This leads me to briefly discuss an idea I’ve been thinking about, which is that, while good fic writing is clearly alive and well, good commenting could use some parameters. lol. So: 

#1: Remember, unless you actually know the writer, /you don’t actually know the writer/. They might not read your humor the same way you do. Get to know them a llittle - then when you snark at them, they’ll probably snark right back. :-D

#2: Tell them what you liked about the WRITING. I LOVE EVERY COMMENT (y’know, as long as it’s not “this sucks!”), but the ones that really make me fall all over myself with glee are the ones that recognize where I’ve worked particularly hard to express an idea with just the right words (and none of the wrong ones). I could tell you the same story in a crappier way, but I like to know that you’re glad I didn’t. ;-)

#3: Any (remotely positive) comment is better than no comment. Take two seconds, and you’ll really brighten someone’s day. It’s worth it. 

#4: Tell them where they got it right - the emotions, the characters, the dialogue. Even if you don’t pick out a specific line, the turn or the beat of the story that really grabbed you is helpful to know. I’ll wager most of us writers are constantly trying to get better - help us by telling us where it worked!

#5: If you’re compelled to leave helpful or constructive criticism, do so if you’re pretty sure the author would welcome it, but for the love of good story, please, please sandwich it between some nice comments. This sh*t is hard enough (and we’re all insecure enough about it) already. ;-)

So, leave good comments! Make friends! The writing and fic community is a glorious place to go for encouragement and fun. Go forth and enjoy it!