Join the best erotica focused adult social network now
Login

posting "thank you for reading my story" comments

last reply
70 replies
7.6k views
0 watchers
0 likes
Beffer
Rainbow Warrior
Quote by MadMartigan




I write for myself first and foremost. Not the readers.



I think all true writers write for themselves first and foremost, unless they are simply professional hacks who write merely for income, or narcissists who write for the attention gained.

So, when you or I write a story, we are serving ourselves, because we MUST write, just as any artist must practice his/her craft. But when someone leaves a comment, they are doing it not for themselves, but for us writers. Their intention (usually) was to make us feel good about what we have created, or that we have left an impact on someone else. People aren't necessarily compelled to leave comments the way we as writers are compelled to write.

So, if they leave me a comment on something I have done solely for myself, they are going out of their way to extend me a courtesy, to which I respond with a courtesy. That is the way courtesy works. Its not absolutely necessary for a civilized society, but it makes us more civilized. If you are so successful, and have so many readers that you simply don't have the time to thank them all, then lucky you. Fame has its costs, and unfortunately, the impracticality of extending simple courtesy is one of the first things lost.
overmykneenow
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by BethanyFrasier

So, if they leave me a comment on something I have done solely for myself, they are going out of their way to extend me a courtesy, to which I respond with a courtesy. That is the way courtesy works. Its not absolutely necessary for a civilized society, but it makes us more civilized. If you are so successful, and have so many readers that you simply don't have the time to thank them all, then lucky you. Fame has its costs, and unfortunately, the impracticality of extending simple courtesy is one of the first things lost.


Here's a comment for you...

Could you ramp up the sanctimony in that a bit? I don't think you're coming across as self-righteous as you're going for.
Warning: The opinions above are those of an anonymous individual on the internet. They are opinions, unless they're facts. They may be ill-informed, out of touch with reality or just plain stupid. They may contain traces of irony. If reading these opinions causes you to be become outraged or you start displaying the symptoms of outrage, stop reading them immediately. If symptoms persist, consult a psychiatrist.

Why not read some stories instead

NEW! Want a quick read for your coffee break? Why not try this... Flash Erotica: Scrubber
MadMartigan
Raised on Blackroot
There's far too much expectation of payment for payment in this world, as if being a generally kind person is some form of currency to be traded at market. I see a lot of "I was blah blah to so and so and they didn't acknowledge it." Don't whine about that shit. I enjoy a quiet good deed done without fanfare and moaning. I enjoy less the people who moan about not being acknowledged for their good deed, as if they did the deed in the first place to get attention.

I'll pick up things people drop in the store, hand it to them, and continue on my way without even waiting for anything. Just how I roll.

And I don't expect thank yous these days when I hold the doors open for people, even though I usually say it out of habit. I'd just expect them to extend that to the next person. Because it's the right thing to do. I don't really need someone to affirm to me that I did a good deed.

And I think it is moronic to put monopolies on what courtesy and kindness means. Let people express how they want to express. Society will figure out for itself what it wants to value.


I personally have always been humble to a fault and have always shied away from accolades.


And I hate the stupid argument of, if you're successful, "thank us wee peons" for making you successful. And people do have lives. I can't imagine how tiresome it'd get to be constantly hounded by paparazzi, then deal with fans who expect you to cater to their will.
Verbal
Gravelly-Voiced Fucker
Quote by BethanyFrasier



I think all true writers write for themselves first and foremost, unless they are simply professional hacks who write merely for income, or narcissists who write for the attention gained.

So, when you or I write a story, we are serving ourselves, because we MUST write, just as any artist must practice his/her craft. But when someone leaves a comment, they are doing it not for themselves, but for us writers. Their intention (usually) was to make us feel good about what we have created, or that we have left an impact on someone else. People aren't necessarily compelled to leave comments the way we as writers are compelled to write.

So, if they leave me a comment on something I have done solely for myself, they are going out of their way to extend me a courtesy, to which I respond with a courtesy. That is the way courtesy works. Its not absolutely necessary for a civilized society, but it makes us more civilized. If you are so successful, and have so many readers that you simply don't have the time to thank them all, then lucky you. Fame has its costs, and unfortunately, the impracticality of extending simple courtesy is one of the first things lost.


This is the most rational response I've read, Beth. Person A took the time to write a story. If they didn't want people to read it they wouldn't post it. Person B took the time to comment. If they didn't like it they wouldn't comment. Acknowledging the generosity on either end of the exchange is simple courtesy. You are not required to. But we all share this site together.

I get at most two comments a day. On the vast majority of days I have none. I've rarely acknowledged comments in the past. I asked the question because I made one audio, one time, that many people (meaning, like, 10 at most) were very generous in responding to. After reading the responses, I think acknowledging a comment is a nice thing to do, and no more. No larger meaning implied.
Beffer
Rainbow Warrior
Quote by MadMartigan
There's far too much expectation of payment for payment in this world


We're not talking about the expectation of the commenter to be thanked. That's irrelevant. This post is about what we as writers do: whether we respond to a kindness or not, regardless of whether it's expected. I guess it boils down to how important receiving a comment is to us. To me, its important enough to acknowledge. To others, it may not be. Its up to each individual to decide what is worthy of a courtesy. Its not like this is some philosophical argument over what should constitute the norm of the social-contract in a civilized society.
Mazza
Mazztastic
When I first post a story, I will generally thank anyone who leaves a comment on it (because I do appreciate their consideration and time). I'll generally post a pic with a thank you for reading the story on friends' walls, or send a PM to non-friends. After that time, I'm a little less organised about it.

If someone simply scores the story without commenting, then I will not send a thank you, unless it's a friend, in which case I might or might not IM them to thank them, but generally I make the assumption that they don't wish to be contacted for thank yous (just my assumption and not really based on fact or anything)

I hope that people don't mind me posting or PMing a thank you. I've never had any negative feedback to suggest that they do and I guess that it's easy enough to ignore a PM or delete a wall post if you don't like it, or even ask the author not to post such things.

I'm not a huge fan of mass PMs to promote stories, but I don't mind the occasional one for competitions and the like, or for a special project or whatever - I actually decided to opt out of mass PMs. Although I have sent out promotional PMs in the past, I tend not to do that any more as I feel that it would apply pressure to friends who might not want to read my stories or poems. If they want to, they will follow me and read as and when it suits them. I guess I'm more relaxed about it all these days?

I tend to follow a few authors or see that people have commented on my news feed or sometimes pop onto the home page to see what's been posted. At the moment, I have precious little time to read here or spend much time at all so I'm just not reading much at the moment and I have a lot of catching up to do!

If I leave a comment on a story, I don't expect a thank you at all, although it is nice to get one.

The new system, where the author can "like" and/or reply to story comments is a good one I think, although it would be better if you were notified when someone commented on your comment, as I personally rarely go back to read comments on someone else's story once I have read it.

I don't think there is a right or wrong though. Some people do the thank you thing, others don't. It doesn't really matter either way.
AltaBrwnSgr
Brown Sugar
Quote by Verbal


Well that certainly started a ruckus.

I would 'mend my ways' to show respect for the reader, because they took time to read it. That was the point presented by Beth and Possibly and others, and I thought it was valid. Not to please the masses. To show gratitude.

I'm beginning to feel a little sorry I brought the whole thing up.


No, you were right to ask what you want. What is life if you can't ask a question? I know I've learned a lot from this thread. People have different values. And that's okay. I now understand that some people think that a 'thanks' is a publicity stunt, that it's not genuine, and that it is totally unnecessary. Sadly, for some authors who send thank you responses, that may be the case.

For me, it is not. My thanks is NOT a marketing ploy; it's a show of gratitude...that's it.

And for the record, I'm certainly not sitting somewhere mad, because I don't receive a thanks. The notion is ridiculous.
clum
Clumeleon
I have, in the past, gone out of my way to thank everyone who commented on my stories. I don't do that any more (not that I post a whole lot of stories any more).

Of course, I appreciate that people would read my work and comment on it, but as I see it, that's what this site is for. No one is doing me a favour by reading my story—that's why they are on this website (in theory). I certainly don't expect to be thanked by everyone whose story I read. If anything, I should be thanking them for providing the material for this website.

I might follow up an interesting comment by PM, or say thanks to a friend while chatting to them. What I've taken to doing recently is actually replying to comments people make on my stories (a relatively recent feature), but I don't feel obliged to do anything about any comment that someone makes. If someone feels upset that I don't acknowledge their comment then, from my point of view, they made it for the wrong reason.
MadMartigan
Raised on Blackroot
Quote by clum
I have, in the past, gone out of my way to thank everyone who commented on my stories. I don't do that any more (not that I post a whole lot of stories any more).

Of course, I appreciate that people would read my work and comment on it, but as I see it, that's what this site is for. No one is doing me a favour by reading my story—that's why they are on this website (in theory). I certainly don't expect to be thanked by everyone whose story I read. If anything, I should be thanking them for providing the material for this website.

I might follow up an interesting comment by PM, or say thanks to a friend while chatting to them. What I've taken to doing recently is actually replying to comments people make on my stories (a relatively recent feature), but I don't feel obliged to do anything about any comment that someone makes. If someone feels upset that I don't acknowledge their comment then, from my point of view, they made it for the wrong reason.


I think that pretty much just sums it all up entirely. Well stated.
Verbal
Gravelly-Voiced Fucker
Actually, to add one last post to this, I think the best solution (for me, not speaking for anyone else) is to just email them. All you have to do is click on their name, the thank you is personal and individualized, and it can't be construed as advertising. Now all I have to do is wait for someone to actually comment on a story (: .
Guest
Lurker
As a writer, I always appreciate it when someone reads what I have written. So I will always give a quick acknowledgement. I am here at Lush to meet people, hear their stories, see the world from different people's points of view. I love interacting with Lushies. My stories aren't just a vent for me, they are for the readers to enjoy.

If my story turns you on, gives you a laugh, entertains you, challenges you, excites you... then I have done what I wanted to do and I will always acknowledge you!

It is not for me to judge what another author writes, comments, doesn't comment. That's up to them. I am me, and you are you!

Here's my latest: Sunday Morning Surprise (by Cyndy)
MovingOn14
Active Ink Slinger
Interesting topic. I think it is just a personal preference on how you interact with others. Be yourself.

Me. I don't post a thank you on walls, but I do try to "Like", and I do often send a message of thanks, and a comment if I find their comment unique. It's just my way of interacting here. I don't think we should read a whole lot into if people thank comments or not. I do find the whole "like" button lame, but my ADHD kicks in and I end up clicking it most times.



Class of 82 - The Little Sister Halloween Party ~ My newest story preparing for the annual fraternity Halloween party.
Journey With You ~ A love poem about a full life shared.
The Game's Ultimate Prize ~ The evening begins with cocktails ... a recommended read.
Guest
Lurker
Whether it's through a 'like' button, a reply to a comment, a black box, a post on your wall... I will try and let you know that I appreciate it. Your time and opinion do matter.x
sultry_eyes88
Active Ink Slinger
I like comments made on my stories and send a quick thank you, I do it out of politeness, and genuine gratitude.

I am a writer, always have been. I started to write and share my stories here on lush out of curiosity. Before lush my stories were never published or even read by people other then family. You don't have to publish your work to be a writer, you write because you love it. It's my way of making sense of the world, putting my thoughts to paper. So for me, I like the feedback. I like knowing whether someone enjoyed or hated my work. When someone comments a story telling me how much they liked it, I'm grateful.

Please check out my stories. <3
avrgblkgrl
In-House Sapiosexual
I am extremely thankful when someone takes the time to read, comment and vote on anything that I write.
I do take the time to let my friends know that I appreciate it too. If someone is not on my friends list, I send
them a thank you PM--grateful that they strayed my way. This takes time, sometimes I don't have much of that to spare.
I personally feel that it is the least that I can do and I'm not in the habit of half doing anything.

"I write for myself" may well be a sophisticated view, it's necessary. I hear it a lot. I write for myself, I also write to be read.
Sometimes the two are not the same and they are not found in the same places. If it is truly just for myself, I keep it to myself.
For me, the art is in the communication, like a kiss. It was fun practicing on the back of my hand when I was pre-pubescent.
At some point I matured and wanted to experience it fully, for that there needed to be a second set of lips attached to another willing person.
One of my favorite writers on this site stated it beautifully. He compared it to saying a prayer. Yes, you benefit from it and you need it.
It may never be answered. The cosmos hears it though and is just that much changed.
I share a little piece of myself. I don't need you to validate me as person in any way as far as it is concerned, but that little piece of me is
now a piece of you. I could die tomorrow but I'm still living and breathing somewhere, maybe a note in someone's journal or a passing thought
that's shared. And, what that receiver sees is me too.

If you don't appreciate my recognition of what you have given, your writing or the time you took to read mine, I'm still going to say thank you or encourage you. I'm not going to do it because I expect you to do it back. I'm doing it for the same reason that I say thank you, excuse me and I'm sorry to people I encounter through my day that I do not even know. It is because of impeccable home training (thank you mom), respect and it makes me smile.
? A True Story ?
jdmagic
Advanced Wordsmith
Too cool of a comment, avrgblkgrl!!!
Guest
Lurker
I only have a few pieces submitted here, and I am honoured that someone would read my work let alone comment on or rate it.
Having a low number means that it is no hassle for me to thank them for reading/commenting/rating - whether that be a message or a "like" or something else.
I like to think that I would continue that if ever I write more and people choose to read my work.
If I have missed anyone, then I do apologise -@ I thank anyone and everyone that takes the time to peruse my jumbles of words smile
Guest
Lurker
I am humbled that other authors, with good quality work read my poetry and perhaps my silly stories...

I always used to thank others on their wall for my stories even as I did before.... as Love affairs



I do thank you, one and all, even the ones that drop in to lowball, at it makes the counters go up...

Little trolls thank you for that...


NymphWriter
Unicorn Wrangler
Prior to the ability to reply to a comment... I rarely thanked anyone for reading my stories. Once that was added (thank you Nic & Gav!) I always thank those who read my work. If I have made a picture that thanks them, I'll post that on the page of those who are my friends.
LaylaJune
Fancy Schmancy
Warning: I just realized I am in a cranky mood - it's been a long day. The following, however, expresses my current feelings on the topic:

Based upon the length of time I have been here and posting, my actions vary. However, I can tell you that I do not like receiving a pro forma "thank you for reading" post on my page. If someone sends me a private message or posts on my page thanking me, I like and appreciate that. The pro forma ones upset me. I would prefer that someone "like" my comments, or thank me under my comment on the work itself. I always feel that the pro forma "thank you for reading" messages are actually a way of advertising on my page. Of course, that could be the case in a personal message on my page, but for some reason, those do not irk me.

I rarely score without leaving a comment, but if someone does so on my work, I will either send a private message or sometimes post on their page, if they are a friend.

I also dislike getting "spam." When I get a "spam," it almost guarantees that I will not read the work.

If, on multiple occasions I score and comment on a writer's work and am not acknowledged (without so much as "liking" my comment), I sometimes am inclined to stop reading that person's work -- or stop reading regularly.

I really appreciate when people read my work, and I hate when it appears that I am trying to advertise on their page via my "thank you." That is why I prefer sending a private message. I can also understand how that can get burdensome if your work is extremely popular.

Perhaps, once I am here longer, my feelings will change.
NymphWriter
Unicorn Wrangler
Quote by LaylaJune
I also dislike getting "spam." When I get a "spam," it almost guarantees that I will not read the work.


I will admit this does make me a lot less likely to read a story... but I'll also admit to doing this in the past... and wondering if it really did me any good or not. After reading what LJ so point blankly said (and I applaud her for her honesty) I will cease the practice of "spamming". Those who choose to follow me will know when I post a new story. Those who don't... well... either they'll see my story on the home page or they'll stumble upon it on their own.
Guest
Lurker
I think that I have found my dark quiche with my scratching's. Several have agreed that I may have finally made a mark and to that I am extremely grateful. It has been a trail of thirty months of writing...at last I'm.
Buz
The Linebacker
If anyone doesn't like to get 'spam' or any 'To all of my friends' message, simply go the Profile Wheel in the Red Bar at the top of the page. Scroll down to Update Your Details
– Settings Privacy
– scroll down to PM Opt Out and check the box


As for myself, my friends are welcome to send me new story notices and such. I am your friend. Who am I to set restrictions on you just to be my friend? Between story verifying, writing and reading friends stories, and my other life, I stay extremely busy. I find such reminders to be very useful.
Guest
Lurker
I was told to stop spamming...so I stopped. I think it hurt it doing so.
Buz
The Linebacker
Quote by BethanyFrasier
I've made up graphics with 'thank-you's' for reading each of my stories, and post them in my friends' comment boxes when they read and comment my stories. Non-friends who read and comment, I send thank-you messages to. If they can take the time to read and comment my stories, I can take a minute to thank them. I was taught to be polite. :-) If ever I've missed any of you who commented, I apologize.


I like getting those kind of thank you's. A 'thank you' graphic is perfect.
Guest
Lurker
What I've taken to doing lately is to POST a reply to comment, but then SOON DELETE it, (so the only person who reads it is the person it was intended for...) Because it shows up privately on their TIME-LINE...

I think this THANKS the poster, but doesn't INFLUENCE other people who read the piece. ( I do REALLY LIKE the pieces just to stand on their own...)

xx SF

(I NEVER even flag my own pieces... (Or Very Seldom...) And NEVER new ones... It's NOT MY JOB TO SELL THEM!!! Just to write them... You'll find them if you look for them!!!)

I have NO PROBLEM with people who Flag?Spam their work... (In fact I often check out those posts from friends then vote and comment...)

But I don't do that. (Once I write 'em, they're on their fucking own!!!)
LaylaJune
Fancy Schmancy
Quote by NymphWriter


I will admit this does make me a lot less likely to read a story... but I'll also admit to doing this in the past... and wondering if it really did me any good or not. After reading what LJ so point blankly said (and I applaud her for her honesty) I will cease the practice of "spamming". Those who choose to follow me will know when I post a new story. Those who don't... well... either they'll see my story on the home page or they'll stumble upon it on their own.


I am sure spam is fine for some people - I go to the home page on both sites often - so I know what is up, and if it is possible to opt out of "spam" while still receiving personal messages from that person, I will certainly check it out.
ChuckEPoo
Chuckanator
Quote by BethanyFrasier
After reading some of the comments here, I'm reminded of celebrities who refuse to be bothered to sign autographs for their fans for basically the same reasons some authors here refuse to send thank-you's for story comments. While I think its wrong for any commenter to EXPECT a thank-you, (or for a fan to expect an autograph, for that matter), this is an issue of individual preference. Courtesy is just something some people extend and others don't. What I failed to consider however, is how my thank-you graphics posted on my readers' pages may be construed as cheap promotionalism, so I may, in the future, curtail the graphics and simply send private thank-you messages instead. It has bothered me when authors send spam promotions of their new stories in mass PM's, as I feel its tacky and sets a bad precedent. If I want notifications of your new stories, I'll 'follow' you! Personally, I will never spam my friends with this crap, as I feel its playing into this Lush undercurrent of 'popularity-contest' mentality. My stories are there. Take them or leave them, but I'm not going to beg you to read them with either spam, or graphics attached to forum-comments linking to my stories.


This! Nailed it!
NymphWriter
Unicorn Wrangler
Quote by Buz
I like getting those kind of thank you's. A 'thank you' graphic is perfect.


I agree. Plus I'm always impressed at the level of creativity that those who make these graphics which is why I now try make them for my own stories. I enjoy seeing these and I hope those I share them with enjoy them as well.
bria_xo
Saucy Little Minx ♥️
A comment from a reader and a thank you from a writer sounds pretty reasonable to me. Especially if you know it’s the first time they’ve commented on one of your stories.

I personally read all the comments it’s all part of the enjoyment of your story.

My