I thought some more thoughts about comments on the New Year's Competition might be relevant. This also is relevant to comments on any story, regardless of whether the story is an entry in the contest or not.
I confess that I love comments, either on my own stories or on other writers'. To me, comments give an affirmation that someone appreciates your efforts. This is oxygen to any author, so, if you've read a story and you like it, do not hold back in commenting. A kudos is OK but a comment is in a different league. Each one gives a writer the opportunity to respond and maybe expand upon what they have written.
I am quite prepared to consider an author's comment in reply to a comment on their story as valid in my consideration of "best comment" for this competition. I have already seen some thoughtful replies by authors. Some may make you laugh, and, more importantly, make ME laugh. Some may make you think, but in general they encourage you to continue writing, which is the principal aim of this competition.
So don't hold back. Fill my comment bowl.
Comments
Admit it, Joanne
You are a comment junkie. It takes one to know one. We feed off of each other. I know I hesitate to scrawl on the empty sheet below a story. "by gosh and golly, I really, really liked that"" never seems enough. But I will sneak back later to see what I may be missing. I love it when the comment section explodes. Not only does the work expand but my appreciation of this group grows.
There may be 12 step program for this affliction, but don't even consider it. My time here is better spent with dinner AND a show.
Ron
I Admit It
And you're one of those feeding my addiction, Ron! Don't stop, whip me some more!
Oh Joanne
Say it ain't so girl! Be careful what you wish for. I admit I get a bit carried away on stories that hit my heart. This contest has brought out the best in our writers.
There once was a Judge named Joanne
Who lived somewhere close to Siam
She read comments well into the night
To be fair to all who chose to write
To find the One that is worth a Damme.
:DD TAF
DeeDee
On my next day off.
I will read and comment as much as possible. I want all you lovely guys and gals to feel the love. I feel a little guilty now, most of my free time is eaten up by either writing, or roleplaying, I need to get back into the habit of reading at least a few stories a day and spreading love like you gals do. If you gals don't know it, you are role models for us. I always feel a bit of warmness when I read what the reader left. Sometimes those suggestions even make it into the story.
A story a day keeps the doctor away
Don't interpret that as having to write a story a day!
On average.
I can do 1,000 words of useable text on a good off day, after a twelve hour shift sometimes 400 sometimes more or less. Depends on the day and if I get a lot of time to think. Sometimes my mind wanders while I stare at cabbages trying to figure out if somebody would buy it or if I should just cull it. When it normally returns, I have a new story or chapter to wrestle with. :D
After work
Much more industrious than I then, as once I get home after work my noggin magically transforms into cream of noodle soup. Not even any chickens left in the coop at that point. Writing anything new is exclusively done on weekends...