To Reply or Not To Reply...

[jaybird6136]

I have a question for everyone: When someone sends you feedback through e-mail, and leaves their e-mail address, should you reply back? One part of me thinks it is just polite to reply and thank the reader. Another thinks it may not be needed/wanted. I am concerned about being considered polite. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

~Jay

 

[kromen]

Just a thank you

I think it's polite to respond, be it for a positive or negative critique. Think of it like sending a thank you card after a wedding. Sometimes, it helps you in future projects.

 

[nicole_quinn26]

Personally I'd like to respond to the emails if I given the option to(once my story gets past pending anyway and hopefully to the approved section ). I mean I'm new too so any type of feedback I feel I should respond to, keep them interested. When I posted my story for feedback here a few threads down I made sure to acknowledge everyone who took the time to reply even if I didn't agree. But I'm also wicked polite at all times too so that's just me It's all about if you want to, I think anyway.

 

[fieryjen]

Usually, if an email address is given, a response is welcomed. It makes your fans feel less like they're talking to the empty air.

 

[sr71plt]

I respond except for the rare occasion where they seem to want to just fight about something. About a third of a time, even when they've asked a question, they've given a fake e-mail address. I have no idea what's up with that, but don't be surprised if it happens to you.

 

[fieryjen]

I respond except for the rare occasion where they seem to want to just fight about something. About a third of a time, even when they've asked a question, they've given a fake e-mail address. I have no idea what's up with that, but don't be surprised if it happens to you.

Really? I think I've had maybe two cases total where the return email address didn't work, out of all the feedback I've gotten to my email. One of them was a misspelling so obvious I could correct it and send a reply. Plenty of anonymous, of course, but I've never noticed that many fake email addresses.

 

[sr71plt]

Really? I think I've had maybe two cases total where the return email address didn't work, out of all the feedback I've gotten to my email. One of them was a misspelling so obvious I could correct it and send a reply. Plenty of anonymous, of course, but I've never noticed that many fake email addresses.

Yes, really. It's sort of pissy writing out a reply, especially if the question was a really good one, and then having it bounce back.

 

[rydia57]

I reply to all the feedback I get, unless it's anonymous, even trolls! Most people like to get an answer back and always say that they're glad to get an answer. As for the trolls... well, the one that gave me an email addy, was all crickets chirping... But it's nice to give'em a holler back. Oh welcome to Lit!

 

[Daniellekitten]

If you want to build up a loyal fan base, replying to emails is a must. I've also made some pretty good internet friends by responding. And it always makes a fan want to comment again when they know they won't be ignored.

 

[AchtungNight]

I'm with Rydia and Danielle. It's polite to respond and will earn you friends and repeat readers. I highly recommend it. Plus, sometimes your readers have excellent advice on what you should write.

 

[mummys dirty angel]

I think it's best to reply, even if it is just to say thank you! The majority of the feedback I get comes with an email address. If the reader doesn't want to be contacted then they have the option to send it anonymously.

 

[sirsemega]

I always reply even to the nasty ones.
It builds a good fan base and I usually get responses back from people amazed that I respond to them.

I try to give each of them as much if not more of a message than what they gave me. If they drop a line saying they enjoyed the story, I thank them.

If they make an insightful comment or ask a question I will write a lot more. I enjoy writing and talking to people about the process of writing as much as writing the stories. There are many fans who I have gotten into long intensive discussions about my stories and they have even given me new ideas for future chapters.

I think it's very very rewarding to put as much as you can into responding to comments and feedback.

 

[tickledkitty]

I generally reply to all my feedback. Usually the negative feedback is anonymous, so no worry on replying to that. I probably wouldn't anyway. Why add fuel to the fire?

You don't need to reply with a lot of depth. I usually just say something like I'm glad they enjoyed it along with a brief comment on whatever they said.

 

[jaybird6136]

Great Advice

Thanks, everyone, for the great advice! I'm going to make sure I let my fans know how thrilled I am to hear from them. I have already gotten some great ideas on future stories from feedback replies!

~Jay