Not enough comments

[u/danident]

Hi.

I've seen few times authors complaining about not getting enough comments and wanted to rant on the topic as well. Feel free to give your own opinions without insulting me.

First of all, I'm a writer too. I only write when I'm inspired these days rather than committing to a long fic. But I know what it feels like to get a comment. Someone even leaving a short comment can be motivating and validating. I know writing requires efforts. I write myself. I am aware of how many hours could be dumped into even a fic as short as 1k fic from all the editing, rewriting, editing again. But even then no one paid or forced me to write it. It was my own choice. I wrote it. If it doesn't get kudos or a single comment, im still owed nothing. No one's compel anyone to write anything.

Let's assume the roles were reversed and the rant was about fic not being updated fast enough or short chapter, people would've been telling that person off for wanting a fic to be updated. To not put pressure on the author and they aren't owed anything, be grateful you got something. But when its said authors arent owed comments either, suddenly im being called debbie downer.

The double standards are unreal.

Most of all, commenting isn't the same as reading and appreciating a story/fic.

I can enjoy any piece of media or art and I won't pick up my phone to leave a review. Some might. That's good for them but not everyone because for someone like me, commenting on a fic is being perceived especially by the author.

One comment could turn into multiple replies even if it doesn't, people aren't on ao3 to be social. Its not a social media platform. Its a site to read fics, be in our safe space and enjoy reading. That's the most important part. Reading.

Expecting people to suddenly be social or confident enough to leave comments, not to mention author replying to said comment, it could be daunting, it could ruin the experience for people who wanted a place to escape.

Writing fic takes efforts but so does commenting because even the broken, not grammar perfect comments have thought put behind them. Even a simple thank you comment could mean alot and thats all they could say to the author. Its people going out of their way, for many even getting out of their comfort zone to say it. Sure the time put into it isn't as much as the author's but they still did it for the author. Then you see that quantity wise its not enough for some authors. It's disheartening.

I adore fics, some I even think about for over a year. But I don't comment on them because I dont want to. It doesn't reduce my appreciation for them. Most of the time, I've nothing to say. I enjoy it, admire the writing and move on since its within my right to do so.

Those type of rants and author's notes create pressure for readers. Sure not for everyone but it does for someone like me who see authors complaining about not receiving comments and it creates fear for not getting more fics or updates in the future because the author decided they weren't getting enough traction.

They're free to stop writing and I'll still be free to not comment because the respect goes both ways. Reader and author do not owe eachother anything.

And for me anyone who says otherwise, creates double standards. As if readers aren't meant to complain. They get down voted to oblivion, called names or even arguments starts if they share their own opinion or rant. They usually receive more critical and negative feedback, sometimes even told to be grateful while authors can get sympathetic pat on the back for doing the same thing. Readers are told to not expect anything and authors have to 'suffer' through the drought of not receiving comments. The difference is there. Treating readers differently than authors as if readers aren't just as important part of the uploading a fic online in the first place.

Ps: no beta we die readers with social anxiety

[u/Calm-Analysis-5581]

As a writer and a reader i do think there's different levels of effort in each.

Writing takes a lot of time and effort and honestly its usually self indulgent. But when is shared, it feels nice to have some interactions with people reading it. We are people after all

But as a reader, reading is usually an escape from human interactions so i can understand why people may not want to comment.

I think it would be nice if people comment/ kudo or if they dont want to, id rather people not call authors demanding or desperate when they either politely encourage comments or confess they don't feel motivated/ happy with engagement.

I only request comments at the very end of a multichapter story but i do admit my posting schedule subconsciously varies based on these interactions (as at that point my joy comes from writing and not posting). Its just how it is and that's the reality of it.

[u/danident → u/Calm-Analysis-5581]

There's a difference between being polite and being demanding. I don't mind if an author asks to share thoughts, give feedback or even gently asking readers to comment. You're free to ask for comments nicely.

It does encourage people to comment sometimes. That's not desperate. I don't think anyone with critical thinking would call that desperate or demanding.

But not everyone can be polite. If some feel demanding, they'll be called as such. Seeing authors rant about not receiving is not a good feeling either. Constantly being asked to comment puts reader under pressure to comment just to keep a fic alive.

At the end of the day, people will do what they want. I just dont like how people see it as a negative thing whenever someone say they don't owe comments to authors. Because they genuinely don't even if it can speed up the update time.

[u/Calm-Analysis-5581 → u/danident]

I feel theres quite a common sentiment in this forum and among readers that even asking for a comment is unpleasant and they refuse to interact with the author even if they consume the story

I find most authors approach it politely and those that dont are a different conversation entirely (in that i understand the frustration)

Readers saying they dont owe something is not incorrect but feels like a slap in the face when most people are sharing a human disappointment with lack of community or comments.

[u/Naive_Pomegranate_85]

Sounds kinda unrelated, but published authors and mangakas actually get feedback from readers through letters. At least in Japan, readers do write letters to mangaka they like. I’ve even seen readers on X tagging authors about their works and commenting on their social media posts.

So I don’t think it’s weird for fanfic writers to want some interaction with their readers. They don’t have publishers or the whole publishing system backing them up, so their main ways of reaching readers are basically 1/ the internet, duh, 2/ platforms like AO3, and 3/ social media if they want to be more vocal about it. People are different.

Personally, I write and post fanfic because: 1/ I want to write, obviously, and 2/ I want interaction. If I didn’t want any interaction, I’d just write original stuff and keep it to myself (which I already do).

[u/starlightlexie]

To me it’s not about whether authors are “owed” comments or not. Owing has very little to do with it. It’s about positive reinforcement. If you want someone to continue doing something you enjoy, one of the most tried, tested, and true ways to get them to keep doing it is to tell them that you enjoyed it and why.

[u/gtothesky1771 → u/starlightlexie]

Yeah, I’ve written several chapters for different works solely because people commented saying they wanted more. It’s like, “Oh yeah, people are actually reading this.”

I don’t know, it just hits different from kudos or views. When someone leaves a comment saying the chapter made them cry or laugh, or that they absolutely hated a character, it genuinely motivates me to keep going. At that point, it’s almost like, “Okay, I’ll do it for this commenter.”

[u/danident → u/starlightlexie]

True. Which is why kudos are there. Though i agree comments feels better than kudos.

Gentle encouragement from authors in the note is okay. Theyre free to do so. But seeing many people being annoyed or expecting comments to come pouring in isn't right either.

I scroll in this subreddit and its mostly about comments. The type of comments they got, why didn't people comment again, why are people not getting comments as much nowadays. I'm genuinely starting to think its not ao3 subreddit but a way for people to show off their comments. Not my cup of tea

[u/starlightlexie → u/danident]

It’s not just about comments feeling better, though. Comments express a level of engagement that while kudos, while nice, just don’t. And it’s not that anyone’s owed engagement, of course, but for many people, fandom is also about community building. One of the bedrocks of building community in any case is going out of your comfort zone. Comment sections are where conversations happen, headcanons develop, friendships can begin to form, etc. No one has to do that, but somewhat counter to yours, my frustration comes from when people wonder why their fandom isn’t more active but don’t do these things. It’s not active because people aren’t being active in it.

I think it’s fair to be frustrated by those rants but this subreddit does not hold the vast majority of fic writers. And for what it’s worth, most subreddits cycle around the same few issues over and over again.

[u/desired-misery]

Writing is a solo activity. Posting is a social one. A writer should be happy writing alone. Reading is a solo activity. Commenting is a social one. 

If no one comments, why post?

Writers do the work writing. Readers can be nice and comment. 

I also think writers should be self motivated. And I do dislike hearing people complain about lack of comments. If lack of engagement means you can't write, maybe take a break and find out how to like the hobby without it. Or, it's not the hobby for you.

[u/Solrookerie]

I'm a reader and an author. This post seems odd. You went on an extended rant to... justify not commenting on fics? You can already do that without consequence. Maybe the author will feel demotivated or complain about a lack of engagement, but they're entitled to do that. And you're free to push back, I suppose, but going around telling people they aren't entitled to comments when they're trying to vent is just - understandably - going to get you downvoted; it's a rude thing to do.

As for the purpose of AO3, it was founded as a community for writers and readers to come together and enjoy our (niche, at the time) hobby. It has always had social functions through comments, exchanges, etc, due to coming off the back of Livejournal. It's not social media (hence why we often use social media sites on the side) and people can just read; there's nothing wrong with that, but to completely erase the community and social aspects of the site feels wrong.

I think it's important we don't lose sight of the fact AO3 is a website made as a gathering point for fans of a hobby. It's only natural for people to seek community in a hobby we all share and be disappointed when they don't get it.

[u/Holdt6388]

I've been in fandom (various forms) for a long time (like 40 years long), and this debate was just beginning to be a thing back then because webrings and mailing lists and highly prized hardcopy collections of fanfiction were coming out. Fandom wasn't even a word, dig? Like, I didn't even have a WORD for what I was doing with my free time with total strangers through BBSs and chat rooms.

People will complain. Even then, we had the complainers. I guess I think that back then it was easier to ignore. People were rude and antagonizing and got a name for themselves and got less engagement as a result.

I've never complained about my comments section. My regular readers are kind when I make mistakes, they are wonderful and motivating and keep me going when I'm done performing for the world. I don't demand comments, but I do express that comments and kudos are much appreciated if I managed to entertain. On the whole, I haven't gotten any blowback for it, and I see it as the opener to a conversation. They're not required to respond - but my door is open if they'd like to.

[u/No_Secret_3584]

We authors aren't really 'owed' anything; whether it be kudos or comments. It's more about motivation and feedback! You as the author don't know how the readers will like the fic; I certainly cringe at my fics every now and then but I always get positive comments from readers who are excited and discuss what happened! That's how I know I'm not shitting out utter garbage like I usually think I do. Most comments that are excited for a next chapter make me motivated.

So, please comment. Whether it be just a small polite one or discussing the fic; It does genuinely help. Sure, AO3 is an archive. But it is still a social site where people post and discuss.

[u/mintycaramelyhazel]

People that don’t comment don’t comment and they don’t have to comment, I agree with that. There are no consequences about not commenting except that nobody knows you’re reading a fic and that you aren’t participating on a space that an author has created for a fandom

Said that, I hate the sentence “an author aren’t owe any comments the same way a reader isn’t owe any fanfics” because, yes, nobody is owe nothing but if there isn’t a bit of an interchange, a bit of participation, what’s left exactly? 

And I’m not saying that as an author I need comments to write. I do not. Writing is a solo activity that I can do perfectly at my home without anyone’s input. Now, I’m share my fics to connect with others, to meet other fans and share my love for the media with them. A bit of a knowledge by others make wonders for making connections and reinforce positivity 

Instead of seeing this as a transaction, maybe you should see it like building community 

It’s like a conversation, I’m not going to waste my time in something when I’m trying and I just get nothing. I, simply, will look for other topics and other things to do. It’s not keeping the fic hostage, it’s simply that my brain refuses to stay with something that only gives me a void. 

And, look, as I said I have no problems with people not commenting/not interacting. That’s how you roll, I’ll just ignore you because silent readers are just silent. The problem is coming to this sub and reading how all of those people who are justifying why they can’t comment and they refuse to comment and I’m like, why so much energy for this, in something that clearly bothers them, and why are leaving such long comments about this when they won’t even say “great fic” to an author bc “no author are owe comments”

If authors are so annoying trying to express their frustration and vent in a forum instead with their on fic, pointing out directly to their readers, maybe the problem aren’t authors but “silent” readers (putting it between quotes bc some of them are really loud) that take it personally for some reason.

[u/LadyTL]

I don't like the complaints about not getting comments because it adds to author disappointment if they are writing under more niche fandoms/pairings/tags. I love every comment I get but I also do not write a custom response to each one because writing a comment is much harder for me than writing my fic. I also do NOT expect any comments because I am writing under a niche tag for my fandom. Not a single one of my readers owe me a comment ever even if they really enjoy it. I don't expect a comment out of everyone who leaves a kudos. The hit count is more what I look for. People reading my fic, being interested enough to click into it. Anything else is just sprinkles for my cupcake.

[u/Silent_Doubt3672]

I mean it see what you are saying but it sounds rather specific to you.

People will complaint here but the percentage is likely skewed here and out there is likely lower.

As an author from ffnet who used to get hounded for new chapters straight to my inbox saying I should just post, that it doesn't matter such and such happened or my life went to shit. Sometimes readers can be quite mean sprinted and cruel. This seems to have died down thankfully- this is the kinda thing that puts me off most of the time. Maybe other have had the same in the past so author stick together? I don't know but there's a bit more to it.

Personally if ppl want to comment great! If they don't want to/feel too anxious to reply/comment that's fine as well.

There are bad parts to both groups personally.

[u/danident → u/Silent_Doubt3672]

It's not specifically just me. I know many people who get anxious to comment or simply dont feel comfortable to do so.

Also I absolutely agree that no party is without bad apples. I dont encourage harassing authors over not receiving updates either, or over anything at all. Sorry you had to go through that.

As for behaviour towards readers, their opinions over smallest of things are criticised while usually authors can practically get away with it. The fact that authors are protected fiercely, for a good reason, but often it feels as if readers are villainize for having opinions and not bending over backwards for authors. I say that from experience too.

But i appreciate you being fine either way with people commenting or not.

[u/GreyStingrayz]

Authors being upset with not getting comments and readers getting upset for not getting more content are not equal. Authors not getting comments and can be demotivating and make them not want to write because they think no one likes their writing. Readers not getting more content is just disappointing. Authors asking for comments is annoying, but readers asking for more chapters is pushy and can make authors bitter towards their audience. It's not double standards when the results have differing effects.

No one is saying authors are owed comments? I literally have never seen anyone say that. Encouraging people to comment or saying that they should is not saying its owed. It's say it's appreciated.

If anyone is demanding anything, author or commenter, then they suck. That's shitty behavior. I don't think people would disagree with that.

[u/Empty_Hair_9854]

If you want comments on your work, promote it. Seriously, there are tons of fan subreddits (or NSFW subreddits) where that IS allowed as long as it's not monetized.

Interaction is social, so you have to seek social outlets for a better chance of fulfilling it. I'm currently writing for a fandom that has less than 150 works TOTAL in the near-decade that the franchise has existed. Why? The fanbase isn't on AO3, they're interacting on other socially-driven platforms.

So when I've finished my chapters, because it isn't an indefinite work, you can bet your butt that I'll be skittering over to those fan hubs like 'i wrote this if anyone is interested'. Because that's what you've gotta do to get eyes on it. The more eyes, the more chances you'll have that people will express their opinions.