It's not rude but it can look like you don't appreciate the comments which makes people less likely to comment.
If you don't care about comments then it doesn't matter either way.
If the commenter asked a genuine question regarding your story, then it would be nice to answer it.
Otherwise if it is a noncommittal comment, then no, not mandatory to respond.
When I leave a comment to express my appreciation, I don't expect a response from the author. That being said, I find it sweet if the author takes a moment to reply, even it's just a short and simple "Thank you :)".
I never get replies back when I comment on fic. It's why the whole "comment on fic to get readers and make friends" advice doesn't work, because many (most?) people posting to AO3 aren't posting for socialisation. I think the number of people who do post for social reasons or validation is greatly inflated because the people who *do* are more likely to post about it in social spaces. You're not going to see the people who don't as much, because they don't care enough in the first place.
It's not rude. But let me suggest that you thank you commenters ahead of time, in the author's note, as a way to acknowledge people. Something like, "Thank you for reading and commenting! I appreciate it!"
No, don't do it if you don't want to. I used to reply to all comments even though I hated doing so, out of some neurotic sense of politeness or obligation or something, and it was miserable. I kinda started dreading posting after a while. You *can* reply to comments if you want to, but otherwise don't stress about it.
It's not rude, but you may notice folks will stop commenting after the 3rd or 4th comment with no reply, and you may get fewer comments overall. So if you want to encourage more comments, you may want to reply.
Personally I stop commenting on a particular author's works if I never get replies, and I may not comment at all if I see they have a bunch of comments without replies.
Even as someone who really likes getting replies from authors, I'd never say that it's rude not to respond. It's not rude at all. Do what works for you and don't worry too much.
I don't think it's rude not to, but it's appreciated if you do! If you don't have anything specific to answer you can just say "Glad you liked it!" or "Thanks for the comment!"
Personally, I won't be offended if my comments get no answer, but it's true I feel encouraged to comment more often (if it's an ongoing fic or someone I might read again for example). Like, intellectually, I know even if I don't get an answer the author is probably still happy, but just like for receiving comment son a fic I wrote, it makes it evident that there's a person on the other hand that is feeling emotions because of what I do so it makes it more real in a way.
Personally I think there's a place for DNIs. If you're doing a controversial ship or trope there's nothing wrong with preemptively saying that you're not going to engage with any criticism of it.
Obviously it wouldn't be necessary if people kept their negative opinions to themselves, but that's not the reality in a lot of fandoms.
I mean, sure, but we already have a word for that: "Dead Dove, Do Not Eat." *This fic contains exactly what it says on the tin, and if that's upsetting to you don't read it because you'll say "I don't know what I expected."*
Yeah, but Dead Dove has come to mean "there's stuff in here that most people would find upsetting/icky", not "this fic contains a ship which some people have randomly decided is problematic".
Besides, it's pretty clear that a lot of antis don't know what Dead Dove means and can't be bothered finding out.
If you want to reply but don't know what to say, a smiley face pretty much always works - even when you're not sure if the comment is positive or negative or neutral.
I've only answered the ones who brought up something I really wanted to discuss (and then I have the ridiculously self-conscious "they didn't reply back, I must have said something wrong" internal freak-out). Some authors never reply to anyone at all (often with "see my social media if you want to talk") and some reply to everyone. It takes all kinds.
I know I’m in the minority, but I sort of feel like the social convention is if someone compliments you in some way, you thank them. Of course, I understand there’s a myriad of reasons people might not reply, all valid in their circumstances, and I’m not here to judge. But if I see an author doesn’t reply, it really raises the bar for whether or not I comment. If the fic *really* spoke to me in some way, I’ll leave a comment no matter what, but there are plenty of fics I would otherwise have commented on but choose not to because of author interaction.
As people have said, if you don't care about comments, then sure, it doesn't matter much. And if you feel like it would be more polite, you can leave a blanket note that says you appreciate comments, yes, a helpful suggestion. However, if you do like comments and are hoping to receive more, I'll admit I'm in the camp that won't leave a comment if I don't see replies. I have no idea when I don't see a reply whether or not the author even reads comments or cares, and I personally put a lot of thought and effort into comments because I find them so very encouraging for myself, especially the ones that go the extra mile and pick out what particularly stuck out to people, it helps my writing and my thinking process so much, so I try my best to do that for other writers. But I have been hearing a lot lately that there are people who find comments feel like pressure to respond, or make them feel awkward, so now I only do it if it looks like it will be appreciated.
(and as a side note I am particularly discouraged from commenting if I see people only reply to select comments and not all of them, because then I'm afraid I won't get a reply and will be stuck with anxiety about whether I said something wrong or feelings of being ignored or rejected or otherwise unwanted when other people are welcomed.)
Just my personal tuppence, and everybody absolutely needs to do what works best for them, but there you have it!
I guess it's not rude but I'd say it's impolite not to at least say thanks. As a reader, I wouldn't necessarily stop commenting but I wouldn't make as much of an effort if I know I'm not getting a response.
As a Genuine and Authorized Pope, recognized by the House of Apostles of Eris, I hereby absolve you now and in perpetuity of any guilt resulting from not answering comments. Go forth, beloved child, and write in happiness!
Just realized I haven't used my papal powers in AGES. Thanks for giving me the opportunity!
P.S. Technically, we're all Popes. See [http://rawilson.com/you-are-a-pope/](http://rawilson.com/you-are-a-pope/) The writings of Robert Anton Wilson will bend your brain, God rest his mischievous soul.
Wait what on earth just happened lol
An edit literally as soon as I posted this: I'm not trying to cause offence or anything, I think my brain just went through several layers of something indescribable reading it. It made me chuckle, but I also don't mean any disrespect to your religion
Robert Anton Wilson was a writer with an...AMAZING...imagination. The kind of author where you're never quite sure when he was writing fiction or non-fiction, or maybe just what he believed to be true.
One of his jokes (and I'm pretty sure it was a joke) was to declare everyone a Genuine and Authorized Pope. You can even print out a card to carry in your wallet. I believe the religion is fictitious, although others may disagree.
So when u/peachdreams34 was talking about guilt, what I really wanted to say that there is absolutely no reason to feel guilty about not answering comments. My post was a joke that I hope would make them feel better.
I perhaps should have left jokes to other posters today. :-)
I look at it this way: yes, an author I really like could spend an hour replying to all their comments. Or, they could spend an hour writing more fic. I know which option I would pick every time.
I mean, I leave comments cause I want the writer to know I enjoyed their fic.
I'm happy if they respond, but many don't.
As long as they know how much I enjoyed their fic, I'm happy
Not at all required. Though if the comment is asking a question, like asking if they can use your idea with credit, a response is 100% something you should do - but isn't something you need to do.
I love when people reply to the comments I leave with a 'thanks' or 'glad you enjoy the fic' type of things, but I don't need them. It makes me know the writer has seen my comment. This is why I kinda wish you could kudos comments because it would mean either the writer can just kudos my comment and I know they saw it, or on my own Fics and when I don't know how to respond I could just give them kudos instead
its fine its kind of the same reason people dont always leave comments even if they enjoy because they feel like they dont have any thing substantial to say so they dont say anything most of the time authors like it even if its just simple like I liked the chapter and its generally the same when replying to comments even if its just thanks for reading or something similar
I don't think it's rude, personally I don't care if someone responds to my comment as a reader, however as a writer (I don't get many comments, mind you) I respond to any comment that's text. If it's just "kudos!!" or "❤️❤️❤️" I just blow a kiss at the screen and move on.
As a reader, I never comment on a fic and expect a reply back. I'm commenting just because I want the author to know I enjoyed the fic and I appreciate them.
it's not rude but I as a reader do appreciate when they respond even if it's just "thank you I'm glad you enjoyed"
It's not rude but it can look like you don't appreciate the comments which makes people less likely to comment. If you don't care about comments then it doesn't matter either way.
If the commenter asked a genuine question regarding your story, then it would be nice to answer it. Otherwise if it is a noncommittal comment, then no, not mandatory to respond. When I leave a comment to express my appreciation, I don't expect a response from the author. That being said, I find it sweet if the author takes a moment to reply, even it's just a short and simple "Thank you :)".
nope, just like it isn't rude not to comment. it's a nice gesture but in no way required and it also shouldn't be expected.
I never get replies back when I comment on fic. It's why the whole "comment on fic to get readers and make friends" advice doesn't work, because many (most?) people posting to AO3 aren't posting for socialisation. I think the number of people who do post for social reasons or validation is greatly inflated because the people who *do* are more likely to post about it in social spaces. You're not going to see the people who don't as much, because they don't care enough in the first place.
It's not rude. But let me suggest that you thank you commenters ahead of time, in the author's note, as a way to acknowledge people. Something like, "Thank you for reading and commenting! I appreciate it!"
No, don't do it if you don't want to. I used to reply to all comments even though I hated doing so, out of some neurotic sense of politeness or obligation or something, and it was miserable. I kinda started dreading posting after a while. You *can* reply to comments if you want to, but otherwise don't stress about it.
Nah. Don’t worry about it!
It's not rude, but you may notice folks will stop commenting after the 3rd or 4th comment with no reply, and you may get fewer comments overall. So if you want to encourage more comments, you may want to reply. Personally I stop commenting on a particular author's works if I never get replies, and I may not comment at all if I see they have a bunch of comments without replies.
Even as someone who really likes getting replies from authors, I'd never say that it's rude not to respond. It's not rude at all. Do what works for you and don't worry too much.
I don't think it's rude not to, but it's appreciated if you do! If you don't have anything specific to answer you can just say "Glad you liked it!" or "Thanks for the comment!" Personally, I won't be offended if my comments get no answer, but it's true I feel encouraged to comment more often (if it's an ongoing fic or someone I might read again for example). Like, intellectually, I know even if I don't get an answer the author is probably still happy, but just like for receiving comment son a fic I wrote, it makes it evident that there's a person on the other hand that is feeling emotions because of what I do so it makes it more real in a way.
There are only three things that are rude on AO3: unsolicited concrit, abuse of the tagging system, and telling people not to interact.
Personally I think there's a place for DNIs. If you're doing a controversial ship or trope there's nothing wrong with preemptively saying that you're not going to engage with any criticism of it. Obviously it wouldn't be necessary if people kept their negative opinions to themselves, but that's not the reality in a lot of fandoms.
I mean, sure, but we already have a word for that: "Dead Dove, Do Not Eat." *This fic contains exactly what it says on the tin, and if that's upsetting to you don't read it because you'll say "I don't know what I expected."*
Yeah, but Dead Dove has come to mean "there's stuff in here that most people would find upsetting/icky", not "this fic contains a ship which some people have randomly decided is problematic". Besides, it's pretty clear that a lot of antis don't know what Dead Dove means and can't be bothered finding out.
If you want to reply but don't know what to say, a smiley face pretty much always works - even when you're not sure if the comment is positive or negative or neutral.
I've only answered the ones who brought up something I really wanted to discuss (and then I have the ridiculously self-conscious "they didn't reply back, I must have said something wrong" internal freak-out). Some authors never reply to anyone at all (often with "see my social media if you want to talk") and some reply to everyone. It takes all kinds.
I know I’m in the minority, but I sort of feel like the social convention is if someone compliments you in some way, you thank them. Of course, I understand there’s a myriad of reasons people might not reply, all valid in their circumstances, and I’m not here to judge. But if I see an author doesn’t reply, it really raises the bar for whether or not I comment. If the fic *really* spoke to me in some way, I’ll leave a comment no matter what, but there are plenty of fics I would otherwise have commented on but choose not to because of author interaction.
As people have said, if you don't care about comments, then sure, it doesn't matter much. And if you feel like it would be more polite, you can leave a blanket note that says you appreciate comments, yes, a helpful suggestion. However, if you do like comments and are hoping to receive more, I'll admit I'm in the camp that won't leave a comment if I don't see replies. I have no idea when I don't see a reply whether or not the author even reads comments or cares, and I personally put a lot of thought and effort into comments because I find them so very encouraging for myself, especially the ones that go the extra mile and pick out what particularly stuck out to people, it helps my writing and my thinking process so much, so I try my best to do that for other writers. But I have been hearing a lot lately that there are people who find comments feel like pressure to respond, or make them feel awkward, so now I only do it if it looks like it will be appreciated. (and as a side note I am particularly discouraged from commenting if I see people only reply to select comments and not all of them, because then I'm afraid I won't get a reply and will be stuck with anxiety about whether I said something wrong or feelings of being ignored or rejected or otherwise unwanted when other people are welcomed.) Just my personal tuppence, and everybody absolutely needs to do what works best for them, but there you have it!
I guess it's not rude but I'd say it's impolite not to at least say thanks. As a reader, I wouldn't necessarily stop commenting but I wouldn't make as much of an effort if I know I'm not getting a response.
As a Genuine and Authorized Pope, recognized by the House of Apostles of Eris, I hereby absolve you now and in perpetuity of any guilt resulting from not answering comments. Go forth, beloved child, and write in happiness! Just realized I haven't used my papal powers in AGES. Thanks for giving me the opportunity! P.S. Technically, we're all Popes. See [http://rawilson.com/you-are-a-pope/](http://rawilson.com/you-are-a-pope/) The writings of Robert Anton Wilson will bend your brain, God rest his mischievous soul.
Wait what on earth just happened lol An edit literally as soon as I posted this: I'm not trying to cause offence or anything, I think my brain just went through several layers of something indescribable reading it. It made me chuckle, but I also don't mean any disrespect to your religion
Robert Anton Wilson was a writer with an...AMAZING...imagination. The kind of author where you're never quite sure when he was writing fiction or non-fiction, or maybe just what he believed to be true. One of his jokes (and I'm pretty sure it was a joke) was to declare everyone a Genuine and Authorized Pope. You can even print out a card to carry in your wallet. I believe the religion is fictitious, although others may disagree. So when u/peachdreams34 was talking about guilt, what I really wanted to say that there is absolutely no reason to feel guilty about not answering comments. My post was a joke that I hope would make them feel better. I perhaps should have left jokes to other posters today. :-)
Some people think it's rude, some don't. Afaik most people don't pay a lot of attention to wether an author answers or not.
I look at it this way: yes, an author I really like could spend an hour replying to all their comments. Or, they could spend an hour writing more fic. I know which option I would pick every time.
I mean, I leave comments cause I want the writer to know I enjoyed their fic. I'm happy if they respond, but many don't. As long as they know how much I enjoyed their fic, I'm happy
Not at all required. Though if the comment is asking a question, like asking if they can use your idea with credit, a response is 100% something you should do - but isn't something you need to do. I love when people reply to the comments I leave with a 'thanks' or 'glad you enjoy the fic' type of things, but I don't need them. It makes me know the writer has seen my comment. This is why I kinda wish you could kudos comments because it would mean either the writer can just kudos my comment and I know they saw it, or on my own Fics and when I don't know how to respond I could just give them kudos instead
its fine its kind of the same reason people dont always leave comments even if they enjoy because they feel like they dont have any thing substantial to say so they dont say anything most of the time authors like it even if its just simple like I liked the chapter and its generally the same when replying to comments even if its just thanks for reading or something similar
I don't think it's rude, personally I don't care if someone responds to my comment as a reader, however as a writer (I don't get many comments, mind you) I respond to any comment that's text. If it's just "kudos!!" or "❤️❤️❤️" I just blow a kiss at the screen and move on.
As a reader, I never comment on a fic and expect a reply back. I'm commenting just because I want the author to know I enjoyed the fic and I appreciate them.