Welcome to the Linked Universe Fandom Commentfest!
This event aims to raise the levels of community, friendship, and happiness of readers and writers alike! Leaving comments on fics helps writers feel validated for their hard work, and encourages readers to engage more thoughtfully with what they read. It's an easy way to say thank you, and it comes easier with practice!
So, what's the plan?
The initial event took place during the month of January 2026. Participants had all month to leave as many comments as possible. Of course, readers are encouraged to comment any time of year, so this event adds extra inspiration and motivation. There are three bingo boards of various fandom tropes, characters, and fic types to choose from, and participants may enter into a friendly team-based competition to earn the most points by commenting.
The event may repeat throughout the year, every other month, depending on how I (the mod) am feeling.
Participants who also engage with the @lu-community-write-a-thon can kill two keese with one stone by writing comments to add to their word count!
Rules and anticipated FAQ:
[What can I read?] Anything and everything. Yes, even that! The only requirement is that you leave a comment on it.
[What counts as a comment?] "This was great!" is a comment. "❤️❤️❤️" is a comment. A couple sentences or even paragraphs detailing what you liked? That's a comment. Use your best judgement when asking questions or criticizing something; some authors do not appreciate (constructive) criticism.
[Will I get in trouble if I only leave short, vague comments because I don't have energy for more?] Nope! You are only required to leave a comment that will bring the author joy. Yes, that still includes heart emojis.
[Even if I just want to race for as many points as possible?] That's okay too, but I highly encourage you to read the fics you're commenting on.
[Will you the mod even check our comments to make sure we're not "cheating"?] No. This event will run on an honor system; if you participate in a way you define as insincere, that is only for you to know.
[Can I submit fics that I think should have more comments?] No, because that is not the focus of this event. Readers are encouraged to engage more directly with the writers and each other rather than using another person/blog as an in-between.
[Does reblogging a fic posted on Tumblr count as a comment?] For the purpose of this event, no. Please interact with fics posted on Tumblr on your own time, but this event is for AO3. Comments there are easier to find, easier to respond to, and most writers agree that they are the most valuable form of interaction on either platform.
How does participation work?
-> Team registration is here <-
-> Bingo boards are here <-