Why the long delay to post

[CatBrown]

It has been several days, longer than ever before, since I submitted two works to Lit, yet they are still pending.
I know my readers are probably furious thinking I've deserted them. Why is it taking so long, even though I have an editor now, and a history of well received works? Get them posted already!


Sorry for the rant, but I couldn't figure out a way to contact the moderators so I just posted a thread. I actually find the site generally difficult to navigate and wondered if there are changes in the works (Like navigation tabs on every page, please .)

 

[sr71plt]

A. How long has it been? You didn't say. During contest time, there are so many to process through and the contest entries get priority, so the others take longer to post.

B. You are ranting to the wrong people. We don't work here and the people who work here don't have time to read the forum--they are busting a hump to get their free-service job done of getting your stories through.

C. What did you pay for this service?

 

[PennLady]

I dare say your readers won't get mad; they may have forgotten your last story already. I'm not trying to be mean here, I'm just saying if your readers have to wait an extra day or two for a story, they'll survive.

If you feel you should contact Laurel, find her name on one of the stickies and send her a private message. She doesn't read the forums, so if you don't tell her there's a problem, she won't know.

As SR71 said, the winter contest is going on, it gets a lot of submissions, and so a "normal" submission may get delayed by a day or so.

And having a "history" here on Lit, good or bad, doesn't get you special treatment. As for having an editor -- pffft. Have you seen some of what gets posted on this site? I doubt anyone on the posting side is going to notice that you got an editor.

If you don't like how the site works, send a PM to Manu with suggestions. Otherwise, ask around and figure it out.

 

[CatBrown]

no need to be nasty

I really was asking for guidance. I have a tremendously hard time navigating this site, or finding how to contact folks. It is not nearly as user-friendly as it could be.

I was under the impression (from about 17 places in the submission FAQ's) that having an editor was meant to speed up the process of posting, that's why you are supposed to list your editor in the little box. I never found anything that explained what actually happens between the time I submit and it is actually posted. I can tell the stories have been viewed (14 and 20 times) but with no change in the status.

And as for your nasty comment about the readers forgetting, not getting mad, perhaps that is a problem you have, but the messages I'm sent indicate readers are eager for the next installment, and why isn't it up yet. If I had a way to tell them it is delayed at the site's end, not mine, I would.

You really could try being helpful instead of hateful! I did apologize as well as explain my reason for posting.

 

[sr71plt]

I can tell the stories have been viewed (14 and 20 times) but with no change in the status.

That's a common misconception. For months there has been a computer glitch in the submissions process. Those aren't real views. It's a computer glitch. A human editor doesn't see the story until right before it posts (and in most cases, doesn't read it then--she is trying her best to push 60 plus stories through a day so the writers being given a free service don't bitch.)

I've never heard that noting your story was edited has any effect on posting times.

You really could try being helpful instead of hateful! I did apologize as well as explain my reason for posting.

Need to take a sip of your own medicine. You got the responding attitude you got because of the attitude you took in the OP.

Feel free to start all over without that chip on your shoulder you didn't pay for. You'd be surprised how more friendly the replies would be. Although they were still helpful--your questions got answered.

 

[PennLady]

I am sorry if I came off wrong in the previous post.

Let me try again.

If you have a question for Laurel regarding postings, or for Manu regarding website problems/suggestions, you should find their names in the forums and send a private message. Their names are usually attached to the "sticky" posts at the beginning of many of the forum areas. You can click on their name and go to a profile, and there is a "send private message" on that page, I forget just where.

Laurel usually responds pretty quickly. I've never had to contact Manu so I can't say what his response time might be.

As for readers -- I have plenty of them, and it's flattering that they enjoy my stories and tell me they are anxious for future stories or installments. All the same, they will not be "furious" if I can't post for a while, or if a story is delayed. This is a free site, and you get what you pay for, whether you're reading or writing. I'm glad you have readers following your story; it's rewarding when that happens, and it's nice that you don't want to leave them hanging. Still, it's not something you or they have a lot of control over, and a short delay won't be a big deal.

And you can tell your readers what's going on -- you can leave an update at the top of the bio in your profile (go to your member page, then click Main, then click Profile, then go to the Biography box). You can start a thread in the Story Feedback or Author's Hangout forums. If you know their usernames, perhaps from their comments on previous chapters, you can go to their profiles and send a private message (don't send too many too quickly, as that will get you on the spam list). If you have their emails from any correspondences, you can email them.

I never got the impression (though I haven't read all the FAQs) that editing will improve your posting time. I believe it's on there that it will take as long as 72 hours/3 days for a story to post, and that has been my experience. The only time anything's been delayed for me is with contests, and even then not by more than another day, I don't think.

I can't say how intuitive or not Lit is; I figured out most of it by myself. But there are FAQs, and you can always start at thread and ask. It doesn't work like other sites, so sometimes what seems difficult is simply a different mechanism on a different site.

I hope that's more helpful. Off to get the boy at the bus stop.

 

[sr71plt]

I've had stories delayed in posting up to three extra days (above the regular three) during contests.

 

[Ellafun]

Hi, Cat, and welcome to Lit. Congratulations on having a following for your stories already! I understand that you have a "history" of having your stories accepted quickly, but you are definitely new to Lit. (November 7, 2011 is the date noted on your first submission.)

As a new user on the Bulletin Boards, I would recommend you read through the attached thread:

http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=457743

You will find lots of answers for new posters on that thread, in the Playground. The site isn't really that difficult to navigate; just read all the FAQs and lurk around a bit. Introduce yourself on the playground, make some friends, and have some fun. For now, I would recommend you avoid the General Board, unless you are feeling very confident and have very thick skin!! You will find that most of the posters here at Literotica are extremely nice and anxious to help you in any way they can. (Especially if you post boobie pics...a big favorite request around here!! lol!)

Good luck with your writing, and enjoy your time here!

el.

 

[scouries]

Dear Cat ,

Although our favorite pilot felt it more fun to attack rather than help the truth is that you simply highlighted problems that all of us have faced for years.

The story submission process is a mystery that new authors have asked about (in threads like yours) for years. Never has there been a proper reply from the palace.

As for the FAQ its outdated and in spite of offers from various parties over the years to help bring it up to date the palace has never acted.

Site navigation, as you pointed out, is hopeless. In fact the person who attacked you in post two has himself often railed against the difficulty of finding various things.

You wonder if changes are in the works. Who knows? Again it’s something many have asked about in the past without receiving replies. Our leaders like to surprise us.

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1wegzDox21qz7q2t.jpg
our newest authoress?

Contests can delay non-contest stories. However in this case I suspect it’s something more. Today had one of the smallest lists of new stories (including contest ones) in months. Someone may be sick or perhaps some glitch has slowed down the process.

As for replies from the palace don’t hold your breath. The owners are notorious for not answering.

But don’t let any of the above worry you too much. Eventually your stories will appear and joy will reign in the Brown household.

Welcome and good luck.


that is unless you write non-human stories...​

 

[sr71plt]

The story submission process is a mystery that new authors have asked about (in threads like yours) for years. Never has there been a proper reply from the [site owners].

Agree to the first part; not fully to the second part. There occasionally have been explanations.

As for the FAQ its outdated and in spite of offers from various parties over the years to help bring it up to date the [site owners have] never acted.

Agree until the last. Neither Scouries nor I am in the position to say "never acted." But, yes the FAQs aren't completely helpful (of course almost no one ever tries using them before waxing indignant on the forums about something).

Site navigation, as you pointed out, is hopeless. In fact the person who [responded to your whine] in post two has himself often railed against the difficulty of finding various things.

Agree. Of course I'm not that adept at navigating myself around any other site either. I've certainly complained on certain things (like posting e-mail adresses for site owners that are dead-letter offices) when they come up. I don't initiate complaints, though. (I know they won't get any response from anyone with power to do anything.)

You wonder if changes are in the works. Who knows? Again it’s something many have asked about in the past without receiving replies. Our leaders like to surprise us.

Agree. In fact, they love to give us new capabilities and stats (most of which are good enhancements) while ignoring what we constantly ask for.

Contests can delay non-contest stories. However in this case I suspect it’s something more. Today had one of the smallest lists of new stories (including contest ones) in months. Someone may be sick or perhaps some glitch has slowed down the process.

Agree. The lone editor should have the privilege of going on vacation or getting sick without being bitched at by someone not paying for anything, though.

As for replies from the [site owners] don’t hold your breath. The owners are notorious for not answering.

Agree. I've had a few answers over the years, but not many. I also was directly asked something once and gave an opinion and told that was a helpful response--and then saw nothing done about it.

But don’t let any of the above worry you too much. Eventually your stories will appear and joy will reign in the Brown household.

Agree. Except there's the suspicion that someone in the house of Brown will think it's a right rather than a privilege.

None of the above excuses making demands on a free-use site.

Interesting to see Scouries posting outside of his set cesspools, though.

 

[scouries]

http://lionsraw.org/images/articleimages/450a.JPG
Agree to the first part; not fully to the second part. There occasionally have been explanations.
Agree until the last. Neither Scouries nor I am in the position to say "never acted." But, yes the FAQs aren't completely helpful
Agree Of course I'm not that adept at navigating myself around
Agree while ignoring what we constantly ask for.
Agree The lone editor should have the privilege of going on vacation or getting sick without being bitched at by someone not paying for anything, though.
Agree I've had a few answers over the years, but not many.
Agree Except there's the suspicion that someone in the house of Brown will think it's a right rather than a privilege.

None of the above excuses making demands on a free-use site.

Interesting to see Scouries posting outside of his set cesspools, though.

Seven AGREES? Okay, first off I just want to say that no one at SW has taken over the body of ace!

Actually although we have no love for each other (to say the least) we both have, in the past, been prepared to highlight various site problems and suggest solutions. Which puts him far ahead of the run of the mill AHer.

This doesn’t mean we see the same problems or suggest the same solutions (although the above does highlight that we do have some common ground).

My biggest disagreement with him these days (on these issues) is twofold; One he now seems to jump on the first post of every newbie in this forum (and the AH one) if they complain about how something on the site works. He believes that rookies should be seen but not heard (or something).

I on the other hand believe that these newbies are able to give us a fresh, unbiased look. I’m sure Miz Brown isn’t trying to win points with us, people she doesn’t know. Instead she’s just giving us her opinion.What possibly can be wrong with that?

The second major difference between us is that he believes that we the users shouldn’t complain simply because it’s a free site. “Shut up, its free.” is his mantra. My belief is that it’s incumbent on we the users to let the owners know our honest opinions. How else will the site ever survive let alone improve?

So Miz Brown you lets us know your opinion of whatever you like.

Now, as to navigation: Try and find the FAVORITE AUTHORS page! And this after MANU had introduced all sorts of changes to enhance “favoriting”. It’s near fucking impossible to find it!

And finally: Why, after such an intelligent post did you ruin it with the “cesspool” line? C’mon man, you were doing so well before that!

And which threads is he referring to as cesspools anyway? LITEROTICA’S most important thread? The MOST VOTES or MOST COMMENTS threads? Surely not the ASSOCIATION of INDEPENDANT READERS thread?
​

 

[CatBrown]

Maybe I do have an entitled mindset

I guess I have an entitled mindset because I belong to a number of free websites (For a variety of purposes, not just publishing) that are superbly run. I would never imagine a site like this having just one person (or even just a few people) trying to keep up with all of the submissions. That's insane! (For an example of a free site that is exemplary, try HotCouponWorld.com or MyFitnessPal.com)

I can give many excuses for not reading all of the many threads and FAQ's, but it really boils down to not finding most of what I have read very helpful. I read all of the Submission guidelines and FAQ's and still didn't understand the process (apparently.) I have created a couple of websites (simple ones) so I know it's never going to make everyone happy, but really, navigation tabs on each page would go a long way, as would a contacts page for when you have a question, even if it is just old-timers who volunteer to answer questions in just one area helping out.

And as for how long it has been, it is four days this evening that the stories have been pending. My other times have been between two and three days.

 

[sr71plt]

Oh well, that chip is still there. Sounds like you need to put up your own wonderful website.

 

[Cadere]

And as for how long it has been, it is four days this evening that the stories have been pending. My other times have been between two and three days.

Four days is not that long, Miss Brown. That is how long it has taken for my only story to be reviewed and submitted. I believe a little patience is in order. There are many, many members here at Literotica, and quite a bit of them are submitting their own stories. Those who review submissions try their best to make sure the stories follow proper guidelines and are submitted within a reasonable time period, which the FAQ and Submission stickies state to be 3-7 days. If it takes longer than a week, you are encouraged to contact Miss Laurel.

There are hundreds of others who feel the same way you do, miss. All we can do is wait, as it is out of our hands once we submit it for publishing. Not only are the seasoned telling you how things move about here, but now a novice like myself is passing on his experience with you.

 

[PacoFear]

And as for your nasty comment about the readers forgetting, not getting mad, perhaps that is a problem you have, but the messages I'm sent indicate readers are eager for the next installment, and why isn't it up yet.

Cat-sters,

I'll say it because PennLady has too much class to say it: she's one of the top authors here, genius. You'll be hoping to get to her level someday.

 

[PennLady]

I guess I have an entitled mindset because I belong to a number of free websites (For a variety of purposes, not just publishing) that are superbly run. I would never imagine a site like this having just one person (or even just a few people) trying to keep up with all of the submissions. That's insane! (For an example of a free site that is exemplary, try HotCouponWorld.com or MyFitnessPal.com)

Enough people use this site that even if it's not "superbly run," they must figure it works okay. And entitled mindset or not, it is a free website, and all you can do if you don't like it is make your dissatisfaction known to those who run it. The best way is to use the PMs; the email address contact doesn't seem to work.

I can give many excuses for not reading all of the many threads and FAQ's, but it really boils down to not finding most of what I have read very helpful. I read all of the Submission guidelines and FAQ's and still didn't understand the process (apparently.)

I agree. I often find the FAQs not helpful, and as sr71 pointed out, much of the FAQs are outdated.

I have created a couple of websites (simple ones) so I know it's never going to make everyone happy, but really, navigation tabs on each page would go a long way, as would a contacts page for when you have a question, even if it is just old-timers who volunteer to answer questions in just one area helping ouI have created a couple of websites (simple ones) so I know it's never going to make everyone happy, but really, navigation tabs on each page would go a long way, as would a contacts page for when you have a question, even if it is just old-timers who volunteer to answer questions in just one area helping out.

Again, good ideas, but we are not the people you need to tell.

And as for how long it has been, it is four days this evening that the stories have been pending. My other times have been between two and three days.

And as we've said, the Winter Contest is going on. This probably gets the most entries of any contest, and contest entries get priority over "regular" stories when a contest is running. Hence it is quite possible your story will take another day or two for approval.

Also, one question -- when you check your story status, do you click on the "pending" link? And if you do, do you then click on the "Submit" (or resubmit, perhaps) link? Because if you do that, your story is sent to the back of the queue, as I understand it, which will cause further delay.

 

[estragon]

Cat-sters,

I'll say it because PennLady has too much class to say it: she's one of the top authors here, genius. You'll be hoping to get to her level someday.

A thundering "Amen" to that, Paco! SA (that stands for "Son Altesse", or Her Highness, and it's a earned title, richly-earned) Penn Lady is as good as there is. She was voted "Best Editor" last year, always willing to help newbies--she even volunteered to act as technical advisor on an early story of mine that hadn't one-fiftieth the merit of her work.

As for non-answers from Laurel, the two times I had to speak to her I got a response. One was to a ferocious rant on this BB (and I was out of line; my only explanation, certainly not an excuse, was my own ignorance), and once was to a PM.

I would add that sr71plt and I have broken more than one lance in the past, and I doubt I'll be getting one of his hand-painted Christmas cards this year (or any year), but he has often been right, if abrasive, acerbic, acidulous and downright nasty. Don't expect gentility...but you will get a direct answer.

 

[CatBrown]

I surrender

It appears that no matter what I say at this point, I'm going to be misunderstood, so I will leave the fray with this: I asked a question out of simple frustration, the only way I knew how to, and was responded to in less than polite tones. If that is how new people are treated, do not be surprised if they don't stick around.

 

[PennLady]

It appears that no matter what I say at this point, I'm going to be misunderstood, so I will leave the fray with this: I asked a question out of simple frustration, the only way I knew how to, and was responded to in less than polite tones. If that is how new people are treated, do not be surprised if they don't stick around.

I don't believe you were misunderstood. I apologized for my brusque tone in my first response and provided another, in more detail, and then a further one addressing directly some points you made. In addition, I actually agreed with some of your points.

What it comes down to is that you were frustrated and disappointed, and that's fine. Answers were provided. Also, it may be helpful to remember that all authors, no matter how long they've been posting here, are subject to the same waiting period and to any delays.

 

[Laurel]

! The answer to your question can most likely be found in this FAQ:
http://www.literotica.com/faq/05235347.shtml#05310433

If, after reading the FAQ, your question has not been answered, feel free to write back with more specifics.

At this moment, stories are taking around 48-72 hours to be posted. If your story has been pending for longer than that, it's possible that you may have opened the pending submission and hit SUBMIT more than once. Stories and poems are approved by date, oldest to newest. Whenever the author makes changes to a story or poem - or even if the author clicks on the submission and hits SUBMIT again - that submission is moved to the end of the queue. To speed up the posting of your work, only make changes when necessary.

Hope this helps. Thanks again, and take care!

*

 

[CatBrown]

! The answer to your question can most likely be found in this FAQ:
http://www.literotica.com/faq/05235347.shtml#05310433

If, after reading the FAQ, your question has not been answered, feel free to write back with more specifics.

At this moment, stories are taking around 48-72 hours to be posted. If your story has been pending for longer than that, it's possible that you may have opened the pending submission and hit SUBMIT more than once. Stories and poems are approved by date, oldest to newest. Whenever the author makes changes to a story or poem - or even if the author clicks on the submission and hits SUBMIT again - that submission is moved to the end of the queue. To speed up the posting of your work, only make changes when necessary.

Hope this helps. Thanks again, and take care!

*

Thank you Laurel, and whoever made this point earlier. It was something I didn't know, and may well have been the cause of the delay. Both items got posted in the last 15 hours or so.
And thank you PennLady, you did come back with more info and less attitude, but when I answered your question as to how long it had been, someone else slammed me. My surrender was in general, not to you specifically. I think I will stick to lurking in most of the forums rather than posting. I have found a general theme that some regulars on the forums are just mean at heart. I appreciate all of you who actually tried to help. Thank you!

 

[estragon]

Cat, at the risk of piling on after the whistle, but in defense of this BB and SF, there are mean-spirited people everywhere. If one were to avoid them, one would have to leave this planet. Most of us really try to help.

 

[robcub32]

I think Cat raises valid questions.

The "it's free, so take what you get" attitude is really insulting. I can't even believe that it was uttered. This site depends on the content that WE provide for free. It is not the other way around! And with the sex ads all over the place, it's not like they're running a charity. They make money off our work.

I feel that processing time takes FAR longer than it should. I almost always forgo any kind of formatting, pasting my text directly into the box in the hopes that it will be processed as quickly as possible. And then there seems to be some kind of further delay once the story posts before the mobile version is available. (And why can't you view or make comments in the mobile version?)

The site is not easy to navigate. Prime example: Open the main literotica.com page. The links to actually get to any sort of fiction is buried two-thirds of the way down the main page. If the focus of the site is to provide fiction, shouldn't that be at the top? At least it's better once you get into a story or a genre.

That's my two cents anyway.
Rob aka robcub32

 

[Darkniciad]

The main page, like many parts of the website, is an artifact of times gone by. It used to be that every adult website had a splash page like that.

As new pages and features are added, improved navigation is undergoing fine tuning, which Manu has already said will spread through the rest of the pages. See the category hubs as an example.

As to the speed of approval, I weigh that against how many eyes I have on my story once it does get approved, and it's worth the wait. It was even worth the wait back when I first started posting and the average for approval was a week.

Try and get this many eyes on your story anywhere else. You can get as many votes here as you get downloads on a lot of the other sites. Is three days really a big price to pay for that?

 

[estragon]

Dark, I've heard complaints that other sites get more views and votes for specialized stories. That said, and despite the fact that I respect some of the complainers, I agree with you.