How to Comment and Respond to Comments on Writing Platforms and Social Media
And when saying nothing is your best option
The comments function makes it easy for readers to give and for writers to receive feedback on stories. Here are a few tips to help make your comments experience positive for all involved.
When should you comment on a story you’ve read?
There are several instances where a comment is appropriate and even encouraged:
When you loved the story and want to praise or thank the author beyond just awarding them claps, hearts, or likes.
Writers love praise, and since most writers don’t get much in the way of monetary rewards, approval is a big part of their take-home pay. Don’t be stingy. Spread it around.
When you have some insight to add to the discussion
If you read a story that inspires you to share a similar experience or if it relates to an area in which you have some wisdom or expertise, most writers will welcome your contribution. The readers of your comment will, too.
When you have a question about what you’ve read
Suppose the writer puts forth an argument that doesn’t make sense to you or presents an explanation for something that you don’t understand. Ask your question. There’s a good chance that other people reacted similarly and would appreciate hearing the answer, too.
Writers want to communicate effectively. The good ones will be happy to respond and may even go back and edit their story based on your question. The whole point of writing is communication. If they’re not communicating effectively, they need to know.
When you have an opposing viewpoint you’d like to share
Give this one a lot of thought because it can be a little tricky. Avoid emotional or knee-jerk responses and state your position clearly and respectfully. Don’t be a troll.
When should you respond to a comment on a story you’ve written?
Almost always
When someone takes the time to read your story and give you feedback, the least you can do is acknowledge it. It’s common courtesy. An exception would be when the person just says something like, “Thanks, Bob!” or “Loved it!” In these instances, just give them the old thumbs up and call it a day. If you get in the habit of responding to everything, once you start getting a lot of feedback, it’s going to be a time suck you can’t afford.
When to refrain from commenting
When what you’ve read has made you so angry that you can’t be civil, rational, or constructive
When a reader has said something that wounded your pride, and you’re tempted to use your rapier wit to put them in their place
When you’re doing it purely to demonstrate what you believe to be your superior knowledge, intellect, or moral direction
When you didn’t read the story
When you want to suck up to someone you think is important or influential
When you’re under the influence of anything as mild as cold medicine or as potent as grain alcohol
When you want to refute something in the story, but you haven’t done your research. PRO TIP: Listening to your favorite podcast or network news program is not research
The finer points of commenting
Comments add to the feeling of community on writing platforms. They have the potential to build friendships among users and to raise the self-esteem of writers of both stories and comments. They also have the potential to spread ill will, divisiveness, and to make other people feel bad.
We’ve all probably had an experience on social media that has stressed us out. I have reached for a tranquilizer on more than one occasion. Let’s not do that here. Keep it friendly but never lose sight of the fact that most of these people are not your friends, nor are they your enemies. They’re neither for you nor against you.
Most readers are simply neutral observers, but how you respond to them can push them into one of the other two camps. Make sure it’s the friendly one, especially if you’re trying to build a following.
I recently asked a writer to clarify something he’d written, and he responded that I probably read the article too fast and that his story was “nuanced.” He said there were a couple of sentences that I must have missed. He ignored my request for clarification, implied I was a little dim and sent me on a treasure hunt. I thought of some great comebacks, but, in the end, I kept them to myself. It’s pointless trying to deflate an ego that big. I just unfollowed his ass.
As writers, we need to remember that our audience, not our talent, is the key to our success. Many ignorant, untalented people have devoted followers. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re too good to worry about your audience or to treat people with courtesy and respect.
If you don’t care about your readers, why publish your work at all? Keep it in a box under the bed and take it out every once in a while to remind yourself how great you are!
Here’s your takeaway
The comments function is a valuable tool for fostering communication, goodwill, and relationships. It can also be a weapon with the power to destroy those things. Use it wisely.
If you’re new to writing online, you may be too focused on writing stories to pay any attention to this feature. That’s okay, but in time, you’ll want to take advantage of it. It can give you a big leg up on building a following.
To paraphrase Luke 6:38: Give, and you shall receive. The amount and the quality of your output will determine the amount and the quality of your input.
©2025, Denise Shelton. All rights reserved.
Denise Shelton holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Ithaca College.
great advice, thank you!
Extremely helpful for all concerned.