"Similar Stories"

[HandsInTheDark]

Does anyone know how these are chosen? Does Laurel hand-pick a list from her memory of other stories, or is there some algorithm that works on word choices and picks automatically?

I'm asking because it's common for the list to contain my other stories (even if the themes are completely unrelated) and when it contains other authors' stuff it's often not at all obvious why. Very occasionally, though, the suggestions are just about perfect.

 

[TxRad]

My bet would be on an algorithm. The "Similar stories" vary from time to time. Also i don't think Laurel has that kind of time. Sometimes the stories fit and sometimes they don't. It might have something to do with story tags but that is just a guess.

 

[oggbashan]

Like TxRad I think it is an algorithm probably based on story titles or story tags.

The ones listed by mine are rarely 'similar' but then I write unusual stories.

 

[sr71plt]

I would think it is based on tags and genre. The choices often make me laugh (and cringe), though.

 

[karaline]

I've got a different theory. An algorithm yes, I always thought it was generated by favouriting. I think similar stories are generated by who's faved what, so members repeatedly favouriting the same stories groups them together.

I feel like I didn't explain that very well.

 

[NotWise]

I've got a different theory. An algorithm yes, I always thought it was generated by favouriting. I think similar stories are generated by who's faved what, so members repeatedly favouriting the same stories groups them together.

I feel like I didn't explain that very well.

Your "Similar stories" are stories that were favorited by people who also favorited yours?

I suppose someone could ask Manu.

 

[AMoveableBeast]

In contrast, I am often flattered by what stories are described as similar to mine.

 

[karaline]

Your "Similar stories" are stories that were favorited by people who also favorited yours?

Yes, that is what I meant.

I suppose someone could ask Manu.

This would be sensible

 

[HandsInTheDark]

For now I'm going to go with the "mutual favorites" theory. It's sensible. And I have a story in non-erotic that no one but my fans is very likely to find and has nothing much in common with my erotica, but they all love it - and all the ones "Similar" to it are mine.

But I'll ask Manu to comment on this thread.

Update: asked Laurel. Manu's mailbox is full.