comment and everyone answered to her answer and imo it started looking riddiculous. It was on the edge of turning into "no, thank you" "no, really,thank you" "No, truly, thank you" "Oh, no, I have to thank you"
Like with kisses on the cheek on some family reunions or things. Twice? Three times? What if you go for another kiss, when you shouldn't? Or the other person goes when you hadn't expected it?! IT'S INSANE.
In my opinion it's in author's gesture and good will to answer or not. Sure, it's nice to know the author read and appraciated feedback, but seriously, which author doesn't read feedback?
Personally I answer all the comments I get, but it's not like I get thousands of them. And still after few comments in a row that go "Great! I liked it!" I feel like a repetitive machine sending "thank you" notes to everyone in hope they won't forget to comment the next time they will happen to read something by me. I can only imagine how people who get a hundred or two of comments, half of which are "omg, it was so awesome!!!" I mean, do commenters really feel so much better after getting a repetitive of "thank you! I'm glad you liked!" (I mean, even if the author doesn't copy it to many comments, there's just so many ways of saying it!)

So, yeah, I think it's nice if authors reply. It shows they appraciate and love feedback, which is obvious , but still should be pointed out to all potential future commenters. However I don't feel angry or bad about author NOT responding. (I, for example, usually don't reply to comments on my fics on kink meme, because seriously there are too many comments there already and as much as I appriaciate the feedback I found it pointless to mess the thread with useless "thanks!")

And yet there's something that annoys me. When in comment you actually ask about something or bring up some interpretation or whatever, basically you write something that begs for discussion with the author and then you're ignored. (And I don't mean for awhile, because the author was busy, but totally.) That stinks. ;) But that's the only situation I could think of in which I would actually expect author to answer and feel wronged not getting my answer.

At times I don't care that much as I sadly have started to get used to that many authors does not comment back to me. I know also that my comment for the story is more often to just let the author know I read it and liked it. Though there is times when I read a lot of the same author and give comments after comments but never get a thank you back I start to feel like the author either has to many followers or doesn't care or it might be so the author not like me at all. It also have led to that when I do give a comment I do like the story, because I probably read several stories without leaving anything.

As a writer I do love to get feedback or comments and I would be happy to even get the one telling me only that you been and read the story. Looking at my stories and what I posted tells anyone that not many do comment. You can start wondering if you are any good or if it is a sign that you are bad. I just try to not bother and continue to write and post my stories as I do love to write and it is up to any if they want to read what I write.

I know how bad I am at it, sweetie. Especially when things are really crazy here in rl world. :)

I would much rather authors spend more time writing more fic, than more time commenting on comments. Some of my favorite authors never reply to anyone, and I am 100% fine with that, and it doesn't make me less inclined to comment, either.

The tricky thing, I think, is when you want to reply to certain comments, because a dialogue feels appropriate, or in gratitude for some really detailed comments... but then it feels impolite to reply to some but not all.

So I don't have a good answer...

I selected "Other." Believe it or not, I love very late author replies to feedback! They tend to arrive when I'm too busy to be active on LJ, and it's just so nice to check my email and see actual human communication.

Of course, if it arrives immediately or if it never comes, that's fine too.

I said whenever, because it's true, they don't OWE me a reply. So whenever they get time or whatever, it's nice to hear back from the author and know that our comment and praise and love is appreciated. Usually when it's a long, and thought out, fan-girl sort of comment about the author and his/her writing - but not when it's a short, "OMG I love this!" comment. Having said that, I don't keep track of comments I left and don't particularly get upset if I don't receive a reply back - and no reply doesn't stop me from commenting on a fic that I want to comment on. However, it is really sweet when the author takes the time to reply back, however late it is. :)

But, I've taken to NOT replying back to author's thank you replies with a "you're welcome," mostly because I don't want to flood them with any more comments, but also because I get lazy some times. Which brings me to my latest musing, do authors WANT us to reply back with you're welcomes? :/

Whenever. It's not like they OWE me a reply to my feedback.

I don't know why you as a writer are worrying about this. I as a reader have a folder full of fic (including a heap of yours) that I'm hoping to read in January, assuming that I survive Christmas. And I'm feeling massively guilty about taking so long to read and comment, but also hoping it will be a pleasant surprise for authors to get feedback on a fic they wrote in, say, September in January. Maybe?

Okay, back to work. Wedding tomorrow, so rehearsal tonight, on top of all my normal clerical duties and the lead-up to CHRISTMAS. Cannot spend anymore time on LJ. Agh!

Random pondering about feedback

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