If someone were to ask you a question or make a comment on one of your challenge entries, are you allowed to respond to them via private message during the challenge or do you have to wait until it's over?
I usually answer specific questions people have left, but try to refrain from browbeating them into a higher score ....
What would be more effective is responding after the challenge ... nothing like getting a "thank-you note" to encourage giving more "presents." But, just like in real life, I keep forgetting to do that ....
While voting is underway I rather my image do all the "talking". I can always wait until the challenge is closed, and maybe reply using a comment on my own image, so I can address multiple questions at the same time.
I received some questions in the comments on my At Rest entry.
At the time I did not feel it was appopriate to PM the enquirers but I have placed a thread "here" (was not a ribbon {one day maybe} but 30th place) with the information answered.