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Thank you all for the comments. Let me assure you that if I continue to get comments like this, there will be more.
I see many of the authors here begging for comments. I know it is very demoralizing not receiving comments. Many of us fledgling authors need encouragement, not demoralization, so please readers comment more, not just on mine, but on all the stories you like or feel you could help make better. And PM if you don't want it in public or it might embarrass the author. You might make a friend, and you can never have too many friends.
Hugs, Cheryl
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Comments
Dearth of Comments
I've tried to voice my hurt over this issue but it has been a waste of time, and the responses bruising. The issue has also helped me to be more sensitive to other's need for reinforcement of their efforts.
The comments lend some validity to what the author has labored to reveal.
I keep deciding not to write again, but ...
Gwen
I've added the following to
I've added the following to the bottom of each chapter of "Tommy":
"Dear readers, Remember authors like comments. And even constructive criticism. Please leave a comment. Want to comment but don't want to open an account? Anyone can log in as Guest Reader -- with a password of topshelf to leave a comment. Thanks."
there seems to be some sort of ratio thing
With reads, kudos and comments.
For a typical Gaby chapter it's something like 1000/170/2. It's no better for book reviews on Amazon, maybe one review for every 200 purchases.
I've given up expecting any sort of feedback/conversation about my posts.
Is that because my writing is perfect and needs no comment? (well I know it's not so that can't be it can it?)
I think it's actually just a malais caused by modern living habits - eat - throw away, read - discard etc etc.
I like to get comments, I don't need comments. TBH, it verges on being impolite to read something for free and not offer at least thanks at some point.
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Thanks, Mads...
Thanks, Mads...
and of course you are perfect ;-)
Kris
{I leave a trail of Kudos as I browse the site. Be careful where you step!}
"Is that because my writing is perfect..."
Well, not perfect, but close enough. Any comment would be gilding refined gold, painting the lily.
I'm
All for gilding lillies!
But seriously, even just an 'I enjoyed that' type of post is appreciated and encourages authors to keep going.
It takes considerable time to craft a coherent and enjoyable story and whilst we mostly do it for the love of the thing, to keep doing it our ego's do need a little massage from time to time.
Mads
Madeline Anafrid Bell
Probably the comment type of
Probably the comment type of 'I enjoyed that' is the only I can write. I write some storie sometimes too. So if I comment about the plot and/or characters wouldn't it be read as how the 'right' story has to be written?
Good point Mads
however, if you care to cast your mind back to those days of your that were B.I. (Before Internet) and all those books that got published and without writing to the author via the publisher whom may or may not pass letters on... there was very little in the way of feedback other than the bestseller lists.
Yes, we are in a different place and especially this month there are so many works to read, vote and write comments on that it is next to impossible to do the process justice.
One of my best pieces of work (not here I hasten to say) has an average of two comments per chapter and one of those is usually mine. Sigh.
Comments are like the proverbial London Bus. You wait for ages and then three of them come along almost together. I'm still getting the occassional comment on pieces I published years ago.
I certainly don't write for the comments (but they are really nice to recieve) but for the enjoyment of actually writing a collection of random sentences that somehow when put together in the right order actually make sense.
This leads into the whole debate about 'enemies of creativity' which for some strange coincidence we discussed last night in my 'Creative Writing' Class. The 'Critic on Your Shoulder' is always there lurking and waiting to pounce...
To borrow the slogan of a footwear maker which can be applied to our craft... "Just Do It".
Samantha
As Oscar Wilde said...
The only thing worse than being talked about....
Is NOT being talked about.
Love, Andrea Lena
Expecting more
Love Like Thanks -so far 3,3,1 out of 111. I thought most authors would agree, but apparently not enough to mouse click.
I see 4-4-0 at 116. Strange.
I see 4-4-0 at 116. Strange.
About comments. Or it's rather compliments. If I like I press a kudo. Usually I'd like to say "Thanks" or something like "Go girl!" - would it be OK? Or would authors treat it like a spam?
From my perspective as an author is ...
A Kudo on an old story of mine has far more impact than one on a current story I have published.
For example, seeing my story Break a Leg! go over two hundred Kudos after it was a year old had me doing an Irish jig. Good thing I am Irish. Just wish I could dance. BTW, it has 208 Kudos now.
A comment on an old story is thrilling too, but what also stokes my muse's fire is seeing old stories I have written still getting daily hits.
For example, my story Hard Pills to Swallow gets anywhere from 3 to 10 hits a day.
Because, when it comes down to it, if people aren't reading my stories after they disappear off of the home page, then my writing is for naught.
Thankfully, they are.
AuP
It's at 4,4,0 for 130 now.
It's at 4,4,0 for 130 now. perhaps Erin will comment.
I can't speak for all authors, but I appreciate anyone who goes to the effort to comment, but value more those who are specific about their likes and dislikes. I suspect I would get defensive if someone was aggressively negative, but that hasn't been a problem (at least on BC).