Replying To Reviews: An Idiot's Guide

[minnow_53]

Replying To Reviews: An Idiot's Guide
minnow_53

A/N: With all the controversy about reviews and comments at the moment, I decided to jump in with some advice of my own. Hope it will be helpful!

Confused by comments? Frantic about feedback? Here's a modest little crack guide to the rights and wrongs of replying to your critics and admirers

Comments

[snegurochka_lee]

I really liked the scene where Remus and Sirius go to see the pyramids, but I didn’t quite understand how they got the camel to let go of the diamond.

Please tell me this is a real fic. I really, really need something like that today. :D

This is brilliant, btw. Another favourite neutral comment of mine is the one that says nothing positive or negative, like, "Oh, Remus..."

And then you have to decide if the right answer is "Thank you!" or "Sorry you didn't like it." ;)

[magnetic_pole]

Another favourite neutral comment of mine is the one that says nothing positive or negative, like, "Oh, Remus..."

Heh. I tell you, there's no reading between the lines, or over-interpretation will kill you. "Oh, Remus?" They're left speechless. Negative feedback? They respected you enough to object. No feedback? You're ahead of the curve. *smile*

Minnow, brilliant. I think the first time we talked I was leaving somewhat tactless concrit, and you handled it beautifully. *blushes with shame* I'm not fooled by the humor here. M.

[minnow_53]

Thank you! That sent me back to my Inbox, I have to say... I certainly don't remember anything less than wonderful from you, though you did ask why I didn't like Remus's moustache! I thought it was a very civil discussion all round. Nobody got hurt or anything. :D

[minnow_53]

I had to answer this one... :D Firstly, thank you! :D

Please tell me this is a real fic. I really, really need something like that today.

Sadly, it isn't a real fic, but it could be. Give me just ONE tiny bit more work and I'll really get into procrastination.

I've never had an 'Oh Remus'-type comment, and in fact have it in reserve as part of a parody. But I totally agree: it's the ultimate cop-out, isn't it? What do you say? 'Well, yeah, he just didn't see that plane falling from the sky on to his head'. It's a sort of 'Doh!' comment, though seriously, the 'Oh, Italic,' has always struck me as very complimentary.

PS

[minnow_53]

I hope you don't mind that I've used part of your comment as one of two added Readers' Queries. :D

Re: PS

[snegurochka_lee]

Not at all! :)