Over the years I have received some very positive comments, and some not so positive, only to have the member forget to cast a vote on the story. At times these comments are left by members I don't know well, but other times it was by a close friend. I admit, once in a (very) great while I've sent a reminder, but I always feel dirty for doing it. My question is, what is the proper etiquette?
I'm sure this happens all around the site, so do you let them know of the oversite, or do you just assume it wasn't an oversite at all and say nothing? The vast majority of the time, I've been satisfied knowing my story was enjoyed and letting it go, but I wonder what others do, and how would you feel if someone reminded you to vote?
I tend to let it go. I just assume that it was purposeful they didn't vote.
I always vote, I don't always comment. That said, I've had two instances recently where I've commented first, only to find that I couldn't vote after posting the comment. So I didn't "forget" to vote, I was unable to do so.
On the flip side, like Laura, I don't obsess over the number of votes vis a vis the comments. I let it go. I certainly wouldn't contact a reader who took the time to comment and ask them why they failed to vote--if I even noticed any kind of correlation between X member commenting and a lack of increase in overall vote count. Yes, my timeline is my landing page, but that's pretty much the only time I look at it, and I certainly don't waste my time trying to figure out who voted and who failed to vote. I'm just thankful that anyone at all takes the time to read my work.
Want to spend some time wallowing in a Recommended Read? Pick one! Or two! Or seven!
I have appreciated when I've been asked if I intended to vote.
It happens, but it's really not worth stressing over. Accept the votes with good grace unless they are obviously malicious, and the comments with thanks. In the end it's what you as a writer feel about your work that matters.
On the point raised by Milik, the timer preventing a reader from casting another vote until several minutes have elapsed is a bit annoying when you are reading poetry and flash erotica.
No. I don't mind because a comment is always worth more than a vote to me. I wouldn't mnd if someone told me I hadn't voted though because I NEVER have a reason not to vote.
I always vote and comment. To me it's the least I can do for their effort.
I usually vote and comment on those that do the same for me. I don't think that I would mention a thing. If people don't have time to read me, I don't have the time either. I'm not into patronizing.
btw, if someone ever notices i've forgotten to vote, please do tell me. i will happily rectify the oversight.
