How Do You Choose ...

[impressive]

... which stories to read on this site?

By title? Rating? Author? PCs? Category?

I'm curious.

I typically browse the NEW page and select by (1) category, then (2) description. I'm sure I'm missing some gems this way, but I haven't found a better system.

The coveted red H is obviously not a sure thing (although I wish it were).

What works for you?

 

[rgraham666]

These days I usually go by authour.

My fellow AHs all write the most excellent smut.

How ever I usually stay away from BDSM and Erotic Horror. Pain and suffering aren't one of my turn ons. And I'm very straight so Gay Male is something I never read either.

 

[Guest]

These days I usually go by authour.

My fellow AHs all write the most excellent smut.

How ever I usually stay away from BDSM and Erotic Horror. Pain and suffering aren't one of my turn ons. And I'm very straight so Gay Male is something I never read either.

Ditto. And it's still taking me forever to get all of their stories read.

 

[impressive]

How ever I usually stay away from BDSM and Erotic Horror. Pain and suffering aren't one of my turn ons.

Me, too. However, I've enjoyed reading the stories that some AHers posted in my "First Impressions" thread that are outside of my typical preferences -- mostly because they're so damn well written. I don't get the turn on that would come (no pun intended) from a favorite category, but the read is entertaining anyway.

 

[cddweller]

To tell you the truth, I'm actually quite new here as an author, but I've visited LO.com several times in the past. I usually just go by subject and check random pages. You never know when you're going to find a story that really hits the spot. As an avid reader, I usually skim through interesting stories and save them, then I can instantly open them later on when I really *need* them, if you know what I mean. Ah, the strife of having an internet connection only available in the family living room...

 

[impressive]

Ah, the strife of having an internet connection only available in the family living room...

Or -- having kids that like to pop around your desk and peek at what you're doing!

Gotta be a quick click on the "minimize" button or wait 'til they're in bed. Of course, by the time they're in bed, I'm wanting to play due to all I've read on this site!

Life's tough ...

 

[dr_mabeuse]

I've been here for like two years now, and I kind of feel like I've seen just about everything. I rarely read stories just for pleasure anymore, so I usually confine my reading to requests for feedbck. I hang around on the Feedback Board a lot, and try to help out when someone asks for comments or opinions on their stories.

There are a couple threads over there where authors can advertise their stories, post links and give you an idea of what they're about and what they were trying to do when they wote them. I really like getting an author's take on their work. I happen to like trying to take a story apart and figure out why it works or doesn't work, so I hang out at the Story Discussion Circle board too.

Probably the only time I wander out into the mainstream anymore is at contest time. I always try to give the contest entries a read, and then one of the things that grabs me is the title. A good title is worth its weight in gold.

---dr.M.

 

[impressive]

I happen to like trying to take a story apart and figure out why it works or doesn't work, so I hang out at the Story Discussion Circle board too.

Thanks, dr. I've got one (my "weakest") going up on the SDC on Sunday. I expect it to be shredded -- appropriately -- but result in a significantly improved piece.

I'm not at all sure I have a thick enough skin to throw what I consider my "best" up on the SDC for dissection, though.

 

[doormouse]

For me, when I do actually get time to read any, it's through the feedback portal first, to see if there are any interesting additions.

If I look in the new stories, it's by title first, glance at who wrote it. If it's a new author, even better.

I won't read a story, no matter how good the title is, if the description basically gives away the story. Why bother reading it if you already know what it's about?

I agree with the other post, the First Impressions was a great thread. A chance to sample a bit from everybody.

 

[Boota]

I tried to keep up with all the new stories for a while, as well as seeking out the regulars here on AH, but it just takes up so much time. I get in a couple of stories a week at most now.

 

[sincerely_helene]

I don't tend to focus on the titles as much as the descriptions, so usually just scroll the various lists for keywords that might catch my eye (ex: control, blackmailed, teach, distinguished, ambivelant, discipline, savage etc.)

What I will skip over: anything depicting guy on guy, girl on girl, threesome, foursome, brain-dead females, or private parts. (You get the idea.)

I like alot of plot to my porn, and male writers tend to prefer the reverse, so I will often also look at the author's name to assess gender before opening. I will lose interest quickly if there is a sexual encounter described within the first couple paragraphs, because the "thrill of the chase" aspect is more enticing to me.

In truth, I don't even care if the characters boink at all as long as long I can relate to their mindset to some degree. A strong mental teaser with the implication that something MIGHT happen suits well to my tastes. It lays the foundation to build my own scenarios based on the characters personalities and storyline.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

I read Ah authors almost exclusively now when I read for pleasure. I know what to expect from many of them and it's just easier to get the kind of read I want.

When I have time and energy I hang out on the feedback & SDC threads, but haven't been able to do much there in a while.

I also get alot of requests via feedback to look at someone's work, so I have very little time for just reading for pleasure.

-Colly

 

[destinie21]

I read ah authors mostly and a few fav's I came across in the new stories section. Iy's always a toss up I've read so much crap in new stories but it was worth it for the authors I discovered.