Etiquette question

[salixbabylon]

So I'm trying to pull together lists of links and recs for my web pages.

Do I need to let the authors of stories/owners of archives know that I'm linking to them? Obviously I should link to the warning page and use their banners if they have them (for the links page), but is it considered rude or improper to not inform people that you're linking to their site from yours?

I guess I'm hoping not, because I'm looking an an assload(tm) of emails to send out and get approvals for, if so.

Anyone know? How would you feel if I linked to your site without telling you?
(Personally, I think I'd like to know, but just for the reassurance that someone was reading. I doubt that, say, Seeker or the PSA really need that fangirlyness.)

Comments

[isiscolo.livejournal.com]

I generally don't tell people I'm putting a link on my recs page, but I make a point of emailing them anyway to tell them I liked their story. I mean, it's sort of weird to only get 'feedback' by discovering that someone rec'ed you.

However, some people do specifically request that they want to be informed of links to their stories/pages, and you should honor that.

I can see where it might have been nice for me to have asked people to tell me if they link to any of my stories on my own website, because I have a new URL now, and it would be nice to have a neat notify-me list so I can ensure that all the links go to the right place.

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

I can see where it might have been nice for me to have asked people to tell me if they link to any of my stories on my own website, because I have a new URL now, and it would be nice to have a neat notify-me list so I can ensure that all the links go to the right place.

That's an interesting point that I'd not thought of.

I will definitely contact the authors to compliment and inform them, and see if they have any objections to the links I propose. I suppose I owe them fanmail, anyway. ;)

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's the norm to inform writers that you're reccing them. I've only ever gotten, like, two e-mails from people asking permission to link to my stories. I don't mind a bit -- a rec is terrific with or without permission. (Though of course a rec and an LoC is even better, and I'd imagine even Seeker would agree. There's no writer whose life couldn't be improved by more praise.)

Some writers have notes on their web pages that say "Don't link without permission" or "Don't link to individual stories, only to this main page," or whatever. As long as you abide by those, I think you can be confident you're not breaking any fandom rules.

[salixbabylon.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your thoughts.

I agree that a rec is a compliment, but also that more praise is always nice for writers.

Whoo! I'm going to be sending out SO MANY emails! Time to put on the squeeing!fangirl hat!