A Question for Readers - Do You Comment?

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

[Poll #1893608]

Comments

[carabele.livejournal.com]

It's more I only comment when something particularly strikes me. I might enjoy a story, but not have anything strike a particular chord that puts me in a mindframe to comment.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

I'm going to simply repeat what I posted on Network Command:
I suppose my interest goes back to how I started out. If no one had commented I doubt I would have pursued writing stories. I don't feel as though everything needs reinforcement, but then again, as a musician, I'd hate to play for a house that refused to applaud, even if they were merely glad I was finished.
We can't and won't like everything, and sometimes there is more need for guidance than congratulations. Having said that, I do believe in encouragement.
To add to it, at least the Kudos button lets a reader acknowledge having been there and actually read the story. Statistics only tell us that someone started to read, not that they finished.

[avery11.livejournal.com]

"If no one had commented I doubt I would have pursued writing stories. I don't feel as though everything needs reinforcement, but then again, as a musician, I'd hate to play for a house that refused to applaud, even if they were merely glad I was finished."

I agree. When I started writing, I was new to the universe of fan fiction. I had no idea whether anyone would even read one of my stories. The feedback let me know there were readers out there in the ether who wanted to see more.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

That was my thinking as well. Perhaps it stands to reason that the newer writers need more signs of acceptance, something that can stand to wither slightly as we mature. Not ideal, but at least we gain some sense of ourselves that need less in the way of other people's approval.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

I remember when I posted my first chapter of my first story and the feedback you gave me. You helped me get my head on straight and to write a much more powerful piece of fiction thanks to you. If you hadn't commented, I would have rushed the piece and it wouldn't have turned out the way it did. Comments giving good advice is important. But if a writer gets no comments or just acknowledgements that their stories are being read, it can definitely be discouraging. The analogy of a musician playing to an audience who doesn't react hits home very much. I've had performances like that, and they can be very discouraging and disappointing.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

What if you just typed the word "Kudos" to let the writer know you at least read the story? Letting someone know they're being read can at least be encouraging, but you just don't have anything in particular to say.

[carabele.livejournal.com]

And if I indeed read it, but didn't like it?

Sorry generic "kudos" just aren't something I'm comfortable with.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

If you don't like it, then you don't leave Kudos, it's as simple as that. Kudos is just an acknowledgement that you read it but have nothing to say. At least Kudos gives a writer some encouragement that their fic is being read.

Encouragement is an inspiring thing that we all need from time to time.

[carabele.livejournal.com]

At least Kudos gives a writer some encouragement that their fic is being read.

But see this is like a conflicting set of ideas:
~ Writers want to know their stories are being read, so leave kudos to encourage...
~ But their stories could be being read and actually disliked...

Here's the thing: though it's really difficult (believe me, I know) writers on the whole need to develop tough skins and not expect encouragement at every turn.

Hope that doesn't sound callous, but it was a lesson I had to learn myself. Still have problems with it now and again, I admit, but I just think generic kudos really aren't something that is worth the effort.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

But see this is like a conflicting set of ideas:
~ Writers want to know their stories are being read, so leave kudos to encourage...
~ But their stories could be being read and actually disliked...

You're missing the point. If you don't like a story, you don't comment or don't leave Kudos. It's as simple as that.

I'm suggesting the use of Kudos, for those people who read a story, like it, but have nothing to say.

Leaving Kudos simply tells a writer their story has been read, and someone having taken the time to give a Kudos, tells the writer the story was read and liked. That to me is encouragement, and there's nothing wrong with that.

It's comparable to hitting the :"Like": option on Facebook. You don't leave a comment, but you like the post you just read. If you don't then you do nothing. That's not very complicated...

[carabele.livejournal.com]

I don't really do the "Like" thing either. [chuckle]

So I just have a different mindset.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Chuckle. :D

[kanders07.livejournal.com]

I always try to comment to let folks know I've read the work. Maybe KUDOS would work but, I prefer the personal touch of a comment.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

I think a genuine comment that reflects the reader's response to the story is what we all hope for. The Kudos approach is us grasping at straws for some sense of success. You perform, you know what I'm saying about an audience that won't respond. Ultimately, we all just want some acceptance.
And, thank you for commenting ;)

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Oh I agree the personal touch of a comment is much better. Kudos would be for those who just don't or can't think of something to say. If you read a fic and don't like it, you wouldn't comment, if you don't like it you wouldn't leave a Kudos either.

I think it's a good option for those who don't feel comfortable leaving a personal comment.