general feedback question

[DarlingNikki]

I read Laurel's "Writers: Please Read" post, but I'm wondering about the part where she says we should respond to written feedback. Is she just talking about the feedback posted in this forum or should we respond to each and every e-mail feedback we get, even if it's just "Great story!" It's what I've been doing, because the feedback truly thrilled the heck out of me, but really it might end up being somewhat time consuming if I ever post any more stories. Should I be responding to each one? What does everyone else do?

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

Should I be responding to each one?

If they take the time to write you, shouldn't you take the time to write back?.

What does everyone else do?

I write 'em.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[DarlingNikki]

okay

Well as I said, it's what I've been doing. I guess I'll keep at it.

 

[Octavian]

Responding to feedback

DarlingNikki

I always respond to feedback. It is common courtesy after all.

Octavian
Bearer of the Silver Rose

 

[damppanties]

...but really it might end up being somewhat time consuming if I ever post any more stories.

It won't come in with the same consistency. Usually, it trickles down to one or two per week after the story's off the New Stories list.

Should I be responding to each one?

Yes, I think so.

What does everyone else do?

I respond to everyone who gives me an email address.

 

[Just_John1]

Absolutely!

I agree that if they take the time to write you, you should take the time to write them. I respond to every Email I get, (ATt least those with a return addy) sometimes just a quick thanks for the feedback sometimes I get more verbose. Depends on the feedback.

Not every story you write will get hundreds (or evens tens) of responses. I'm usually tickled if I get ten and I will absolutely take special care to respond to anyone that sends me a feedback with a return address. If it ends up time consuming count yourself lucky, people like your work, have taken the time to not only read your stuff but have taken the extra time to send you an appreciation for your work. Its only common courtesy to respond.

You have to keep in mind how difficult it can be to send feedback with your keyboard all sticky LOL.

JJ1

 

[DarlingNikki]

ok, ok, ok... I appreciate everyone answering my question but I feel like I look all selfish and stingy now... Please note: I have been answering every feedback and I DO appreciate each of them very much! I was just wondering because my vacation is over now and I have less time... and I wasn't sure if the senders really expected a response at all. I mean, sometimes it was obvious because they asked a question, which I answered, but sometimes it was't so obvious. Anyway, as damppanties pointed out, I probably won't get any more after the story falls off the new stories page, so it won't be a problem. I did answer them, I promise!

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

DarlingNikki

I'm sorry if I sounded like some Old Testament prohet in my earlier response. Don't worry, much less obsess about making or not making a reply.

IMHO, flamers don't deserve any notice and those who give anon feedback don't want any response.

RF

 

[Just_John1]

Sorry DarlinNikki

I also didn't mean to insinuate you hadn't responded and now realize how negative those comments sounded. I respect you for asking the question and I know all your readers appreciate your efforts first for writing the story and for responding. Keep up the good work and congrats on your success! Sorry.

JJ1

 

[gauchecritic]

falling off

Just because your story falls off the new list doesn't mean people stop reading them Nikki. When (not if) you post another story someone may be interested enough to track down your older stories.

I've just mentioned in another thread that a story of mine managed to attain that lovely red H weeks after it fell off the new story page.

If it's what thrills you (and it does me) keep checking your back catalogue scores.

I am;

Gauche

 

[trendyredhead]

In my profile, I let readers know that I will respond to signed feedback, although given the amount of anonymous crap I have received as of late, I am beginning to wonder why I ask for it at all.

I try to respond to anyone who takes the time to send feedback AND gives me an email address (although I've discovered sometimes these addresses aren't correct).

As a reader, I also appreciate it when an author responds to my feedback - which is very rare. But I am more likely to keep reading the stories of authors who reply than the ones who don't. Makes me feel as though I have some sort of connection to them, I guess.


TR