Random pondering about feedback

[ratherastory]

So I've been trying to catch up on comments to my fic, because I'm behind on everything fandom-related and feeling a bit guilt-ridden as a result. Anyway, that's moving along, so I thought I would indulge my curiosity and ask my ever-understanding flist for your opinions.

Do you guys care at all whether an author replies to your feedback? Do you feel annoyed/insulted/whatever if your comment goes unanswered, especially when you've taken the time to leave really detailed feedback?

To make it easier for y'all, I've made a poll. It's totally not because I like fiddling around with the LJ toys. No. Not at all... *shifty look*

What are your thoughts?

[Poll #1652078]

Comments

[de-nugis.livejournal.com]

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.