Does this sound like you when reading fanfiction? We all know that fic writers THRIVE on feedback. Not all feedback is created equal, though.
Huh: Adding a “like” on tumblr
Meh: Adding a “kudos” on AO3
Oh?: Reblogging on tumblr (blank)
Cool: Adding a bookmark on AO3
Oh hey!: Adding a bookmark on AO3 which includes notations, tags, comments
Cool, thanks!: Replying to the post on tumblr
NICE: Reblogging on tumblr with additional commentary, recommendation, tags
YASSSS more please: Leaving a comment on AO3
YOU ARE INCREDIBLE I LOVE YOU: Commenting on every chapter on AO3
So if you’re reading (or re-reading) a fic, and you want to leave a comment but aren’t sure what to say, here’s a few ideas. Yup, you guessed it, not all comments are created equal, either!
Tier 1: Beta checking and generic encouragement - Appreciated! :)
“You missed an apostrophe in this sentence”
“Good stuff, keep going”
“<3″
“Watch out, you used the word ___ three times in the same paragraph”
“Did you mean this character instead of that one who said the line ___ ?”
“Actually, when you included ___, that’s not exactly right. It’s actually ___”
Tier 2: Thoughts or feelings about things - Fantastic stuff ♥‿♥
“This paragraph was especially vivid, it let me visualize every part of the scene”
“I cracked up at this line”
“When he said this? It was totally in character. What a weirdo.”
“Yeah, that thing has happened to me once too. It’s never a good time. Here’s how I dealt with it, food for thought”
“Wow, I never even CONSIDERED ___, that’s so cool and thorough!”
“I think I can see where you’re going with the trend of ___, and I have a suggestion for what to do with it next”
“This part ____ reminds me of a friend, I should show this to them”
“I have re-read this one paragraph five times and my stomach still gets butterflies from it”
“I didn’t used to ship this ship but wowsers, this fic has opened my eyes”
“You have inspired me to create something (art or poetry or other fic or literally anything) based on this ____, and here let me show it to you in this link”
“I have shared this fic with every other fan I know. In fact I have converted non-fans INTO fans for the Explicit Purpose of sharing this fic with them.”
So yeah, if you’re looking to up your comment game, and by doing so, boost an author’s confidence, motivation, involvement, and reputation, maybe keep these pointers next to a notepad as you read. Like homework, but more rewarding for everyone involved.
Friendly reminder that NOBODY is allowed to shame you for what you choose to write. Any comment that attacks your story or your person is a violation of Archive of Our Own’s TOS.
