thebejeweledwatercat:

tripodcoffeecup:

blackheartbiohazards:

zyesha:

Is answering comments on AO3 a no-go because it alters your comments-count?

Okay, so I got a question. I started uploading my art also on AO3, mostly because there will be NSWF stuff which I can’t upload here.

Now I do get a lot of so nice and friendly comments, it’s awesome.
BUT: Do I answer them?
Normally I’d answer every single one with a “Thank you” at least, but I’m hesitating. Because that would alter my comment-count, which is a sorting possibility on AO3. Would it look as if I’d try to up that number?

I especially wonder because I see a lot of fresh works, where the authors do not answer the short comments like “Nice, Loved that, etc.”

I absolutely don’t have a clue what the etiquette is here, maybe someone can help? And if you don’t mind, maybe some reblogs for wider audience, because I’m pretty new with only a few followers (and I LOVE every single one of you!)

What I know is that commenters LOVE it when the author replies to their comment, and it encourages more comments in the future!

Comments are music to my heart. I would reply regardless of what it did to AO3 or their algo. It meant so much to me when total strangers loved my story so much that they wrote to tell me just that.

Just….that.

And don’t even get me started on the ones who wrote to tell me WHAT they loved. Oh gracious.

So yes, answer the comments if you can. You….don’t have to. I mean, I’ve written a great many comments on stories and never heard a peep in response and that is okay too! But…. @blackheartbiohazards is right–it’s a unique joy when an author takes time to write back. Even if all they say is “thank you” or “you’re welcome.” One feels….rather loved and seen on both sides of that conversation. <3

I’ve been on both sides. I comment on most of the fics I’ve read. I also answer the comments I’ve received. The only one I haven’t is because we had been dming about it.