The Nature of Fan Mail - feedback requested

1. 82

   SEM Proposted 14 years ago

   Naturally, receiving any fan mail is great. I tend to take things literally though so before posting, the question to tell the world what I think of that author stares me in the face and I write a mini recommendation.
   
   On the other hand, any fan mail received is more of a personal message or thanks. I'd greatly appreciate your comments to help me solve the dilemma that's now tempting me to simple say I am a fan without letting them (or anyone else) know why.
   
   1) Do outsiders read our fan mail?
   2) Which do you receive more of: recommendations or personal messages?
   3) Which do you prefer to receive?
   4) Which do you leave - and why?
   
   Thanks in advance for your help!

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   1. 63

      Mishaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Umm, ok, let me see what I can come up with
      
      1. yes, once approved it is visible to everybody.
      2. personal messages
      3. personal messages
      4. personal messages - cause I like it this way
      
      Well, there is another reason for my #4 choice. With my ESL I do worry about getting condescending, which is really easy to become when you give recommendations, and which really hurts the relationship from the start.
      
      Hope this helps

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      1. 79

         Sufidreamerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         You seem to have no problem getting the message across when they are pretty girls......

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      2. 60

         GeneriqueMediaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         1. yes, once approved it is visible to everybody.
         2. personal messages
         3. personal messages
         4. personal messages - cause I like it this way
         
         mmm...redundancy

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         1. 63

            Mishaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            LOL

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            1. 82

               SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks Misha - I know I loved your personal message but wasn't sure if you'd read any of my hubs. Concerning #1 - was more wondering if folks who write as professionals actually utilize any positive fan mail as a recommendation for potential clients or a job writing.
               
               Very much appreciate you stopping by!

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      3. 82

         SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Hmmm - responded in later copy - seem to be going backwards lol Let me say thanks again though

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2. 56

   Dame Scribeposted 14 years ago

   Hi SEM Pro ... I prefer honesty in fan mail. Upon joining HP yes... everybody can see those ones... emails...nobody sees those cept you and your fan ... recommendations is good if you know the person...personal messages are more real...least I think so..I leave what I know n that usually is that my fellow HP author/friends and HP team are truly wonderful and one will enjoy themself...least I do anyways...why? I prefer honesty ...personal experience is a recommendation in itself, yes?

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   1. 82

      SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      OK - thanks so much for your feedback Dame Scribe! I agree that personal messages can be a recommendation, but more so for the person themselves than their writing yes? For those of us who are new, we haven't established a whole lot of connective personal experience. Our "fresh eyes", if considered in a way to let the world know why we became a fan, might enhance greater readership? It might also give an onlooker an idea of what type of person is recommending them (consider the source is always a good policy) and also help any of us newbies figure out what we're doing wrong - or right?
      
      Posing everything as a question because I really am in the mode of trying to figure it out rather than trying to confirm an opinion that has no foundation... thanks again!

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3. 60

   GeneriqueMediaposted 14 years ago

   1. I know I tend to. Especially if I want insight on who the person is...by knowing who the gel with I've a better picture of whether or not I would be interested in following their work. Though, I don't discount them if they just have cool writing.
   
   2. I get a lot of personal messages. I love those.
   
   3. See uhbuv.
   
   4. It depends on the situation.

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   1. 82

      SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      GREAT feedback GeneriqueMedia! Tried to bookmark one of your hubs for definite on the list complete reading but some gliche - probably on this laptop I'm having to use on the road prevented it. So I fully understand the 4th. I'll wait to leave a "personal message" before writing anything since I know you love that Thanks so much for your thorough assistance!

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4. 56

   Dame Scribeposted 14 years ago

   I believe that your writing style will show others what you're about, do not fret over what others think. Best to present yourself as you are n people will pick up on that

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   1. 82

      SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree and do write to give the best I have to offer which will eventually shine through. There's always a temptation to compare or decipher expectations, with what others are achieving - especially on the same venue/opportunity. I've started to look at some who've just joined and seem to be a whole lot more appreciated or noticed. I realize though this is partly because I've been too busy working to really dedicate any PR time outside of hp - or on any social venues for that matter.
      
      Your comment (and cruising around) helped me realize that many are too busy to read other hubs but once a personal connection is established, they/we make the time - so thanks again!

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5. 60

   GeneriqueMediaposted 14 years ago

   Yep, what she said.
   
   And if they're leaving you fanmail most likely they are into your stuff.

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   1. 82

      SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Was beginning to think they were just appreciative of the mail and sentiments I left them so thanks again (although backwards - commented on your other)
      
      EM wrote that we ought not to simply "reciprocate" on netiquette. I'd been going on the premise that it's all about connections and getting to know fellow hubbers you like and who connect and like you in return.
      
      Appreciate you!

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      1. 60

         GeneriqueMediaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I appreciate you, too. Reciprocation indeed! One good turn deserves another. And I'm tired of people living life within the confines of "treat others how they treat you." =P
         
         fun2hub: yup, just like some comments.
         
         Fairwell, so long, good bye, and thanks for all the fish!

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         1. 82

            SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks again G|M - think I've encountered too many jerks to ever consider treating others that way lol  Of course, having worked door-door in 3 countries has probably added to the list of jerky attitudes I've run into. For years I've figured my whole job as a salesperson is to make folks laugh first - then we can talk

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         2. 82

            SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I have this philosophy that when we communicate with an idea to expand, both of us adamant about a particular opinion, there's the possibility of finding a smaller, third side of the coin. That third side is what can move mountains and change lives. If someone isn't willing to let others hear their side, it's pretty clear that they don't want to expand but would rather "convert" or control me - no chance to move anything that way - it's just going backwards. I do see your point though. Guess I like valid debates.
            
            ON piling on comments - we agree and I think, are both right

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6. 78

   JamaGeneeposted 14 years ago

   For new hubbers I choose to fan, I try to leave something more than "Welcome to Hubpages".  If their first hub(s) really wow(s) me, I'll say so and add "looking forward to more!". I try not to fan anyone without leaving fan mail too.

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   1. 82

      SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Ah yes - just checked and you have more content/recommendations than most I've seen previously. Thanks so much for your feedback JamaGenee - great example. Think I'll continue to leave mail rather than be tempted to just click "yep, a fan"

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      1. 78

         JamaGeneeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I'm flattered that you looked it up!

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7. 56

   Dame Scribeposted 14 years ago

   You are very welcome and btw, welcome to HubPages.

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   1. 82

      SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much - love being here

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8. 60

   Mimbiposted 14 years ago

   From the profiles I seen, yes people read Fan mail on people posts. It's best if you leave fan mail to leave something encouraging or something that will not take away from a Hubber.
   Aka:
   something that targets the respect or the integrity of a Hubber.
   something that is negative toward how they write or form hubs.
   something that is insulting like use of grammar etc.
   
   If you have any recommendations (for grammar or how they write etc) you can post it in the comments, or mail them. Many Hubbers might not let you e-mail them on Hubpages, but you can always see if they have an address on a personal website or blog.
   
   Hope this helps,
   
   Mimbi

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   1. 82

      SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It helps A LOT Mimbi - thank you! I tend to only write if I feel positively or am inspired. I agree, if negative - "do unto others" - I'd rather someone write an email pointing out any glaring errors or if I offended them.
      
      I've discovered getting emails with differing opinions can suck though. As with one I wrote, essentially responding to some personal contacts on a controversial issue and preferring to take it public for verification that I wasn't the only who felt that way. Naturally, I invited feedback. They won't go public and keep emailing me their negative paradigms with absurd justifications - all of which feel like abuse. Did have one fellow fan comment with agreement - so your point is well taken. That same question was later posted as a forum with tons of feedback so I see both the beauty of being able to utilize forums for answers, and having supportive, like-minded fans.
      
      Thanks for your input!

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      1. 94

         Dolores Monetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Sem - Maybe it's better than they email you the stuff you don't like instead of giving you a  hard time in public. Of course, it's always good to get comments, pile them on, at least that shows interest.
         
         
         
              

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9. 57

   fun2hubposted 14 years ago

   Some fanmails are really funny and irrelevant

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   1. 82

      SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi fun2hub - appreciate your input. What do you consider irrelevant? And what do you consider funny? I'll look for your answers - thanks

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      1. 57

         dingdongposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Could that be about Spams? I guess sometimes we can see spammy fanmails which are irrelevant and funny too!

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10. 63

    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    Yep Sufi, I am a devoted lesbian

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    1. 79

       Sufidreamerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       
       
       
       In answer to the OP, most of the fan-mail that I give and receive tends to be personal. I use HubPages as a portfolio and suspect that people are much more interested in your product than the fanmails.
       
       I like to see them as the nice ego-boost that we require from time to time.
       
       Of course, if any potential clients see my forum postings, then I will be in trouble

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       1. 82

          SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          You deserve the ego boost Sufi! glad I wrote as I did

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11. 62

    lawrettaposted 14 years ago

    I think fan mails are cool! Welcome to hubpages babe.

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    1. 82

       SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks! You too lawretta!

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12. 61

    Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

    This is going to seem really "stupid" or "oblivious" (or something), but there are a lot of "extras" on HubPages about which I'm not entirely sure (when it comes to what people are "supposed to be" doing.   As a result, a lot of things I've stayed away from until I see something (often here, on the forum) that makes me more aware of it.  (Again, it seems ridiculous because I've been on here for quite a while now.)
    
    Anyway, fan mail is one of them.  I become someone's fan by clicking "become fan", and I always figure nice comments (on individual Hubs) kind of says what there is to say (and helps traffic).  Because I don't know what "fan mail" is "supposed to" be, and because I've only accidentally and occasionally seen "respond to fan mail"; I'm pretty much fan-mail-challenged.  If I want to respond to fan mail I somehow can't ever find "respond to fan mail" when I want to.
    
    I've often thought how I should put something in my profile that says, "I'm not very very 'brave' about new 'social situations' unless/until I really know how things 'work'".  The only reason I mention this is because I imagine there are others like me; and I guess I hope to "promote understanding" that not sending fan mail doesn't always mean not admiring other Hubbers' work.   In the meantime, I'm going to do some more looking into the whole "fan mail" thing (it's about time, eh?).   I pretty much "fan" people when I've seen a two or three of their Hubs that I find to be well written, well thought out, and/or useful.

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    1. 82

       SEM Proposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks Lisa! I too haven't a grasp on all aspects - which is why I posted this forum. Feel like I'm on a sort of learning curve roller coaster even with this forum question. Have been responding to last post seen and then realize, it posted to another comment - yikes. Then I made a spelling mistake with Mimbi's name and went back to fix, only to have the same message post another time - hmmm. My laptop is messed up and I can't post a hub so I figured it was a great time to catch up on all the hubs I want to read and learn - clearly a good call lol
       
       As always - I appreciate your feedback - here and on reciprocal comments with new hubs! So, whatever you're doing, it's working. The responses on here concerning fan mail may educate us both
       
       
       
       See what I mean your message is in the middle - need to come back when not rushed and straighten it all out... (yeah, may have straightened it out - so what if my hair isn't done before my daughter grabs me for another event!)

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13. 71

    cindyvineposted 14 years ago

    I agree with Lisa, not too sure what the purpose of fan mail is

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