I just thought of something else... Which is that when I do things, like perform, or write, or whatever, and I'm seeking praise or feedback for it, it is because I want to know if I am doing a good job of pleasing my audience, as you put it, which is why we do things, right? It is satisfying to know that you are doing a good job, but without feedback, how do you know?

Yes, people give feedback of their own accord from time to time, but not always. And it depends on the venue. I find that after dance performances, for example, it is easier to get feedback from other dancers. Partly it is a matter of community, and partly a matter of energy, I think. People are less likely to leave comments on written work unless directly solicited, and even then... This is based on my experience with various story-telling groups, more than with LJ, which is a more communicative medium.