I might be commenting a bit more...

The ongoing discussion about comments is a positive development and hopefully will lead to more comments on stories that they have read in the library. Former mentors on this site shared with me the importance of participation in the comment session. It's the lifeblood of a flourishing site.

In a 'PM' years ago a past library member shared with me that they had noticed that I regularly commented on stories, I read on the library site. And that I had done so thousands of times. I try my best to hold up that tradition. As author, Cherry Red, I encourage fellow authors to also please enhance the library with their comments. Let's help those new writers be acknowledged and earn their medals.

I have learned a lot from reading this thread and thank posters for their honest assessments.

I didn't intend on reopening old debates. I just wanted to post publicly so I would have a reason to keep at it.

And I'm now up to 1471 comments.

I received a comment from a member last week. They've read at least 12 of my stories. I pulled up their profile and apparently it's their first comment despite having been a member for more than eight years (although they've read less than 40 stories altogether). So I guess I should feel honored?

Wow Mrs Preacher. your story must have been exceptional to wake him (her) from their torpor. Care to share the title so we can appreciate your skill?

Geoffrey Stirling (less comments than I should make).

Until recently, I didn't take my "responsibility" to comment and to be a participating member of this community seriously.

Goodgulf mentioned that he needed to catch up on his commenting. When I open LSF one of the sections that first appears is "Latest comments." I just opened LSF, and every comment, without exception, was made by Goodgulf!! Lol. Quite inspiring.

I also noticed that every comment was about a Grace Brackenridge story. Well deserved.

I'm curious Goodgulf . Are you using an algorithm in order to speed up the process of commenting. Are you commenting alphabetically by author's name. And you've gotten to G already? Or would it be better to use "date posted" or "date read.?" "Reading list?". " Dart board?"

In all seriousness, my congratulations. I can't promise quality or quantity. But you've convinced me to make the effort

No, I'm just going back to authors who I can remember reading. Grace is one of those, and she writes some very short stories. The bulk of her stories that I've re-read and commented on are under 1000 words. It's easy to read and comment on shorter stories than longer ones.

And I've made 50 comments since I started this thread.

Goodgulf is an author who actually comments on author's stories he reads on the site. Many authors, and this was my point choose not to comment. I know when a legacy author comments on one of my stories, I really appreciate it. I have used Goodgulf's advise on how to make a story be believable to the reader.

There are two concurrent threads that are exploring similar themes. I'll ask my questions and make my comments here. I'm trying to get a sense of what the protocols, or etiquette or whatever you want to call it, about commenting are. We are encouraged to make "meaningful" comments. ???

I start some stories, read a little bit, and decide there's nothing in it for me. I won't finish the story and I won't comment. I guess it's still marked as "read." I also won't make negative comments. Even if I'm personally offended. I'll let the site administrators decide if something is morally unacceptable.

Some stories are so rich and complex that comments could fill a book. In this case, I'm conflicted about what constitutes a meaningful comment. Sometimes I want to write that book. Other times, I just want to say "Wow." Maybe both are OK? Also, as Robert said, it's nice to think about a story before commenting.

I don't think I want a thumbs up or thumbs down system. I don't want to spout drivel either. I understand the importance of encouragement.

Im starting to pay attention to the comments on the stories I read. I'm trying to figure out what's actually helpful. I know YMMV. Maybe some of the "legacy authors", especially those encouraging new members to comment, could instruct us in the art of criticism.

You could look at other people's comments for suggestions. Was there some particular part that leaps out at you? Did you enjoy the setting? Did you like a character?

Almost any comment is a good one. I've gotten comments that tell me that I must truly have a dark side to write a story like that, and while I disagreed with those comments I enjoyed getting them. And when it comes to commenting, if it takes time and thought, then you can take time, think, and reread the story. Most of the stories I've commenting on now are stories that first I read years ago.

No one is making anyone comment (at least more than once every 40 or 50 story read), but all the authors enjoy getting them. No story is every too old to comment on.

But I'm curious about something. What makes me a "legacy author"? That makes it sound as if I used to post stories here, and since 2023 I've posted 51 stories.

Good gravy Goodgulf! Have we ever had a day when the comment meter was in triple digits?