Expectations and preferences

[schmevil]

We all have preferences for how writers treat feedback and comments. Many of us also have hidden expectations. In lieu of writing about this side of things, I thought I'd do a poll, and throw it out to you guys.

Do you want a response? Do you expect one? Does it make a difference whether we're talking about fic, meta, lulz, or just general posts? What seems polite to you? What is the prevailing way that Things Are Done?

Poll #2437 Expectations and preferences

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 144

View Respondents

When I comment on fic

View Answers

I expect a response from the author.
29 (20.1%)

I don't expect a response from the author.
18 (12.5%)

I have no expectation.
63 (43.8%)

I would prefer a response.
84 (58.3%)

I would prefer not to get a response.
6 (4.2%)

I have no preference.
29 (20.1%)

When I comment on a meta post

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I expect a response from the author.
42 (29.8%)

I don't expect a response from the author.
8 (5.7%)

I have no expectation.
55 (39.0%)

I would prefer a response.
94 (66.7%)

I would prefer not to get a response.
2 (1.4%)

I have no preference.
16 (11.3%)

When I comment on a personal entry

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I expect a response from the author.
54 (38.3%)

I don't expect a response from the author.
7 (5.0%)

I have no expectation.
52 (36.9%)

I would prefer a response.
75 (53.2%)

I would prefer not to get a response.
0 (0.0%)

I have no preference.
24 (17.0%)

When I comment on a lulzy post

View Answers

I expect a response from the author.
13 (9.4%)

I don't expect a response from the author.
28 (20.3%)

I have no expectation.
72 (52.2%)

I would prefer a response.
37 (26.8%)

I would prefer not to get a response.
1 (0.7%)

I have no preference.
54 (39.1%)

Comments

via metafandom

[cruiscin_lan]

I prefer to get a response, regardless of the type of post, because I don't like to think I am being ignored. My witty and insightful review of your fic or comment on your meta obviously deserves acknowledgement!

That said, I'm not too concerned when that reply comes, especially on meta posts, where thoughts can be long and meaty, and it might take a while to formulate a reply. But when I'm reading fic, for example, and I find one that's more than a week old or so and I see that the author hasn't replied to any comments? I won't waste my time commenting, then, if it appears the author doesn't care.

Re: via metafandom

[schmevil]

Dude, I feel the same way. There's always a stunned moment of wounded pride, when my obvious brilliance isn't acknowledged. ;)

I'd glad to hear that the time factor isn't an issue for you. I'm always worried that I'm responding too slowly to comments and putting people off. Sometimes (for a variety of reasons) I can't respond to comments for days. I always battle the feeling that my lack of promptness has branded me a jerk.