opb:
I try to comment on everything, but struggle with the stories which are badly thought out or just plain yukky. Badly written is ok, we all have to start somewhere.
I've become quite risk averse in what I write in comments because authors are understandably protective of their babies, and don't always want their shortcomings pointed out, particularly in public.
I find this an excellent observation and one that reveals an interesting view. As the receiver of a comment I actually prefer that someone (politely) point out a writing flaw rather than some perceived character flaw, and I think that is understandable if a reader knew how much of my characters and plots are based on real people I love and things I've actually experienced to some degree. Some stories of mine are literally fictional depictions of actual events with only minor changes. So I myself am guilty of reacting a bit strongly to a comment that either says, "oh that would never happen", or "the so-and-so character is a mean little bitch"............when that character is nearly a carbon copy of a loved one and the story is something I lived through in real life. I guess it's like "hey that's not just some made-up character but my wife, or stepdaughter, or dear friend............or even ME."
The thing with comments that criticize things a reader just doesn't like, is that the actual variety to people's preferences, even within the same dynamic, is vast. And so, I much prefer someone pointing out a spot that isn't clear, or is redundant, or a plot inconsistency, or some remark that would lead me to making the story better, than someone who isn't into F/m with a willing submissive male accusing that character of being some spineless wimp. Odds are that character is probably based on me, and anyone who is in any way familiar with me knows 'spineless wimp' is not a terribly accurate assessment, so a negative reaction to that characterization is likely forthcoming. I've gotten very cruel comments about stories that reflected my lifestyle, and to me that has nothing to do with whether a story is written well or has believable dialog. It's just an attack on something the reader doesn't like or understand. But again it's a matter of wording. There's a big difference between "that character is a bitch" and "I could never see myself submitting to someone like that" and also between "I find that hard to believe" and "that would never happen.".............unless of course, it truly IS something that would never happen................of which there are boundless examples. LOL
As for the kindly interpretation others have towards a non-commenter just not knowing what to say? Well, if they truly can't put their thoughts into an eloquent critique, how about, "Thanks for the story."? Granted not a terribly insightful comment, but I would still prefer it to silence.