When I was brand new at Red Bubble, I saw a journal entry by someone (forgot who) referring to the fact that he/she does not “reply” to each and every comment made on their (it’s easier) submissions. It was stated that a long list of “thank you’s” under each entry, just tends to take up space, and give an inaccurate total of “views”.
I had the feeling that they were suggesting people may be padding their statistics by giving a false impression of the number of looks each entry has earned.
It made some sense to me, and I, being new, wanted to do the right thing. So it has been my practice that I only Reply to a comment that “needs” a reply….for whatever reason.
All this to say, if I do not reply to a comment made by any of you wonderful people who courteously leave me some kind thoughts and opinions, please oh please do not think I don’t care…..and please oh please do not stop leaving me comments. I LOVE your comments. I crave your comments. You mean so much to me.
Thank you for understanding. And a collective…THANK YOU… (I really mean it!).
Love,
Nancy
Karen Cook, 4 months ago
No worries Nancy! Replying to every single comment is so time consuming… And if you start doing that from the very beginning I guess you’re sort of making a rod for your own back… meaning that once you start, it’s then hard to stop – people expect you to reply to them!
I do try to reply to MOST people, but not always all. Timewise, it’s just impossible! Recently when the number of comments have overwhelmed me I have just left a general “thank you” comment.
I would hate to think that by not personally replying to everyone, that people might stop leaving comments :o)
Nancy Stafford..., 4 months ago
I know what you mean I don’t always reply but sometimes i do most of the time i email the person to thank them if they do a lot of commets on my images…
Dayonda, 4 months ago
Understood, Nancy. Some weeks I get almost nothingg done but “thank you” and “that’s lovely” notes written, and can’t seriously critique to help others, or create to help myself. There’s a line, somewhere, but it’s individual, with our viewers and our art friends blanced with out needs to create.
I keep thinking of the artists’ society in Paris where the writers and artists would work like dogs all day, then get together and part yall night till they fell down and slept at the bottom of the stairs to their apartments or homes. LOL, we do need to come out of the the computer (studio) and socialize, but it has to be planned, budgeted time. And it’s a serious issue. -=Dayonda
AnaCBStudio, 4 months ago
You are so sweet Nancy…no worries…Hugs, Ana
greenfrog153, 4 months ago
Hugs
FlowersEtc, 4 months ago
Don’t reply to this, LOL
I understand, however I don’t mind. I do try to delete my responses after a few days. It does clear up the number of comments made. I don’t like seeing the #comments and then some are my own. I hope you understand what I’m saying, you don’t have to answer… :-)
jerry alcantara, 4 months ago
thanks my dear friend for your concern..i do the same way too i dont want to have a very long list of comment so i rather reply on RB as soon as i can and you know that,just keep sending your beautiful images and we are just contented..lol
Nikki Trexel, 4 months ago
i do the same thing. i do look at comments on my own pictures of course, but i try not to look at them so as to keep the stats honest. and really i don’t want to go back to someone’s picture to see ‘thanks nikki’ right in between ‘thanks jim’ ‘thanks alsk70’ ‘thanks michael785’. i just wonder why i wasted a click. not that a click is such a great resource these days, but you know what i mean. it is really not that big of a deal, like most internet etiquette issues. :) i always reply if it’s warranted, though. and i tend to send a BM if they’ve left a lot of comments.
Kathleen Struckle, 4 months ago
No worries my dear Nancy. I can’t comment on all as much as I would like to. It is too time consuming and you only get fat siting on the computer all he time and can’t get anything done.:)
Bigcity, 4 months ago
I don’t reply to every comment either – I do try to reply to every person though that leaves comments. I don’t expect thank you’s for my comments left.
LjMaxx, 4 months ago
Good morning Nancy.. No need to reply to mine. I know how much time it takes. I myself do think that an occasional T.Y. either in the image or by personal b-m is just fine.. I also will often T.Y. a persons support by commenting on thier works too. To each thier own I say!.. :) Enjoy the day..
Nancy Polanski in reply to FlowersEtc’s comment, 4 months ago
Actually, I do want to answer to this. You have a good idea, to reply but at some future time, delete your own replies. Makes sense. Thanks! But do you think it pleases people to receive a reply that says “thank you” without any further comment? Please let me know.
Nancy Polanski in reply to jerry alcantara’s comment, 4 months ago
A very sweet thing to say. Thank you, Jerry.
Nancy Polanski in reply to Karen Cook’s comment, 4 months ago
Yes, that is just what I mean. Thank you!
Nancy Polanski in reply to Nancy Stafford IPA’s comment, 4 months ago
Yes, I’ve done that too. If I see a new name, especially. I like to investigate people I have not seen before, and comment on their work.
Nancy Polanski in reply to Dayonda’s comment, 4 months ago
Dayonda, you always seem to have a fresh insight to things. I love your comments, and this one especially. Thank you.
Nancy Polanski in reply to AnaCBStudio’s comment, 4 months ago
This meant a lot, Ana. I thank you . YOU are so sweet yourself.
-Nancy
Nancy Polanski in reply to greenfrog153’s comment, 4 months ago
One of the very first people I felt a connection with on RB. Thank you Greenfrog! (hugging you back)
Nancy Polanski in reply to Nikki Trexel’s comment, 4 months ago
Yes, I do know what you mean. It seems there are a lot of us who agree on this, I’m glad to hear! Thanks for saying so.
Nancy Polanski in reply to Kathleen Struckle’s comment, 4 months ago
Isn’t that the truth! A whole new perspective on the subject! Thanks, Kath!
Nancy Polanski in reply to Bigcity’s comment, 4 months ago
Thank you for jumping into this on, Al. I feel I know you personally so I was hoping you would comment here. I value your opinion.
Nancy Polanski in reply to LjMaxx’s comment, 4 months ago
So Lj, as you do too, I prefer a more personal thank you, as in private mail or comments on your own pics. But how do you feel when you leave comments that aren’t responded to? I don’t mind. I can think of many artists who don’t reply to my comments, and I don’t feel slighted. I comment as I see fit on theirs, whether they respond or not. I think that’s the way it should be.
There are a handful of artists on my watchlist who have a knack for making really thoughtful, personal replies to comments. I do love that. It makes us friends, I think.
jenndes, 4 months ago
Nancy, you’re very sweet to write this. I think most (if not all) of us feel the same way. I totally appreciate all the comments you leave for me and I know that I don’t reply to all the comments people leave me. So, no worries. We love ya (and your work) just the way you are!
Nikki Trexel, 4 months ago
Oh yeah. If I really want to thank them I’ll actually go look at their work and comment. Even if their work is crap I will find something positive to show my appreciation for their commenting on mine.
Nancy Polanski in reply to jenndes’s comment, 4 months ago
I’m pretty pleased with your nice comment, Jen. It does help me to know that I’m not being rude by not replying. Thank you!!
FlowersEtc, 4 months ago
Hi,
I know that just saying thank you seems a little short, but I try to answer depending on the way people make their comment to me. If it is a long comment, I take it as if they are willing to talk longer. That way I answer long to long comments and short to short ones. Of course there are ecceptions when they want help or ask a question.
It seems to work.
regards, Ann
Nancy Polanski, 4 months ago
Good point! And I must remember that. Thank you! And I do like your statement about deleting your replies!
Joanne A. Bradley, 4 months ago
I just took up the same policy yesterday. As much as I want to reply individually, I just don’t have the time. Gotta keep a balance in my life! Our northern summers are relatively shot and I need to be out there gardening and shooting photos. So I will begin to reply in general unless otherwise warranted, a particular question etc. All is good Nancy and we will certainly continue to comment on your wonderful work! :-)
Nancy Polanski in reply to Joanne A. Bradley’s comment, 4 months ago
Very nice of you to say, Joanne. I still feel guilty, though. I do appreciate the feedback on this matter, and I am somewhat relieved that you’ve made the same choice. You know where I stand on the “no reply” issue, so feel no pressure to answer me either. And thank you!
Danielle Daven..., 4 months ago
Hi Nancy! I like to reply to all the comments I get just so they know I really do appreciate it. Even if its just a thanks… but thats just me. I am a super busy person so I dont have a ton of extra time unless I feel like giving up some sleep so it is difficult to keep up most of the time. I dont feel offended if someone doesnt reply back though.. because I understand how time consuming it can be. If I dont get enough time I like to bubblemail instead. Im a very friendly, chatty person so its hard not to say something.. lol Your work is great and I love to look at it so I will continue to comment and if your busy… dont worry about replying…or just drop me a line once in awhile… we can complain about this crazy NY weather and why we love it so much!! lol
Nancy Polanski, 4 months ago
You are right, Danielle! I’m in love with this State!
Thank you for the feedback. Friendly and chatty are good. Real good. But as you said, lack of time. I’d rather get into other people’s new work. My watchlist has grown over the last few months. And I want to see their new works.
I will be appreciating your comments. Thanks for letting me know how you feel about this!