Private feedback - what's the protocol?

[sillypanda]

Good morning everyone,

I have a question please:

When I recently checked my email associated with this account, there were several comments in there sent through private feedback (you learn something new every day).

Maybe I'm overly polite, and maybe standard conversation rules don't apply to internet sites, but it seems to me that if someone takes the time to write to you, especially if they're commenting on something you wrote, the proper thing to do is reply.

However, it occurred to me that maybe they sent private feedback (rather than or in addition to posting public feedback) because they didn't want a reply.

So, experienced writers, I ask you please: What is the proper thing to do? Should I write and thank those who wrote for their comments, or should I just read, absorb and delete?

Thank you in advance!

 

[mynameisben]

A sincere thank you is never wasted.

 

[sillypanda]

Thank you very much for the response Ben! My thoughts exactly. I just want to be sure it wouldn't be unusual / make anyone uncomfortable.

 

[litfan10]

I find that some readers don't want their comments posted and so leave a private email instead or are looking to get to know the author better (sometimes in a good way and sometimes not...)
My reason for writing at Literoica is for the interaction with readers and other writers so with that in mind whenever a reader comments within a story, sends me mail, or favourites me I will try to send a thank you response.
As Ben mentions, it really comes down to common courtesy.
Good luck!

 

[sr71plt]

There is no protocol on answering unsolicited comment.

I respond to what I consider to be constructive comment and don't to the rest. You have no obligation to respond to anything you didn't specifically ask for. But you'll get more comment if you do.

 

[past_perfect]

You can send a private feedback without an email address. If the author left one, it is safe to assume that she/he is not opposed to further contact - and a thank you never hurts.

 

[sillypanda]

Thank you very much everyone! I really appreciate your feedback - and gosh, so fast too!

I'll go with my initial instinct and thank those who wrote. ^^

Thank you again everyone, and have a wonderful weekend!

-SP

 

[Stella_Omega]

I assume that you have a seperate email address for your literotica communications, riiiight?

The thing about the private feedback system, is that people who send don't have your email address. Once you reply though, they do. So you don't want your email coming from realname@wherever.

 

[driphoney]

Good morning everyone,

I have a question please:

When I recently checked my email associated with this account, there were several comments in there sent through private feedback (you learn something new every day).

Maybe I'm overly polite, and maybe standard conversation rules don't apply to internet sites, but it seems to me that if someone takes the time to write to you, especially if they're commenting on something you wrote, the proper thing to do is reply.

However, it occurred to me that maybe they sent private feedback (rather than or in addition to posting public feedback) because they didn't want a reply.

So, experienced writers, I ask you please: What is the proper thing to do? Should I write and thank those who wrote for their comments, or should I just read, absorb and delete?

Thank you in advance!

They might not, but usually those tend to send a private comment anonymously.

I always send a response back if they add an email address, and yes, I do it with my special Lit e-mail.

 

[sillypanda]

I assume that you have a seperate email address for your literotica communications, riiiight?

The thing about the private feedback system, is that people who send don't have your email address. Once you reply though, they do. So you don't want your email coming from realname@wherever.

You are exactly correct Stella! After I saw my first story posted, I created a special account just for Literotica mail (rather than using my "spam" address that I use for retailers and other non-friend/school/etc related things).

Now I just need to remember to check it...

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Stella_Omega]

You are exactly correct Stella! After I saw my first story posted, I created a special account just for Literotica mail

As you mentioned in the top post... sorry, I totally missed that...

(rather than using my "spam" address that I use for retailers and other non-friend/school/etc related things).

Now I just need to remember to check it...

Thanks again everyone!

You can have that email address forwarded to your main account, either desktop or your web-based service.

(I'm probably STILL telling you things you already know! But I do a lot of setups for people to make their computers easier for them)

 

[estragon]

Separate e-mail, and I even use a dedicated browser. What happens on Literotica, stays on Literotica. But a reply is appreciated, I'm sure.

 

[harding]

I'm a little late and can't do much more than add the same message as everyone else, but yes, I always send a reply. Generally private feedback tends to be of the positive kind, and it costs nothing to say thank you.

 

[lovecraft68]

Good morning everyone,

I have a question please:

When I recently checked my email associated with this account, there were several comments in there sent through private feedback (you learn something new every day).

Maybe I'm overly polite, and maybe standard conversation rules don't apply to internet sites, but it seems to me that if someone takes the time to write to you, especially if they're commenting on something you wrote, the proper thing to do is reply.

However, it occurred to me that maybe they sent private feedback (rather than or in addition to posting public feedback) because they didn't want a reply.

So, experienced writers, I ask you please: What is the proper thing to do? Should I write and thank those who wrote for their comments, or should I just read, absorb and delete?

Thank you in advance!

I respond to every e-mail i receive. Sometimes people send it private because they simply don;t want it advertised they are a member of a site like this. In addition if someone gives me a really nice feedback in the public forum and they have a user ID I will shoot them a thank as well and tell then to never hesitate to contact them. I have struck up several conversations with readers this way and have ended up getting much better and detailed feedback, things like;
"Well I really like Mark but I think you should tone down his arrogance" things people won't generally put in a regular comment.
My answer is these are the people you are writing for so treat them as you would want to be treated

 

[sr71plt]

What frustrates me (it happened again yesterday) is when someone sends you a question in an e-mail through the Lit. system that you'd like to respond to and then when you do you find out their e-mail address is bogus.

 

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