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

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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

[ender24]

I cannot make a generalized statement on my preference, because it depends too much on the quality of my comment to a fic or meta.
roughly around 80% of comments I make to fics/art are "I liked this" or "this is awesome/great/cool" or "great job"
in those cases, I never expect replies from authors/artists, its just a nice to have, if they reply.

on the other hand, if I gave a more detailed response, I expect an equal lengthy reply.
If someone does not reply to my lengthier comments, or if they just reply with "thanks" to those five or more sentences or more that I made, next time, I will just say "this is great".

quid pro quo.

[schmevil]

Equal response is a good rule of thumb, and it's one that I try to follow, not always successfully. Meaty feedback deserves an equally meaty response, I think, but if an author doesn't response, I try not to let it bother me. Maybe they don't like meaty feedback, or think I'm off base. But in general - yes to this.