If I take the time to comment on an author's story I think they should acknowledge you with a short thank you response along with a brief note to your particular comment. It makes me not want to bother to read anymore or at the very least not bother to comment or give them a rating. Am I being too critical?
"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
Herbert Spencer
They should. Some folks are polite and others aren't. Just kind of the way it is. I always reply, but that's me.
I always leave a comment and appreciate a response but it isn’t necessary. I try to always return it but my schedule is hectic and it takes me awhile sometimes. I have quite a few at the moment that are waiting longer than usual and I do apologize for that but I will get to them
Hi Milik. I hope my comment didn’t imply that I’ll never again read any stories by an author just because they didn’t respond to my comment. I’ve read different stories simply because the author is a talented writer and I enjoy their words, even though I’ve never received a response. As you stated, a response is appreciated, but it’s also true that we all have day-to-day responsibilities that interfere with our time here.
If you're feeling bored during this Covid-19 epidemic I’d like to suggest
you take a peek at a story I collaborated with SueBrasil, a brilliant author.
It's about a mistake in judgment a lady makes concerning a friend, based
on the hurtful words of someone that only thinks of himself. Will that
conniving person succeed in ruining a beautiful friendship, or will she see
through his lies? It's gradually creeping up towards the 30,000 mark
and we’d love any votes or hearing whatever comments you may wish
to make. It is listed in my profile under ‘FAVOURITES’ as Apologize.
www.lushstories.com/stories/first-time/apologize.aspx I respond to what I get. An "I loved it" or other simple comment, likely just gets a Like. Some kind of detailed comment, even just a sentence, will likely get a response. I do fall behind in my responses at times for which I apologize to commenters who have been missed. Wasn't a reflection on your comment, just on my availability or mental state.
Ditto. I think if the reader takes the time to post, leave feedback/score you should kindly acknowledge their time. JMHO
As an author, if someone takes the time to comment on my story, I will try to take the time to acknowledge their comment. However, I don't get upset if I leave a comment on a story, and the author doesn't reply.
I recall this conversation in another thread several years ago. A lot of good arguments for both sides, and while I'd never argue against courtesy, time constraints can be a big factor. But I'm sensing a definite expectation of an author's acknowledgement of reader comments from the posts so far, and a degree of resentment when it's not received. Since I don't want Ping to think I'm a 'cunt', and since my company is all but closed down because of the coronavirus, I'll take the available time to go back and be more thankful to my readers who have commented.
I do - as I believe it is polite to acknowledge that somebody has taken the time to comment.
I don't think a reader owes anything to a writer, or a writer owes anything to a reader.
That said, I always comment on stories I read, and I always respond to comments on my own stories. Because it's a writing community, and I want to support the community.
But I don't think anyone should feel obligated. That kinda kills the joy.
yes, i think you're being a bit too critical - but i'm not mad at it. what i've come to learn here is that people visit for a myriad of reasons. there are many writers here who come simply to use lush as a means to get their stories 'out of their head' and would continue posting if no one commented/voted. others come with the intent of honing their craft and are very involved in the writing community on the site. both are welcome and vital here.
as someone whose time here has been sporadic at best this past year, i can understand how one can get behind and possibly even overwhelmed. i personally don't mind if an author doesn't reply to my comment. i write comments because it causes good vibes for both parties. consider it my good deed for the night☺
I always try to answer comments when given. I think it is polite to do so. Lately I have not done writing or much reading or answering comments. Since Dec. I have been very ill with lung infections and pneumonia so I have spent very little time on lush at all. I am very sorry to those I have not replied to. LikeToWrite, I’m sorry I have not commented on your comment. It was amazing comment and I appreciate it and will get to them as soon as I can. I’m sorry.
"insensitive prick!" – Danielle Algo
If I compliment a random woman on the street I feel she should acknowledge me with a short thank you. No? Of course not.
Sure, it's nice if they do respond, but the fact that you decide to comment does not mean they need to respond IMO. And if they do respond, are you then required to keep commenting as well? Of course not. Besides, they've already taken the time to write and post their story for you to read. They've taken the initiative, not you.
=== Not ALL LIVES MATTER until BLACK LIVES MATTER ===
True love stories never have endings.
If someone takes the time to read my stories I think it's common courtesy to thank them. That is just the way I am.
I have a new story that I wrote for the new competition. If you have a few minutes would you please read it?
I try to reply to anyone who takes the time to comment on any of my stories. But I'd hope that that didn't influence whether they choose to read more of my stories... hopefully if they enjoyed that story, they might look at others of mine. If they didn't, then they should probably try some other authors...
And when I comment, it's usually to say, "Hey, I enjoyed that." I don't need any promise of thanks to say that - although I won't bother if the author hasn't logged on in a year or more. And I'll read more of their stories if I think I'll enjoy them... oh, and if I find the time and energy (sooo many stories to catch up on).
As a writer, I have that deep-seated ego thing that I love entertaining people with my work and hearing about it. Why write and publish if it's not for the reaction? But I appreciate there are those who just drive-by read. People who comment represent waaaaay less than 1% of the number of 'views', whether real or bot or search engine. That's precious. So as long as it's not a troll comment, I'll try and respond to anyone, using a comparable or greater amount of effort to the comment left.
If the comment raises a particular aspect of the story, I often give away stuff on my thought process or the writing/editing process behind it. Whether this is appreciated or TMI, I don't know. But I do it anyway as maybe it'll inspire someone to write.
On the flipside, I don't expect a personal response from any author. It's lovely when they do, but life is more important than making me feel good about enjoying their work. And I certainly don't boycott anyone who doesn't. I consume content to be entertained, and to learn. If the story interests me, I'll read it regardless whether the author replies to comments.
Please browse my digital bookshelf. In this collection, you can find 101 stories, nine micro-stories, and two poems with the following features:
* 26 Editor's Picks, 69 Recommended Reads.
* 15 competition podium places, 9 other times in the top ten.
* 20 collaborations.
* A whole heap of often filthy, tense, hot sex.
To impart such wisdom, and not realize it wasn't me. Flabbergasted. Hurt. Devastated. 
However, buy me a drink first. 
Made to feel unappreciated is a recipe for relationship disaster - cyber, real, and imagined.