Do Votes Matter
- Thread starter BigAndTall
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Weird Harold
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BigAndTall said:
Even someone like CV occasionally makes a rational comment.
Vote matter to me differently depending on the timing.
When a story is first posted -- while it's still on the New Stories list -- votes are an indication of how well I told the story and that doesn't necessarily mean I'm looking for a high score. I don't post stories as Weird Harold specificially to avoid the "friendly vote" from people looking to "reward" me for my reputation on the forums and I'm looking for numbers of votes rather than values in the "New" Period -- I'm more interested in whether I engaged someone enought to vote rather than whether they voted a high score.
The first ten votes are the best indication to me of what score the story "deserves" -- they aren't tainted by the voters comparing their rating to the previous ratings.
Once a story is off the new story list, it is the average value of the score that mostly determines how many new readers it gets, so a score that keeps it on the first page of the Top Stories is desireable. If I think it deserves a better score, I'll engage in some shameless promotion for my alter ego and let the reputation "Weird Harold" has earned on the forums help out -- and it DOES help out: The only story I've done that for gained almost half a point in score in about ten days.
Once a story reaches a hundred votes or so, the score will stabilize at a point where even a one or five won't change it significantly and at that point I consider it a valid representation of how "strangers" feel about it -- having an H at that point is like making the "bestseller" list where it will keep being read and I've become "immortal."
The only vote that bothers me in the least is that first one vote when a story hits the top lists with ten votes (presumably) from an author or fan of a story that it bumped down the top stories list. I consider it to be an unethical vote that doesn't have anything to do with the story or how well I told it or a back-handed compliment from a jealous rival -- depending on my mood when it happens -- but I expect it to happen and it happens to everyone so it doesn't hurt the relative placement of the story as badly as it seems.
Any story you see with a score of 4.63 and eleven votes is in "jealousy place" because it hit the top list with a perfect score and the next vote will usually push it to 4.33. It's where it goes from there that reflects as stories "worth."
Finally, I prefer the opinions of "strangers" (not A stranger) to determine how well I told the story. Because I don't write for other writers, I write for those "strangers" (after myself of course) and my goal is to engage their emotions enough to get a response. I don't particularly care if it's a good response because at least one of my stories is intended to evoke a darker feeling than simple arousal and "anger" fans of the category -- It's score reflects my success at that goal.
EnglishMuffin
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vote santos for president!
dr_mabeuse
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People are funny. If I get a fortune cookie and open it and it says, "You're a jerk," I'll feel bad about it all day and wonder how they knew.
They used to have those machines at carnivals where you squeeze a lever and it tells you hot good a lover you are. It was all BS, but I still wouldn't do it because I knew if I got a bad rating it would make me feel bad.
People are funny. Other people's opinions matter, even when we know that they're just bullshit.
They used to have those machines at carnivals where you squeeze a lever and it tells you hot good a lover you are. It was all BS, but I still wouldn't do it because I knew if I got a bad rating it would make me feel bad.
People are funny. Other people's opinions matter, even when we know that they're just bullshit.
English Lady
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Dr M, has got it on the nose as per usual!
Yes it matters, even when we think it shouldn't. Actually I'm feeling it right at the moment, all my latest stories have some of the lowest scores I've ever got and I wonder why. I've gotten some damn good feedbakcon them..but the discrepancy frustrates me.
Votes do matter, as it's our way of getting the gist of what readers as a whole think, but feedback is far more important as people take the time to actually write and temm you something about your stories. That matters the most, but it doesn't mean votes don't matter!
Yes it matters, even when we think it shouldn't. Actually I'm feeling it right at the moment, all my latest stories have some of the lowest scores I've ever got and I wonder why. I've gotten some damn good feedbakcon them..but the discrepancy frustrates me.
Votes do matter, as it's our way of getting the gist of what readers as a whole think, but feedback is far more important as people take the time to actually write and temm you something about your stories. That matters the most, but it doesn't mean votes don't matter!sincerely_helene
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ChilledVodka said:
I have to admit, this is what I came here to post. It's not so much a blow to the ego sometimes as knowing that many have the ability to rig votes in their favor with the current system in order to win cash that may rightfully belong to another. I don't mean to seem shallow, but something as seemingly small as 50 dollars may mean a lot to someone in a particular financial situation.
To add, there is more of a potential to get recognized once your name is listed in the winner's circle, which does enhance chances of future publishing opportunities.
Also, as a beginning writer, it's important for me to know whether or not low votes are the sincere result of a crappy story, or just someone who has it in for me.
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G
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The votes don't matter to me (unless it's a contest, which is different). Seriously. A one vote speaks volumes to me, and in turn a five vote can be quite shallow and meaningless (don't get me wrong, ego strokes from friends are good, as well as the sincere 5 votes from complete strangers - which in fact, DO mean more. Sorry, but that's the truth).
I know I've harped on about it a bit over the last few days (but indulge me, I'm enjoying myself), but when I submitted my last story (The Party in Loving Wives) I KNEW it would get bombed out of oblivion. It has. It's had either masses of 5s, or tons of 1s, with the odd smattering of a 2, 3 or 4.
Have I sent a whinging PM to Laurel, asking her to remove the "Troll votes"? Of course not! I accept that it goes with the territory, and I even get a perverse pleasure out of knowing that I have shocked, pissed off, wound up, made hot, and incited such a response from so many people. Check out some of the public comments, and you'll see what I mean. I only wish I had more, cos as I said, I'm enjoying myself.
I write what I want to write. If others enjoy it, cool. If others wank to it, even better. If others wank to it, then feel the need to "punish" me for their guilty pleasure, better still.
When somebody one votes a story, and then gives a venemous public comment, aimed directly at the character in a STORY, that makes me feel damn good! It means they got into my writing, they believed in the character, and I made them react. It is ALL good stuff!
Even the jealous/vindictive one votes are good. Why would someone be jealous of, or vindictive towards me? I think you get me.
Some people take all this voting and comments stuff WAY too seriously, and are too easily offended. Laugh along with it, have fun writing and go with the flow, that's what I say.
I KNOW I write well. It's as simple as that.
Let the flames begin. 
I know I've harped on about it a bit over the last few days (but indulge me, I'm enjoying myself), but when I submitted my last story (The Party in Loving Wives) I KNEW it would get bombed out of oblivion. It has. It's had either masses of 5s, or tons of 1s, with the odd smattering of a 2, 3 or 4.
Have I sent a whinging PM to Laurel, asking her to remove the "Troll votes"? Of course not! I accept that it goes with the territory, and I even get a perverse pleasure out of knowing that I have shocked, pissed off, wound up, made hot, and incited such a response from so many people. Check out some of the public comments, and you'll see what I mean. I only wish I had more, cos as I said, I'm enjoying myself.
I write what I want to write. If others enjoy it, cool. If others wank to it, even better. If others wank to it, then feel the need to "punish" me for their guilty pleasure, better still.
When somebody one votes a story, and then gives a venemous public comment, aimed directly at the character in a STORY, that makes me feel damn good! It means they got into my writing, they believed in the character, and I made them react. It is ALL good stuff!
Even the jealous/vindictive one votes are good. Why would someone be jealous of, or vindictive towards me? I think you get me.
Some people take all this voting and comments stuff WAY too seriously, and are too easily offended. Laugh along with it, have fun writing and go with the flow, that's what I say.
I KNOW I write well. It's as simple as that.
Let the flames begin.
English Lady
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Tatelou said:
Good for you,my problem is I only suspect I write well
Green_Gem
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I want to concur with many of my fellow authors who have made very sound comments about this topic.
Do votes count for me?
To some extent yes, they do in the sense that I am able to get an idea of what readers think of my work. The votes are obviously directly linked to the score but I am in the fortunate position that I always get a lot of feedback as well. I suspect sometimes that people send feedback without necessarily voting, and that's absolutely fine because they are taking the time out to drop a line and let me know what they thought of the story, what worked for them, what they enjoyed most, etc etc.
On the question of whether strangers votes/comments and feedback count more?
Well, I appreciate those very much because I think that they are totally unbiased and honest. And the more strangers who vote and send feedback, the bigger my readership base gets. It's always a great thrill when a readers sends some feedback and says they are going to read more of your work, and then follows up a short while afterwards and gives you feedback on another story. That's kind of reinforcement that they enjoy your work enough to actually seek out your other stuff. There are literally thousands of stories on this site and the choice for readers is vast. To have them going back to look for your work must mean you are doing something right.
I enjoy getting comments and feedback as well from other authors because I think that often their evaluation is founded on high standards and against both the technical and creative aspects, since they are writers themselves. To be completely honest, I will apportion value to their feedback based a lot on what I think of their work. While it's fantastic to be recognized by other writers, and I certainly appreciate it, there are a select few who I hold in very high esteem because of their superior writing talent, and their feedback, comments and even constructive criticism are of greater value to me.
I think that Colly and Lou made very important points as well. Eventually you do get to the stage where the measurement of your writing ability does not rest on votes. I think that as a writer develops he or she sets higher personal standards for themselves and I for one, am the best judge of whether I am meeting those higher standards. As time progresses and your confidence builds you may want to take greater chances with your writing and perhaps not write in the same old mould. You may want to push the envelope a bit, venture into other categories, change your style, try something completely new. It might not appeal to everyone and the votes may not be great but thats not an indication of the value or the worth or the standard of the writing you have produced. ( An example of this was dr_Mab's 'Tsunami' piece). It was controversial, and the emotional reaction it evoked would have affected the voting but in no way could anyone use that as a measurement of the talent of the author. Dr_ M is an outstanding author. I know that, and I'm sure ninety-five percent of people who post here know that as well, votes aside.
I believe that my writing has got better over the time I have posted here and that in no way is linked to numbers of votes or scores. I just know that my writing is far superior now to what it was when I first began submitting. I personally want more from my writing now and I'm learning as I explore this craft of writing to rely more and more on my own instincts and to go with what my gut tells me rather than with what I think might be popular or pleasing to others.
One of the posters said you have to be thick skinned and I'd add to that by saying you also have to be brave enough to be prepared to explore, to take chances to develop yourself. And with that will undoubtedly come good and bad votes, or no votes at but as long as you keep focused on your own personal writing goals you will achieve what you want to. Most importantly you have to actually believe in yourself and your creative ability.
Do votes count for me?
To some extent yes, they do in the sense that I am able to get an idea of what readers think of my work. The votes are obviously directly linked to the score but I am in the fortunate position that I always get a lot of feedback as well. I suspect sometimes that people send feedback without necessarily voting, and that's absolutely fine because they are taking the time out to drop a line and let me know what they thought of the story, what worked for them, what they enjoyed most, etc etc.
On the question of whether strangers votes/comments and feedback count more?
Well, I appreciate those very much because I think that they are totally unbiased and honest. And the more strangers who vote and send feedback, the bigger my readership base gets. It's always a great thrill when a readers sends some feedback and says they are going to read more of your work, and then follows up a short while afterwards and gives you feedback on another story. That's kind of reinforcement that they enjoy your work enough to actually seek out your other stuff. There are literally thousands of stories on this site and the choice for readers is vast. To have them going back to look for your work must mean you are doing something right.
I enjoy getting comments and feedback as well from other authors because I think that often their evaluation is founded on high standards and against both the technical and creative aspects, since they are writers themselves. To be completely honest, I will apportion value to their feedback based a lot on what I think of their work. While it's fantastic to be recognized by other writers, and I certainly appreciate it, there are a select few who I hold in very high esteem because of their superior writing talent, and their feedback, comments and even constructive criticism are of greater value to me.
I think that Colly and Lou made very important points as well. Eventually you do get to the stage where the measurement of your writing ability does not rest on votes. I think that as a writer develops he or she sets higher personal standards for themselves and I for one, am the best judge of whether I am meeting those higher standards. As time progresses and your confidence builds you may want to take greater chances with your writing and perhaps not write in the same old mould. You may want to push the envelope a bit, venture into other categories, change your style, try something completely new. It might not appeal to everyone and the votes may not be great but thats not an indication of the value or the worth or the standard of the writing you have produced. ( An example of this was dr_Mab's 'Tsunami' piece). It was controversial, and the emotional reaction it evoked would have affected the voting but in no way could anyone use that as a measurement of the talent of the author. Dr_ M is an outstanding author. I know that, and I'm sure ninety-five percent of people who post here know that as well, votes aside.
I believe that my writing has got better over the time I have posted here and that in no way is linked to numbers of votes or scores. I just know that my writing is far superior now to what it was when I first began submitting. I personally want more from my writing now and I'm learning as I explore this craft of writing to rely more and more on my own instincts and to go with what my gut tells me rather than with what I think might be popular or pleasing to others.
One of the posters said you have to be thick skinned and I'd add to that by saying you also have to be brave enough to be prepared to explore, to take chances to develop yourself. And with that will undoubtedly come good and bad votes, or no votes at but as long as you keep focused on your own personal writing goals you will achieve what you want to. Most importantly you have to actually believe in yourself and your creative ability.
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impressive
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We share our writing because we want others to read (and react to) it. The more readers, the better. Thus, anything that attracts more readers will always matter. Votes, by earning us an
or a Top List ranking, attract more readers. Ergo, votes matter.
Now, WHY we want others to read (and react to) our work varies from person to person, but the desire for readers is, I believe, consistent.
That being said, I hate that Lit has a system in place which facilitates vindictive voting.
Now, WHY we want others to read (and react to) our work varies from person to person, but the desire for readers is, I believe, consistent.
That being said, I hate that Lit has a system in place which facilitates vindictive voting.
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Black Tulip
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Like others have said before me. Votes matter because it's an indication of how well a story is appreciated by "the public".
That being said, I want to point out there is one thing worse than low votes: NO VOTES AT ALL.
I know, because I have say about 100 readers for perhaps 5 votes. That could mean most readers do not even finish my stories, so they'll never know they could leave a 1 vote.
There's a couple of people on here that will let me know how I'm doing with my writing. I value their opinion because I count them as true friends in the sense that I trust them to be honest. Not sucking up friends who will give you a 5 no matter what shit you write. But friends who will tell you you messed up and could do better.
That being said, I want to point out there is one thing worse than low votes: NO VOTES AT ALL.
I know, because I have say about 100 readers for perhaps 5 votes. That could mean most readers do not even finish my stories, so they'll never know they could leave a 1 vote.
There's a couple of people on here that will let me know how I'm doing with my writing. I value their opinion because I count them as true friends in the sense that I trust them to be honest. Not sucking up friends who will give you a 5 no matter what shit you write. But friends who will tell you you messed up and could do better.
carsonshepherd
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impressive said:We share our writing because we want others to read (and react to) it. The more readers, the better. Thus, anything that attracts more readers will always matter. Votes, by earning us anor a Top List ranking, attract more readers. Ergo, votes matter.
Now, WHY we want others to read (and react to) our work varies from person to person, but the desire for readers is, I believe, consistent.
That being said, I hate that Lit has a system in place which facilitates vindictive voting.
i do want others to read, else i would not be posting on this site; but in the end whether they read or not, or vote or not, doesn't mean that much to me.
As far as the Lit system: Because it's got its inherent flaws, then you may want to think twice about placing a lot of stock in votes.
impressive
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carsonshepherd said:As far as the Lit system: Because it's got its inherent flaws, then you may want to think twice about placing a lot of stock in votes.
The only stock I place in votes is their ability to attract more readers. Thus, they're just a tool. I don't need them to validate my work in my own eyes -- or my opinion of myself. (Insecure, I'm not.)
Black Tulip
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Hi Imp,
Never, ever turn humble. Promise?
Edited: fast too, huh?
Never, ever turn humble. Promise?
Edited: fast too, huh?
impressive
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Black Tulip said:Hi Imp,
Never, ever turn humble. Promise?
With a name like "impressive," how could I?
carsonshepherd
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impressive said:
honestly just curious: what's your motivation for wanting more readers?
impressive
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carsonshepherd said:
I really do write based on the definition of "impressive" in my sig. Most of my work has a message (sometimes subtle) -- usually involving tolerance and sexuality. It's the activist in me. I can't seem to get away from it, even on a smut site.
Thus, I want more readers in order to reach more minds, affect more consciences, touch more sensibilities ... 
G
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carsonshepherd said:i do want others to read, else i would not be posting on this site; but in the end whether they read or not, or vote or not, doesn't mean that much to me.
As far as the Lit system: Because it's got its inherent flaws, then you may want to think twice about placing a lot of stock in votes.
Well said!
carsonshepherd
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I guess that makes sense. I just wondered... fiction is just self-expression for me and I'd still write it even if no one ever read it. I did it all my life before I ever discovered Lit. Lit has only been a catalyst for me to become better, work harder, and take my writing more seriously; but this has been mostly due to the great minds I've met here who've helped me get over my insecurities and motivate me.impressive said:I really do write based on the definition of "impressive" in my sig. Most of my work has a message (sometimes subtle) -- usually involving tolerance and sexuality. It's the activist in me. I can't seem to get away from it, even on a smut site.
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Mark2
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writing is communication. I dont want to just be a radio station, I want to know what the readers think about what I write. If I never find out how can I improve. I got a story out there, over a thousand viewings and only 5 votes.
Hmmmm,
at least the average is a 5.
It wouldn't - couldn't be if everyone voted.
But it would be a better measure.
Hmmmm,
at least the average is a 5.
It wouldn't - couldn't be if everyone voted.
But it would be a better measure.
bloodsimple
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I would think that perhaps feedback would matter more than the actual scores.
We all post stories on here because we want to share, and we hope for some kind of view from potentially like-minded people who may also be trying to create in a similar way. Scores are relatively crude and affected by other factors - certain categories seem more likely to score high or low, and series (i.e. chapter 207 and counting...) seem to score higher.
Feedback, however, is something else. You would hope that the feedback reflects what you were trying to induce in the reader, whether it's a pure stroke-piece, or a serious non-erotic piece. I think most writers would like feedback to reflect the thought and care they would put into feedback to other writers whether it's positive or negative. I would agree with Green_Gem that you develop, over time, certain writers whom you admire and from whom feedback is that bit more pertinent or impactive.
As your writing develops, you become a better self-analyser, but others can still spot things you can't, or even have a higher opinion of your writing than you dare to allow yourself. And it's always a learning process.
If nothing else, regular feedbackers can confirm that your writing is improving, deepening and developing, and that always gives a nice warm glow.
We all post stories on here because we want to share, and we hope for some kind of view from potentially like-minded people who may also be trying to create in a similar way. Scores are relatively crude and affected by other factors - certain categories seem more likely to score high or low, and series (i.e. chapter 207 and counting...) seem to score higher.
Feedback, however, is something else. You would hope that the feedback reflects what you were trying to induce in the reader, whether it's a pure stroke-piece, or a serious non-erotic piece. I think most writers would like feedback to reflect the thought and care they would put into feedback to other writers whether it's positive or negative. I would agree with Green_Gem that you develop, over time, certain writers whom you admire and from whom feedback is that bit more pertinent or impactive.
As your writing develops, you become a better self-analyser, but others can still spot things you can't, or even have a higher opinion of your writing than you dare to allow yourself. And it's always a learning process.
If nothing else, regular feedbackers can confirm that your writing is improving, deepening and developing, and that always gives a nice warm glow.
sincerely_helene
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carsonshepherd said:As far as the Lit system: Because it's got its inherent flaws, then you may want to think twice about placing a lot of stock in votes.
But I want some fricken cash prizes!
G
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nushu2 said:
Even if it's just:
???
That was my favorite. I completely changed my style for the better after that one. It really made me see the light. And I'm a better writer for it.
JamesSD
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On Votes
I know I'm echoing some people here, but I'll be redundant anyways.
I like to know how my stories are recieved. Personally I really like all my stories (well, I have mixed feelings about two of them, one of which was my first and another which is more experimental, and they happen to be two of my lowest rated). Votes give me a way of gaguing response to a story.
"1 bombs" are frustrating because they can grossly throw off the measurement. Say a story gets 21 votes, 10 5s, 10 4s, and a 1 bomb between when it posts and when I check the score after work. It will show up as 4.33, which to mean reads as "ok, but not great". However, the reality is the story was actually quite well liked by those that voted, averaging a 4.5 (which isn't thunderous applause, but also is more than polite clapping). One person shouted down the majority opinion.
Feedback does matter more. A lot more. We just don't talk about it so much because it doesn't have the same flaws as voting. You get to hear exactly what the reader thought, and in some cases can even respond. But unfortunately for as few votes stories tend to get, feedback is far rarer. 2-4 per story seems the norm for me. Feedback is usually pretty glowing; it's rare for someone to write "That was ok. Didn't love it, didn't hate it."
I suppose at the end of the day feedback is what keeps me writing, but I do like getting good votes. Unfortunately I've also learned that in the short term you can't really rely on a vote count because until the 1-bombs are culled it's really hard to tell what your score is.
I know I'm echoing some people here, but I'll be redundant anyways.
I like to know how my stories are recieved. Personally I really like all my stories (well, I have mixed feelings about two of them, one of which was my first and another which is more experimental, and they happen to be two of my lowest rated). Votes give me a way of gaguing response to a story.
"1 bombs" are frustrating because they can grossly throw off the measurement. Say a story gets 21 votes, 10 5s, 10 4s, and a 1 bomb between when it posts and when I check the score after work. It will show up as 4.33, which to mean reads as "ok, but not great". However, the reality is the story was actually quite well liked by those that voted, averaging a 4.5 (which isn't thunderous applause, but also is more than polite clapping). One person shouted down the majority opinion.
Feedback does matter more. A lot more. We just don't talk about it so much because it doesn't have the same flaws as voting. You get to hear exactly what the reader thought, and in some cases can even respond. But unfortunately for as few votes stories tend to get, feedback is far rarer. 2-4 per story seems the norm for me. Feedback is usually pretty glowing; it's rare for someone to write "That was ok. Didn't love it, didn't hate it."
I suppose at the end of the day feedback is what keeps me writing, but I do like getting good votes. Unfortunately I've also learned that in the short term you can't really rely on a vote count because until the 1-bombs are culled it's really hard to tell what your score is.
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