Fandom Voices: Comments and Feedback

Thank you so much for this interesting read! Ever since I filled out the form myself, I've been curious to see what others were going to say and which additional points or dissenting opinions they would bring up :D

I appreciate the honest engagement with the "write for yourself" narrative that I've seen in some responses as well as the article itself. While it is true that one's own enjoyment of writing in general should be a key factor in creating fic (ideally, since I want us all to have some fun here!), I heartily agree with the respondent who pointed out that sharing art is also an important part to the human creative process.

What I also appreciated is several respondents expressing that commenting on friends' fics is easier and there's a greater motivation to do so during, say, fic exchanges. I neglected to express that - either forgot about it or was too afraid to mention it - in my own response; I want to make very clear that I've noticed similar sentiments in myself, especially during times where the task of keeping up with things feels utterly daunting to me, or can at least understand. However, the unfortunate side effect is that, for people who want to receive (more) feedback, making connections and maintaining a friend group (or dare I say clique?) becomes necessary. Now, for me personally making friends in fandom was always the main motivator and the most fun I've had in my life, but I bring this up because others have expressed to me how much they struggle and how they feel forced by said perceived necessity. Again, not to be overly dramatic or villainize myself or anyone else for keeping up with friends more than with strangers, it's human nature, but perhaps a thing to keep in mind for those among us who want to make our community feel open and welcoming.

As for the idea of reciprocity, I always find myself torn between understanding the frustration of not getting anything or enough back after putting in lots of effort and the desire to have my fandom interactions feel fun and genuine, not formal or scripted (at least that's how I feel). One quote that stood out to me was: "I feel constantly guilty (not guilted, to be clear) for not reading enough, not reblogging enough, not commenting enough", as that is a sentiment I'm currently experiencing myself due to going through a stressful year and lots of anxiety and grief draining my energy. I just keep wishing I could do more because it's important to me and I really want to, but can't and now need to learn to allow myself to slow down - I hope people understand. Thankfully, I'm fortunate (and perhaps privileged) to not feel burned out or a desire to leave as the respondent expressed, but find this sentiment painfully relatable as it contributed to me leaving my previous fandom. On the off chance they see this comment, I'm sending them a virtual hug🤍

Your analysis about the truth-telling language in regards to how lack of feedback influences the writing process, my dear Dawn, was spot on. Nothing to add ;)

I also want to tip my hat to those who don't find lack of feedback particularly discouraging. Personally, I'm getting to a point where such instances no longer have me question my abilities as a writer, but I relate to the anxieties and frustrations others express.

There's more I could chime in on, as this is such a fascinating topic and I'm always eager to hear from all sides, but well... I'm a little tired and sick at the moment so, if I may, I shall point to a literal case of comment fatigue and call it a day now ;)

Again, huge thank you for your research and analysis, Dawn, and thank you to everyone who responded as well!

Thank you so much for the great article!

Edit:

I meant to write another comment, but then I realized I could edit this instead. So I'm editing.

And why am I editing? Well, I wrote this short comment yesterday, and it was late in the evening, and after commenting, I went to bed. And in bed I thought - really, Vanesa, you should have written your comment when you had more time for it, and not when you were sleepy and had time only for a short "thank you" 😀

I have to add that now, after both of your articles about comments, now I understand a little better "the other side". Yes, I still say "it doesn't take more than 10 seconds to say 'I like the story' " (btw, thanks for the quote!), but now I understand better some reasons for not commenting.

Thanks again.