Mumbles About Mumbles

Anyone that pays any attention to anything I write, especially in the comments section will know that I have given my own brand of wordings the title of "mumbles". This is because even on pieces where I say I am "speechless" I usually end up writing about a paragraph or three on what I loved about the piece I've just read. They are often meandering, train-of-thought, stream-of-conscious thoughts and feelings, or just read that way (depends on time of day and a bunch of other factors, if I'm honest).

Why Mumbles?

I used to worry that it came across that I love the sound of my own voice, or in this case, the look of my own writing. While that may actually be the case sometimes, it is not the reason why I do my mumbles. In the beginning when I started on Vocal and comments were introduced, I was a bit shy. I've not done a degree in English Lit (I know that isn't necessary, but was just dropping that in - see, mumble) and also just felt out of depth that I wouldn't be able to write a comment that sounded sincere enough or said the right things.

So I just decided to be myself and try and make it sound accurate and sincere, but also the way I would say it to a person in front of me. I have tried to refine them as I've gotten better and more confident in my skills and knowledge to comment on the technical side, but generally they are still a haphazard mess of my mind splattered on the screen. They are always, always meant in the most positive of ways, you should know.

Necessity is the Mother of Mumbilation?

It was out of necessity see. I didn't want to just do "that's great" or my favourite jokey one that I sometimes drop on certain creators who get the joke of "ace".

Because, I didn't want the comment to just seem like I hadn't put any thought into it.

I wanted the person reading my comment to know, that I had read, understood it (even if it was my interpretation) and I appreciated their hard work and (as is so often the case) skill.

So, yes, it does come off, like Paul's on "one" again writing a full-on dissertation about your piece - especially funny when it's a tiny haiku - but it's really coming from a genuine place.

It's also because I really appreciate it when people leave meaningful and insightful comments - the longer the better - for my work. I understand and I am not judging those who don't - sometimes, we are too busy, sometimes all we can really say is "Well done" because meandering might sound OTT. So, if you are in my comments section and only dropping a few words - I appreciate it all the same.

Fortunately, for the most part, people seem appreciative of my mumbles. Of which I am very glad, because all I ever aim to do with them is to be honest, sincere and encouraging!

Some Tips from the Mumble Master (Totally a real thing, though I don't have proof)

I figured, if there are some people reading this that do not know what and how they should, could, or would if they could comment on work they like, dislike, agree with or disagree with on Vocal, I'd give some pointers and tips.

Obviously, if you don't have time to leave big comments or it's just not in your nature, don't worry. I am not suggesting this as a MUST DO thing for everyone.

1. Be sincere
2. Pick out a line, or even a word you liked about the person's work
3. Don't linkbomb them, unless they request it
4. Use emojis, appropriate emojis, or don't. I sometimes do and sometimes don't. I will always enjoy a donut or croissant emoji in a comment on my work, though, fyi.
5. If you disagree with a point or something, don't be an ass about it. We all have differing opinions about some things - it doesn't mean either is necessarily right or wrong.
6. Don't worry about using cadence, rhyme scheme, character development or any technical terms. If they are not the way you normally speak - don't include them. People aren't going to think less or more of you, because you use them. Most creators, and given that I am speaking to many creators with this post, will just appreciate the fact that you took time out of your day to read their work and then to put some comments together.
7. Proofread for sure, but don't go crazy worrying too much. Again, people aren't going to judge you too harshly if you write a lovely comment that has a spelling mistake. I already judge people who spell the words colour, harbour, humour and aluminium wrong anyway! I kid, I kid!
8. Don't spam nonsensical rubbish that has little or nothing to do with the piece you are commenting on.

Anyway, those are my thoughts and mumbles on the matter. I'm off to eat two rounds of fried cheese and ham sandwiches that were cooked in bacon fat because why not?

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Thanks for reading!

Some other things to look at, if you so wish:

You can also check out the rest of my work here.