It's good to see this being debated in a (mainly) reasonable manner.
Surely when it comes to whether the reader prefers Lit part (the story telling) to the erotica, you only have to look at the scores. Those posting where there is a good story, even where there is no sex, consistently outscore the stroke stories. Does this not indicate that the reader prefers them.
I do know that some men read LW stories, especially BTB, as a form of therapy. I have had feedback that tells me so. However, I don't think that is the answer to what make the cheating spouse story so attractive. Betrayal, in any form, generates huge emotion and it is the emotional side of the story that appeals to me, and many others.
The cheating spouse scenario is ideal for the "Triumph over adversity" story. Judging by the scores alone that appears to be what the customer likes. Triumph comes in many forms. It can be the total annihilation of the enemy, or it can be repairing that which was broken.
I have had feedback requesting the drama of a confrontation so perhaps the OP is right to a degree. However, I still think it is the emotional side which is the most powerful.
Surely when it comes to whether the reader prefers Lit part (the story telling) to the erotica, you only have to look at the scores. Those posting where there is a good story, even where there is no sex, consistently outscore the stroke stories. Does this not indicate that the reader prefers them.
I do know that some men read LW stories, especially BTB, as a form of therapy. I have had feedback that tells me so. However, I don't think that is the answer to what make the cheating spouse story so attractive. Betrayal, in any form, generates huge emotion and it is the emotional side of the story that appeals to me, and many others.
The cheating spouse scenario is ideal for the "Triumph over adversity" story. Judging by the scores alone that appears to be what the customer likes. Triumph comes in many forms. It can be the total annihilation of the enemy, or it can be repairing that which was broken.
I have had feedback requesting the drama of a confrontation so perhaps the OP is right to a degree. However, I still think it is the emotional side which is the most powerful.