Well, now I'm just full-blown gonzo confused. I post on A3, and read a fair amount there as well, and I was not aware that giving a story kudos was damaging to the writer's self-esteem. I generally only comment if the story's really really good, moves me in some way, or is written by someone I know personally. I don't leave comments on some stories because, while I like them, sometimes I can't think of anything to say that someone else hasn't already said.

And for me, kudos are just as good as comments. At least it means people are reading my stories and like them enough to give me some form of feedback. It's probably just as well she quit the site. I'm amazed such a delicate snowflake managed to last as long as she did in such a stifling atmosphere.

Also, the restaurant comparison is total fail. I've worked in restaurants, and I have yet to see one where one person did all the work. You've got your owner, you've got your manager, you've got your waitresses and waiters, you've got your cooks. The closest you can get to one person running a restaurant is your mom making your breakfast. And that's assuming she pours the milk on your cereal for you.