Just what it says on the tin.
Or, on the blog as it so happens…
One of the things I find… if not irritating, then at least disappointing, is when people comment on my ongoing stories and they don’t actually have anything to say.
And no, I’m not talking about the people who leave one worded things, like “Nice!” or any other bit of smallish feedback, because that’s actual feedback.
It’s when any of this happens that I get frustrated.
“Update!”
“Plz update!”
“When are you going to update?”
and even the occasional
“Have you forgotten about this story?”
No. No I haven’t.
I just haven’t had the chance, the inspiration, or the right mindset to write for this fandom, to write in this ‘verse, to write this particular fic.
And no, I don’t know when I”m going to update.
Some authors can do the scheduled update thing–and kudos to them.
But unless I have most of a chapter written out, the most I can give you is a rough estimation–and if I know that, I’ll mention it at the end of the last chapter I posted.
So why I appreciate the thought behind it, the implied “I like your story so much I’d like you to continue!”, there isn’t much I can say to that.
(and I do like talking, responding, to reviewers, so if I have ever not responded, either I’m late in replying, or I have nothing to say to your not-really-a-comment-on-my-story review.)
Again, I like the thought behind it, but it’s not really necessary to, oh, I dunno, remind me to continue the story.
If you want to say something about the story, you’re welcome to it… just please keep in mind that in most cases adding an “UPDATE!” at the end isn’t cute.
If you really feel the need, maybe try less of a demand and more of a “I hope you get a chance to update this soon,” or “Hope you get inspired!” or something positive and supportive. It may take a little bit longer to type out, but hey, you’re already taking time out to comment, so…. why not?
I dunno, I hope this doesn’t seem rant-ish, but it does get disappointing, for multiple reasons, when I see that I’ve gotten a new review, or a new comment, or any sort of feedback, and it’s one line demanding more… especially when I’ve just updated the story.
Honestly, if it’s really too much to write…
I’m going to put it out there that I’d even prefer a smiley face, or any sort of emoticon over an update demand.
Because even if you give me a
or a
😐
or even a
:#
it’ll give me more feedback than “UPDATE!”, and won’t bring to mind a faceless being shouting at me, demanding for more.
I don’t get paid for this (oh, but what a world it would be if I were), and you aren’t my boss. Please stop shouting at me to get work done.
Drawn In And Quartered 