Feedback question from new author

[star721]

Hi. I'm not sure where to post this question. I recently submitted my first story and have received a lot of feedback and public comments on my work. It was overwhelmingly exciting that people actually liked it! So now, is it appropriate to respond to each one? and what is the accepted form? do i respond to the comments, also? i havent' spent too much time here looking around, yet and would like some advice. What do you all do? thanks, much!

Star

 

[cantdog]

I respond to comments, but not in the "public comments" section. Instead I write them. Of course, if they left a comment anonymously, then I must forbear. But in a case like that, I generally don't have a lot to say to nobody.

But I think a person ought to respond, really. It's good to be accessible.

 

[Guest]

I respond to comments, but not in the "public comments" section. Instead I write them. Of course, if they left a comment anonymously, then I must forbear. But in a case like that, I generally don't have a lot to say to nobody.

But I think a person ought to respond, really. It's good to be accessible.

Yes, it is.

And I've gotten comments back after I thanked the reader for their initial feedback. It's polite. And often they remember and read your future works.

Congratulations on your first story!

 

[Darkniciad]

I respond to everyone who gives me the means to do so. When a PC, I click their name and respond through Lit's feedback form on their member page. When an email, I respond that way if a return addy is provided.

I tend to respond according to the nature of the feedback. If it's a simple "liked it" message, I simply thank them ( and perhaps suggest something similar from my work )

If there are specific questions or comments, I always answer them. They've taken the time to offer specific feedback, and I know I would want to hear that it was considered if it were me.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Hi. I'm not sure where to post this question. I recently submitted my first story and have received a lot of feedback and public comments on my work. It was overwhelmingly exciting that people actually liked it! So now, is it appropriate to respond to each one? and what is the accepted form? do i respond to the comments, also? i havent' spent too much time here looking around, yet and would like some advice. What do you all do? thanks, much!

Star

Bravo!
The best response; Write another story!
I have reposted stories, sometimes, with thanks or acknowledgements in a little forward that I've added.
And please make a link in your signature for us lazy types so we can read them if we want...

 

[Guest]

I agree with Stella. Just keep writing. The people who enjoy your work will be happy with that.

Now, for my sure to be unpopular stance:

Generally speaking, I don't respond anymore. It's not because I am ungrateful; it is mostly a matter of time. I have a limited amount of time to write, keep up with friends, generally have a life and work the hours I work. The only real exception I make is when I recognize the name of another writer sending a private feedback.

With my name, I receive a lot of feedback that isn't, um, entirely related to the stories themselves. I don't mind it; or, I'd have a different name. But, I've had several men interpret a "Thank You" as an invitation to more. I just don't have the energy to tip-toe around feelings and bruised egos when I say "No, thanks." It isn't personal; but many take it that way. It's just been my experience that it's better to say nothing at all.

Brian (drksideofthemoon) probably receives more feedback than all of the rest of us combined; and I do believe he responds to almost, if not all of it. But, he is a better person than me. (Just don't tell him I admitted that.)

Just a side note: If you haven't created an email account just for feedback, I'd do so. It will simplify your life.

Congrats on the good feedback! Good Luck!

 

[S-Des]

Just a side note: If you haven't created an email account just for feedback, I'd do so. It will simplify your life.

Congrats on the good feedback! Good Luck!

The best advice you will get. Set up an email account that is just for Feedback or Lit business. I was overwhelmed with comments and feedback which made my regular email account a nightmare to deal with. I created a second one and everything is much smoother now.

I was told by several authors I respect very much to never answer anyone in the PC section. It is possible to unitentionally start a posting frenzy where people try to take shots at you or debate what you've said (even if they're misinterperating it) and it takes away from the actual comments about the story. I answer every comment and email I get (I just sent a lengthy response to someone who took the time to read one of my stories a second time and couldn't understand some of my character's actions). To me, if someone is going to take the time to tell you they read your story and liked it (or at least were appreciative of your effort), the least you can do is say thank you. I rarely get a second response, but have started a few friendships with authors and readers by responding. It can be rewarding (but I'm sure the female authors sometimes face different responses than I do).

Good luck with your stories. I'm glad to hear you are getting more feedback than you anticipated. It really does make the effort seem worthwhile (at least for me).

....S-Des

 

[Aurora Black]

The best advice you will get. Set up an email account that is just for Feedback or Lit business. I was overwhelmed with comments and feedback which made my regular email account a nightmare to deal with. I created a second one and everything is much smoother now.

I agree with this and I also want to welcome you to Lit and the AH, Star.

 

[rgraham666]

I respond to every comment that gives me the means to do so. I know how much it means to people to hear from a someone they took the time to write to.

Oddly, I've never had any problems with flame wars or inappropriate invitations. Although one or two came close.

 

[AppleBiter]

Good question. As a rule of thumb, I don't respond to public comments (although, reading through some of these responses, I'm wondering, now, if I'm being inadvertently rude in failing to do so). I don't respond to public comments just because I know that when I, personally, make one, I'm not expecting to hear back from the author. I usually respond to emails and PMs, but I use discretion in doing so. It depends on the nature of the comment. I do so in the cases of emails and PMs because, the way I see it, if I send an email or PM, I expect to hear back. Just my 2 centavos.

Apple

 

[Guest]

 

[FallingToFly]

Apparently, I am in a minority. I try to do a little bit of everythign. I will post a thank you note on the PC board for those who leave good feedback, occasionally gently suggest that someone go read elsewhere if they're leaving yet another nasty PC on a series (Come on, if you know you hated Ch. 1, why keep reading?), respond through email if someone leaves an addy for me to do so, and also offer to put them on a bit of a "mailing list" where periodically I'll post links to all the new stuff I have out, or, if I have something that isn't posted on Lit, give them a heads up.

One thing I do try to do- if someone reads, votes and comments on something of mine, I will read, vote and comment on theirs, if I can. I usually leave nice Anon comments, usually with a FtF tag attached, so they can look me up if they like. If I can't find anything nice to say, I leave a genrally constructive feedback- this is what I diodn't enjoy, but bravo on this turn of phrase- and refrain from voting.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Intellegent or really Stupid feedback always gets a response either by email or PM. Feedback that consists of, "I read your story. You have a nice ass. Hit me up on Yahoo at..." Get nothing. Screw um.

 

[NoJo]

Intellegent or really Stupid feedback always gets a response either by email or PM. Feedback that consists of, "I read your story. You have a nice ass. Hit me up on Yahoo at..." Get nothing. Screw um.

I haven't read your stories yet, but I still think you have a nice ass. No need to reply to this post. subjoe@yahoo.com