Respond to feedback?

[bennyhunny]

I'm a fairly new author to this site. Question - do you respond to feedback if they send an e-mail addy? I have written back and forth to some, but don't hear back from most. I thought maybe they don't really want a response(?)

Thanks in advance, bennyh

My stories

 

[dr_mabeuse]

I usually respond. Feedback's our life's blood here, and if a person takes the time to give you a stroke, I think it's nice to stroke them back.

You might not want to start a big discussion with people about why you did or didn't do something in a story, but a response to feedback let's them know that you're willing to talk further, if you are willing.

I usually thank them for the feedback, tell them it means a lot to me, and, if they ask me anything about the piece or have any specific comments, I try to address those, and I'll tell them to feel free to write me any time.

The only negative feedback I've ever gotten was anonymous, so there's nothing you can do about that. And once I got a comment that didn't seem to relate to the story in question, so I just ignored it.

---dr.M.

 

[bennyhunny]

Thanks for your confirmation. I love getting feedback, it has definitely helped me with what people want to read and what they don't.

Any idea of how many feedbacks a good story might get? I started writing what I would want to read, but was concerned that the appeal was to narrow. If I get half a dozen good feedbacks for one story, is that adequate to think this is a good direction for me? bennyh

Chilled Wine and Hot Sex for Four

Feedback from other writers would be welcomed

 

[SexyChele]

If people leave an email address, I always respond to the feedback that I get. I really feel appreciative of the time and effort a person took in filling out that little box and sending it to me. (Even if it is only something like, "great story" - it's the thought!) To date, I've only received one negative comment where the person included an actual email addy and we did correspond for a short time, as I really wanted to know what he was thinking. I think I surprised him as much as he surprised me!

I did receive a response to one of my responses, where a reader stated she was amazed. I was the first writer who had ever responded to her feedback. I think that is a shame. Granted, we all get busy, but it really doesn't take that much time to write out a short thank you note acknowledging the reader's comments.

How much feedback is to be expected? Hard to say, really. I've found that the stories that can be the most controversial seem to generate the most feedback - both good and bad. I don't keep a count of feedback, but I do know that my last two stories generated more than all of my other stories combined. But I'm not sure if it has to do with writing quality or if the crowd that reads that particular genre are just more verbal. I'm just grateful for any feedback I receive and don't count the numbers. If you are generating some good feedback, then obviously you touching a few people out there, and that is good.

 

[English Lady]

I always respond to feedback, I haven't had any negative feedback to answer yet, but even if i got negative ocmeents I'd at least acknowledge the fact they'd taken the time to write to me.

 

[bennyhunny]

Thank you ladies...

Benny "Reader, Writer, lover of words"



My most popular story

 

[gauchecritic]

I always respond to feedback, I haven't had any negative feedback to answer yet, but even if i got negative ocmeents I'd at least acknowledge the fact they'd taken the time to write to me.

Not had anything negative either and I've never in my life received an ocmeent, negative or otherwise.

Gauche (being really low-life and taking the puss out of typos)

 

[PaulX35]

Common courtesy

When a reader takes time to drop me comments on my story, I always take my time to express my gratitude for that.

I also keep in mind that feedback is about the way the reader perceived the story, and even when that might not be the way you intended it, it's generally useful to respect that and not get into any yes/no discussion.

Paul

 

[Octavian]

Responding to feedback

I always respond to feedback.
At least I would if I ever got any!

Octavian
Bearer of the Silver Rose

 

[Whispersecret]

I always write back. It may be a month before I do, but I always respond. The person went out of their way to contact me. The least I can do is respond.

As to what number of feedbacks is good? I'd say any feedback you get is good. If you can move one person enough so that they write you, that's got to be positive.

 

[unpublished]

It is so excellent to see this post!! I was going to write it in here myself..

I do respond to feedback, update people on a new chapter etc..But I wondered how far it goes?

I have people asking me to write personal fantasies for them...I don't want them to get upset or lose interest, but at the same time, it's hard enough to put everything into a story, let alone cater to someone's personal needs....

 

[jfinn]

It is so excellent to see this post!! I was going to write it in here myself..

I do respond to feedback, update people on a new chapter etc..But I wondered how far it goes?

I have people asking me to write personal fantasies for them...I don't want them to get upset or lose interest, but at the same time, it's hard enough to put everything into a story, let alone cater to someone's personal needs....

The only person who has a valid right to ask you to write something specific is a publisher who is paying for the privelage. The rest of the time, what you decide to write is totally up to you.

I think most of us get these requests at some time or other. Sometimes it's even a good idea, but usually it's not something I'm interested in pursuing. What I do is thank the person very much and tell them I appreciate their input and while I may use some of it at some time, I've already got an idea that I'm working on at this time.

Usually that's all it takes, but if they persist or get nasty, I tell them perhaps they should write it themselves. It may not be the ideal solution, but it works pretty well for me.

Jayne

 

[SexyChele]

It is so excellent to see this post!! I was going to write it in here myself..

I do respond to feedback, update people on a new chapter etc..But I wondered how far it goes?

I have people asking me to write personal fantasies for them...I don't want them to get upset or lose interest, but at the same time, it's hard enough to put everything into a story, let alone cater to someone's personal needs....

I have to agree with jfinn here. At the current time, I have 11 stories that I would like to write. That leaves very little time left over for peronal fantasies of other people. However, I do leave myself open to other's ideas. The story I'm working on now is based entirely on a true experience of some one who sent me feedback.

However, if the idea doesn't appeal to me or if I do not have the time, I decline. If they persist, I quote them my prices for a personalized erotic story. That's usually the last I hear of it.

 

[unpublished]

Thank you so much for your advice..
I feel 100% better about it now.

BTW, Does it say virgin under my name?? Had I only known...I'd of joined years ago..


I'm new here..so there may be some rolled eyes and 'ooo I've never heard that one before' going on..sorry

 

[susurrus]

Do I respond to feedback? Yes. If a reader has taken the time even to just tell me, "Good story," I feel it's right to at least thank them for taking that time. Usually it doesn't take long, because typically, not many folks take the time to say anything. As far as hearing back for saying thanks, don't bother holding your breath. Some will, some won't, and there's no predicting it.

What is the expected feedback to get from a good story? Anything from zero to infinity. You will find that even good stories will meet with resounding silence, while ones that you think are just okay may get glowing responses, and many.