How can I encourage comment engagement?

[ElectricBlue]

The stories that got comments are those that were exceptionally good, exceptionally bad, had some sort of twist that actually had people wanting to voice their opinions, or had an authors note at the end actually asking a question.

That's always been my belief, too. I've been surprised when a story has taken off, as judged by the number of comments it's received. I don't ask for comments, and don't think it would make much difference if I did.

A story either shines by itself, hits a chord, or it doesn't. In my portfolio at least, readers have told me which are my best stories (by whatever criteria they apply), because they've commented. Often, very thoughtfully, which is appreciated.

 

[NuclearFairy]

That's always been my belief, too. I've been surprised when a story has taken off, as judged by the number of comments it's received. I don't ask for comments, and don't think it would make much difference if I did.

A story either shines by itself, hits a chord, or it doesn't. In my portfolio at least, readers have told me which are my best stories (by whatever criteria they apply), because they've commented. Often, very thoughtfully, which is appreciated.

Someday I hope to write something that will incite multiple comments, but I'm just not that good yet. So for now I'm content with the fact that occasionally I'll write something that'll get a comment and that at least my writing isn't bad enough to be inciting negative comments.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Way back when I'd say in a closing note "Votes and comments are the only way we get paid, and are appreciated" After a year or so I stopped doing it except if it were a contest story, then I stopped doing it even with those.

My standard closing now is simply "As always, thanks for reading"

I never noticed much of a difference between the asking, and then not bothering.

I think the best way to get people involved is to just keep writing and putting out more stories, build that loyal base because those are usually the ones who'll choose to comment.

I also go with the principle of law of attraction. Don't push for it, just do your thing and expect it will come.

Same for me. When I started here, I asked for votes and comments. Then I stopped asking. It made absolutely no diference to the numbers of votes and comments I got and get. LOL

Those who will vote and comment, will, and those who won't, won't. What I do do is thank my readers for reading

 

[PapaRomantic]

You want more comments? It's simple.

Write a "cheating wife gets away with it" story and submit it to "Loving Wives." But be careful what you wish for!

 

[NuclearFairy]

You want more comments? It's simple.

Write a "cheating wife gets away with it" story and submit it to "Loving Wives." But be careful what you wish for!

Only way I could see myself writing such a story was if the husband was a scummy bastard. Even then, I'm not sure that's the kind of attention I would want.

 

[PapaRomantic]

Only way I could see myself writing such a story was if the husband was a scummy bastard. Even then, I'm not sure that's the kind of attention I would want.

It's certainly not for everybody. It's not for me anymore. I've spent my time in comment hell and lived to tell about it.

 

[TiberiusPrime]

You want more comments? It's simple.

Write a "cheating wife gets away with it" story and submit it to "Loving Wives." But be careful what you wish for!

I tried writing such a story, I just couldn't do it. It didn't feel right, even though I made the husband a huge asshole and deserved everything he got. For me, cheaters should never get away with it.

 

[NuclearFairy]

It's certainly not for everybody. It's not for me anymore. I've spent my time in comment hell and lived to tell about it.

God dammit! You've just spawned a plot bunny. But the way it's spinning in my head it could just as easily run as a voyeur story, so still not posting it in loving wives.

 

[PapaRomantic]

I tried writing such a story, I just couldn't do it. It didn't feel right, even though I made the husband a huge asshole and deserved everything he got. For me, cheaters should never get away with it.

Write that story, take her punishment over the top, and you'll get nearly the same amount of comments. And most of them won't want to eviscerate you!

God dammit! You've just spawned a plot bunny. But the way it's spinning in my head it could just as easily run as a voyeur story, so still not posting it in loving wives.

I am honored to be allowed to crawl around in your writer's brain and start the merry-go-round!

 

[TiberiusPrime]

Write that story, take her punishment over the top, and you'll get nearly the same amount of comments. And most of them won't want to eviscerate you!

I've done an "over the top" punishment and they still hated it.

 

[iwatchus]

I am waiting for my first LW story to go live Sunday (as part of the Geek Pride event). I don't know whether I am eagerly anticipating the comments or dreading them.

 

[ChloeTzang]

You want more comments? It's simple.

Write a "cheating wife gets away with it" story and submit it to "Loving Wives." But be careful what you wish for!

LOL You'll get more votes to but they'll all be one stars

 

[ChloeTzang]

I've done an "over the top" punishment and they still hated it.

LW is a bit different from the other categories and its split 50/50 down the middle - it gets really weird sometimes.

That said, good luck