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

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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

[summerstorm]

I don't hold it against the author if they respond with just one or two words precisely because of that. I say "Thanks!" a lot myself; I've seen a lot of people say they're put off from commenting if the author doesn't respond, and I don't want to risk losing potential repeat commenters. Plus, I am obviously grateful for what little feedback I get, so it's not much of an effort, and at this point it feels almost natural. I just happen to see it as a superfluous pleasantry even now. But my relationship with pleasantries is pretty poor to begin with, even IRL, so this could be my warped, semi-antisocial logic talking.