thoughts on thoughts on how to write a good "dear author" letter

[tielan]

Everyone focuses on the letter and how it's written. Nobody tells the Dear Author to assume good faith and best intention and Optional Details Are Optional.

Comments

[tielan]

I used to be a lot better at replying to comments, but I've let a few fics slide and right now I feel I'm just struggling to reply to anything.

But, yeah, on the anonmemes there's whole threads about what it means when people kudos but don't comment, or comment but don't kudos, or how much nuance there is in a comment and whether it makes a difference...

I say "just answer as you feel is fit, and take any comments that you receive in good faith". I mean, there's not much else you can do, is there?

[kore]

I admit if I write a story for someone in an exchange I want even just a brief "Thanks for writing for me!" along with the kudos. But it's not like I'm going to keep some complicated spreadsheet about Who Deserves Coal Not Treats because life is just too bloody short for that nonsense. (Not to mention the people who get pissed when they write a thank-you comment and the author doesn't respond! W.T.F.)