Well.

[lavvyan]

If today's Fuck Yeah, Fandom Flamingo wanted to polarise, they certainly achieved their goal. That's the most passive-aggressive thing I've ever seen there.

ETA: No, really, this bothers me. I spend hours, often days and weeks writing a story. Then, most of the time, I bug poor Kate (or half the internet, if she doesn't have time) to invest her

Comments

[toomuchplor]

Yeah, I wasn't too happy with that FYFF either, TBH. I think comments are analogous to thank-you cards, sort of. I have put the story out there for others to consume and potentially enjoy. If they are courteous enough or have the energy or w/e to leave a comment, that's really nice. And if I have time/energy myself to answer, even better, but at some point it's like thanking someone for a thank-you card and it gets ridiculous. Especially when the comment doesn't really seem to beg any response other than, "Thanks! Glad you liked!" It's terrible finding seventeen ways to rephrase that over and over, and it's time that I could be making more interesting words happen IMO.

[lavvyan]

It's terrible finding seventeen ways to rephrase that over and over

Yes! Comments are love, but trying to reply always leaves me flailing.

[percysowner]

When I comment, I don't expect a comment back. If I get one, it's nice but not a requirement. One of the reasons I love AO3 is the fact that I can leave kudos on a story, even if I can't come up with anything to say. I felt guilty about it until an author said that she loved kudos because she knew people liked her story, but she didn't have to feel like she had to answer a comment. I wish LJ had a feature like that.

[lavvyan]

Kudos are sincerely the best thing ever.

[rellan]

It can also get to ridiculous levels. I've read stories that have LOTS of pages of comments. Trying to answer those would be a nightmare.

I must admit, I do like a comment back even if it is just 'thanks'. However, a return comment is NOT a requirement.

[ladyflowdi]

I just wanted to say: so much this. And for me, I get a bonus helping: I have enough trouble dealing with my crippling social awkwardness just POSTING a fic, that often times replying to comments is beyond what I can do. Which sounds ridiculous, and yet here we are. :\

[neevebrody]

Thank god I fail at most social media. I feel it would be the same as when I was all wrapped up in politics. ;)

Honestly, I've never thought of not replying to comments - I just assumed it was good form to do so. Lately, however, with my schedule being what it is, I have certainly seen how hard it is to think of what to say other than "thank you, glad you liked." And that 18 times seems rather redundant or disingenuous. Which is worse?

*glomps you* ♥