Why so few comments on people's work? I'm not holding myself up as a shining example here. I don't comment more because I feel that the only thing you can be sure will be universally welcomed is fulsome praise. I'm sure some people would like constuctive criticism, or any acknowledgment at all of their work rather than stony silence, but you can never be sure who is who. Maybe there could be a selection box for praise only, mild criticism, or do your worst, when stories are put up?
On some sites it seems that they have a kind of comment trading system where the more comments you make, the more you receive. Could that work here?
Macjoyce | October 3, 2008 - 13:18
Feel free to say whatever bollocks you like about my work.
www.myspace.com/norwichfacetransplant
jennifer | October 15, 2008 - 08:02
People are afraid to offend. Precious egos could be damaged. I would rather improve my writing, hence would seek honesty over a back scratch. Genuine compliments, however, are lovely to receive, especially when people take the time to pick out lines or bits they like, show they have thought and dissected...
Jen x
luigi_pagano | October 15, 2008 - 09:15
Although it is true that there are few comments, it is also true that some authors fail to acknowledge feedback.
johnshade | October 15, 2008 - 10:22
I don't comment because I'm too damn lazy. As for acknowledging feedback, it would help if there was some indication (like an email) that people had left a comment. That way you wouldn't have to trawl through your stories for comments, incrementing the badly programmed reads counter as you do so (why do I feel like I'm banging my head off a wall?)
By the way, FTSE100, thanks for your feedback on "midnight blue". I'm delighted that you take the time to copulate with my work. I hope you printed it first, preferably on laminated paper.
FTSE100 | October 15, 2008 - 11:06
johnshade - my comment on 'Midnight Blue' does illustrate one of the problems. I thought from the style of your piece that you'd take my comment as intended - as a compliment - but it's always a risk putting up something like that. Comments can easily be misunderstood.
Maybe there should be some automated way of leaving a calling card just to acknowledge a piece of work you've just read?
johnshade | October 15, 2008 - 18:41
I did take it as a compliment! It was my meta-comment that was misunderstood... my dry sense of humour often gets lost in print... needs the twinkle in the eye to make it work.