Does it bother you if the stories you are publishing are above 4.0 or 4.5 rating but there is hardly any comments on your story?

[Whanmore]

Personnaly I like comments because they feel more personal than a rating. Like "tell me what you loved sir" But I know I rate a story almost every time i read but commentating not so much so I get it.

 

[djrip]

I have only published one so far (a lot in the works) down in Reviews and Essays a score of 3.51/154 views, 32 comments (I deleted one), but 19 favorites. Considering the topic I am not disappointed

I always thought your name was a Cat's Cradle reference. Now that I've searched you up I see my capitalization assumptions were tripping me up. Eldritch horror reference?

(Oh, AH member reference? Doh!)

 

[MillieDynamite]

I can have any vote from 0 to 5 and no comments is what bothers me most.

 

[ElectricBlue]

In my imagination, the writer enjoys hearing about my reactions along the way as I navigate their twists and turns.

This, so true. It's interesting to see what readers are reacting to along the way, especially in a novel length piece. As a writer, I prefer to get a little trail of breadcrumbs, seeing readers find the gingerbread house.

 

[Smuttyandfun]

I like to see comments. It's nice when a reader favorites a story, and hopefully scores it, but it's even nicer to see what they think of it.

 

[ExploringSoul]

I appreciate getting any comments - and I am also a bit disappointed I get so few - but I only really love it when a comment shows that a reader enjoyed a story for the same reasons as I enjoyed writing it. Like this one on My Story of O:

KennyJun13 days ago
Great story! I especially enjoyed the insights into what he is thinking, the balance of his fear and desire, etc. Well done.

Much more satisfying than "Love it!" or "So hot!".

 

[SeraphNocturne]

I've heard that requesting comments and feedback in the piece tends to have a good reception rate? I have yet to try this tactic but I'm going to make an attempt when I publish for Geek Pride to see if it changes anything. Its always struck me as a little odd that there are often thousands of readers who at least read through our stories and only a handful of people comment.

I've been fortunate enough that the series I have published here has built a following in the last seven years it's been a work in progress. The readers have taken to discussing the story and characters with me after every chapter, I couldn't be more pleased with that, but I've literally done absolutely nothing to inspire this behavior... so I guess it's entirely up to chance on whether or not writers feel inclined to speak up if they enjoy your work.

 

[Euphony]

Its always struck me as a little odd that there are often thousands of readers who at least read through our stories and only a handful of people comment.

It's odd but I can imagine plenty of reasons as to why.

Top level a view isn't a read so that can remove quite a few from engagement.

Also, while anon comments exists, plenty use the account organizational tools to help in finding content but don't want to be publicly associated with what they read. Plus the log out to go anon is another step that can trip people contributing.

Also, one's sexual identity can be hard to engage with, especially in the open. I could see a lot coming here to work through things in a more coming at the psychology from the sides rather than head on (like visual porn or self help books)

More positively, some can feel the story delivered on its (usually) straight forward theme and premise so reader/author are on the same page and further discussion feels redundant.

I like to think of it as attractive people getting hit on/legitimately asked out on a quality date less than you'd think.

There's just assumptions and/or disconnects slowing up communication.

 

[SeraphNocturne]

Top level a view isn't a read so that can remove quite a few from engagement.

Also, while anon comments exists, plenty use the account organizational tools to help in finding content but don't want to be publicly associated with what they read. Plus the log out to go anon is another step that can trip people contributing.

Also, one's sexual identity can be hard to engage with, especially in the open. I could see a lot coming here to work through things in a more coming at the psychology from the sides rather than head on (like visual porn or self help books)

More positively, some can feel the story delivered on its (usually) straight forward theme and premise so reader/author are on the same page and further discussion feels redundant.

I like to think of it as attractive people getting hit on/legitimately asked out on a quality date less than you'd think.

There's just assumptions and/or disconnects slowing up communication.

All very solid points.

Anonymous activity does seem exceptionally more prevalent than readers with established accounts... I suppose the only thing we can really do then is try and encourage more viewer interaction through end-notes or author's notes on publications, if we hope to receive more comments on this basis. I also have a feeling that publishing out into different categories within your personal interests will help draw more attention overall--some categories seem to have far more readers and interactive presences than others.

 

[WendyTrilby]

The click numbers are nice and give me confidence that my work is being viewed, but I understand that most clicks are incomplete reads, so I take pride in the favorites and follows each work generates. Those two metrics tell me I've reached someone with my adventures.

That said, the comments are the cream on top of the sundae; they take time and effort, and I appreciate each one as a gift (even the critical ones). Admittedly, I do get jealous when I see other writers getting tens, if not hundreds, of comments, and I have only a handful. But asking forum questions (like the one you've asked here) helps me understand LE better due to the kindness of other authors who offer advice and some kind words.

I think this is a long-haul operation, you need to write, post and build a following. That following will grow and the comments will come. I've only just started a few months ago, and it's been a slow but rewarding road.

- Wendy Trilby



Portmanteau: Gone Hollywood
Portmanteau: More Than a Feeling
Portmanteau: A New York State of Mind

 

[SeraphNocturne]

The click numbers are nice and give me confidence that my work is being viewed, but I understand that most clicks are incomplete reads, so I take pride in the favorites and follows each work generates. Those two metrics tell me I've reached someone with my adventures.

That said, the comments are the cream on top of the sundae; they take time and effort, and I appreciate each one as a gift (even the critical ones). Admittedly, I do get jealous when I see other writers getting tens, if not hundreds, of comments, and I have only a handful. But asking forum questions (like the one you've asked here) helps me understand LE better due to the kindness of other authors who offer advice and some kind words.

I think this is a long-haul operation, you need to write, post and build a following. That following will grow and the comments will come. I've only just started a few months ago, and it's been a slow but rewarding road.

- Wendy Trilby



Portmanteau: Gone Hollywood
Portmanteau: More Than a Feeling
Portmanteau: A New York State of Mind

Very well said! It's a slow but steady process, the more you write the more attention you'll find coming your way, so just keep at it! I'll take some time to check out your writing and leave some thoughts when I get a moment. I'm always happy to follow newer authors.

I try to comment on anything I read, because I swear something about seeing other comments inspire other people to comment, especially if they've got more sustenance to them.

 

[Euphony]

Anonymous activity does seem exceptionally more prevalent than readers with established accounts...

I think we authors are high divers who long ago had to make peace with the deep end in order to do the work we are driven to do.

Anon can only toe dip w/o consequence.

I suppose the only thing we can really do then is try and encourage more viewer interaction through end-notes or author's notes on publications, if we hope to receive more comments on this basis.

Yes. Also, I like to work on the framing.

Even a squishy hearted fellow author like me catches desperation vibes sometimes which makes me less likely to engage. (especially if I have thoughts that venture outside the spoon feedy "good job" variety.)

I like the idea of establishing the comments as the readers space/domain they've earned through reading and a space for their thoughts to be "published" too.

Haven't settled on an efficient tagline to impart this to readers yet but I keep the idea/concept in mind when writing out the engagement bid at the end.

I also have a feeling that publishing out into different categories within your personal interests will help draw more attention overall--some categories seem to have far more readers and interactive presences than others.

Category chasing for sure works. Hence so many authors of all stripes dipping into snuggly incest at least once.

The other thing is the authors needing the most nuanced critiques (those who try for complex themes and/or anti-trope ) are least likely to get it.

I find it interesting to see how authors who get heavy engagement trend in their comments.

A lot get fandom style comments which tend more like "thank you hitting the usual points" than anything you can really grow from.

I'm sure I'd love the experience of heavy volume for a time but I like to see past that to the other side many famous people say is their experience. It fades or you fade (in that the work/characters push your own identity/humanity aside.)

I still push up against the feeling sometimes that there's a downside in writing outside of a narrow band of "easier sells."

Creativity prefers to play in the spaces others generally don't but readers don't tend to play in those spaces either.

And they can be vocal in their opposition of anything that doesn't meet their specific (usually category tied) expectations.

I respect this point of view but my time, emotional, and mental commitment to any piece dwarfs whatever reading time investment they make.

 

[Djmac1031]

I haven't commented on a thread about commenting yet? How is that possible???

I suppose I truly have nothing to complain about when it comes to comments.

Going through my library, everything I've posted save one little Authors Log thing I wrote just talking about being a new writer has at least a few comments.

Some, more than others. Most comments are positive, very few trolls or "YOU SUCK" messages.

Although of course I do get those too lol.

I don't know that I do anything out of the ordinary to encourage comments or believe that my writing is somehow special enough to draw more comments.

And it's not like I have a MASSIVE following compared to others who've been here far longer and / or are far more prolific writers.

So...just lucky, I guess?

 

[Rob_Royale]

I've heard that requesting comments and feedback in the piece tends to have a good reception rate?

I did this for a while, but I saw no appreciable increase in votes or comments.

 

[Djmac1031]

I've heard that requesting comments and feedback in the piece tends to have a good reception rate?

It can't HURT. Although I don't know that there's any hard data to support that it actually works.

 

[muddie684]

Do any of you explicitly request comments at the beginning or end of your story? People tend to not comment on things they "like", but may comment on what they don't like. Are you looking for constructive criticism or kudos? I wouldn't comment, "Love it!" unless I thought the five stars was insufficient.

 

[Rob_Royale]

I can have any vote from 0 to 5 and no comments is what bothers me most.

I getcha. Someone mentioned recently in another thread, that people comment the most, on people who write poorly and people who write magnificently. If your writing falls within the bell curve between those two points, you are liable to get good ratings, but few comments. I think there is definitely something to that idea.

 

[SeraphNocturne]

Do any of you explicitly request comments at the beginning or end of your story? People tend to not comment on things they "like", but may comment on what they don't like. Are you looking for constructive criticism or kudos? I wouldn't comment, "Love it!" unless I thought the five stars was insufficient.

I began to encourage readers for feedback in general in the comment section when I noticed a few diehard fans having positive reception and desire to discuss the chapters as the story has progressed. I think it’s definitely got the readers of the series I’m writing far more involved with the story on the whole. And I think that subsequently encourages new readers to interact.

I’m going to try the direct approach of encouraging feedback directly in the submission myself for the sake of curiousity, who knows, maybe it’ll work out! Though I agree on the whole with what most everyone has said, there’s really no degree or “sweet spot” when it comes to feedback… you just kind of have to wait for your audience to find you!

 

[Djmac1031]

I began to encourage readers for feedback in general in the comment section when I noticed a few diehard fans having positive reception and desire to discuss the chapters as the story has progressed. I think it’s definitely got the readers of the series I’m writing far more involved with the story on the whole. And I think that subsequently encourages new readers to interact.

I’m going to try the direct approach of encouraging feedback directly in the submission myself for the sake of curiousity, who knows, maybe it’ll work out! Though I agree on the whole with what most everyone has said, there’s really no degree or “sweet spot” when it comes to feedback… you just kind of have to wait for your audience to find you!

Most (if not all, I'd have to double check) of my stories end with a little Afterwards from me.

Usually it's just some notes about the story. Sometimes a hint at a sequel. Sometimes a shout put or thank you to someone who helped.

And, usually, something along the lines of "Thanks for reading. Feedback and comments welcome."

I personally like communicating with my readers, so that's how I try to do it.

Perhaps that in turn is encouraging them to leave comments.

But I have no way to verify that, and some stories draw more comments than others.

 

[AchtungNight]

Votes are irrelevant to me, they are temporary and can fade. Reviews, emails, feedback that is actually specific… that does not fade.

 

[Red_Owl]

I'd like comments and ratings in general but I don’t seem to get them. Have two stories with over 50k views each and never get much interaction. I'm happy at least that most of the interaction I get is positive. The best feeling is definitely getting a follow, beats all the ratings, comments, etc...

 

[ElectricBlue]

Had someone do that recently because I hadn't posted any new stories recently and they wanted to check up on me. Thought it was sweet and greatly appreciated that effort.

Yes, that's a warm and fuzzy feeling - I've had the same. Fortunately, I ended a bit of a drought the following week, so I assume she was happy, with new stories.

 

[LIDiver]

I feel that comments and favoriting are the best way to learn how good or bad your story is.While having your stories consistently above 4.0 or even HOT is good...I feel a bit disappointed that my new stories arent gathering any comments.

Does anyone else feel the same way?

Mine is the opposite, I had a low rating because of the LW creepers (1.8 after 2 weeks) which has slowly risen BUT I have many wonderful constructive comments which, I feel, is the better barometer to successful writing.
Full disclosure, I did delete the vitriol comments after a while, once I realized I was giving their hate a voice.

 

[LetsMisBehave]

I know that I am primarily writing stuff I would like to read more of and would love more feedback so that i could do it more effectively. I accept my tastes are an outlier and that i will never be that popular.
Some people just hate what I do and will automatically give me ones and twos and some like it and give me 4s and 5s despite the typos. What I would like is more feedback from those who like the ideas but feel the execution is lacking; those who give me threes; or from people who don't necessarily hate the story, but think it was in entirely the wrong category.
Some of my most read stories are among the worse ranked and my best ranked story is amongst the least read (I expect at least one of the anomolies will cease to the case after this response). Presumably the same for most of you.
On your main point, I think that if people just enjoy the story they won't comment. It's worked for them and what more can you say beyond a generic please write more.
Normally at best I will get a favourite. I know for me that the more favourites a story gets the more I am willing to try and write others in the same style even if the content remains what I want to write.
Of course what is really enjoyable if someone's comment says that the story resonates with them. they clearly have nad more interesting lives than I remember having.