The Problem with Comments

Let me start this off with a very professional what the y'all.

So I've been lurking on this site for around four-ish years. I've written some coughtycough stories, and I remember the good ol' days when readers would comment out the . Nowadays, I have stories with 1000+ subscribers, and I hear a peep out of like three of them.

I'm not a mathematician AND I'm 40% blind, but my can see something wrong with those numbers.

Back to the lurking thing. I scroll through the social side of this site more than the story side, I'll admit. I am not shy by any means fam, and I'll blow your up if I'm really feeling it. But is it hard for people to take five seconds out of their day and just say something?

It's disheartening when I go and type 3000+ words for a chapter and nobody says anything about it. Granted, I get over it and move on, but that took some WORK. I could be doing other adult things, but no, I sit my down and type.

Straight up, I don't give a if it's a negative comment such as "This is kys" at least it's some sort of feedback. Did you like the chapter or nah? Give me something to work with because dead silence really ain't cutting it, yo.

I even open the chats on some stories and the same three people are the only ones using them!

This is not me hating on silent readers; you do you fam. But women's intuition is telling me that the likelihood of 1000 people being introverts is hIGHLY ING UNLIKELY.

So, if that little rant didn't clearly state my position on this topic, here it is: the y'all doin'? I dunno why but this new generation of AFFers just don't ing TALK. SAY SOMETHING DAMMIT I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY EXTROVERT ON THE INTERNET. /tRigGEReD

How do you feel about silent readers? Or lack of comments? What do you think the cause of this silence is? /hellodarknessmyoldfriend/ share your thoughts!
[deactivated] 6 years ago
I'm okay with silent readers, because I'm just now getting out of the habit of being one myself, sometimes you just don't know what to say, sometimes you just wanna read it and enjoy it, you know. But I get bummed when comments dwindle, I'm doing a rewrite for a story right now and every other rewrite I'm done has comments all the time, but this one has pretty much none and I can't figure out why I'm sure there's a reason, but still it bothers me. I try to post updates pretty regularly so there's not a huge gap between chapters cause I don't like that very much so I don't expect my readers to like that.
I mean I'm cool with honest comments, just don't be a about it you know. Like if you dislike something I've written, just explain that you didn't like it, don't call me names don't say stuff to be "edgy" just tell me, you know.
I've only been on here for a few years (I've moved accounts in the process) and seeing comments dwindle down is really upsetting
500sunny500 6 years ago
I'm the kind of author who updates once a month, so I don't expect my readers to be fully engaged with my story. If they are, then I'm really thankful for that and those rare comments make me really happy. If they don't, then that's perfectly fine because the fault is at mine. Also, I'm a silent reader myself, so I think it's fair for me not to expect my readers to comment when I rarely comment on other stories.

But yeah, readers were definitely more engaged in the past because it was a smaller community, and to encourage more writers to write more of their ships, they'd comment more frequently (also people were less triggered with comments, I think? I feel like people comment less now because over the years, some authors overlapped bashing and criticism, which stirred drama and etc.)
AmeMxx 6 years ago
For me generally I like writing comments but the thing is that my phone likes to screw up and I usually read using my phone so in the end I just end up not commenting unless I'm on my laptop where things don't get screwed up and the need to say something is real hahahaha
MiraiFiquin 6 years ago
The problem with readers is, they sometimes not give comment to good ff, and most comments go to not really good. Once I got a comment from one reader, saying that she felt angry that only few ppl comenting my story when she thought it is really a masterpiece. Well, I know all along, my ship is non canon, but once you read them, don't you think my ff deserve some comments?
neonflowers 6 years ago
Btw I checked your authored stories just out of curiosity (oops haha hope you don't mind) and to be honest I think you're doing okay? Like you still get several hundred comments... to be honest from the way you worded it out above I expected things to be much worse HAHAH SORRY anyway hope you get more~~
neonflowers 6 years ago
I know this might not be the most helpful comment, but... I think actually asking and even, lol, begging for comments in your author's note helps? I mean, I've done this at one point and I think the number of comments I got drastically increased. Most people might not read the author's note, yeah, but you never know who do right? Just ask for it HAHA there's no harm in asking.

What I said was something along the lines "guys i really really need your feedback because if not i don't know if i'm doing this wrong or right or whatever, so please comment ok like i really need this HAHAHAHA" yeah with the big fat laugh because that's me being embarrassed of myself at the end lmao. But that's just me being honest so I don't think there's anything wrong with that? I mean, I think it'd be better than threatening to not update until getting a specific number of comments... just a thought.
Winter92heat 6 years ago
This rant really represent what I feel...and likes seriously, ppl could be this cruel..they think all these ff that they have read just drop from the sky? Hell no...there is an author behind that ing ff that you guys luxuriously read, without any second thought what the particular author had went through in order to bring you guys something free to read. On the other note, To be honest, I feel a little bit worry, as suho's bias, I genuinely feel that his ff is less compare to other member, and I really want to write his ff as much as possible in my entire life time, but I don't think readers love my ff enough to make me continue. For the time being, my love to write his ff is still strong, but don't blame me if I left this ff. And I still can't get over with one girl, she is regular customer of my ff, she also suho's bias, she rarely gives comment to my ff, but when other author write something sm#t, she give her full support..and I just likes...wow, this girl .(she also commented my story, but only once from my abundance ffs, that's because that story also rated 'm')...( don't get me wrong, I am ok w sm#t, as long as readers give the same treatment)...for all honesty, my non canon otp should not be a reason for the lack of comment, it just that, I dunno how to describe it..readers are not fully aware what an author's feel.
[deactivated] 6 years ago
Maybe we can call on authors who've experienced the same thing and collaborate in terms of giving timely feedback to such stories. Perhaps if many authors would help each other then this problem will be somehow mitigated.
eee356 6 years ago
Even one year ago when I was more active on aff people left more comments. Now it is quiet everywhere.. But I don't know. Half of me wants to reas comments, other side is like omg please dont be rude just upvote and dont say anything bad ofmgnrje .. but yeah. I'd like to be friends with my readers, talk and stuff. BUT WHATEVER. I agree with u, this is a new generation of affrs. Quiet as ffffffff
[deactivated] 6 years ago
Yeah this is indeed quite sad. Though a factor could be is that some people might prefer commenting after reading the entire thing. Though I've experienced this situation, and it really cut off a huge portion of your motivation. But other authors do get a lot of comment despite having few subs, I'm not really sure what's the cause of this but really it needs to be addressed or else well run out of good variety of fics to read if authors keep on discontinuing their story due to silence.
flytothesKAI 6 years ago
i relate to this so much. tbh i prefer comments more than votes or subs but what can i do. i can't just threaten them to comment or i won't update (i might just do that!! lulz) but the point is comment motivates me and if more comments mean i am motivated to write faster. idk man how can we solve this problem :/
[deactivated] 6 years ago
@Alex-su That does make sense, but who exactly should reward you though? I mean, it's fine to expect the subscribers to comment but the thing is, they don't always comment. I used to expect them to, when one of my story actually got over 90 subs for the first time, but then as the number of subs increased, the number of comments barely got to 20. Maybe some just subscribed because they got curious (or maybe because a story is in subs-only), but that doesn't always mean they will read it. :--(
Alex-su 6 years ago
@sylviaplant Idk I just feel like if I write a chapter I should get some feedback. A fair exchange. If I really wanted to up my comment numbers, I'd do something to accomplish it, but I shouldn't /have/ to seek it out. I'm not important in the slightest, but effort should be rewarded. Does that make sense?
[deactivated] 6 years ago
@Alex-su I didn't know people do that omg. o____o I could do the same but then I always think, "Who am I to demand something from this people?" the same way I think nobody can demand from me because they don't pay me to write lmao. That's why I tend to stick around doing my thing, and maybe that's the reason why it doesn't bother me much. If I really want people to comment, I'd seek for it, ask for people who are willing to do so. I mean, I'm not really anyone important so I guess I have to make some efforts.
Alex-su 6 years ago
@undergroundmuses I'm mainly a author, so my reader base is generally thirsty underaged kids who shouldn't be reading it but are anyway. I know they aren't going to comment, especially the BTS ones (this is just a general observation). I have really ty luck when it comes to commenters, obviously otl I got a few faithful ones who do comment on every chapter, but like I said, the numbers don't add up. So I've generally been leaving everything with cliffhangers LOL cliffhangers will undoubtly get a response. And i dunno, i guess i could ask questions at the end? My author's notes are usually reserved for me apologizing for being late haha
Alex-su 6 years ago
@sylviaplant I wouldn't do this but I have seen some authors put their chapters basically up for ransom, saying they'll post it after a certain number of comments has been met. I could express my frustrations in author's notes or the story feed that 90% of people don't read, but I know it won't change anything :/
[deactivated] 6 years ago
@Alex-su I know!! Me personally I would prefer having comments about details and every other aspect of my story, not necessarily just something they liked. It makes me think and helps me in setting the right path for the story. I also like it when people get involved, like when people actually ask questions (and get confused even, lol), that way I know my story is interesting and engaging. This could be asking for too much, idk, I just don't really know what people want. Sigh. I can't figure out what it has to take for them comment.
[deactivated] 6 years ago
I think part of it has to do with luck in terms of who exactly is reading your fics. For example, I think I have like an okay subscriber count; I'm by no means a very popular author (like most my fics have 200ish subs?) but I have a lot of readers that literally comment on every single chapter without fail and so my comment count, I think, is pretty good. Another reason helps to get a good amount, is replying to comments and engaging in conversation about the fic? idk if you do or not, but I reckon that encourages readers? Or maybe even leaving questions at the end of the chapter like 'what did you think about this part' or something along those lines? ofc, these things only really work if the readers meet the authors halfway! but yeah, I think that could help?
[deactivated] 6 years ago
@Alex-su LOL... i know... like i've said i'm just really bitter that no one comments. LOL...

i'm sure lots of writers will express their support on this issue. crazy idea and i'm sure it will definitely happen. what if all writers go on a "writing strike"/"hiatus" for like a week. will readers finally give a damn and start communicating?
Alex-su 6 years ago
@kireitenshi Deadass I can type update in less than a second and most likely a paragraph in about thirty if I'm not nitpicking lmao so its definitely not a "I dont have time to comment" issue and I'm probably going to continue to be salty about the lack of communication on this website until everyone can TASTE the saltiness.
Alex-su 6 years ago
@sylviaplant This might just be me, but I think if someone calls themself a writer, they should WANT someone to nitpick and just be as brutal as they can without being rude. Sure, I like the "I liked this chapter" comments; cool, you liked it. But when someone points out a timing conflict (i.e. person A couldn't have had/done that since in the last chapter yada yada) or a typo or anything of the sort, it helps me, personally, improve. I strongly believe others should somewhat feel this way if they post any writing of any sort because "I liked this chapter" doesn't offer much.
[deactivated] 6 years ago
on the bright side, at least they took like a second of their time to type in update? as opposed to totally having no feedback? LOL.... sorry, i guess i'm just really so bitter about the no comment thing. i'm doing my best not to let it get to me, but i just can't. *sigh*
[deactivated] 6 years ago
@Alex-su LMAO SAME HAHAHAH I always try to be grateful but it's kinda hard. I literally received a comment that just had "TT" in it. Um.....i still don't know how to respond to that ;A;
damelumienarc 6 years ago
@Alex-su Well, I do, too, but if there is the positivity in me (ironically, I am a big emo jerk) that still wants to remain here. XD I guess I'll just make do with the couple of comments I get until I finally accept the fact that this community is no longer worth it anymore lol
[deactivated] 6 years ago
@Alex-su I was never as active during my first few years on AFF, so I can't say I totally understood. But the way you say it, it's really a bit disappointing that it had come to this. I actually thought of opening a comment shop, but I'm afraid of saying things people don't really need to hear (this is something that stops me from commenting on some stories I've read too). I'm worried that my points would be less relevant, because I tend to nitpick details in stories instead of commenting about overall enjoyment and impact (I don't wanna sound like a know-it-all and pretend to be a critique). I'm also very lazy, and I don't always have the will and motivation to...so I'm afraid of being inconsistent. Maybe some readers think like this as well?
Alex-su 6 years ago
Anyone notice how the readers who DO comment deadass just say "update"? Thanks for the feedback, will consider.
[deactivated] 6 years ago
@kireitenshi That's true T^T I can totally relate when you said you don't know if they're reading the fic. I get totally confused as to how a person can subscribe but can't leave a comment when the karma system only gives you points if you comment. The points when you subscribe goes to the author, and you don't gain anything unless you comment. This was how I tried to comfort myself before, in a way, saying, "Well, at least I get points," but then I don't really care. I'm just confused, lol. Maybe it's easier to click on some button than type a few words... :\
Alex-su 6 years ago
@lumienarc I know a lot of the senior members of AFF just up and left, and the liveliness went with them, I believe.
damelumienarc 6 years ago
@Alex-su I think it's just an excuse, though (lol) HAHA, that puts the silent readers lesser than ever now! But seriously, AFF community used to be lively... used to be! I am seriously considering to ditch everything because no one comments anymore these days.
[deactivated] 6 years ago
@sylviaplant i kinda get this. in a kpop dominated fic site, i've chosen to write about an actress and an actor, and no one's even shipping those two. i'm just weird i guess because i just think that the two of them look cute together. *shrugs*

still, it's very disheartening when no one comments. i have a few subs, yet i don't even know if they're reading the fic. i often feel that i can discontinue it and no one would even care nor notice.