Replies (Page 1 of 2)

I thought that was the Prime Directive at tnbw. I remember learning right off the bat (excuse the mixed metaphors; it's early and I haven't had my coffee) ALWAYS RESPOND; ALWAYS SAY THANK YOU. Even if you don't agree with the review, which would be a ridiculous waste of free help. Think what it costs to hire an editor! At least be gracious enough to show appreciation for the time the reviewer spent reading and thinking about your work.
In my opinion, anyone who can't be bothered to respond to a review is saying he/she doesn't care. Give them what they're asking for--don't bother to review their work. There are plenty of writers around who do appreciate a reviewer's help.

True. I've always assumed (learned from experience) that the absence of a response to a review is the time honoured tNBW way for the author to say -- "thanks, but no thanks; please don't bother to review my work again" -- without necessitating a confrontation.

Once upon a time, if you didn't respond to a review, then you couldn't post any writing until you did, but I don't know if that is still the case. Actually, I'm sure it is not since I have done a review which has not been responded to in quite some time and the author has definitely posted again. So, I suppose, that is my way of saying that the more things "improve" the worse they get in some situations. One thing is perfectly clear from my perspective, if an author doesn't respond within a reasonable time and they are clearly still on site and posting (not out sick or dead), they will absolutely get no further reviews from this perhaps not so politically correct reviewer. Take care. Vern

Edited to add PS: BTW, ignorance of not knowing you have a review you haven't responded to is no excuse since all you have to do is look at your list of reviews if you've been absent for a while and it will tell you if you have responded or not. AND not knowing that option is not an acceptable excuse either.

Agree people should return reviews. I know sometimes, things get in the way. When that happens to me, I send a note letting the person know I haven't forgotten them and will catch up as quickly as I can.

I think we should go back to the old way of having to acknowledge reviews before being able to post something new.

Before we go that far, what about a count of unreplied reviews on the main page?

From time to time I find I've missed a review in a flurry.  A reminded would be enough for me.

What happens if I'm getting ready to paste a chapter in when a review comes in?  Does the paste fail?  Does the chapter refuse to update because of one--or several--reviews that come in just at that moment?  What if I'm running on a laptop with a limited battery runtime?

There was/should be a time lapse to avoid such scenarios as you state. I don't recall the time differential, but I think something along the order of three days or a week even should be plenty of time to respond; however, that's just me and the exact timing isn't really the point. If one couldn't post a chapter or whatever because of not responding to a review, then all they would have to do is respond; I mean how long does it take and would another instantaneous posting be that critical (to ignore a review) in the grand scheme of things. To each their own; I've solved the dilemma to my satisfaction as stated previously. Take care. Vern

I may spend two hours on either a review or a reply.

I think that would be a good and simple feature. If I get no reply or recip for reviews I've given, I may do another review to let them know I'm interested in their feedback. However, after that I can take a hint and move on. I almost always get a reply, except from new members who don't know the process.

I'm normally very good about getting back to people. Not only is it the right thing to do, it also helps a reviewer to know what kind of feedback you find helpful. Also to let them know how much you appreciate their time and attention to the help they are giving you.
Though I now find myself really behind, do to personal overcommitments, ridiculous deadlines at work, college submissions and scholarship searches for a graduating daughter, etc. I'm now trying to catch up.
I also spend a lot of time on both review and reply- which may also contribute to the reasons why I've found myself so far behind. 
Rest assured, I'm working on it now!

How many people fail to reply to reviews? Is it a large number? And if they do forget/decline to do so, the reviewer currently has the choice to move on. It would probably help new members learn the ropes, though.