#Commenting

[icemankazansky]

A Simple Guide to Not Being Afraid to Write Comments to Fic You Read

I've seen a lot of posts about the current state of fanfiction comments. Writers, especially writers who have been in fandom for a decade or more, are frustrated by the lack of comments, and have noticed a definite decline in comments (and all other forms of reader interaction) in the past ten years or so. Many readers feel daunted by the expectation of leaving comments, afraid they'll do something wrong. As a fandom old maid, the latter confused me for a while, until I realized that most of the people who feel that way probably have not been taught this form of communication.

But your loving fandom elders are here for you. Come along as your auntie tumblr user icemankazansky makes this shit easy.

The easiest way to think of fanfiction comment etiquette is to compare it to something you likely already know: Gift Receiving Etiquette.

Fanfiction began as largely a gift economy. And a lot of it still is! You'll see authors participate in exchanges like Yuletide and Id Pro Quo; those are ficswaps in which authors write for a specific person to specific prompts. And even outside that, fanfiction is not written for money; authors write and post it simply for the joy of creation and community with fellow fans. Fic is posted free for anyone to enjoy. Is that not a gift?

So. When you as a reader finish the chapter or story you're reading and you are faced with the comment box, try to follow the same etiquette you would when receiving a gift. (And even if you didn't love this gift and it's not your favorite gift ever, we already know that it's more useful than the products from your cousin's MLM that they're passing off as gifts, because you read the story. At the very least, it entertained you for the time you took to read it.)

The big rule of gift receiving etiquette is not to insult the person who gave you the gift, either directly or indirectly. That's it. Full stop.

I've been seeing a lot of comments lately that are just along the lines of, "Thank you for writing this story and sharing it with us." A+, top of the class, full marks, you're doing amazing. If you don't feel comfortable commenting on the story itself, that is perfect feedback. And that's the most basic way you respond to a gift, yes? Thank you for the gift. Thank you for thinking of me. Thank you for sharing.

Does this rule mean that you cannot say anything at all that might be negative about anything? No, absolutely not. What you want to avoid is saying something that is, at its core, a negative evaluation of the author or their work. Let's do some examples.

Character A's obliviousness about Character B's MASSIVE crush on them made me so frustrated! I was tearing my hair out internally screaming, "JUST LET HIM LOVE YOU."

✔️ Excellent comment! You're allowed to have all sorts of feelings about things that happen in the story, and in fact authors LOVE to hear about any emotions they made you feel. Yes, frustration is not a positive emotion, but the thing you are expressing frustration about is not the author themselves or their shortcomings.

Contrast that to:

I was really frustrated that it took you so long to post this chapter. The cliffhanger at the end of the previous chapter had me tearing my hair out, and then you just left us hanging FOREVER!

❌ Nope! Here what you are expressing is frustration with the author and how fast they come out with new chapters. Imagine your sister buys you a gift for your birthday, but she isn't able to give it to you until the next week, and you respond with: "What took you so long?" I think Emily Post would frown on that.

Reframing

The way you say something and the point of view from which you give feedback can have a HUGE impact on the message you're sending. Let's take the last comment (the one about wanting an update) and see what happens when we reframe the same sentiment as a positive:

I was SO EXCITED to see that you updated this story! I have really been looking forward to seeing what happened after the cliffhanger in the last chapter.

✔️ Now it's not an insult. The author will be happy to know that you are happy to see new work from them.

This idea extends beyond the story itself: to the fandom, the characters, the pairing, the tropes, etc. Let's do some examples.

I looooove reading about these sexy boys SO IN LOVE even though the movie you're writing about is SOOOOO problematic.

❌ Nope! Assume that the author enjoys the canon, characters, pairing, etc. in the stories they write. This comment is insulting to the author because it basically says, "That thing you love is not great, and you should probably feel bad for liking it." Imagine your aunt gifts you a sweater from a popular retailer, and you respond with, "This is so cute, I love it! It's a shame that it was made in a sweatshop." Do you have a valid point about the canon or the retailer's business practices? You very well might. Is this the proper time and place to talk about it? Absolutely not.

Let's do a reframing exercise. You should be very careful about how you approach commenting negatively on anything in the story that appears in the tags list, but you can make it a compliment and good feedback if you have the right perspective. See the difference with these two approaches:

I kind of think frottage is disgusting, but I liked it in this story.

❌ Nope! You just told the author you think their kink is disgusting. That's like telling your poor aunt who is just trying to keep you warm this winter that she has awful taste in knitwear. Try again.

Frottage normally isn't my kink, but I love your other stories with this pairing, so I decided to give it a try, and I'm SOOOOO GLAD that I did! This story was 🔥🔥🔥

✔️ "This normally isn't my thing, but you made me expand my horizons!" Authors love to hear that. That's like telling your aunt, "I never thought this color looked good on me, but I look so cute in this sweater! I'm so glad you helped me step outside my comfort zone, because I'm the better for it."

thank u, next

The last thing I want to address is this new trend I've seen in commenting lately: placing an order. If your mom surprises you with new headphones, you don't respond with, "I wanted the white ones 🙁," or, "You should get me a new phone, too." It's easy to see why that isn't appropriate in a gifting situation, and it's also not appropriate when commenting on fanfiction.

Let's do some examples:

This fic was soooo cute, but it would have been a million times better if Character A had been with Character C instead of Character B.

❌ There are a few things going on here. Number one, you're telling your mom you wanted the white headphones, not the ones she actually bought you. You're also disparaging the A/B pairing that the author chose to write about, and as we discussed, we can assume that the author wrote the pairing because they liked it. Even if it's not their favorite and/or they also write A/C, they made a choice for this story to be A/B, and the comments section of a fic is not the place to question choices the author made in their own work.

You should write a story where Character Z who is not even in this story does [thing that is vaguely referenced in the B plot].

❌ "You should get me a new phone, too."

I want a sequel. 😞

❌ "Thank you, next!"

You can reframe this kind of sentiment if you are careful about it, and it's not all you say.

I really loved this story. I would be so interested to see these ideas explored further if you ever decide to write more in this universe.

✔️ Not "gimme." Not "more." This is, "If you build it, I will come." It is a HUGE difference.

You already know how to do this. You know how to graciously accept a gift; just use that same etiquette, and boom! Now you know how to fearlessly write a comment to fic you read. You're doing amazing. Go forth and comment.

[kedreeva]

Giving unsolicited criticism on fanfic, even for like typos and shit, is like coming to someone building a sandcastle on the beach and telling them it's not up to code. Like no shit, Sherlock, I'm not trying to fucking live in it, I'm just here to have a good time. When I want an inspection I'll make an appointment.

[anarchycox]

Commenting By The Numbers

I have always said I am lucky when it comes to comments, even now when I have archive locked my fics. But I saw a thread on another blog and my brain went that cannot be right so I decided to check it out.

People always are begging for comments, that they make a writer feel like they matter, that they keep going/feel motivated because of comments. People respond, they are tired, scared, they have no spoons, don't know what to say, it already has so many comments does what I say matter.

But I think we all need some perspective on this.

There are 12.2 MILLION FICs on AO3.

Now lets sort by comments, lowering the number each time:

Fics with 1000+ comments - 17,041

Fics with 500+ comments - 50,223

Fics with 100+ comments - 361,390

Fics with 50+ comments - 742,970

Fics with 25+ comments - 1,488,302

Fics with 10+ comments - 3,297, 072

Fics with 5+ comments - 5,149,438

SO THAT MEANS ABOUT 7 MILLION FICS HAVE LESS THAN 5 COMMENTS ON THE ARCHIVE.

I exist in all these columns, because I had luckily timing on a few of fics. But looking at the hard numbers was a real eye opener for me as a fic reader. When people say they don't get comments THEY ARE SERIOUS.

Please, for the love of fandom and community give a writer a keyboard smash, a 'loved this', 'awesome fic'. You will honestly be making a difference in someone's life, when they have already made a difference in yours.

[fiora-miriel]

People who leave comments on fanfics that are weeks, months, or even years old?

You are the salt of the earth and deserve everything good in life.

[longlivefeedback]

Hey I want a bit of help about how to comment specifically on smut fics... I always find it So, so difficult to comment on them even if I normally have such an easy time commenting on other types of fic... Idk what to say so they just end up sitting upon on my tabs on my phone forever....

Not sure how long this ask has been sitting in my inbox, but...here's something to start you off perhaps, Nonny?

That was hot 🥵🌶️🔥

The way you wrote them was so amazing! X is so good at ABC! 🫣😍

I enjoyed reading this so much!

The way X takes care of Y made me melt

The way you kept up the excitement/anticipation had me hooked and the payoff was spectacular!

This fic had me asldkfhjwldkvnlkc-ing I love it so much

👏👌🙌🫶

Or use the ACD method that has just come to my attention 😅😂

However, an interesting thing I just noticed is that if you blank out the word "smut" from your ask, the example comments I listed could be used in any other kind of fic. So...since you're already comfortable with commenting, I think the root of your problem is that it is your perception and mentality around smut fic specifically.

For some reason, you may view smut fic differently from other types of fic and put it in a different category in your mind. I'm not going to tell you that you have to get over yourself or view smut fic differently (and to some extent, I suspect that smut fic writers understand and perhaps even expect the social/personal shyness of their readers), but if you really have it in your heart to comment, I would say try leaving a short, generic comment first, and once you feel like smut fics are a safe space, then have at it :)

Don't worry about comparing yourself to how you comment on other types of fic. Just accept that commenting on smut fics is more difficult for you, and adjust your expectations for yourself. You leaving even a single emoji is probably more than 95% of a fic's readers, so don't beat yourself up about not being able to leave a coherent comment. I love your attitude about wanting to comment on smut fics! Thank you for reading and (trying to) comment!

[laurfilijames]

To anyone reading their way through a series;

Please know that on the other side of it, there is an author hoping you're enjoying each chapter. Wondering what you thought of that part in chapter 2, or if you picked up on the little nod to the original film or show that inspired it, what it made you feel when you read through that certain scene they poured over for hours, and even what you thought when Character A said x, y, or z to Character B.

We sit with bated breath, hoping you'll leave a comment when you get to the last chapter or that you'll send an ask letting us know what part you loved so much that you can't stop thinking about it.

To all the readers liking their way through a series; please comment if you can, in some way, and give the writers a little spark that they'll treasure.

[writing-reference-redux]

Whether on Tumblr or AO3 or any other site...

[greenbergsays]

"bro chill, everyone knows that once you put art out into the world it no longer belongs to you"

^ actual comment left to me because I said making fun of a fanfiction in front of the whole ass internet is a shitty thing to do

if you exhibit or defend behavior like that, I pray to the gods of fanfiction both old and new that you toil uselessly in the filters of AO3 and yet never see fruitage for your labors

may your beloved trope fields be barren and your OTP thirst never again quenched, may the creeping vines of squicks and NOTPs overtake that land which you call your own, because this is what you deserve

[kalira]

When someone random shows up on your fic solely to tell you that they 'wish you had-' or 'wish you hadn't-' or 'disappointed you didn't-' or 'didn't like-' just remember:

[ginnyw-potter]

Commenting etiquette

Yes, we do need to talk about it. And I'm not talking about the hateful comments, there are mean people everywhere. I'm talking about people who enjoy the fic but don't seem to get that across entirely.

I frequently hear other writers get so discouraged by unmindful comments and it's something I've experienced too.

And I absolutely do not want to get people scared to comment, because the majority of comments are good and wonderful, I just hope a few do's and don'ts help everyone along.

You do not know the writer and the writer doesn't know you Most of the time, you do not have any rapport going with the writer or very little, unless you are besties who are in each other's PMs. What that means

It is really difficult to guess people's tone and intentions from a few words in a comment box, especially if they're dubious. So don't make them dubious! It's so easy to say I like...., I enjoyed... Put it in there, please (more tips below)

You don't know what people are going through There can be about 700 reasons a writer doesn't update... maybe they don't feel like it, maybe life got in the way, sometimes people go an have babies, or their house burns down! The dreaded AO3 curse! So, be kind, always. You are getting free words. Writers do not owe you an update when you want, no matter what humongous cliff hanger they left you on

It's so easy to be misunderstood online.

"But I want an update!"

Yeah, I get it. you're excited! But asking for an update is hardly ever going to land well. What you can say instead of 'When do you update?' (or other, ruder, options and double question marks often come across as rude. leave them at home) is 'I am eagerly awaiting an update!' You're still letting them know you're filled with excitement for an update, but you're not demanding it. Important note: If you say this, please let it not be the only thing you write. Say a little more as to why. If you want an update, you surely know why.

... So how do you write a good comment?

(Obviously there are a lot of ways to write great comments, but here are a few pointers for people who get anxious leaving a comment.)

Say you are enjoying the fic or the chapter. it's so easy. This is the bare minimum if you comment, in my humble opinion I love this fic This chapter was amazing This fic lives in my head rent-free!

Point out things you liked or tell what the fic did with your emotions I really loved it when x went to x and confessed their love I was at the edge of my seat the whole time! Crying over this fic, it's so perfectly angsty

You can express sentiment about the further story, but do it well I can't wait to find out about x I will be wondering about x until next update I am so entranced, I am so excited to find out more about x When you update I'm going to be first in line to read!

Any other sentiments, a thank you note or the likes are nice, or leave more kudos by pasting in the more kudos images (it's so easy, and posts tend to have instructions) link here

Example of a good comment:

I love this fic so much I have literally not stopped reading until I was caught up When she was almost run over by the bus, my heart stopped and I was so relieved when she made it! I loved the bit where he helps her clean up the tea spill, so sweet and tender. I wonder how she's going to explain that tea stain to her evil stepmother.... Thank you so much for this update!

You can also install the floating AO3 box, and I love to use it to already comment on particular things I liked as I go so I don't forget, and it easily let's you copy-paste bits into the comment box so you can point out exactly what you liked about it.

A lot of people have started treating fics as something to consume and don't see the writer behind it, and it's so sad to see people recommend people to only read finished fics, that don't comment or only to ask when they are getting more words. (I know if you've read this far you're likely not one of those.)

And then they're surprised their favourite author stopped posting, when that author may think their fic isn't liked by you (because you never took the time to say) or they lose the enjoyment of posting because people just always simply demand more, more and more.

In summary, be kind to your writer. they're a whole person who is putting wonderful stories out for you for free. they likely have a day job or school to get to and a 100 worries you know nothing about. I'm not the comment police, I can't tell you what to comment but I just hope you take into consideration how your comment is going to be received by the writer on the other side.

[jamiemoonymarks]

Normalize leaving unhinged comments on ao3 fics you like. I'm tired of being the only one brave enough to write "I am chewing on this fic" in the comment section. Be weird. Authors will love you for it

[fic-writer-confessions]

kudos are nice but for the love of all that is holy please please please leave comments! just a smiley face or a \^o^/ will do!

.

[kedreeva]

When it comes to commenting on fics, I'm a little nervous of explicitly saying I'm excited for new updates, because I don't want to put pressure on the author, especially if it's an older fic that hasn't been updated in months. Is that a legitimate thing I should think about, or is there a good way to phrase that kind of feedback? Or should I just stick to complimenting the current chapter?

If you're worried your comment leans toward pressuring the author instead of encouraging the story, just look at what you've written and ask if you're asking/talking about the work the author is going to do, or if you're talking about the work the story is going to do.

For example, comments talking about the work the author is going to do look like "please update soon!" or "Can't wait for the next chapter/update!" or "looking forward to more!" etc. While these are good for some authors morale, it demoralizes a lot of others. It can feel dismissive of what's already on the page, especially if it is the only thing someone says.

Comments talking about the work the story is going to do look like "I can't wait to find out what happens next" and "I wonder what x character will do about y event this chapter" and "looking forward to see how the characters handle what just happened!" etc. These clearly express that you're looking forward to more, because you're excited about the story that's already happened.

You can also just ask an author, at the end of a comment, if it bothers them for you to express that you're looking forward to new chapters. They'll know how they feel better than I could tell you, since authors have a range of feeling about this kind of comment. More communication is usually better than less.

[quotidian-oblivion]

You do not know. You really do not know just how fucking much long comments bring me joy.

I've recently gotten two long comments on a fic and I've been shaking the whole while till I had a chance to sit down and read them. My periods have been insufferable cuz pcos, cramps that have literally not stopped since yesterday fucking morning, now I can barely feel it.

You do not know. You do not fucking know how much long positive comments bring joy to an author.

[burberrycanary]

August 21st is Fanfic Writer Appreciation Day and, as an author, I just want to say how much I appreciate every encouraging and kindly meant comment I get. People who leave detailed comment essays—you're the best. People who pick a line to quote back—you put such a smile on my face. People who share how a chapter made you feel—you're amazing. And people who leave a string of emojis—you rock 🤘🥰😍

I curl up like a happy dragon around each and every comment I get.

Thanks to all the kind and wonderful commenters out there helping to keep fandom a community rather than another marketplace 💛