So... I was flipping around the net half asleep,,,

[rabidsamfan]

And I went to the home page of ff.n, which I like, almost never do, and found this:

November 21st, 2005 -- New features added.
Private Messaging: Registered members can now message each other without revealing or needing one's email address. Messaging link is displayed at the top of every member profile. Messages are delivered via email like our review alert system.


Review Reply: Authors may now reply to signed reviews via a link provided in updated review alert or using the "reply" link displayed next to each signed review. Please note the reply is not displayed on the site but emailed to the reviewer. Only one reply is allowed per signed review.
Putting "review responses" within story chapters is now unncessary and more importantly, not allowed.

(My emphasis.)

Okay, it's nice that we can make replies now, but I'll admit to often enjoying author responses to reviews, or finding them illuminating. And what about responses to anonymous reviews? Not everyone who reads there has an ff.n account or is at a computer where they're comfortable signing in.

Comments

[dreamflower]

Why I like Stories of Arda. At least another reason. As many reviews and replies as you want. And not only email notices, but all the reviews are there for others to read. I find it frustrating to read a bunch of responses with no idea of what the review originally said.

So glad I don't mess with ff.net.

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

Yes, SoA has an excellent system. Not only can you see the review, you can see the reply right next to it. And I don't necessarily like having to scroll past a gazillion author replies before I get to my new chapter, but ff.n hasn't created a fix which works for all situations, and adding the prohibition just puts salt in the wound.