Replying to feedback

[JKendallDane]

Do any other authors keep a file of all their feedbacks? I've done that since day one, but since I have never opened that folder to re-read anything, I've persuaded myself to delete it, one of these days.

I keep a file that is a combination of the more intense public feedbacks and the highly emotional and personal ones that come via email. I may only glance through them once a year, but there are some that are great reminders of how powerful words and stories can be and make for a good kick in the butt for the muse.

 

[bashfullyshameless]

I reply to virtually every private message that includes an address, if only to say thanks for their interest. So far, I have yet to receive a negative message in private. The negative stuff is always where other people can see it, which generally says a lot about the intend and about the person who wrote it. Someday, there may be someone who cares enough to tell me privately just how bad a writer I am, but so far it hasn't happened.

As far as comment threads go, though, I *only* respond to specific queries of a positive/pleasant nature. It's a good way to make readers feel engaged and appreciated, and it helps build up your readership. However, I recommend never, ever engaging with trolls or hostile/negative commentators on your stories. That way leads to madness.

 

[JaxRhapsody]

I guess I need to step up my game, I only(yet hardly ever) get comments, never anything else.

 

[shutterpsb]

I pretty much agree with and respond exactly as Lovecraft68 laid out.

 

[lovecraft68]

I just got one yesterday that makes me want to add something here about my "policies"

Because I write a lot of incest stories I get many messages where people feel compelled to tell me of their incestuous (allegedly because I think some of them are looking for a weird kind of attention) encounters.

It really drives home the difference between lit style fantasy incest and the real thing because these e-mails are cringe worthy at times.

I am sure they are looking for a long detailed response, perhaps me telling them my stories are based on real life events.

To these people, no matter how long the message is, I give the simple "Thank you for taking the time to write and tell me you enjoy my stories, I appreciate your support."

 

[soflabbwlvr]

I've had that kind of thing, but not nearly so bad, and except once, always from Mr. Anon. The one that did go into detail was a request for a custom story, based on mine, but different, completely different. I thanked her, but declined.

I think you, soflabbwlvr, gave me a very instructive feedback for one of my first stories. I can't remember if it was an email or a public comment, but it was really concise, told me what worked for you and what didn't in the story, and complemented my effort. It was really heartening. More so in retrospect. Thank you.

I value feedback from authors much more than any others, whether positive or negative. So far, infrequent as it has been, feedback from authors has been more objective than the normal run-of-the-mill, "I loved it," or "I hated it," or "You sick SOB you should kill yourself," comments I usually get.

You are quite welcome 49greg. I always try to be helpful, and I'm glad that at least one time I hit the mark. Some other Lit. authors have been very helpful with their comments and criticisms on my stories, so I try to return the favor whenever I read something on Lit. I don't claim to be an expert, but I have picked up a few things over the years. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.

 

[robertreams]

If a reader takes the time and effort to e-mail me I respond. If the positive or negative criticism is real, meaningful. If it says "You suck" or " Stop writing" I do not respond.

 

[StrangeLife]

I guess I need to step up my game, I only(yet hardly ever) get comments, never anything else.

Or step it down... depends on what type of comments you want