Comments are a funny thing. Attached to pictures, literature, and music, comments are an optional thing to partake in. And not participating in commentary is the choice of the individual. Sometimes that choice in abstaining is the result of a person not really interested in the work. Sometimes it's because the person does not like the work, and was raised properly believing "if you can;t say something nice, don;t say nothing at all." Others don't comment because there's nothing to say that hasn;t been mentioned in previous comments. And lastly, some people might not comment because in commenting previously and offering up constructive criticism, they are shot down and therefore have decided not to comment at all, for fear of hurting someone's delicate sensibilities.
And I am guilty of all of these.
I find it very difficult to comment on pieces or art because, as I mentioned, more often than not, people have said things that I would have already said. And while some people enjoy the piling of accolades, I find that when I participate in it, I look like I am a sycophant (that's the fancy word for 'fanboy') or what I would have to say just strikes me as terribly stupid, dull, and/or uncreative.
There was one time when I offered criticism in a comment, remarking about the odd size of an appendage and how it should have been shortened to remove any misconceptions. The criticism was unwanted because the artist in question really wasn't looking for comments, but rather adulation for his work. This made me feel like a total asshole and somewhat angry that instead of wanting to imporve, he wanted to be rewarded for work that could be even better. Which is how a lot of people seem to be. They don;t want you to tell them about how a perspective looks odd, or how a body with a humanoid skeletal structure shouldn't bend like it's Gumby. They want you to say "Oh! Nice." or "Cool!" or "Great work!"
I'm not going to participate in stroking anyone's ego. But this also made me not want to participate in helping a person improve.
And just because I don't comment doesn't mean I don;t glance at the work and make a judgment on it. More often than not, if I'm watching you, It's because I like your work. Commentary is unnecessary unless you're open to constructive criticisms.
And RP comments are just creepy. I could go though a rather long list of emotes that come across to me as being creepy RP behaviors, but I will content myself in just mentioning that RP comments are a serious turn-off. Why do I want to comment on a piece in which the creator and another commenter have engaged in some kinky act of affection?
There's also this thought about how they "don't get comments on anything." Well, fuck, if you want comments engaging someone back in their comment helps create a rapport and the commenter may be more likely to comment elsewhere. Commenting is NOT a one way street. If you want more comments, you have to engage the people. And engaging other people on their work will help establish connections so they will comment on yours. In essence, you have to GIVE comments to GET comments. If you don;t give, then why should any engage with you? Especially beyond the average admirations of your work, than just get so tiresome, on par with every fantasy novel being compared the Lord of the Rings.
As for me, I don;t expect comments, even on the work I have done myself. Like I said, comments are optional, and really, I don't need them. They are nice to have, sure, like baubles and shinies, and technological gadgets, but aside form constructive criticisms or even personal insight, they are largely worthless pieced of data.
So to me, IF I comment it's because I feel comfortable with you. It's because I really enjoy your work, and I have something that I MUST say.
And additionally, I find that more often than not, constructive criticisms are best administered using the PM function, so as to NOT cause any potential drama or embarrassment. And much like my commentary, I only give that to people with whom I feel comfortable with.
