Side note - Shakespeare's Monkeys

Side note

Regarding comments.

Hey,

Something I've been thinking about -- and it' sust a matter of tradition and ettiquette that I'd like to build here -- responses to comments.

I would like to ask that everyone consider comments as gifts, and act accordingly. Whihc is to say, offer a brief thank you note.

I know it's slly, and I certainly wouldn't want to force that issue, but I'm just saying, we all need to treat comments as something precious. If you don't care enough to say thanks when someone offers guidance, appreciation or comaraderie, then you're discouraging all those things -- the very things we most want to promote around here.

Someone took time out of our life to read your work and comment on it, the least we can do is be polite and say thankyou.

I am certainly not above reproach, but going forward, I will make sure that every comment i receive receives a response of, at very least, thank you.

Fondly,

stephan

1- Pags on Jul. 4 2007

I entirely agree, yet am at least as much at fault as those whose work I comment upon.

I know I'm lazy... what I'd like is an easy way to respond to a comment. At the moment I can simply edit it, delete it, or reply to it within the thread. The first two options seem either rude or counterproductive, the latter arrogant as it assumes that the commenter will come back to read the piece again.

Would it be possible to create another link by comments that brings up a communicator/PM/email so a response can be made in a simple and quick way?

2- Leanne on Jul. 4 2007

Personally I like the idea of replying in threads, because I pretty much do go back and read everything I've commented on -- mostly because I'm interested in the work itself and often want to find out if there's been any progression. I'm quite enjoying the site without PMs, I have to say, because of the more open communication -- some really interesting dialogues have developed between writers and readers. But nearly everyone has a link on their page to send them an email, so perhaps that's the best option if you want to be more personal.

3- The debutante on Jul. 5 2007

i've been trying to respond to every comment i have recieved... except of course for the ones from stephen...

it's been (so far) pretty easy, but i too will admit that, like pags, i am just lazy when it comes down to it.

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mL,
the debutante

4- Anstey on Jul. 5 2007

The debutante:

I really wasn't trying to pick on anyone. I would say that most people here are fantastic about the thanks. I just wanted to make it clear the way I'd love us all to look at it. The 'culture' of the site. If I don't say it, then maybe it gets taken for granted. Of course, by saying it, I run the risk of people thinking i'm picking on them. It's sort of a no win.

As far as Private messaging, it's in the works, though, my suspicion is that it'll be much more like 'live on-site chat' at first. We shall see how that works out. Fondly,

stephan

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stephan

5- White_Feather on Jul. 5 2007

absolutely, yes - thoughtful comments are gifts. i've noticed that Michael is truly fantastic with his acknowledgements.

6- Laurie on Jul. 5 2007

I always try to acknowledge any comments made on my work (there is always a chance I missed reading one...sorry anyone!) I also find that I often make revisions and then I never know if I have headed in the right direction...if I have improved the piece or made it worse. I always appreciate anyone taking the time to read my poems. And I apologize for not commenting on other's writing here, I just don't feel knowledgeable enough to help those that have so much more experience than I do.

7- Tracey on Jul. 6 2007

Appreciation is part of the back bone of any thriving community. Thanks for bringing this up, Stephan.