Comment moderation is coming

Post Header

Published:

2015-10-27 20:04:47 UTC

Tags:

The Archive currently offers a few ways to control how other people interact with your works: you can choose to only allow comments from signed-in users, or you can make your work only accessible to signed-in users to begin with.

However, to counter cases of severe harrassment on the Archive (including abusive comments from throw-away accounts created to circumvent the anon restrictions), we are now introducing a way for creators to review any comments before they appear on their works.

(Please note that this feature is undergoing testing, and all screen shots are approximate.)

What this means for creators

Once the feature is deployed, creators will be able to turn on comment moderation for new or existing works in the Privacy section of the posting and editing form.

The checkbox for enabling comment moderation on an individual work

Enabling comment moderation on a work will prevent new comments from appearing publicly unless they are approved by the creator. If the creator has comment notification emails enabled, they can access and review individual comments directly using the links at the bottom of the email. Creators can also review all comments on a work by accessing the work and following the "Unreviewed Comments (#)" link in the work's navigation.

The button-style Unreviewed Comments (2) link at the top of a work

Each unreviewed comment will have options to Approve or Delete. Note: Abuse personnel will have access to this page, so you can alert them to harrassing comments via the abuse report form without having to approve the comments first.

The Unreviewed Comments page for the Sliding Doors work, with a comment from a logged-in user and another from a logged out user. Both comments have Approve and Delete options.

Once approved, comments will be publicly available on the work. Approved comments cannot be unapproved, but they can be deleted. Comments posted by the work creator will be approved automatically.

Creators can also turn on comment moderation for multiple works at once with the mass editor, which can be accessed using "Edit Works" link on their dashboard.

What this means for commenters

The comment form will display a notice informing commenters if comment moderation is enabled on a given work.

The comment form with a message saying comment moderation is enabled on the work

Commenters will be able to enter their comment as normal. After the comment is submitted, a message will inform the commenter that the comment has been received and will not appear on the work until the creator approves it.

A message above the comment form letting the user know their comment has been received

Commenters will receive email copies of their comments if they have that preference enabled. They will be able to access their comment using the "Go to the thread" link included the email.

More improvements to come

Our Abuse team works hard to clean up abusive comments when they are reported and to take action against users involved in harassment, but they are limited in what they can do, particularly against users who are willing to go to the trouble of creating throw-away accounts. This change will enable creators to control comments on their own works, preventing abusive comments from ever being seen.

We will be introducing some further features to help users and our Abuse team deal with harassment and spam: allowing users to reject unwanted gifts, making it possible for Abuse to delete all of an account's works at once (to more efficiently remove spam), allowing Abuse to mark works as spam/not spam, and improvements to the Report Abuse form.

We hope these features will help the Archive be a safer place for users to enjoy posting and consuming fanworks.

Actions

Comments

Sorry, this news post doesn't allow comments.

Pages Navigation

infiniteworld8 Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:38PM UTC

Awesome!

Comment Actions
- Thread
WolfKomoki Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:38PM UTC

Is there a way to only allow comments for signed in users? This is a feature I've wanted for a long time here on the archive.

Comment Actions
- Thread
1. Miya_Morana Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:45PM UTC
  
  That already exists. When you post/edit a story, you can disable anonymous comments...
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
2. 1. WolfKomoki Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:45PM UTC
    
    Yeah but not in the profile. I mean setting it by default. Maybe I should've clarified. :/
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
Crollalanza Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:44PM UTC

This is a great idea, so thank you for implementing this.
Is there anything you can do about people who bookmark and leave nasty or inappropriate comments? I understand that people are entitled to bookmark fics, but there are accounts on A03 that are purely for bookmarking, and then these ppl leave comments or rate the fics in a demeaning way. If they kept them private, then it wouldn't be too bad, but they must be aware that the author and other users can see the comments/ratings. There's no right of reply for the author, either.

Comment Actions
- Thread
1. sylvaine Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:00PM UTC
  
  I hope not, beyond reporting them for harassment if it's really inappropriate and ad hominem. Authors being able to moderate comments in their space is one thing, but censoring another person's bookmarks in that person's space is quite another. Perhaps an option not to see bookmarks of your own work?
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
2. 1. Crollalanza Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:43PM UTC
    
    Well, yes, but then we can't see any of the other bookmarks, and other people can still see the person's bookmarks. It's just not very supportive, that's all. At least with a comment, the author can reply. I'll be honest and say that beyond a disparaging rating, I'm not that affected, but there's no engagement. I can't reply to the bookmarker. The bookmarker has the option to keep their bookmarks private, which they choose not to do, so they must be aware that the author can see it. So it's not censoring the bookmarks in 'their own space' if they're making it public, is it?
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
  2. 1. whycare (Guest) Tue 27 Oct 2015 10:47PM UTC
      
      You can't stop people from being mean, and your proposal leaves far too much room for abuse.
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    2. 1. White_Rabbits_Clock Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:03PM UTC
        
        Sure enough.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
    3. Not_You Wed 28 Oct 2015 03:45AM UTC
      
      This is why I keep saying we need a pm system. It would be nice if you could just take a person aside and be like, "There was no need to put, 'WRITTEN BY A HORRIBLE PERSON, AVOID' on that bookmark, was there?"
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    4. 1. River_of_Dreams Thu 29 Oct 2015 05:16PM UTC
        
        I wonder about the mentality of a person who bookmarks a work only to be able to tell others how horrible it is. As in, most sane people and the majority of the insane ones bookmark stuff they want to keep and return to.
        (Though I can probably imagine someone bookmarking works for being hilariously bad, which isn't a very nice feedback to read for the author, either, even if it isn't intentional harassment.)
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
      2. Not_You Thu 29 Oct 2015 05:20PM UTC
        
        I mean, we already have private bookmarks. Have your PRIVATE collection where every single one has sarcastic remarks and penises scrawled all over it. XD
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        River_of_Dreams Thu 29 Oct 2015 06:38PM UTC
        
        Oh no. Now I'm imagining what remarks can have the private bookmarks on my works. XDD
        *needs more dick*
        *DEFINITELY NEEDS MORE DICK DAMMIT WOMAN*
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Not_You Thu 29 Oct 2015 06:47PM UTC
        
        You know, I'm in the middle of a 50 shades rewrite and that's what I keep saying. XD
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
    5. Melliemello Wed 28 Oct 2015 05:45PM UTC
      
      It is their own space still. Just like now authors, artists, etc. will have more control over their own space, i.e. their work pages even though they posted them publicly.
      
      Last Edited Wed 28 Oct 2015 05:45PM UTC
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    6. Winchesterek Mon 02 Nov 2015 11:41PM UTC
      
      I've recently encountered this for the first time. Someone made a comment about one of my fics in a bookmark saying to avoid it because it's horrible writing and I went to look at this persons bookmarks and every bookmark they have is saying something negative about each story that's bookmarked. It's just an account to mark things negatively. I dont understand how people go out of their way to do something like this.
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    7. 1. Don'tAppallMeWhenImHigh (Guest) Sun 17 Jul 2016 01:08PM UTC
        
        The users who make throwaway account just to repeatedly tell someone how much they allegedly hate a story....yet still keep on reading it every time it updates are a little insane IMO.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
      2. neuroglam Wed 15 Mar 2017 09:11AM UTC
        
        I've had a number of these. It's kind of chilling that this is an archive-wide issue and not just a "my fandom has the maturity level of a three-y/o{ issue.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
      3. MybelovedChris Mon 08 May 2017 12:02PM UTC
        
        I am sure your fan fiction is awesome!Don't pay any attention to them :)
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
3. . (Guest) Sat 31 Oct 2015 02:45PM UTC
  
  Harrasment is harrasment, no matter where it is on the archive. If you see something abusive, you can report it to the abuse team:
  http://archiveofourown.org/abuse_reports/new
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
Llewcie Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:51PM UTC

This is very welcome. Thank you!

Comment Actions
- Thread
Account Deleted Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:53PM UTC

This is a wonderful and much needed feature! Thank you!

Comment Actions
- Thread
txmedic37 Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:11PM UTC

It's sad that this is even needed, but we appreciate the new options. Thanks!

Comment Actions
- Thread
NerineLunaCyran Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:21PM UTC

Thank you all for the hard work on this! \o/

Comment Actions
- Thread
LilyC Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:29PM UTC

That is really great! <3

Comment Actions
- Thread
1lostone Tue 27 Oct 2015 10:12PM UTC

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS.
Oh my god I love you guys so much.

Comment Actions
- Thread
Account Deleted Tue 27 Oct 2015 10:13PM UTC

sweet!

Comment Actions
- Thread
lilyj Tue 27 Oct 2015 10:35PM UTC

If I have to be honest, I'm not a fan of moderation. On another site, negative concrit comments to a fic magically disappeared, and they were absolutely polite. Clearly, the author used a tool created for something serious to boost her own 'image'. I guess that here we'll go the same way. Pity.
(btw: how pathetic must you be to spend so much time and energy to harass people like that? bah)

Comment Actions
- Thread
1. Not_You Wed 28 Oct 2015 03:51AM UTC
  
  Yeah, there is that factor, but then again, the kind of person who would do that with someone being polite and talking about the work won't take the advice anyway. *shrug*
  And seriously, there's someone going around on anon leaving goddamn ESSAYS of ad hominem crap. I have a screenshot of mine because it's so hilarious.
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
2. Sharida (Guest) Wed 28 Oct 2015 06:10PM UTC
  
  Regardless of how polite it is, concrit is considered rude if an author didn't ask for it. I've seen that sentiment everywhere in ao3 in my fandoms. It isn't a matter of "image;" some people have trouble with handling random criticisms from strangers on the internet. If someone genuinely wanted concrit, they'd say so, or take it up with a beta. Anyway, I think even if someone thought their concrit was polite, it could be misinterpreted completely the wrong way. The internet is full of misunderstandings from tone in text.
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
3. 1. River_of_Dreams Thu 29 Oct 2015 05:22PM UTC
    
    Agreed. And it took me a while to really understand the lesson. :) But while many of us encourage concrit and would love one to pieces, there are authors, good authors, who can become discouraged and even blocked by any piece of criticism, even if it is cushioned by lots of praise. They aren't people building an image, they are people who are their own worst critics and simply can't stand any added negativity on top of that. And they have a right to have that choice respected. (However, they are also people whom moderation probably won't help, because they will still read the comment, even if anybody else doesn't.) So, let's be kind to each other and unless someone has a stated preference for concrit/no crit, ask before saying something negative?
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
  2. lilyj Thu 29 Oct 2015 11:17PM UTC
    
    If you (not 'you' you, eh!) don't want to risk receiving concrit, you shouldn't publish (or put on huge disclaimers "I don't want your opinion if you don't like it"… but that probably would generate reaction like "then why are you posting?" so… lol, yeah). To me is implicit that a person, when they put something on a public archive, is fully aware of the possible consequences.
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
  3. 1. Sharida (Guest) Fri 30 Oct 2015 04:55AM UTC
      
      I knew this answer was going to come... And I don't agree with that. By that logic, you shouldn't be allowed to walk out of a house without expecting criticism on the way you look or something. This isn't a site for people to necessarily improve, and comments aren't just for concrit. People share their works because they wrote something they love, and they want others to see, like posting art to twitter/tumblr. Writing for many people is a hobby, and part of the fun of being in a fandom is sharing content, especially for fandoms/ships that are rare. I feel like unwarranted criticism intensifies it and makes it less enjoyable. For the intense aspiring writer, maybe that's fine, but this isn't a job. Fanfic writers aren't professionals, they don't have editors and resources of support to help them. Maybe you don't agree, and you'll move on, but I guarantee that you're going to run into more people who will probably get upset (not necessarily angry, but upset) if you infer that posting something is just asking for criticism and you criticize them.
      And personally, if I wrote a lot, I think I'd be fine with criticism...if it came from people I trusted. I wouldn't trust a stranger's concrit. I've seen some people give concrit, and they're bad at it. I've found a lot of terrible advice in comment threads/reviews (more on ffn than ao3, but still). Makes me want to concrit their concrit.
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    2. 1. Deadmockingbirds Sun 01 Nov 2015 02:15AM UTC
        
        Sharida! This is beautiful!
        My sentiments exactly. GREAT example with the walking out of the house thing! Love it.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
      2. midnightrebellion86 Mon 21 Dec 2015 08:56AM UTC
        
        Thank you for saying this. I couldn't agree more. I recently came here from Fanfiction.net. I am one that doesn't handle random criticism well, especially from anon people and non writers. I agree 100% that fanfic writing is supposed to be fun. The readers are not paying for what they read, so there is no room for constant nitpicking.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
    3. Sharida (Guest) Fri 30 Oct 2015 05:01AM UTC
      
      *you're going to run into more people who disagree and who will probably get upset
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    4. Velace Sun 01 Nov 2015 05:32AM UTC
      
      If you're so concerned about helping people improve their writing, then perhaps you should consider what actually helps them. We share our work for others to enjoy it. If you don't enjoy it, fine, that doesn't mean we asked for your opinion and believe it or not, we're quite capable of functioning without it. Perhaps you should be less concerned about spelling errors, and more concerned about the fact no longer being able to harass people with your unsolicited criticism is upsetting you.
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    5. 1. lilyj Sun 01 Nov 2015 04:36PM UTC
        
        Again?
        You post on a public archive, you should expect reaction (positive or negative). If you can't bear it, create a closed community with the caveat "we accept only praise", of put a huge disclaimer on every story. The spelling example was -wait for it!- an example! (really!)
        And to close this (because always repeating myself is quite tedious), I am not upset about the new tool, just a bit worried of the way it'll be used by people that, apparently like you, don't care/want/stomach other people's opinion.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
      2. cheile (Cheile) Wed 04 Nov 2015 07:59AM UTC
        
        thank you, lilyj.
        True concrit is not intended to be mean--it's intended to help the author improve, whether it's SPAG or characterization or plot. the only concrit I don't agree with is the sudden obsession in a lot of fandoms against omniscient POV (aka so-called "headhopping").
        Otherwise, if a polite person comments without flaming or slandering and suggests that your canon characters are acting out of character or you have SPAG errors, suck it up and work to improve your writing.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
4. Deadmockingbirds Thu 29 Oct 2015 03:28AM UTC
  
  No Moderation? That's crazy.
  It's an author's right not to have to hear negativity and to delete comments no matter how 'politely' that negativity is phrased. Some of us are just on here to play. We don't want negative comments or con-crit. We simply want those who enjoy the story have fun with us. There is this grand assumption that authors want to hear people's opinions no matter what they are. Not so. Readers should know that and I make a point to educate readers regarding this.
  Not to mention, the critiques on here are rarely polite or helpful. More often they're outrageous and mean. They're usually invaluable to the author (I'm speaking about both myself and other author's whose comments I've read). Readers need to get to know an author before they start critiquing anyway. It's important to build rapport.
  So yes, we do need moderation, otherwise we give everyone free reign to do as they please to good authors and that's not okay.
  
  Last Edited Thu 29 Oct 2015 03:50AM UTC
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
5. 1. except no (Guest) Thu 29 Oct 2015 07:28AM UTC
    
    You're not "educating" anyone. You're offering your opinions, and the rest of us are entitled to our own, thank you very much.
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
  2. 1. Deadmockingbirds Thu 29 Oct 2015 01:00PM UTC
      
      Nope. I'm definitely educating.
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    2. 1. lilyj Thu 29 Oct 2015 10:42PM UTC
        
        Nope, you're not educating a single person. As they've already told you, you're expressing your personal opinion. That's all.
        Btw: you think that authors don't want to know other people opinions… why do you have the impression that the rest of the word cares about yours? (or that you are in any position that entitles you to 'educate' others?)
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
      2. Deadmockingbirds Fri 30 Oct 2015 01:08AM UTC
        
        Ah! But that's exactly it, isn't it?
        Why does a reader have the impression that an author wants to know how much someone dislikes their works?
        Why does a reader think the rest of the world cares about said reader's opinion?
        These are all very good questions to think about young grasshopper ;-)
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        lilyj Sat 31 Oct 2015 10:18PM UTC
        
        Why anyone posting a fic should only expects or accepts praise? how immature is that? Seriously (and I'm talking about sane commenters here, not trolls or stalkers)
        If i'm not mistaken, there's still freedom of speech. And if someone decides to post things, they have to expect that they might not like all the reactions. If they can't stomach this, they should create a closed community or something.
        Btw, this "you think that authors don't want to know other people opinions… why do you have the impression that the rest of the word cares about yours? (or that you are in any position that entitles you to 'educate' others?)" was ironic.
        (And, sadly, I'm not young)
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        (14 more comments in this thread)
  3. Not_You Thu 29 Oct 2015 05:22PM UTC
    
    "Invaluable" means "of a value impossible to easily calculate," so you're actually saying that concrit is the best thing to give an author. That's what I think, and I don't think you meant to agree with me there.
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
  4. 1. Deadmockingbirds Thu 29 Oct 2015 05:59PM UTC
      
      Yes, I did. Was on my phone when I wrote that. It must have spell corrected a mashed up sentence. What I remember writing was "of little value."
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    2. 1. Not_You Thu 29 Oct 2015 06:11PM UTC
        
        Ah, I see. I hate overzealous autocorrect and missing nots and all those other things that lie in wait to fuck us up.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
      2. Deadmockingbirds Fri 30 Oct 2015 01:03AM UTC
        
        Lol, yes ;-)
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
  5. lilyj Thu 29 Oct 2015 10:37PM UTC
    
    So ALL the authors are good (not a single one in need of improvement, fantastic). And nobody has the right to say "please recheck your story because there are plot holes/typos/whatever, here and here". And the fact that they published in a public archive means nothing (of course). A reader can basically stumble across any horribly written story and said reader just has the right to close the page and shut the fuck up. And if they have the gall to say 'but…' SBAM. Deleted.
    "We don't care about anything else, we just want compliments (even it they are lies, obviously)" That's it?
    Good to know.
    (Quite pathetic and immature, IMO, but whatever makes you happy)
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
  6. 1. . (Guest) Thu 29 Oct 2015 11:22PM UTC
      
      If the author didn't ask for criticism, then you are giving it without consent. What if the author is writing in a language that isn't their own? What if the author is 13 years old, and therefore might be sensitive to unsolicited criticism? I read a lot of stories on here that aren't perfect, but I still enjoy them, and I'm thankful that the people who write them went to the effort to share. The point of constructive criticism is to improve the outcome (in this case the story), but if it comes unwanted, then it isn't an improvement- it is hurt feelings and abuse, and normally considered very rude. The nice thing to do would be to offer to beta for them.
      The comment moderation is optional. The comment moderation is to help prevent abuse. If your criticism isn't welcome, or is taken as threatening, then it will be taken care of, either by the author deleting the comment, or by the Abuse team. Having comment moderation doesn't change that; it just lessens the number of steps to get to it done. Also, it doesn't stop the author from seeing your criticism- it just prevents everyone else from seeing it. That prevents embarrassment on the author's part. Why is that bad?
      Comment moderation won't stop criticism. What it will stop is public doxxing, dog-piling, and bullying. Comment moderation is a needed blessing.
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    2. 1. Deadmockingbirds Fri 30 Oct 2015 12:45AM UTC
        
        Yes Lilij, that's precisely what I'm saying. No one has the "right" to give an opinion that's not asked for. Authors have the right, not to hear what people don't like about their stories.
        Often times, just posting on a public forum is scary enough without having people tear apart your hard work.
        Lots can be garnered by positive interactions, I'm sorry you don't feel that way, but I've experienced it myself. If every author had to hear every opinion from every reader, many would stop writing. I'm not foolish enough to believe everyone's going to like my stuff (for example) but hearing about those who dislike it is of no use to me.
        As far as plot holes/spelling/typos:
        Plot holes: it's far more effective and a better learning experience for the author to work with a beta. Random people commenting, can't possibly see the artists vision. I've found random readers usually assume the worst and are usually wrong about the stories direction. The plot hole they think they've found is resolved by the end of the story and if it's not? Who cares, it's fanfic. Let them go on their merry little way. If their story isn't good, they won't get many compliments and they'll know.
        Spelling/typos: even in published books, there are typos. We write these works for free, perfect editing is not required, otherwise we'd be getting paid. People expect way too much if they are expecting a FF work free of typos.
        If there are a lot, ppl usually stop reading. I know I do. The author likely knows they are a terrible speller. If not, that will quickly become apparent if they try to get published.
        If the author has not asked for help, they simply aren't ready for it yet and that should be respected.
        More over, you've proved my point. Can you see how this conversation is going nowhere? Our comments to each other weren't valuable to the other. You and I will never see eye to eye. It's exhausting and a waste of both our time.
        I only responded for the benefit of the mods, I knew I was likely to get such a response from you; could tell by your writing style.
        Last, when "opinioners" share their unauthorized "opinion," they are seldom willing to have the writer's opinion in return. Supposedly, a reader may give any opinion they like, but when an author does the same with that reader, boy do we hear it. We are apparently "okaying" such behaviour by virtue of posting on a public forum. Nope. Sorry. I don't ask ppl to read my stuff or to comment. It's okay for author to police their page and to say what goes on it or not. I will continue to educate readers in this regard. I am an advocate for positive interactions on these sites only and as this has just proven, even less positivity comes out of such chats.
        I have in no way called you names Lilij, but you decided to use the terms "pathetic" and "immature," with is hurtful. You don't even know me. I merely posted my thoughts on the topic and once again, got the same kinds of response I always get in these situations. But at least you can see how it feels when someone comments on something you've written and disagrees and how fruitless these kinds of discussions really are.
        Better for both the author and the reader to discuss something they both like in this kind of forum. It's more fun and profitable for both. :-)
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
      2. Deadmockingbirds Fri 30 Oct 2015 12:50AM UTC
        
        (.) I wholeheartedly agree with you. Better to offer to beta for the person, than to assume they want your feedback.
        And better not to embarrass the author. There's is no need to publicly shame them for their pitfalls. It's already scary to post your works. Some are just getting started, just getting their bearings.
        So they only want some encouragement at first? There's nothing wrong with that. We must always remember these works are free and we don't have to read them.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Not_You Fri 30 Oct 2015 01:30AM UTC
        
        See, I think it's not concrit if you're not also being encouraging. "This part is good, but it could be better with [insert whatever.]" Wanting to see a story improve is not the same as wanting to see its author cry.
        But I'm in favor of moderation because of the way comments can landslide. You're not even there to see your controversial fic get trolled again, and oh look, there's a holy war in the comments, just the kind of thing you want to scroll through today! :D
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        lilyj Sat 31 Oct 2015 10:25PM UTC
        
        On one thing we totally agree: this is absolutely pointless and a waste of time.
        Cheers.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        (Previous comment deleted.)
        
        lilyj Sun 01 Nov 2015 01:23AM UTC
        
        It's late, I'm tired (in general, and of this discussion in particular).
        The "that above" was simply a 'we won't ever agree, this discussion is over'. I'm perfectly capable of discussing this without 'jabs' or whatever, but I tend to answer in kind. My 'rudeness' is due to the way YOU talk. You see yourself a knight in shining armour, but you are every bit as 'rude' as me, if not worse. Your haughtiness is not conductive of dialogue, sorry.
        This last comment of yours is a perfect example. You've pretty much decided on your own what is legit or not to do, basically you lay down the law and the rest of us must comply. And if someone disagree? omg, they need to be punished asap!
        I hurt your feelings when I say 'immature'? And now 'lilyj' has become an insult (don't try to deny it, a simple substitution makes it pretty clear). Colour me surprised.
        I'm not sorry for thinking that having the right to express oneself is right, even if it burst your bubble of omnipotency.
        PS: for being such a tender soul, your first line to me was "No Moderation? That's crazy." Are you implying that I'm crazy? 'cause you'd hurt my feelings, you know?
        
        Last Edited Sun 01 Nov 2015 01:27AM UTC
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Deadmockingbirds Sun 01 Nov 2015 01:56AM UTC
        
        Nope.
        Just pointing out and using this discussion to prove why we need moderation. "Lilyj" was not an insult, but the way you speak and behave is indicative of many like you with the same attitude, so yes, I used you as an example and generalized because I feel I've encountered enough "yous" in my time to do so.
        And what you say is exactly my point. Apparently me and writers like me are on 'high horses' due to our wish to be asked permission before con-crit takes place, but readers like you are not for simply giving unasked for advice? Isn't that a "high horse" of its own. You continuously contradict yourself.
        To clarify: No moderation IS crazy. I did not say you were crazy. That is your own assumption. I was never trying to say you're crazy as a person.
        Also to clarify, I am not hurt by you in the least. The things you say are hurtful type things. I was just pointing them out, because I get the feeling you don't realize this. I was just letting you know and politely (OH! Unasked for CON-CRIT! Don't like it much, huh?) See? See what I did? I've been doing it this whole time and you still haven't caught on. I've been politely giving you con-crit and you have NOT liked it nor have you had a positive response. See? It doesn't matter how kindly it's phrased, the writer will interpret it how they will. The example of: No Moderation? That's crazy is a good one. The way you interpreted my statement, hurt your feelings even though it was not something intended to hurt you. THAT'S EXACTLY HOW AN AUTHOR FEELS when they get con-crit no matter how nice. They aren't necessarily going to get the reader's meaning. Especially not a stranger. There MUST BE dialogue. Private dialogue.
        I hope you can relate now and learn from this experience.
        I have decided nothing on my own. My opinion is shared by many writers. We as a collective have decided not to stand for abuse (at least some of us). Because it's all abuse if it is unasked for critique. The reader has no way of knowing where the author's at and I know for fact that it does damage even if it's polite.
        I'm very confused as to why you're so against simply asking permission of the author before giving critiques. It's just courteous. It's polite. Often the author is responsive to that. It's better for all involved with healthy dialogue.
        It does not infringe on any "right" of yours, but considers YOURS and the AUTHOR'S as well. Because we do have the RIGHT not to hear your opinion.
        ETA: Ah, just looked at your profile. You are Italian and so am I. This could go on for years. I very much understand how Italians work since I was raised in an Italian home. Please don't be upset. I am just a very logical person. The way I talk is just the way I talk. I'm not trying to be insulting, you're just taking it that way. Just have an nice day and don't worry about this convo anymore. You've said your piece, I've said mine. Though, uh, I think it's safe to say we should no longer interact. I'll stay away from you, you stay away from me? Ciao.
        
        Last Edited Sun 01 Nov 2015 02:10AM UTC
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        lilyj Sun 01 Nov 2015 02:33AM UTC
        
        Yes, let's stay away from each other!
        BTW, you don't happen to be bakakitsune, do you?
        Your style is awfully familiar.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Deadmockingbirds Sun 01 Nov 2015 02:36AM UTC
        
        Nope. Never heard that name before.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        lilyj Sun 01 Nov 2015 02:43AM UTC
        
        Really? that's weird. You have a doppelganger out there.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Deadmockingbirds Sun 01 Nov 2015 02:52AM UTC
        
        Nope. No doppelgangers...only one Mock.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        lilyj Sun 01 Nov 2015 03:19AM UTC
        
        Really, this is quite eerie (and it's Halloween! du-du-du-duuuuuun): you talk just like her and say the same identical things… scary coincidence.
        Ahhh, I must be more tired than I though… I guess I'm seeing things.
        Nighty-night.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Deadmockingbirds Sun 01 Nov 2015 03:26AM UTC
        
        I do? I don't see her on this thread.
        If we say the same things, I'll probably like her. Perhaps her and I should connect.
        Good night.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        lilyj Sun 01 Nov 2015 10:22AM UTC
        
        Sorry, she was on a couple of Italian archives. Was banned from both thanks to her manners. No idea where she ended up.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Deadmockingbirds Sun 01 Nov 2015 03:04PM UTC
        
        Oh. Ok.
        Hey, uh, are you by chance from Calabria?
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        lilyj Sun 01 Nov 2015 04:37PM UTC
        
        Why Calabria? O_O
        
        Last Edited Sun 01 Nov 2015 04:37PM UTC
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Deadmockingbirds Sun 01 Nov 2015 04:57PM UTC
        
        Likely the same way you came up with that I was Baka. ;-) You said I sound like her...
        I know quite a few Calabirans. You remind me of them. My niece is half-Calabrese, so I'm familiar with their way of speaking. I also have a Calabrian aunt and cousin. A few of my friends are Calabrese.
        We are from the South too, but not Calabria. My father was born in Isernia, Italy, but they lived in Compobasso. I get the impression it's more firey in the South. The Northern Italians I know are far more calm I find. (Unless you tell me you're from the North, then I will know they have just as much fire ;-)
        Many of us (My family) do not live in Italy anymore, but man, you should see family dinners with the Italians...people think we're pazzo. Haha! My Nona died just last year, it was very sad for me to lose that part of my heritage. She never learned to speak English, and sadly I never learned very much Italian, but I always somehow understood what she was saying. I miss her.
        Anyway, here's to hoping we can bury this hatchet.
        
        Last Edited Sun 01 Nov 2015 05:00PM UTC
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        lilyj Sun 01 Nov 2015 05:13PM UTC
        
        I'm half calabrese, lol. My mother is from northern Italy though and I've always lived up in the north. Good eye.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
        
        Carmarthen Wed 04 Nov 2015 07:03PM UTC
        
        I don't think anyone EXPECTS typo-free work, but a lot of authors (me included) find typos embarrassing and also trivial to fix and would very much like it if readers pointed them out instead of walking on eggshells because some authors take "by the way, you accidentally left a word out of this sentence" as a mortal affront and public shaming (it's not. it's just letting you know there's a typo).
        Ideally, AO3 would have a PM system so I could ask people privately if they want to know about typos. And ideally, people would let me know when I have a damn typo instead of being too "polite" to mention it (and I should note that I DO think the useful place for more substantive criticism is in the beta process)
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
    3. Blt10031 Sat 31 Oct 2015 05:05AM UTC
      
      so would you be okay if a stranger on the street telling you, that you look fat in your outfit because you got dressed in fashion and went outside in public? hey it's con-cript....and I'm sure they are trying to help you dress better...
      
      Last Edited Sat 31 Oct 2015 05:05AM UTC
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
    4. 1. lilyj Sat 31 Oct 2015 10:27PM UTC
        
        LOL.
        
        Comment Actions
        
        Thread
        
        Parent Thread
  7. . (Guest) Thu 29 Oct 2015 11:26PM UTC
    
    I agree with you. Authors have a right to play and find like minded people to enjoy their work, without harassment. The comment moderation is protect authors, not damage readers. Who cares if the comments aren't public?
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
6. Carmarthen Wed 04 Nov 2015 06:59PM UTC
  
  I don't think there's much point to this feature, but authors can already delete comments (which I think is a good feature, even just for spam control), so negative comments can already "magically disappear."
  I'm not sure this will really make a huge difference, other than making it less likely for other readers to start a slapfight in the comments before the author gets to it and shuts it down.
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
Ramzes Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:02PM UTC

To be fair, I am not a big fan of comment moderation system. We have the Delete option anyway. The only difference is that with the new feature, we can delete comments before anyone else sees them. While it can be useful to deal with trollish comments and such, the Delete option is enough for this purpose. And it's so easy to go from deleting offensive comments to deleting anything that isn't sheer praises. In fact, I am not sure I even like the Delete this much. It's for sharing people's opinions and they cannot be all shine and roses. It's particularly unfair to commenters who took time to leave a well-thought comment whose fault is just that the author doesn't like it. I'd rather have a feature that sorts out the truly offensive comments but I don't think it can be done. No need to make the situation even more complex with additional moderation.

Comment Actions
- Thread
1. anon (Guest) Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:19PM UTC
  
  ICAM. Any author who enable this is the kind who thinks anything less than 100% praise is being mean and those kind of authors are usually wanky as hell themselves and that doesn't make me want to leave any comment.
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
2. 1. Ramzes Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:27PM UTC
    
    Not necessarily. I have enabled it on my ff.net account. One of the last reviews I approved was, I quote, "This is a parody, isn't it?" It's the second one with this text. Perhaps it's the same reviewer, who knows. This far, I have deleted only one review, a spam in Korean or something. And I have received some very nasty abusive reviews, including some with personal insults. I have approved all of them. I just like seeing the red and green screen before I click Approve.
    This said, at ff.net there's no system alerting the reviewer that moderation is in place. If I knew such a feature was enabled, I probably wouldn't have bothered to review at all, unless I see that the author approves negative comments. Double standards at their best, eh?
    ETA: I don't know if you're a fanfic writer yourself, but if you aren't, I'd like to say that it isn't nice to receive offensive comments or even just negative or negative concrit ones, especially when you've put some time and real efforts in your work. It's just that an author's dislike of such comments should not override other people's right to be less than thrilled with a work and say so, IMO. Alas, the price for that is putting up with some harassing comments, at least until the author deletes them or chooses not to.
    
    Last Edited Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:45PM UTC
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
  2. 1. lilyj Thu 29 Oct 2015 10:54PM UTC
      
      Personally, I think it's always quite clear if the author put real effort in their work. The ones (IMO) that deserve negative comments are the ones that blatantly have not done so (not written in a human language, nonsense, etc). And there is a huge difference between harassing and negative comments.
      
      Last Edited Thu 29 Oct 2015 10:54PM UTC
      
      Comment Actions
      - Thread
      - Parent Thread
  3. SlightWeasel Wed 28 Oct 2015 12:16AM UTC
    
    Eh, AO3 has needed a feature for comment moderation and/or blocking certain users from leaving comments for a long time. I have deleted comments on my fics before - not because they were less than positive, but because they were threatening or whatever. It makes me feel a lot better to know that in the future I can moderate comments if I'm having issues with someone, so that all that stuff doesn't end up being fandom gossip.
    Authors have always been able to delete unwanted comments - all this does is allow for abusive comments to be deleted before they're out in public for everyone to see. It's as likely to prevent wank as it is to cause it, especially in the case of person A leaving a flame and persons B through Z dogpiling them, or two people fighting over their view of a fic while the author is in the background stressing out about it (both issues I have noticed more often than wank about authors deleting comments or whatever).
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
3. ErinPtah Wed 28 Oct 2015 12:16AM UTC
  
  If people want to share their Important Fic Opinion in a place where the author can't delete it, they can post it on their own blog.
  I've had my comments on a fic deleted when they *were* sheer praise, because the author later decided they didn't like me as a person. And it stung! But to say it would be better if people had no control over their posts' comments at all is just bizarre.
  And I can think of situations where pre-posting moderation has advantages over the delete button. You've seen the kinds of dogpiles Tumblr can whip up when a person is declared "problematic", right...? If someone shows up in a comments section looking to stir drama and sees fifty other people yelling at the author for being an abuse-enabling probably-pedophilic piece of trash who should be hit by a truck, it's easy to get swept in. It's harder and riskier to be the first commenter calling for an author's graphic death.
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
4. 1. Ramzes Wed 28 Oct 2015 12:26AM UTC
    
    I am not saying it would be better if people had no control over their posts' comments at all. That's why I wrote "I am not sure". Because I am not sure.
    I don't actually follow Tumblr all this much, so I really have no idea about the situations you describe. I agree they aren't pretty ones. And I did agree that offensive comments should not be tolerated. I really can't understand the irony against other people sharing their opinions on a fic but anyway, looks like this new feature is something that has its fans. Good for them, I say.
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
5. lilyj Thu 29 Oct 2015 11:20PM UTC
  
  That's exactly what I was trying to say.
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
6. Farasha Fri 30 Oct 2015 12:50AM UTC
  
  Let me give you a bit of an alternate opinion on this feature, because I was deliriously happy when I heard that it was implemented.
  I have an internet stalker. Said internet stalker has harassed me for months both on AO3 and my connected social media. I blocked them on social media, but since there's no block feature on AO3 and they're a registered user, they're free to leave sexually explicit, horrendous comments on my work for all of my readers to see. Sometimes I don't see these comments for hours, because I have a life away from the computer. I do delete them when I see them - and I was informed by staff that my deleting the comments made it harder for them to verify the harassment and get the user banned. So I had a choice between leaving the comments up (they were really grossly sexual) long enough for the mod team to see them and do something about them or just deleting them immediately.
  Now with this feature, I can moderate comments on my work so the nasty sexual comments this person leaves can be invisible to all the rest of my users. They're still in the system so I can report the person to the moderators and hopefully, finally, get this person banned. For others who are in a similar situation to mine, this feature is a godsend.
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
7. 1. Ramzes Fri 30 Oct 2015 01:30AM UTC
    
    You see, cases like yours are one of the reasons why I am not sure about moderation and deletion, instead of simply being against them. These things exist and they should be taken into account, so indeed the new function is a good thing for you. Good luck getting rid of the creep!
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
  2. decorative_vegetable Fri 30 Oct 2015 02:33PM UTC
    
    You don't know me from Adam but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your stalker issues. That must be terrible, I feel for you. I hope you know that this person's despicable behaviour reflects in no way badly on yourself. There are some weird people out there and sometimes it takes little to set them off. You seem like a nice person - just wanted to let you know. (Feel free to delete this) :-)
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread
Manthas Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:04PM UTC

A nice addition to this feature would be the ability to "promote" someone to be a moderator of your work as well. Overall, tools like this are important to combat the rising tide of vitriol, abuse, and harassment.

Comment Actions
- Thread
Arithanas Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:25PM UTC

A round of applause for coders!

Comment Actions
- Thread
tehomet Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:50PM UTC

Thank you for bringing this anti-abuse measure in. I'm sad it's needed, but glad you hard-working coders have come up with this. Thanks again.

Comment Actions
- Thread
SlightWeasel Wed 28 Oct 2015 12:03AM UTC

This is all really excellent! Thanks for all your hard work! :)

Comment Actions
- Thread
SetsuntaMew Wed 28 Oct 2015 12:31AM UTC

Oh, this sounds great!! I've been hoping for something like this! Thanks everyone :D

Comment Actions
- Thread
Phia Wed 28 Oct 2015 12:37AM UTC

This is SUCH a good idea. I'm so glad you guys came up w/ this!

Comment Actions
- Thread
Masterpwn Wed 28 Oct 2015 02:13AM UTC

I don't get many comments on my work, but I'm still glad to see improvement here. Well done AO3 team.

Comment Actions
- Thread
Not_You Wed 28 Oct 2015 03:17AM UTC

I still think a pm feature and/or some kind of chat is what this site is crying out for, but this will be a big help, especially when a dogpile starts. "Oh look, this story is attracting self-righteous jerks who can't read tags. MODERATE! :D'

Comment Actions
- Thread
1. Into_the_Ether Wed 28 Oct 2015 02:04PM UTC
  
  I agree about a PM feature. Even just the fact that if you wanted to communicate with another author you either have do that in a story's comments or using another service like tumblr or email. What if you don't check those that often? What if you want to keep your email addresses and or tumblr accounts private? Why not have all forms of communication in one place? It kinda blows my mind we don't have a PM system already.
  
  Comment Actions
  - Thread
  - Parent Thread
2. 1. Not_You Wed 28 Oct 2015 02:47PM UTC
    
    It would be lovely for people like me, who fear and loathe tumblr. XD
    
    Comment Actions
    - Thread
    - Parent Thread

AO3 News

Post Header

What this means for creators

What this means for commenters

More improvements to come

Actions

Comments

Pages Navigation

infiniteworld8 Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:38PM UTC

Comment Actions

WolfKomoki Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:38PM UTC

Comment Actions

Miya_Morana Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:45PM UTC

Comment Actions

WolfKomoki Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:45PM UTC

Comment Actions

Crollalanza Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:44PM UTC

Comment Actions

sylvaine Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:00PM UTC

Comment Actions

Crollalanza Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:43PM UTC

Comment Actions

whycare (Guest) Tue 27 Oct 2015 10:47PM UTC

Comment Actions

White_Rabbits_Clock Tue 27 Oct 2015 11:03PM UTC

Comment Actions

Not_You Wed 28 Oct 2015 03:45AM UTC

Comment Actions

River_of_Dreams Thu 29 Oct 2015 05:16PM UTC

Comment Actions

Not_You Thu 29 Oct 2015 05:20PM UTC

Comment Actions

River_of_Dreams Thu 29 Oct 2015 06:38PM UTC

Comment Actions

Not_You Thu 29 Oct 2015 06:47PM UTC

Comment Actions

Melliemello Wed 28 Oct 2015 05:45PM UTC

Comment Actions

Winchesterek Mon 02 Nov 2015 11:41PM UTC

Comment Actions

Don'tAppallMeWhenImHigh (Guest) Sun 17 Jul 2016 01:08PM UTC

Comment Actions

neuroglam Wed 15 Mar 2017 09:11AM UTC

Comment Actions

MybelovedChris Mon 08 May 2017 12:02PM UTC

Comment Actions

. (Guest) Sat 31 Oct 2015 02:45PM UTC

Comment Actions

Llewcie Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:51PM UTC

Comment Actions

Account Deleted Tue 27 Oct 2015 08:53PM UTC

Comment Actions

txmedic37 Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:11PM UTC

Comment Actions

NerineLunaCyran Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:21PM UTC

Comment Actions

LilyC Tue 27 Oct 2015 09:29PM UTC

Comment Actions

1lostone Tue 27 Oct 2015 10:12PM UTC

Comment Actions

Account Deleted Tue 27 Oct 2015 10:13PM UTC

Comment Actions

lilyj Tue 27 Oct 2015 10:35PM UTC

Comment Actions

Not_You Wed 28 Oct 2015 03:51AM UTC

Comment Actions

Sharida (Guest) Wed 28 Oct 2015 06:10PM UTC

Comment Actions

River_of_Dreams Thu 29 Oct 2015 05:22PM UTC

Comment Actions

lilyj Thu 29 Oct 2015 11:17PM UTC

Comment Actions

Sharida (Guest) Fri 30 Oct 2015 04:55AM UTC

Comment Actions

Deadmockingbirds Sun 01 Nov 2015 02:15AM UTC

Comment Actions

midnightrebellion86 Mon 21 Dec 2015 08:56AM UTC

Comment Actions

Sharida (Guest) Fri 30 Oct 2015 05:01AM UTC