Feedback

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In February 1998, Sci-Fi Entertainment ran an article by Melissa Perenson on fan fiction. It said of feedback:

For writes of fanfic, it's strictly a labor or love, where e-mail feedback and a sense of accomplishment are the only rewards.
"It's an escape outlet for the dead zones between the seasons; or even between episodes - it fills in the gaps and flashes out Mulder and Scully into fuller 3-D characters for us all to enjoy more," explains Sheryl Martin, a 33-year-old Canadian security guard who writes X-Files fan fiction. Martin's even created her own character that's in turn been used by other fanfic writers. For Martin, getting feedback is key. "I love it and am honored to get it," she says.
"No matter how much you write, you still want to know that you've [struck a chord] with someone. It's a total rush."

[edit] Historical definitions

The following definition dates to January 2001 and the site Bad Fanfic! No Biscuit!:

Feedback is when you contact the author of a fanfic to tell him/her what you thought of it. A common lament you will hear from fanfic authors is that they don't get enough feedback. Every fanfic author loves to get feedback. They love it if it's "I liked your story," and they particularly love it if it's "I liked your story" followed by ten paragraphs on why you liked it.
If you ever find yourself thinking, "This story was great," please take a moment to email the author and say so. Don't worry that a simple "I liked it" will sound silly. The author will be happy to hear it anyway. And don't ever say to yourself, "Aw, I'm sure that author gets lots of feedback, she doesn't need mine." Not true! Even if she gets fifty emails of praise per day, she will still be happy to see yours. She can never get enough feedback. Trust us. We know.
(However, if you really hate the story, don't flame the author into oblivion. You can offer constructive criticism, but it's usually a good idea to first find out whether the author is interested in hearing it. An author might not appreciate receiving unsolicited "how to improve your story" advice from a complete stranger.) Buffy.[1]

The following definition is by cmshaw out of the X-Files, Sentinel, Highlander fandom. It dates from May 2005:

feedback, n. The customary thank-you note sent to authors whose fanfic one reads; often includes editorial critique. Acts on most authors as a highly addictive recreational drug. [2]

The following definition dates to April 15, 2006 in the Angel fandom:

Feedback - Many authors ask for feedback on their stories, and even if they don't ask for it most authors do appreciate it. So what is feedback? It's just a way of saying 'Hey, liked you're story.' Pure and simple. If you love the imagery, characterization, plot, wit, humor, sex, etc. Tell the writer. Fanfic writers make no money from the hours they while away trying to think up a lube and position no other writer has used yet, so they thrive on the knowledge that some one out there in cyber space is giving their spouse a happy after reading their fic. So be sure to send a quick email as thanks. (See Flames for what not to do in your feedback)[3]

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