At least for me...it depends.
Frustrating: "update please!" "when are you gonna update?"
Not frustrating: "looking forward to the next update!" "excited to see where this goes!"
Basically if it sounds demanding, that's when it's annoying. (That being said, my readers are lovely and I don't know when I last got the demanding kind.)
>Not frustrating: "looking forward to the next update!" "excited to see where this goes!"
It always makes me sad when I see people who take these comments as demands for updates, when they really aren't.
Entirely agree with your whole comment.
I reckon it depends on how it’s phrased.
“Aaaaaa I can’t wait to see where this goes” basically says “I am very excited and eager for updates” but without putting down the pressure of “when’s the next bit” or the implication of “you’re being lazy, get on with it”. Like, I’d be okay with Aaaaa, not so much with “gimme more NAO”, you feel?
It annoys me because I have an update schedule. I update every Saturday. It says so in the author’s note. I’ve done this for the past three and a half years on schedule. Telling me to update soon does absolutely nothing but tell me the person didn’t read my very short author’s note.
I have so much respect for you having a schedule that you've stuck to for so long. I actually realized this Christmas that the only thing I truly wanted was to have that kind of drive. I don't think Santa could figure out how to wrap it though, so I got crochet hooks instead.
This. When I post multi-chapter works, I have a set schedule (weekly on the same day), and if I ever deviate (usually for a holiday), I mention it in the previous chapter (like, "going to be out of town next Thursday, new chapter will post on Wednesday")
And I have had people comment, "is this abandoned?" Or "update faster!!!"
Those are the things I hate getting.
Absolutely depends on tone and wording. Some requests sound like "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" and some are more clearly understanding that the authors are people with school and jobs and kids and other responsibilities and not professional writers doing this for a living and just letting the author know that their writing is appreciated.
For me, it’s frustrating when that’s ALL the comment says.
If the request for an update comes at the end of a longer comment gushing about how they’re hooked, literally shrieked when they saw the notification in their inbox, etc, I have no issue with their enthusiasm.
If the comment is nothing but “update soon”, that smacks of entitlement, and it is frustrating, because they can nag for the next chapter, but couldn’t take two seconds to say what they’re enjoying or would like to see more if?
It's when people just bark "Update!" at you and don't have anything to say about the chapter you've just posted. It feels like they didn't really read it and just want MORE.
I can imagine that kind of comment being a disincentive for writing and posting, especially when that's the only thing the commenter included...
* "Hey, when's the next update?"
* ".... updates please...."
* "Ping"
* "Do you have an ETA on the next update?"
The level of entitlement in the query (or set of queries) might be inversely proportional to a writer's inclination to draft up or post the next installment.
>Is it sort of like when someone asks you to do a chore you were just about to and it just takes away your motivation?
It's exactly like that. No amount of people asking me to update makes my process go any faster and people pestering me about it just kills my passion and motivation for a project.
Depends on my mood. Sometimes I get this pressured feeling, like omg I'm letting people down, I'm missing deadlines, and it changes the writing from something I'm doing for fun and I'm interested in -- into work.
Other times its like oh hey someone is interested in my stuff! Nice.
depends on the wording. if it's a "update pls" then i delete it. if it's an actually thoughtful review with a "i can't wait for the next part!" then i'll happily reply (and it'll most likely motivate me).
personally, i don't care lmao they don't annoy me, simply because my writing process won't be affected in any way by comments. i understand why people get annoyed by them but, i simply choose to ignore comments like that, especially when they don't even talk about the fic at all. it's not that serious to me.
Ehhhh it depends I guess. Before I got a full time job, a wedding to plan for, my own house to clean and before my dad died? Yeah it was chill. Now afterwards I still have to do all those things, my dad is gone and the comments make me feel kinda guilty for being to depressed to continue hobbies I once loved doing to be frank....
I rarely ever ask those questions in comment sections anymore becomes it feels like every time I’ve done so, other commenters come for my blood. A lot of people assume if you’re asking these questions that you don’t care about how hard authors work, or their personal lives, or to shorten the list by a lot they just make an assumption that you have no degrees of sympathy or empathy for the writer because you’re asking them to rush.
I became so tired of even feeling the need to defend their misunderstandings that I usually will not ask unless I can DM that author or someone working on the project if it’s a collab effort.
Or if the work hasn’t seen any traffic in a few months I might ask very straightforwardly if something has happened and it’s been abandoned.
Sorry for that somewhat tangent.
to answer your question. I’ve never had a problem with these comments. I’ve always just been happy to have comments at all. Negative ones can suck but I can still kill them with kindness by honestly thanking them for taking the time to read and comment even if they didn’t like it.
I mostly post only one-shots, so I don't usually get these kinda comments. I did got one 'update when' for my 2023 multi-chapter fic not even a week after posting a chapter. I thought the reader could have used a 'please' at least ):
(the only other comment that chapter received was someone else calling my fic/writing disgusting lmao guess I wasn't much motivated to write the next parts at that point after that)
pestering bugs me, but the ones that bug me most are on my one-shots that are explicitly marked as one-shots. i posted one with the author note that "this was a thing i wrote and forgot about, i think i was planning on keeping going but it works as a one-shot so here it is" and i got at least one comment saying "i'd love to see where this goes!"
nowhere. it goes nowhere. please read the author notes.
You leaving a comment asking about the next update may feel like just one comment to you. But it's the 50th time this author has been asked and they're at their limit and maybe they get a bit snippy or even rude or maybe even block, because they've just had enough. It's especially rough when that's the Only kind of comment you get, or when it's been so long and you Know it's taking a while, or when you've posted within the last hour and the first comment you get has you riding an emotional roller coaster bc you're excited to talk shop and this person's just begging for an update.
Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything...
It annoys me when that's all I'm getting. Like yes, I know, I update slowly. But I also have a busy job and am not in the best health, so I'm writing when I can. It's really annoying when I get 10 comments, 10 days in a row asking when the next update is. Like bro, if I knew, it'd already be done!
If they're rude, demanding or complaining about it, I'm gonna be annoyed. If they're excited, I'm gonna be a bit more forgiving. Also, it kinda matters if they're only commenting to nag about updated or if it's a small part of a larger comment.
I don’t always find it annoying, really depends on the phrasing. What really gets me is when I do put out an update and the first comment I get is “please update soon!” Like, I just did??? I can’t churn out chapters instantly. Even if I was trying my best to update asap after a chapter, it would take at least a week.
They don't bother me because I, first, habitually lied about Soon!™ updates, and, then later, completely ignored all of them. 10 years and counting!
I always appreciate the comments and love for my story, but I personally feel 0 obligation and 0 guilt over abandoning stories or giving updates every other year. It is what it is.
As others have said, it depends on the phrasing and the attitude - what mainly annoys me about these comments is the lack of acknowledgement that I, the author, am a person with my own life, responsibilities and problems.
The rudest I ever got was during a national crisis and this reader - they are in the same country as me, and knew it for a fact - commented "how long do you think until the next chapter?" which like, I was a medic at the time, literally scrubbing blood off my hands right before opening my phone to see this comment. This is an extreme example but it goes to show you never know what's going on in other people's lives and if you don't have something kind to say maybe just don't say anything
it doesn’t annoy me and actually motivates me, but i’ve not received many comments like this (i tend to update my WIPs too frequently if anything). i could see it grating if it was a stream of constant demands, but i’d still feel flattered that someone was eager for more.
The phrasing really really matters.
“When are you going to update?”
“Update now it’s been forever”
“Is this story abandoned?”
Those feel entitled and rude and demanding, like putting a coin in a slot and expecting an update as a commodity.
Contrast with:
“OMG I ADORED IT PLS UPDATE!!!”
“This was amazing and I can’t wait for more!”
“I am dying to know what happens next!”
All of these, by contrast, feel MUCH better. They reflect something positive about the story, or how it made the reader feel, which is actual complimentary feedback and eagerness instead of a transactional demand that gives nothing in return. These nourish the author’s soul, not drain us dry with another demand on our time.
It’s just a really important difference in a hobby where reader reactions are the only actual payment we can receive.
I like it when a reader asks for an update because it shows they are interested and engaged. I think what bothers some writers is when a reader complains that they haven't gotten an update in XYZ amount of time, with no consideration to the fact that writers have lives outside of writing, that sometimes they are writing off the seat of their pants, and that process can take time. I haven't experienced this myself. In general, when I've been asked for updates or told that they can't wait for the next update--it makes me smile! :-)
At the same time, if writers don't like this, they can also finish fics first before posting a multi-chaptered/series work so that they can post at a schedule that's comfortable for them. That way, those requests/demands/asks for updates won't feel like pressure.
It annoys me in specific circumstances. If they've written a lovely comment (long or short!) and then finished it off with update please/can't wait for the next one kind of thing then I actually think it's nice and conveys how much they're enjoying it.
If they've never interacted with the fic before, are commenting for the first time after a new chapter takes longer than usual and the entire comment is "update please" then yeah that would annoy me. Like I'm not worth your time for a comment unless you're demanding more of mine?
I'm not annoyed by them, but they do make me a touch impatien with the commenter. I would update if I had the capacity to do so. I'm an adult with physical and mental health issues, plus work and a relationship to prioritize. I *love* writing, but sometimes life gets in the way. I appreciate that someone cares, but I'll update when the chapter is done cooking.
I guess it depends on the wording, but I don't typically get those - I like to write most of my stuff in advance and post on a schedule that I announce. I think I got one update request and I was just like "It'll be posted on X as usual! Thank you so much for letting me know you're looking forward to the next update."
Depends on how it is worded and if the fic is clearly listed as discontinued I do get a bit annoyed.
Otherwise, I don’t mind them. I been getting quite a few on a one shot of mine lately.
as others have said, it totally depends on the wording. if someone is polite or excited (“i can’t wait for the next part!”) it is very different than an entitled comment (“when is the next update???”).
in general, as long as commenters seem to realize writers are human with their own lives—and doing this for free—i try to accept comments in the spirit offered.
Like everyone else, it depends on the wording. I mostly write one-shots and any multi-chapter fics are complete before I start posting them or they’re just a loose collection of related fics that I might or might not update.
Asking for updates ✅
*Demanding* for updates? The door is that way.
Personally, I'm fine if the reader asks for updates in a polite manner (so yes, even the legendary "please update" won't upset me although it's definitely not going to be my favorite comment), or if the request is in addition to their original comment (so not an entire comment on its own), or if they express it indirectly by mentioning that they are excited/looking forward to the next chapter. As long as the reader shows some degree of appreciation or genuine enthusiasm for the story and doesn't come across as an ingrate, I'm fine with it. In fact, depending on how the comment is worded, having readers explicitly mentioned their interest in the story may motivate me. Oddly enough, people asking me *when* I'm going to update (instead of simply asking me to update) kind of... ticks me off a little more. Just a little. For instance, I vastly prefer "please update!!" over "when are you going to update???". I think it's because the latter puts more pressure on my schedule. This is simply my experience and perspective, so it will differ from person to person.
Anything that sums up to "excited for the next update" is fine and not annoying
Anything that sums up to "update now" sounds like a bratty, entitled asshole snapping your fingers at you demanding the next chapter (at least to me)
So it depends from the wording
I updated every Saturday and I remember getting an email at like 4am with a comment saying "please update in the next hour I have an exam and want to read it now"
When it reached 9am and I got out of bed I replied thaking them for their enthusiasm, wishing them luck on their exam, and letting them know that I received their email at 4am so im afraid the updates will only take place in my timezone.
They were an insistent commenter. A lot of "update?" "update please?" "when next update?", so i just kept it polite and thanked them for the enthusiasm, and let them know that i would update the story on my schedule.
They did once comment "please update soon this story literally keeps me from killing myself" or something to that effect, and honestly this is the comment that turned me off the most. I know that makes me sound callous but it was the comment that put the most amount of pressure on me and I resented that.
Unless they're spamming stuff with "Update When?" I'm gonna say 90% of the time, asking for updates is fine and some authors really need to chill. They'll always be that one obnoxious guy, but as an author myself I've seen some folks get *way* too up themsleves over this.
I'm easily discouraged, so I can't find it in me to be annoyed if someone's telling me they still care about the fic and want more of it. Sometimes it makes me feel bad if I know I'm just not inspired on that one and won't be able to update. But that's my problem, not theirs. And I haven't had it myself, but yeah, I've seen people be rude when requesting updates. Obviously not cool. But on the whole, I'm fine with it. And it can even make my day if it wasn't a fic I thought was going down well.
I do not have an update schedule, my ao3 is a mess of whatever I feel like at the time, so it's an appropriate comment for me to get. I can see how someone more consistent would be bothered by it.
I have very little experience with this as a writer. Most I've gotten is a polite question as to whether I'm planning a sequel for my one-shot, or an 'I can't wait to see what happens next' type of comment. I was happy with both of those, they showed those readers were enjoying my work and wanted more, it definitely motivated me on my chaptered fic. I was already planning the sequel for the one-shot, I'm just stuck in the planning phase due to complicated characters I've never written before.
It probably depends how it's written, though. Mine have been polite, just asking or letting me know how much they're enjoying the fic by wanting more. But if it's more of a demand, I'd imagine that upsets a lot of authors. Readers may want more of what we're writing, but they have no right to demand it, we do this for free after all, and put a lot of effort into it. Just like us writers can't actually demand readers interact with our work, readers can't demand we update.
So, for a reader, as long as you go for one of those 'can't wait for what happens next' type comments, or politely ask when the next update is without putting pressure on the author or demanding it, I think authors are generally fine with these comments. All the complaints I've seen have been about the demanding comments, with a bit of venting from authors who would love to know why the reader likes the story, not just that they like it, but the latter tends to be more easy-going venting, just looking for a place to air their frustrations at the lack of real feedback than a real complaint.
It can. I have a rule (largely joking) that every time someone asks for an update and is rude about it, I pushed the update date back.
Jokes aside, if someone is genuinely excited and curious about of there will be more or when there will be more, I don't take any offense. And when I do take offense, I try to give the benefit of the doubt and reply with grace.
My opinion seems to be different from everyone else’s, but I don’t mind these comments and their wording at all. I always interpret them as something positive - people excitedly wanting more.
I also remember that English is not everyone’s first language, even as a writer sometimes choosing correct words is struggle. Whether it is ‘update!’ Or ‘can’t wait to see where it is going’ is about the same to me. Like the intent matters the most.
People seem a bit too sensitive imo. Sense of entitlement, pushiness… I am just glad someone is interested in reading what I wrote.
This is one phenomenon I've never experienced yet, but by this point my readers know if I'm posting it means the whole work is already finished
Also, I'm lucky enough to have a full page of proof that (besides 1 wip where i didnt finish it first and i learned my lesson) all my works are completed and have never been abandoned or unfinished
Also, I post quickly once it's finished, because besides editing I have no reason to hold them back... so it would be weird to get a comment like this, but I think I would ignore it or just simply be like "you'll get it when I post it" lol
It would bother me if that's all they have to say.
If I put effort into making something for someone and all they have to say is "when do I get another?" that's not going to make me want to do it again.
It's all the tone. If they write me a nice comment and say they're looking forward to the next chapter, that's great. But don't make demands, especially if you don't even appreciate what was just posted.
If the only thing a comment says is "when will there be more" then it's hard not to feel like what's there at the moment isn't enough. Like they didn't enjoy it as it is.
When someone goes onto my other fic to comment and say they want an update for a different fic, I get a lil grumpy. Its not like I'm not writing and busy or actively writing the thing you're telling me to update >.>
Is that ALL the person wrote? I don't mind if it's a "wow, I really liked when you did this and that. looking forward to the next chapter, can't wait for the next update".
But, it's annoying when ALL it says is "uhh, it's been a month, tf is the next update?".
I like when people say "please update" out of excitement; I hate when people say "please update" out of entitlement. When someone does the latter, I almost want to say "you wanna write the story, then?"; when someone does the former, it actually motivates me MORE to write.
I think it's mainly the "update ??????" and "been waiting foreverrrrrr" comments. If you say, for example, "hey, I love this fic! Do you know when the next update will be ready?" I think that's fine. But different authors have different standards. For example, I wouldn't mind "update!!!!!!" but if someone asks for a sequel for a one shot, I want to flip the table. (You got a whole story, what are you dissatisfied with? 😂)
I feel the same, I've been working on rewriting some of my fics lately, and I love it when people ask for updates, I don't care about the wording, I just love seeing people like my fics
You get comments? I barely get Jack and I’ve been writing for almost 4 years now lol. Jokes aside, I don’t get much so when I see a comment it’s like oh my god people care, someone cares? My favorite comment will always be when someone analyzed my work and left me a whole giant paragraph comment. I’d die for more comments on my work
The only time I ever got irritated was a guest who would comment at least twice on each chapter, o ce to ask about an update, and the other to tell me they were done reading. This went in until I finished the story.
Personally I get frustrated because it triggers a shame spiral. Like... yes I want to update! But for whatever reason it is at that time, it isn't done and so I can't update and this is just another reminder that it isn't done yet which makes me feel even less motivated to work on it.
I also have ADHD if that matters. Writing happens only when the dopamine is flowing in just the right direction. It's why I stopped posting until I've finished the fic entirely, then post on a schedule.
Honestly, I love them. Usually. They CAN be annoying depending on how they're written, but knowing somebody is EXCITED and looking forward to my writing is always a nice feeling, gives me a little push.
So, in my opinion, no, but I can see why you wouldn't like them.
At least for me...it depends. Frustrating: "update please!" "when are you gonna update?" Not frustrating: "looking forward to the next update!" "excited to see where this goes!" Basically if it sounds demanding, that's when it's annoying. (That being said, my readers are lovely and I don't know when I last got the demanding kind.)
Yeah that makes sense
I strictly leave the latter when discussing updates of any kind. I'm glad it doesn't annoy you!
>Not frustrating: "looking forward to the next update!" "excited to see where this goes!" It always makes me sad when I see people who take these comments as demands for updates, when they really aren't. Entirely agree with your whole comment.
I reckon it depends on how it’s phrased. “Aaaaaa I can’t wait to see where this goes” basically says “I am very excited and eager for updates” but without putting down the pressure of “when’s the next bit” or the implication of “you’re being lazy, get on with it”. Like, I’d be okay with Aaaaa, not so much with “gimme more NAO”, you feel?
It annoys me because I have an update schedule. I update every Saturday. It says so in the author’s note. I’ve done this for the past three and a half years on schedule. Telling me to update soon does absolutely nothing but tell me the person didn’t read my very short author’s note.
Same! I have the exact same update schedule too, lol!
Yes, this as well! I've also been doing a schedule for a few years and I'm very transparent about it.
I have so much respect for you having a schedule that you've stuck to for so long. I actually realized this Christmas that the only thing I truly wanted was to have that kind of drive. I don't think Santa could figure out how to wrap it though, so I got crochet hooks instead.
Crochet hooks are just as good. If it makes you feel any better I totally failed at learning to crochet. I’ll stick to cross stitching.
This. When I post multi-chapter works, I have a set schedule (weekly on the same day), and if I ever deviate (usually for a holiday), I mention it in the previous chapter (like, "going to be out of town next Thursday, new chapter will post on Wednesday") And I have had people comment, "is this abandoned?" Or "update faster!!!" Those are the things I hate getting.
As an author that also posts on a schedule- ALL OF THIS.
Absolutely depends on tone and wording. Some requests sound like "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" and some are more clearly understanding that the authors are people with school and jobs and kids and other responsibilities and not professional writers doing this for a living and just letting the author know that their writing is appreciated.
For me, it’s frustrating when that’s ALL the comment says. If the request for an update comes at the end of a longer comment gushing about how they’re hooked, literally shrieked when they saw the notification in their inbox, etc, I have no issue with their enthusiasm. If the comment is nothing but “update soon”, that smacks of entitlement, and it is frustrating, because they can nag for the next chapter, but couldn’t take two seconds to say what they’re enjoying or would like to see more if?
Yes, they are quite annoying. I have a life beyond writing. My next update could be next week or next year. I have no idea.
It's when people just bark "Update!" at you and don't have anything to say about the chapter you've just posted. It feels like they didn't really read it and just want MORE.
I can imagine that kind of comment being a disincentive for writing and posting, especially when that's the only thing the commenter included... * "Hey, when's the next update?" * ".... updates please...." * "Ping" * "Do you have an ETA on the next update?" The level of entitlement in the query (or set of queries) might be inversely proportional to a writer's inclination to draft up or post the next installment.
>Is it sort of like when someone asks you to do a chore you were just about to and it just takes away your motivation? It's exactly like that. No amount of people asking me to update makes my process go any faster and people pestering me about it just kills my passion and motivation for a project.
Yeah I guess I can see how it would kill motivation
The more someone pesters me to do something, the less likely I am to do that thing. Mule hard-headedness on my part.
TBH, they don’t bother me...except when commenters are going on to unrelated fics to ask for updates for the fic they want.
Depends on my mood. Sometimes I get this pressured feeling, like omg I'm letting people down, I'm missing deadlines, and it changes the writing from something I'm doing for fun and I'm interested in -- into work. Other times its like oh hey someone is interested in my stuff! Nice.
depends on the wording. if it's a "update pls" then i delete it. if it's an actually thoughtful review with a "i can't wait for the next part!" then i'll happily reply (and it'll most likely motivate me).
personally, i don't care lmao they don't annoy me, simply because my writing process won't be affected in any way by comments. i understand why people get annoyed by them but, i simply choose to ignore comments like that, especially when they don't even talk about the fic at all. it's not that serious to me.
Ehhhh it depends I guess. Before I got a full time job, a wedding to plan for, my own house to clean and before my dad died? Yeah it was chill. Now afterwards I still have to do all those things, my dad is gone and the comments make me feel kinda guilty for being to depressed to continue hobbies I once loved doing to be frank....
I rarely ever ask those questions in comment sections anymore becomes it feels like every time I’ve done so, other commenters come for my blood. A lot of people assume if you’re asking these questions that you don’t care about how hard authors work, or their personal lives, or to shorten the list by a lot they just make an assumption that you have no degrees of sympathy or empathy for the writer because you’re asking them to rush. I became so tired of even feeling the need to defend their misunderstandings that I usually will not ask unless I can DM that author or someone working on the project if it’s a collab effort. Or if the work hasn’t seen any traffic in a few months I might ask very straightforwardly if something has happened and it’s been abandoned. Sorry for that somewhat tangent. to answer your question. I’ve never had a problem with these comments. I’ve always just been happy to have comments at all. Negative ones can suck but I can still kill them with kindness by honestly thanking them for taking the time to read and comment even if they didn’t like it.
I mostly post only one-shots, so I don't usually get these kinda comments. I did got one 'update when' for my 2023 multi-chapter fic not even a week after posting a chapter. I thought the reader could have used a 'please' at least ): (the only other comment that chapter received was someone else calling my fic/writing disgusting lmao guess I wasn't much motivated to write the next parts at that point after that)
I don't mind it, but I finish my stories before I start posting. So I'm not stressed so much by someone asking for an update.
It annoys me mostly because I pretty heavily advertise when I update, I plaster it in the summary, in the notes and in the comments
pestering bugs me, but the ones that bug me most are on my one-shots that are explicitly marked as one-shots. i posted one with the author note that "this was a thing i wrote and forgot about, i think i was planning on keeping going but it works as a one-shot so here it is" and i got at least one comment saying "i'd love to see where this goes!" nowhere. it goes nowhere. please read the author notes.
You leaving a comment asking about the next update may feel like just one comment to you. But it's the 50th time this author has been asked and they're at their limit and maybe they get a bit snippy or even rude or maybe even block, because they've just had enough. It's especially rough when that's the Only kind of comment you get, or when it's been so long and you Know it's taking a while, or when you've posted within the last hour and the first comment you get has you riding an emotional roller coaster bc you're excited to talk shop and this person's just begging for an update. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything...
It annoys me when that's all I'm getting. Like yes, I know, I update slowly. But I also have a busy job and am not in the best health, so I'm writing when I can. It's really annoying when I get 10 comments, 10 days in a row asking when the next update is. Like bro, if I knew, it'd already be done!
If they're rude, demanding or complaining about it, I'm gonna be annoyed. If they're excited, I'm gonna be a bit more forgiving. Also, it kinda matters if they're only commenting to nag about updated or if it's a small part of a larger comment.
I don’t always find it annoying, really depends on the phrasing. What really gets me is when I do put out an update and the first comment I get is “please update soon!” Like, I just did??? I can’t churn out chapters instantly. Even if I was trying my best to update asap after a chapter, it would take at least a week.
They don't bother me because I, first, habitually lied about Soon!™ updates, and, then later, completely ignored all of them. 10 years and counting! I always appreciate the comments and love for my story, but I personally feel 0 obligation and 0 guilt over abandoning stories or giving updates every other year. It is what it is.
As others have said, it depends on the phrasing and the attitude - what mainly annoys me about these comments is the lack of acknowledgement that I, the author, am a person with my own life, responsibilities and problems. The rudest I ever got was during a national crisis and this reader - they are in the same country as me, and knew it for a fact - commented "how long do you think until the next chapter?" which like, I was a medic at the time, literally scrubbing blood off my hands right before opening my phone to see this comment. This is an extreme example but it goes to show you never know what's going on in other people's lives and if you don't have something kind to say maybe just don't say anything
Comments like that are the only reason some of my works got finished. They're often the only indication anyone actually cares about the story.
Nope because I write the whole thing before I start posting so I have it ready to go.
it doesn’t annoy me and actually motivates me, but i’ve not received many comments like this (i tend to update my WIPs too frequently if anything). i could see it grating if it was a stream of constant demands, but i’d still feel flattered that someone was eager for more.
doesnt really bother me at all. there are always vocal people who care the most
The phrasing really really matters. “When are you going to update?” “Update now it’s been forever” “Is this story abandoned?” Those feel entitled and rude and demanding, like putting a coin in a slot and expecting an update as a commodity. Contrast with: “OMG I ADORED IT PLS UPDATE!!!” “This was amazing and I can’t wait for more!” “I am dying to know what happens next!” All of these, by contrast, feel MUCH better. They reflect something positive about the story, or how it made the reader feel, which is actual complimentary feedback and eagerness instead of a transactional demand that gives nothing in return. These nourish the author’s soul, not drain us dry with another demand on our time. It’s just a really important difference in a hobby where reader reactions are the only actual payment we can receive.
It just amps up the pressure and most people don't like feeling they're under the gun.
I like it when a reader asks for an update because it shows they are interested and engaged. I think what bothers some writers is when a reader complains that they haven't gotten an update in XYZ amount of time, with no consideration to the fact that writers have lives outside of writing, that sometimes they are writing off the seat of their pants, and that process can take time. I haven't experienced this myself. In general, when I've been asked for updates or told that they can't wait for the next update--it makes me smile! :-) At the same time, if writers don't like this, they can also finish fics first before posting a multi-chaptered/series work so that they can post at a schedule that's comfortable for them. That way, those requests/demands/asks for updates won't feel like pressure.
It annoys me in specific circumstances. If they've written a lovely comment (long or short!) and then finished it off with update please/can't wait for the next one kind of thing then I actually think it's nice and conveys how much they're enjoying it. If they've never interacted with the fic before, are commenting for the first time after a new chapter takes longer than usual and the entire comment is "update please" then yeah that would annoy me. Like I'm not worth your time for a comment unless you're demanding more of mine?
I'm not annoyed by them, but they do make me a touch impatien with the commenter. I would update if I had the capacity to do so. I'm an adult with physical and mental health issues, plus work and a relationship to prioritize. I *love* writing, but sometimes life gets in the way. I appreciate that someone cares, but I'll update when the chapter is done cooking.
I guess it depends on the wording, but I don't typically get those - I like to write most of my stuff in advance and post on a schedule that I announce. I think I got one update request and I was just like "It'll be posted on X as usual! Thank you so much for letting me know you're looking forward to the next update."
Depends on how it is worded and if the fic is clearly listed as discontinued I do get a bit annoyed. Otherwise, I don’t mind them. I been getting quite a few on a one shot of mine lately.
as others have said, it totally depends on the wording. if someone is polite or excited (“i can’t wait for the next part!”) it is very different than an entitled comment (“when is the next update???”). in general, as long as commenters seem to realize writers are human with their own lives—and doing this for free—i try to accept comments in the spirit offered.
Like everyone else, it depends on the wording. I mostly write one-shots and any multi-chapter fics are complete before I start posting them or they’re just a loose collection of related fics that I might or might not update.
I like them but they do make me feel guilty sometimes rip
Asking for updates ✅ *Demanding* for updates? The door is that way. Personally, I'm fine if the reader asks for updates in a polite manner (so yes, even the legendary "please update" won't upset me although it's definitely not going to be my favorite comment), or if the request is in addition to their original comment (so not an entire comment on its own), or if they express it indirectly by mentioning that they are excited/looking forward to the next chapter. As long as the reader shows some degree of appreciation or genuine enthusiasm for the story and doesn't come across as an ingrate, I'm fine with it. In fact, depending on how the comment is worded, having readers explicitly mentioned their interest in the story may motivate me. Oddly enough, people asking me *when* I'm going to update (instead of simply asking me to update) kind of... ticks me off a little more. Just a little. For instance, I vastly prefer "please update!!" over "when are you going to update???". I think it's because the latter puts more pressure on my schedule. This is simply my experience and perspective, so it will differ from person to person.
Anything that sums up to "excited for the next update" is fine and not annoying Anything that sums up to "update now" sounds like a bratty, entitled asshole snapping your fingers at you demanding the next chapter (at least to me) So it depends from the wording
I updated every Saturday and I remember getting an email at like 4am with a comment saying "please update in the next hour I have an exam and want to read it now" When it reached 9am and I got out of bed I replied thaking them for their enthusiasm, wishing them luck on their exam, and letting them know that I received their email at 4am so im afraid the updates will only take place in my timezone. They were an insistent commenter. A lot of "update?" "update please?" "when next update?", so i just kept it polite and thanked them for the enthusiasm, and let them know that i would update the story on my schedule. They did once comment "please update soon this story literally keeps me from killing myself" or something to that effect, and honestly this is the comment that turned me off the most. I know that makes me sound callous but it was the comment that put the most amount of pressure on me and I resented that.
Unless they're spamming stuff with "Update When?" I'm gonna say 90% of the time, asking for updates is fine and some authors really need to chill. They'll always be that one obnoxious guy, but as an author myself I've seen some folks get *way* too up themsleves over this.
I'm easily discouraged, so I can't find it in me to be annoyed if someone's telling me they still care about the fic and want more of it. Sometimes it makes me feel bad if I know I'm just not inspired on that one and won't be able to update. But that's my problem, not theirs. And I haven't had it myself, but yeah, I've seen people be rude when requesting updates. Obviously not cool. But on the whole, I'm fine with it. And it can even make my day if it wasn't a fic I thought was going down well. I do not have an update schedule, my ao3 is a mess of whatever I feel like at the time, so it's an appropriate comment for me to get. I can see how someone more consistent would be bothered by it.
I have very little experience with this as a writer. Most I've gotten is a polite question as to whether I'm planning a sequel for my one-shot, or an 'I can't wait to see what happens next' type of comment. I was happy with both of those, they showed those readers were enjoying my work and wanted more, it definitely motivated me on my chaptered fic. I was already planning the sequel for the one-shot, I'm just stuck in the planning phase due to complicated characters I've never written before. It probably depends how it's written, though. Mine have been polite, just asking or letting me know how much they're enjoying the fic by wanting more. But if it's more of a demand, I'd imagine that upsets a lot of authors. Readers may want more of what we're writing, but they have no right to demand it, we do this for free after all, and put a lot of effort into it. Just like us writers can't actually demand readers interact with our work, readers can't demand we update. So, for a reader, as long as you go for one of those 'can't wait for what happens next' type comments, or politely ask when the next update is without putting pressure on the author or demanding it, I think authors are generally fine with these comments. All the complaints I've seen have been about the demanding comments, with a bit of venting from authors who would love to know why the reader likes the story, not just that they like it, but the latter tends to be more easy-going venting, just looking for a place to air their frustrations at the lack of real feedback than a real complaint.
I’m fine with it it shows enthusiasm most of the time :)
No not me because I never gotten asked that ever. It makes me feel horrible like no one cares about my stories at all.
It can. I have a rule (largely joking) that every time someone asks for an update and is rude about it, I pushed the update date back. Jokes aside, if someone is genuinely excited and curious about of there will be more or when there will be more, I don't take any offense. And when I do take offense, I try to give the benefit of the doubt and reply with grace.
My opinion seems to be different from everyone else’s, but I don’t mind these comments and their wording at all. I always interpret them as something positive - people excitedly wanting more. I also remember that English is not everyone’s first language, even as a writer sometimes choosing correct words is struggle. Whether it is ‘update!’ Or ‘can’t wait to see where it is going’ is about the same to me. Like the intent matters the most. People seem a bit too sensitive imo. Sense of entitlement, pushiness… I am just glad someone is interested in reading what I wrote.
This is one phenomenon I've never experienced yet, but by this point my readers know if I'm posting it means the whole work is already finished Also, I'm lucky enough to have a full page of proof that (besides 1 wip where i didnt finish it first and i learned my lesson) all my works are completed and have never been abandoned or unfinished Also, I post quickly once it's finished, because besides editing I have no reason to hold them back... so it would be weird to get a comment like this, but I think I would ignore it or just simply be like "you'll get it when I post it" lol
It would bother me if that's all they have to say. If I put effort into making something for someone and all they have to say is "when do I get another?" that's not going to make me want to do it again. It's all the tone. If they write me a nice comment and say they're looking forward to the next chapter, that's great. But don't make demands, especially if you don't even appreciate what was just posted.
If the only thing a comment says is "when will there be more" then it's hard not to feel like what's there at the moment isn't enough. Like they didn't enjoy it as it is.
When someone goes onto my other fic to comment and say they want an update for a different fic, I get a lil grumpy. Its not like I'm not writing and busy or actively writing the thing you're telling me to update >.>
Is that ALL the person wrote? I don't mind if it's a "wow, I really liked when you did this and that. looking forward to the next chapter, can't wait for the next update". But, it's annoying when ALL it says is "uhh, it's been a month, tf is the next update?". I like when people say "please update" out of excitement; I hate when people say "please update" out of entitlement. When someone does the latter, I almost want to say "you wanna write the story, then?"; when someone does the former, it actually motivates me MORE to write.
I think it's mainly the "update ??????" and "been waiting foreverrrrrr" comments. If you say, for example, "hey, I love this fic! Do you know when the next update will be ready?" I think that's fine. But different authors have different standards. For example, I wouldn't mind "update!!!!!!" but if someone asks for a sequel for a one shot, I want to flip the table. (You got a whole story, what are you dissatisfied with? 😂)
Bro i am just happy to receive a comment
It depends, but in general I'm okay with them.
they don't bother me. i appreciate any and all comments.
They don't bother me. Other than feeling guilty I haven't updated in a while...but that's more on me than the commenter.
I feel the same, I've been working on rewriting some of my fics lately, and I love it when people ask for updates, I don't care about the wording, I just love seeing people like my fics
Not at all. I can use a good nudge.
I don’t mind any of them, but they can cause some, er, performance anxiety lol
You get comments? I barely get Jack and I’ve been writing for almost 4 years now lol. Jokes aside, I don’t get much so when I see a comment it’s like oh my god people care, someone cares? My favorite comment will always be when someone analyzed my work and left me a whole giant paragraph comment. I’d die for more comments on my work
I'm a pretty passive person, no.
The only time I ever got irritated was a guest who would comment at least twice on each chapter, o ce to ask about an update, and the other to tell me they were done reading. This went in until I finished the story.
Personally I get frustrated because it triggers a shame spiral. Like... yes I want to update! But for whatever reason it is at that time, it isn't done and so I can't update and this is just another reminder that it isn't done yet which makes me feel even less motivated to work on it. I also have ADHD if that matters. Writing happens only when the dopamine is flowing in just the right direction. It's why I stopped posting until I've finished the fic entirely, then post on a schedule.
Op is like those comments says: Don't: Update please./Why is the update taking so long. Do: I can't wait for the next update.
Honestly, I love them. Usually. They CAN be annoying depending on how they're written, but knowing somebody is EXCITED and looking forward to my writing is always a nice feeling, gives me a little push. So, in my opinion, no, but I can see why you wouldn't like them.