 

(I’ve de identified the fandom details because this comment has already lead to a bit of a shit fight in the comments from regular readers)

For a bit of context, I write for a fandom that’s probably medium in size. I’ve recently completed a multi-chapter fic that has had a decent amount of comments, all very positive, other than a few requests to clarify things. 

This comment came from a guest that has never commented before. They chose to comment on a chapter that I said myself in the authors note I didn’t feel great about as it was a large fight scene with a lot of characters, which was incredibly difficult to write. 

I always respond to every comment I receive as I figure if they’re going to take the time to comment on their work, I should thank/acknowledge them for doing so. 

I’m at a bit of a loss whether these sort of comments should be responded to or not? I don’t want to automatically dismiss them as a troll as their wording does seem genuine in parts, but also them appearing out of the blue with no previous comments other than this very detailed one makes me wonder. 

I’ve never been one to delete comments as I figure if I’m happy to leave the positive ones up I should leave the critical ones too, but it has shaken my confidence a bit about a fic I was quite proud of. I’m no where close to a professional writer, nor do I want to be… just a fan writing for free and I don’t think people realise that these comments can be hurtful if they’re out of the blue and not done by a regular reader who you know is just trying to help. 

Not really sure if I should respond to this very detailed criticism comment or not?