20 December 2013 @ 10:10 am
Where are the comments?  
I've noticed there are very few comments in fests this season. Is it because there are too many fests? I don't think so. I think there is a space for everybody, and each community have their own fanbase.

I can't say for sure though. Last year I only followed [livejournal.com profile] hd_holidays and kept my eye on [livejournal.com profile] mini_fest and favicondaily_deviant's Kinky Kristmas.

But this year I'm following [livejournal.com profile] hd_erised, [livejournal.com profile] hd_owlpost, [livejournal.com profile] mini_fest, [livejournal.com profile] hp_darkarts's In The Shadow of the Season, [livejournal.com profile] hd_smoochfest's Holiday Kisses, and favicondaily_deviant's Kinky Kristmas.

And in all these there's very little people commenting.

What's wrong? Where is everybody?

I imagine this is extremely discouraging for writers and artists that lived and breathe their pieces for weeks and even months to get so little response, it must be heart-breaking.

I know that writers write for themselves, when they have a story to tell, and in exchanges in particular they are writing specially for someone, but there's no denying they write for all of us, too.

We're all part of fandom, I think it's time to show our appreciation, it's always the right time, but specially this season, when so much is given, gifted for us to enjoy.

Whether you are a writer, a reader, an artist, a mod, take that extra moment to let someone know you enjoyed their work.

At times I feel very silly for wanting for people to celebrate fanworks, but, you know, it's not silly at all. Comments, feedback and recs are a vital part. They matter, too, which means every reader out there, every single person who comments is a voice saying Thank You for sharing your work.

And this weekend is the perfect opportunity to do it. [livejournal.com profile] writcraft has a Comment-A-Thon this weekend to catch up on fests. So if you're behind or what to start, this a great way to begin.

Come on, people. Where is the love? Leaving comments is super fun, and easy! Or do I need to link you to 8 ½ Fail-Safe Ways To Write A Comment? ^^
 
 
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[identity profile] eelegantlyeevil.livejournal.com on December 20th, 2013 03:32 pm (UTC)
For me, I think its because I have hard time coming up with anything original to say -- "Nicely done" gets kind of repetitive.

Also, to be honest, some of the fest offerings have not been all that good IMO. There seems to a lack of the wow factor and I really don't want to leave what could be considered negative feedback.

eidheann_writes[personal profile] eidheann_writes on December 20th, 2013 03:40 pm (UTC)
I once saw someone post something to the effect of "if it's good enough to take the time to read to the end, it's good enough to take one minute and say good job." That really changed how I viewed commenting.

Comments aren't just for the exceptional. No one improves without support. This isn't reccing. You can safely acknowledge the authors time and effort with 2-3 words even if you would only consider the end product "just ok"
[identity profile] omi-ohmy.livejournal.com on December 20th, 2013 04:22 pm (UTC)
I'd like to print this comment out and frame it. :)
eidheann_writes[personal profile] eidheann_writes on December 20th, 2013 05:51 pm (UTC)
<3
vaysh[personal profile] vaysh on December 20th, 2013 05:49 pm (UTC)
*seconded*
eidheann_writes[personal profile] eidheann_writes on December 20th, 2013 05:52 pm (UTC)
I'm not perfect (I'm horrible at commenting piece by piece on wips- I'm much more likely to tell author directly "Hey I'm reading I promise" and save comment for the end), but I do try to follow that when I can.
capitu[personal profile] capitu on December 20th, 2013 07:20 pm (UTC)
Couldn't have said it better. :) <3
eidheann_writes[personal profile] eidheann_writes on December 20th, 2013 07:22 pm (UTC)
Cato[personal profile] lordhellebore on December 20th, 2013 07:22 pm (UTC)
Agreed. Since I realised this, I comment on everything I read to the end. Only...I really don't read so much anymore :( Or rather, I have too many fandoms and not enough time for everything in them.
eidheann_writes[personal profile] eidheann_writes on December 20th, 2013 07:26 pm (UTC)
When I started writing, I learned firsthand how much comments matter. When I read... god I wish I remember who now... either way, I read that right about the time my first festfic posted (last year's fanfair) and the two together were a huge eureka moment.

Even if it is two words, *something* should be said.

Things slip through the cracks, I'm only himan, but they are the exception. And I try to not.

Edit because I have no idea what my phone was doing there sorry!

Edited 2013-12-20 07:30 pm (UTC)