The Saturday newspost and talk of comments sent my train of thought to another angle, that of when people DO comment and the types of comments we leave and receive. Here are some comment categories I've noted.
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The “no comment, but reading and supporting” comment:
Left in the form of a “5” (carry over from the rating system we used to have), a smile face, or a “good page” remark of some sort.
Short reaction:
A word or short phrase that shows a reaction to the page. “Amazing” or “scary” or “aw.” Can also be an emoticon type reaction with an angry, surprised, laughing, smile, etc.
Witty quip:
Making a pun or joke, usually connected to the dialogue, with a purpose to amuse other readers and the author and possibly also to relieve the drama/tension of a serious page.
Correction/proofreading note:
Pointing out a typo or easily fixable error.
Critique:
A step above a correction, the critique doesn't point out a fixable oopsie but may note a weakness in the work, a style note about something that the reader finds could be improved, or a suggestion on how the creator might advance his technique for future pages. (Uncommon comment type on DD. Readers might feel their effort is wasted to put the effort in to critique if they don't know how a creator will receive it.)
Comment on the art or presentation:
Commentary about the art technique or style such as “I love the detail in the background,” “The warm color scheme sets a mood,” “Vertical panels work well here,” “I like the snappy dialogue,” etc.
Emotional comment on the story:
Longer emotional reactions to what's going on at the moment. Comments like “I hope he can find a place to hide” or “Aw. They are so sweet together.”
Intellectual comment on the story:
Comments on the story or plot development, sometimes relating to events from previous pages or chapters. Things like, “He better be careful or he'll end up back in jail,” “Is this, like, her third boyfriend this month?” or "I sense foreshadowing."
Comments on the author's notes:
Sometimes creators mention something in real life going on or an inspiration they had for the story or even a personal observation or opinion on their page. Readers occasionally gear their comments toward this commentary rather than the page itself.
The insult:
DrunkDuck is mostly devoid of these, but I hear tell that non-constructive insults do exist out there in the brutal world of online sharing and publishing.
Non-sequitur/Spam:
Mostly left by robots. (Not usually seen at DrunkDuck.)
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What types of comments do you leave and receive? What are your favorite comments to receive on your webcomics?
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Comic Talk and General Discussion *
Types of Comments (We leave and receive)
I've noticed some readers leave a short comment of support on most or all updates. Others say nothing until they have something significant to say (and/or are "binge readers.") It is most encouraging to have both types of readers, imo.
The comment and reply notifications might encourage more archive divers and binge readers to leave comments. :)
Personally, I can't resist making jokes in comments sections. But if I have something deeper or more meaningful to say, I will.
My comments tend to be non sequiturs and spam. Eat at Joe's Crab Shack.
I tend to write the first thing that pops into my head, because I'm lazy. There's usually a quip thrown in, though the wittiness of said clip is a matter of opinion, but I try to comment mostly on my impression of the story and action as it unfolds. I tend to only comment on art when it's something exceptionally awesome, because the art is a constant page-to-page, and I've learned my lesson about giving unsolicited critiques. Most people can't take an honest critique, so unless they ask for one, I'm not giving it!
Praise in public, critique in private. So if I have a serious critique it'll be a PQ unless it's an eye rolling accuracy gaffe. They usually gall me as former military.
I usually go with the quick repartee though. And I am all too good at seeing the rest of the plot so I often give things away before they happen. Sort of a challenge to the creator "I can see where this could go — surprise me!"
I like to point something out that is praiseworthy if it strikes me. More often as not the quip comes first.
usedbooks wrote:
Oh! I forgot the "prediction" comments. I love those. They get awkward for creator responses, though. XD
A friendly rebuke often works. "Hey, stop reading ahead!"
The comment could be phrased as it yelling at the screen in a movie for the character not to look behind the door or something similar. :)
I've been inspired by comments and adjusted pages to work the suggestion in. I believe that someone reading a work can see things in it that the creator didn't and often it can change the work for the better. I also hold that a work is never "finished" only abandoned. I can always go back and tweak it.
I got a lot of critique comments when I first started. It was a little tough sharing my work for the first time (especially the "critiques" that basically said quit, don't do art, or take art classes), but for the ones who made thoughtful suggestions, I was flattered people were taking an interest in my improvement.
Any comment with specific recommendations, I took to heart and incorporated (thinner necks, add detail to backgrounds, try coloring it, vary panel shapes, use speech bubbles to guide the eyes and reading order, etc.). DrunkDuck comments basically created my current style and methods.
This would actually be a good front page article!!!
I've done all these comments (save the spam/non-sequitur)
There's also the comments that sorta diverge into a mini-forum thread! Maybe inspired by the page and/or notes, but it takes off into a pseudo debate/discussion between the commenters!!
For the prediction comments, as long as it doesn't happen too often (meaning your work is way too predictable) I tend to be delighted when someone makes a prediction that I know will be true in a few pages. It makes me feel like the story is 'working'!
Ooh, I usually try to comment on the first thing that comes into my head. Usually it's a comment on what's happening in the comic page itself, and usually a praise. I try not to critique unless it's something really serious. Most of the time I find critiquing to be a bit nit-picky? At least I feel that way.
I love it when readers try to guess what happens next though, or comment on a character's predicament. Anything that's a little engaging, I love. Especially if it becomes a mini-thread all on its own ahaha
I like getting comments of all kinds. For me, feedback is the most valuable tool for getting better as an artist. The great thing about webcomics and artists' forums like Artstation is that you get a constant barometer of how your peers are seeing you. The only comments I don't like are deliberate trolling. (That hasn't happened here, but it has on other websites) When I get comments from trolls, I just delete them.
I have left comments of almost all the kinds that usedbooks has listed. Except insults or critiques. I only leave critiques if the artist specifically asks for them. It would be cool if we had a critique forum here, similar to the one that existed on conceptart.org years ago, but I'm not sure if it's practical to implement.
All comments are welcome (well, except the insult I suppose). I myself usually offer either art comments, or plot-related comments or my emotions/thoughts/reactions to what's happening in the comic. As for critiques, if I feel I need to give one it's always in private and always in the form of suggestion. Praise is always public, we all need the boost and the PR.
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