Why you don’t write comments on AO3 and how to start?
You should write comments because fandom needs to support our creators. But it’s not that easy, and a lot, statistically, most of the readers don’t do it.
I asked around, and fandom people have common reasons not to leave comments on fics. Some of the reasons are valid, some not so much, but if you want, you can overcome them.
Let’s examine the most popular of those reasons and look for solutions.
What if the author doesn’t want it?
I’m in fandoms for more than a decade. I write fics myself. I talk with authors, and no one, not a single author, had ever told me that they don’t like (appropriate) comments.
Everyone with whom I discussed it agreed that they adore comments, and getting comments notifications highlights their day.
There might be authors who disagree with that, but for them, ao3 has useful features — “turn off comment” and “moderate comments”.
I’m shy / socially anxious
I know, me too.
I was scared so much that my first comments full of love and gratitude I left anonymously.
As with most of the things, you can start small.
If you are afraid, just leave emojis - 💖 or 😍 works nice. Alternatively, you can search for kawaii emojis.
I got a string of hearts a few times and was thrilled.
Another non-verbal way is to leave img or gif instead of a comment. For that, you need to add HTML snipped <img src=“ling-to-your-img-or-gif”>
To overcome your fear, set a goal and increase it:
Leave just one word — Thanks! or Great!
Leave just one phrase - Wonderful chapter ;)
Write at least 10 nice words — Thank you for this {nice/interesting/hot/excited} {chapter/work}. I had a great time reading it. — That’s it.
Start small and move at your own speed.
Just say politely, what you liked about the fic.
Say, “I like the plot. The story was {unexpected/thrilling/emotional}”
Did you like the characters?
“I like how you depicted character A. They were very {in character/relatable/realistic/hot/romantic/}
Well, say that too “The story was hot/passionate/kinky”
Describe how the fic makes you feel.
Were you sad? Happy? Scared?
Maybe you enjoyed the wording, how the author describes that one particular tree, the atmosphere, or style?
Mention everything you admire about that work.
It can be one word, one phrase, or a full essay, just do it, and you’ll improve the author’s day.
areudirty
turnnoffyourmind
stormborns
titsay
ellievsbear
andulkaphoto
discoholicmusic
