The last choice in this poll is akin to kudos don't you think. And therein lies the dilemma. I think kudos is the least that one can do to acknowledge having read a story, but I do believe with most readers it is intended as a compliment. A comment requires having some feeling about a story, unless the reader just feels obligated to say something, sort of like looking at an ugly baby and exclaiming, "Well, that's a baby!". Not really what we're after. I like comments like all writers, and the analogy I've used many times over is that, as a performer, I expect some response from the audience in order to be truly fulfilled in that role. Yes, please applaud and let me know you didn't nod off while I played my heart out for you. Same with a story. I put something into it and want to hear back that it had an impact of some sort. Enjoyment, conflict, euphoria (well, best case scenario there). Admittedly when a writer tells the world that she/he only comments on what they consider worthy, it does ring of a certain smugness, as though that person's taste level is so much higher than what is normally presented. Perhaps it is, although from my own perspective, it actually does sadden me just a bit to know that the people who have made that statement have never commented on one of my stories unless in a format such as Down the Chimney or some other large scale challenge. Is this too much? I think I speak for a lot of newer writers who have come along at a time when some of you who have lived in this fandom world for much longer, have tired of the requirements to fawn over stories and shore up egos. So I choose to not take it personally. I can play piano for myself and have the pleasure of it be immensely satisfying, but I still want some acknowledgement from the audience if they show up for the entertainment. Having said all of that... (would you give me a kudos or simply hit the return button?), I don't always comment either. Sometimes I don't know what to say or how to phrase something that should sound complimentary but somehow can't. I think real criticism belongs in a private message with at least some form of a solution to whatever problem has been identified; at least this is true unless on a forum that invites critical analysis. I'm sure additional conversation on this topic will unveil even more opinions, attitudes and revelations. I think it definitely adds to our experience here.
no subject
I think kudos is the least that one can do to acknowledge having read a story, but I do believe with most readers it is intended as a compliment. A comment requires having some feeling about a story, unless the reader just feels obligated to say something, sort of like looking at an ugly baby and exclaiming, "Well, that's a baby!". Not really what we're after.
I like comments like all writers, and the analogy I've used many times over is that, as a performer, I expect some response from the audience in order to be truly fulfilled in that role. Yes, please applaud and let me know you didn't nod off while I played my heart out for you.
Same with a story. I put something into it and want to hear back that it had an impact of some sort. Enjoyment, conflict, euphoria (well, best case scenario there). Admittedly when a writer tells the world that she/he only comments on what they consider worthy, it does ring of a certain smugness, as though that person's taste level is so much higher than what is normally presented. Perhaps it is, although from my own perspective, it actually does sadden me just a bit to know that the people who have made that statement have never commented on one of my stories unless in a format such as Down the Chimney or some other large scale challenge.
Is this too much? I think I speak for a lot of newer writers who have come along at a time when some of you who have lived in this fandom world for much longer, have tired of the requirements to fawn over stories and shore up egos.
So I choose to not take it personally. I can play piano for myself and have the pleasure of it be immensely satisfying, but I still want some acknowledgement from the audience if they show up for the entertainment.
Having said all of that... (would you give me a kudos or simply hit the return button?), I don't always comment either. Sometimes I don't know what to say or how to phrase something that should sound complimentary but somehow can't. I think real criticism belongs in a private message with at least some form of a solution to whatever problem has been identified; at least this is true unless on a forum that invites critical analysis.
I'm sure additional conversation on this topic will unveil even more opinions, attitudes and revelations. I think it definitely adds to our experience here.