reply to anonymous feedback?

[sharojoe]

Any authors reply to feedback? Is it expected or even desired?

 

[rydia57]

Most of the time my feedback is good, but when they leave no name, you can't reply. When the feedback is bad, I figure they were just bored and spouting off anything, so I don't reply. Waste of time. That doesn't include the ones that may tell me how a story needs improvement. That helps me in my writing and if they leave an addy, I thank them for that.

 

[davidwatts]

oui

I always try to respond to feedback. It's so easy to just slap a vote on a story and move on, that if someone takes the time to tell you how they feel, it seems proper to respond.

If they make a stupid, vulgar, off-topic or other inane comment, you can't really respond. Ignore it, and don't lower yourself to deleting any comment that is not glowing. Besides, I have NEVER gotten a negative comment from anyone that was not anonymous. If I did get a comment that was not positive, I hope I would respond in the respectful manner the person deserved

There is nothing more exhilarting than seeing a bunch of comments lined up in your e-mail in response to a recently submitted story. If readers feel ignored, they are less likely to respond in the future.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but the feedback has been a wonderful feature, and although I will never win a contest, the excitement I get from a person that liked a story of mine is prize enough for me.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Any authors reply to feedback? Is it expected or even desired?

I never have but if some anon made a nasty and, I thought, unjustified remark, I might leave a PC to answer him or her, even though it would probably never be read by the person making the remark. Sometimes anon asks a question which has always seemed silly because I would not be able to answer.

 

[brightlyiburn]

I've seen a lot of people say you should ALWAYS reply to feedback. However, unless I'm asked something directly, I usually won't reply.
I figure, why waste my time writing the words "thank you" in response to every e-mail that comes through my box, when I can thank my readers by continuing to write for them? I imagine all of the most devoted readers would much rather have your stories, anyway.

 

[patricia51]

I usually reply if there's an address and the comment isn't one of those that makes me very happy I use a penname. Actually as was pointed out, the nasty ones "Fuck off and die Bitch" type are just about always anonymous. The one where an admirer wrote a long poem about sneaking into my house and making love to me as he woke me up.... now that one had me locking my doors and checking the loads in my pistol for a while.

 

[davidwatts]

I don't think that anyone would think it unusual that absurd and profane feedback not be responded to. The comments speak for the creator.

I still feel that people that comment to me, that make it possible for me to reply to them personally, deserve the courtesy of a response. How long does it take me to tell them; thank you for reading and taking the time to give me your feedback?

Thirty seconds, because I just timed it. They spent five-ten minutes to read my story and then took the time to tell me how they felt. They deserve that. As for those that make threats or other such nonsense, forget about them.

 

[flyer333]

I appreciate feedback of all kinds, pro or con. I used to write and never shared with anyone, and thousands of hours of work and hundeds of ideas have been lost to the "Delete" command because there was no outlet of which I was aware. If you need an idea PM me and I'll be more than willing to share.

I find both types of criticism constructive. And I will admit I have adapted my writing style to find a "common ground". Don't get me wrong, I get a chill when somebody loves my story (thanks much Anonymous...and screw you, Anonymous..LOL). But when I see a negative comment it is seriously considered and you may see changes to future submissions based on that. Please, comment.

Ever since I could write I have fantasized of writing a serious novel. I never felt worthy enough of such an endeavor, but now I feel as if I'm in a period of growth and these exercises are expanding my creativity and mental growth...or I'm fooling myself and this is all I shall attain. The future is the judge and jury in that regard.

 

[patricia51]

I don't think that anyone would think it unusual that absurd and profane feedback not be responded to. The comments speak for the creator.

I still feel that people that comment to me, that make it possible for me to reply to them personally, deserve the courtesy of a response. How long does it take me to tell them; thank you for reading and taking the time to give me your feedback?

Thirty seconds, because I just timed it. They spent five-ten minutes to read my story and then took the time to tell me how they felt. They deserve that. As for those that make threats or other such nonsense, forget about them.

Exactly

 

[PAUL C]

Always

I always reply to feedback when I can.

 

[msboy8]

I would like someone explain to me how to respond to anonymous feedback? I don't think you can and that makes this poll unnessessary and unable to make a difference.

 

[Boxlicker101]

I would like someone explain to me how to respond to anonymous feedback? I don't think you can and that makes this poll unnessessary and unable to make a difference.

You can't respond to anon email but to a PC, you can post a PC of your own, including your handle, The only time I would do that would be if somebody either made an attack or made a good suggestion, that I thought merited a response.

 

[msboy8]

I see, thanks Boxlicker101 (Hopefully not cardboard boxes, Yuck!)

I wrote a short poem to those who write anonymous feedback, but I decided not to submit it. I got over the personal attacks by people who didn't read what I wrote properly.

 

[Boxlicker101]

I see, thanks Boxlicker101 (Hopefully not cardboard boxes, Yuck!)

Of course not. When I lick a box, I go "Mmmmm." And she goes "Ahhh. Ooooo. Mmmmmoooooahhhhhh."

 

[Jolie du Pre]

Reply to Anonymous feedback

I've replied to everyone who has responded to my Fay Flowers. There was one person that I couldn't reply to, because I was only given a name. I think it's rude to not reply to people who have taken the time to read my story.



Jolie

http://www.joliedupre.com

 

[Singularity]

Always

I always reply to an emailed or PC'd bit of feedback. Anything addressed to me with a return address gets a response.

I think it is only fair and considerate to do so. It is very common for me to get a follow-up message from the person, expressing gratitude and (sometimes surprise) that they heard back from the person they'd written to. That tells me that most authors don't bother to reply.

Responding to those who have sent you their comments and thoughts returns additional benefits, as well. For me, more than a few of those who took the time to send feedback have become friends with an ongoing dialog that continued well beyond talking about a specific story, or more. A few have even become characters in future stories.

The story "Searching For Her Own Shadow" was one of these. The central character and the premise for the story started with the real-life experience of the woman who became Emma in the story.

Inspiration and ideas for stories and characters can come from many sources. An avid and engaged reader can be a wonderful source of inspiration.

It takes only a few minutes, but it is well worth it.


Sin.

 

[brightlyiburn]

More often than not, I get my feedback early in the morning. I used to put it aside with the intention of getting to it when I was awake, but the road to hell is paved in good intentions. I do have a Blog now to track story progress, so generally I comment there instead.

 

[NikkiDawn]

So far I've only had 2 anon feedback - one was just a compliment (assuming the person was shy ) ... the other was regarding rating a story that didn't identify it was "Chapter 1" & that it would automatically be rated as a 1. With stupid remarks like that... why bother? It's not like the person who said it is going to find out what u think ...
If someone doesn't have the guts to leave their name in feedback when they disagree with something - is their opinion even important? Hmmmmmm

 

[sharojoe]

Excellent point, Singularity! Inspiration is where you find it. I hav already replied to all who left addresses, even if to just say "thanks". Rereading them has already given me more ideas for future stories. Thanks!

 

[CharleyH]

I've seen a lot of people say you should ALWAYS reply to feedback. However, unless I'm asked something directly, I usually won't reply.

I figure, why waste my time writing the words "thank you" in response to every e-mail that comes through my box, when I can thank my readers by continuing to write for them? I imagine all of the most devoted readers would much rather have your stories, anyway.

It does not take much time to show your appreciation. The "I want to fuck you thingies" I don't respond too in PM. However, I try always to show respect and appreciation toward my readers good or critical. Two words are easy, and when we get famous we hire the lackies to do it I disagree with the term "waste of time."

I just do.

 

[brightlyiburn]

It does not take much time to show your appreciation. The "I want to fuck you thingies" I don't respond too in PM. However, I try always to show respect and appreciation toward my readers good or critical. Two words are easy, and when we get famous we hire the lackies to do it I disagree with the term "waste of time."

I just do.

When you've got as much homework as I've got this semester, and as many demanding readers as I do, you learn to accept that you either spend your time thanking people or spend your time writing.

 

[Jolie du Pre]

Charley H wrote:

It does not take much time to show your appreciation. The "I want to fuck you thingies" I don't respond too in PM. However, I try always to show respect and appreciation toward my readers good or critical. Two words are easy, and when we get famous we hire the lackies to do it I disagree with the term "waste of time."

I just do.

~

I completely agree. There are tons of stories on Literotica that people can read. If someone chooses my story to read, I'm not going to take that for granted.

Jolie

 

[Jolie du Pre]

I wanted to add that Literotica is something new I'm trying, but I'm also busy with the Erotica Readers and Writers Association, busy with my own website, busy writing short stories for anthologies and busy working on a novel. BUT....I still make time to say "thank you" whether it's here or somewhere else.

And as Charley said, if I no longer have time to say "thank you," I'll have someone do it for me.


Jolie

 

[CharleyH]

When you've got as much homework as I've got this semester, and as many demanding readers as I do, you learn to accept that you either spend your time thanking people or spend your time writing.

Well, I have a demanding job writing, and I have no need to say more, but when people thank me, I respond. . . you learn to accept your responsibility for affecting peoples lives, orgasm or not, and you still write. It takes two seconds to write:

"Thank you for your support.

Charley"

It was no offence, I merely disagree with your term, 'waste of time'. I feel it is beneath you as a writer with so many followers to say that it is a waste. No good or ill, is a waste of time. Perhaps you will one day understand this.

As I re-read the question, and must correct self, I reply in PC to anon if worthy. . . in PM, I cannot.

 

[CharleyH]

Charley H wrote:

I completely agree. There are tons of stories on Literotica that people can read. If someone chooses my story to read, I'm not going to take that for granted.

Jolie

Thank you, Jolie. Welcome to Lit, too, BTW.