To Heart Or Not To Heart

Why read it -

When do you like it -

What stirs a comment -

And when do we pass go and collect the $200 dollars?

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The many questions I have asked myself, as I am reading your stories.

I'll admit, I am slow to comment sometimes. Mostly because I don’t want to sound trite or repetitive. Maybe I feel too uneducated or just don’t want to look simple

But I will admit that I think, I’ve been doing it wrong.

It’s supposed to stir emotions. We won’t all feel it the same, so your comment, if honest, can’t be wrong. But it should be authentic, because you read it. That is what the author wants. At least, I do.

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If you’re like me, so much went into what you just made permanent by writing it down, that the thought of hitting a heart and moving on, seems lazy. Is it wrong to want more from you?

I am speaking from experience, and to those of you I’ve skimmed, I apologize.

I find myself thinking about how my words might affect you. Are you feeling what I am? Am I conveying my feelings adequately to make you feel like I am? And if I have, did I spark a reaction or response?

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I was reading another author’s comment on a comment made about their work. At first, I was confused, taken aback by the tone of the response. But, as I realized WHAT was behind it, I agreed with the sentiment.

We all pour our hearts, ourselves into what we write. Either we are carried away on a streak of creativity and genius or dumping an emotion. For whatever reason we are, a little effort from the reader is desired. And, if we delivered the message, it should be an easy response. Is that wrong?

So, let’s look into what we, as readers are looking for, to result in a like, love =❤️ and comment. And just maybe, we can become better at remembering to be kinder to the creator.

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All points are directed at me, but if any points stir a feel, well, we will do better.

So first of all, what makes you read a story? Topic, author, picture, shared reads?

Do you automatically ❤️ the story as you open it, or do you wait until after you’ve read it? What constitutes a comment, and or a heart and why not comment, or heart and comment at all?

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I typically choose by picture or title, what grabbed me. I of course, read those I interact with and have sadly, missed out on a lot of great stuff.

How can I show appreciation for the hard work that we all are putting into our works? Isn’t that the community we’ve built here?

Or should we feel comfortable to just keep writing and let it be as it will be?

Vocal is doing a great thing now, highlighting and rewarding our voices and interactions. Encouraging us to be better readers and writers. So let’s make what we are saying count. Let’s fill the writers comment sections with our truest words and that is what we will receive.

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Here is your assignment.

Give me your feedback. Tell me what you think, share your views.

If I have stirred something in your mind or heart, give me a heart and tell me why or how. Your feedback helps me understand or acknowledges or validates my efforts. If it sparks a discussion or conversation, then we all benefit.

This is all any of us wants.

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So tell me, what do you think?