Comments is what keeps all fanfic authors going. A well worded, complete comment makes any author's day. But seldom do all authors get comments that are able to express fully. 

So what makes a comment, a good comment? 

Well, I myself haven't made many comments, I am very picky about stories I like. But most comments I have made give authors feedback on what I liked and sometimes what I thought could have been better. Constructive criticism you know? 

But, I as a author have received some absolutely amazing comments, which genuinely tell me how I am doing. And so in this blog I will be talking about the basic format of such comments.

1. The language. How well has the author written? Is the diction, dialogues or other parts of language impressive? 
2. The plot or storyline. How is the plot going? Is everything smooth and understandable? Or are there any plotholes? Do mention them if there are. Don't ever shy away from giving genuine criticism. 
3. Characters. Did you find the setting of characters solid? What's your thoughts on the characters? Their actions? Their motives? Any character development? What do you feel for them? Offer any criticism, if you have.
4. The atmosphere of the story. Is it fluffy? Dark? Mysterious? Also, give reasons why you find the atmosphere that way, if you can. If you feel author was unable to set up a particular atmosphere, than feel free to point it out, but do give in suggestions as well. 
5. Your favourite and disliked parts. Every story, or chapter would have some parts that you throughly enjoyed. It could be a line, a single word or a single paragraph or few paragraphs. Maybe you liked the theme of the story? Or the atmosphere? Your favourite thing could be anything. Mention them in your comment, it really gives authors positive energy and valuable feedback. But, don't hesitate from pointing out parts you didn't like. You need to also give a reason for disliking it as well, so that author knows what went wrong. And no, just because you don't like a ship pairing doesn't mean that is a valid reason for disliking it completely. Valid reason for disliking something in a fanfic could be unrealistic actions by characters, plot holes, unnecessary drama, inadequate details given by author, among other reasons. Disliking just because of a pairing is not good enough reason. 

And thats all I have to say on this. Though there is one more thing I wanted to write on, that is foreshadowing, but I will cover that in another blog. 

The five point format I have given could be used in any order, and it's not necessary to include all the five points. But it would be cool if you included at least two points, if possible.

Don't think that short comments are useless or not good! Length of a comment doesn't really matter. The legitimacy and quality of content is what matters the most. (But you gotta admit, longer comments are very encouraging! ;) )

Also, this format could be used when commenting on a single chapter as well, rather than the whole story. Than, you just gotta comment keeping that particular chapter in mind, while borrowing a bit from previous chapters, if needed. 

I just wrote this blog to express my thoughts, so the contents of this blog is purely subjective. Feel free to disagree with it. :)

What do you guys think? Got any opinions to share? Do comment in the comment section below!