mod post: Feedback guide
Hey everyone,
We’re very happy to notice that rocksalt_recs generates some feedback activity! This is fantastic! We’d like to encourage you all, though, to leave your feedback where the creators can see it, that is directly under the work instead of under the rec. (That is not to say that you can’t second a rec because of shared taste. This is obviously great validation for our reccers and we welcome it very much! We’d just like to ensure that nice comments for the talented creators in our fandom don’t get lost!)
Since fandom is a de-central space, some of our recced content is hosted on platforms other than LJ. Here’s a quick guide on how you can leave feedback on deviantArt, Dreamwidth, the AO3, and tumblr.
DeviantArt
On DeviantArt, you need an account to comment. However, it’s easy to register, there’s no waiting time, and despite dA being mostly an art site, it’s perfectly acceptable to set up an account solely for leaving feedback ;)
Dreamwidth
You can comment with your LJ account via OpenID or register for a free DW account. Invite codes aren't required anymore. If the user allows it, anon commenting it also an option.
AO3
The AO3 allows both anonymous kudos and comments, meaning you don’t need to have an account. If you prefer leaving your feedback signed, you can request an invite code here. At this time the queue is very short and you should get your code within 2 days. Alternatively, people who already have an account might have a spare invite code or two, so it’s worth asking around!
tumblr
If you don’t have an account:
If you really like something you can always leave feedback in the creator's Ask Box. You can either access it from their blog (layouts vary so the link might not always be obvious) or via the URL http://username.tumblr.com/ask. Leaving feedback and support this way is common and certainly welcome! However, if the user turned off anon commenting you'll need an account. It is also possible to entirely disable the ask box, though not many users do that.
If you have an account:
So you went and got yourself an account but you still aren't sure how tumblr and its etiquette work?
Additionally to sending messages via Ask Box, you now also have the option of sending Fanmail. Fanmail has the advantage that it doesn't vanish from the inbox when answered, the sign limit is somewhat higher than for Asks, and it allows you to include links. However, you can only send Fanmail after you’ve followed someone for at least 48 hours.
Another option for adding commentary are Reblogs! This is probably the easiest option. You can reblog from anyone without having to follow them first. Clicking the reblog button allows you to add thoughts of your own. Adding a complimentary note is very welcome and the OP will see your caption pop up on their dash, as illustrated in the linked tutorial. However, you should be aware that unless the artist explicitely states otherwise, it is frowned upon to delete the original caption that artists often use for commentary and explanation.
If adding text feels too intrusive you can always tag your feels, that is, attach a note saying something like ‘this is awesome' as tag to your reblog. This is the most popular way of adding commentary on tumblr. Unfortunately, the creator is less likely to see it!
And a word on how to comment: don't be shy! Even something as simple as a quick 'hey, I enjoyed this thing you made!' will make every creator happy.
- Your mod-team
We’re very happy to notice that rocksalt_recs generates some feedback activity! This is fantastic! We’d like to encourage you all, though, to leave your feedback where the creators can see it, that is directly under the work instead of under the rec. (That is not to say that you can’t second a rec because of shared taste. This is obviously great validation for our reccers and we welcome it very much! We’d just like to ensure that nice comments for the talented creators in our fandom don’t get lost!)
Since fandom is a de-central space, some of our recced content is hosted on platforms other than LJ. Here’s a quick guide on how you can leave feedback on deviantArt, Dreamwidth, the AO3, and tumblr.
DeviantArt
On DeviantArt, you need an account to comment. However, it’s easy to register, there’s no waiting time, and despite dA being mostly an art site, it’s perfectly acceptable to set up an account solely for leaving feedback ;)
Dreamwidth
You can comment with your LJ account via OpenID or register for a free DW account. Invite codes aren't required anymore. If the user allows it, anon commenting it also an option.
AO3
The AO3 allows both anonymous kudos and comments, meaning you don’t need to have an account. If you prefer leaving your feedback signed, you can request an invite code here. At this time the queue is very short and you should get your code within 2 days. Alternatively, people who already have an account might have a spare invite code or two, so it’s worth asking around!
tumblr
If you don’t have an account:
If you really like something you can always leave feedback in the creator's Ask Box. You can either access it from their blog (layouts vary so the link might not always be obvious) or via the URL http://username.tumblr.com/ask. Leaving feedback and support this way is common and certainly welcome! However, if the user turned off anon commenting you'll need an account. It is also possible to entirely disable the ask box, though not many users do that.
If you have an account:
So you went and got yourself an account but you still aren't sure how tumblr and its etiquette work?
Additionally to sending messages via Ask Box, you now also have the option of sending Fanmail. Fanmail has the advantage that it doesn't vanish from the inbox when answered, the sign limit is somewhat higher than for Asks, and it allows you to include links. However, you can only send Fanmail after you’ve followed someone for at least 48 hours.
Another option for adding commentary are Reblogs! This is probably the easiest option. You can reblog from anyone without having to follow them first. Clicking the reblog button allows you to add thoughts of your own. Adding a complimentary note is very welcome and the OP will see your caption pop up on their dash, as illustrated in the linked tutorial. However, you should be aware that unless the artist explicitely states otherwise, it is frowned upon to delete the original caption that artists often use for commentary and explanation.
If adding text feels too intrusive you can always tag your feels, that is, attach a note saying something like ‘this is awesome' as tag to your reblog. This is the most popular way of adding commentary on tumblr. Unfortunately, the creator is less likely to see it!
And a word on how to comment: don't be shy! Even something as simple as a quick 'hey, I enjoyed this thing you made!' will make every creator happy.
- Your mod-team