Limited characters for story titles?

[beta_sissy]

In recent months I have started to write a few different kinky stories for this site; all is good, but it is very annoying that there is a limit of 35 characters.

Why is there such a small character limit?

It's very frustrating when you think up a great title and then realise it's too long and can't be used; even more annoying is that the limit often stops us from numbering our chapters.

 

[KeithD]

It is what it is, and expecting something to change by posting about it to the discussion board is just going to spread the frustration. Posting about it here has absolutely no effect on what will be. I wish more character spaces were given in that field too. That wish and a nickel gives me five cents.

 

[rescatooor]

I remembering reading someone's HowTo at the beginning. They recommended shorter titles due to site formatting. The 35 characters is slightly too long even with that in mind.

You see story listings where the story name gets into two rows. It isn't aesthetically pleasing, just saying. So I get why the rule exists.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Beta, you can include a note in the administrate box when submitting. Laurel has been willing to make exceptions if asked politely.

 

[LAHomedog]

My memory says they use to allow more and cut it back a while ago.

I've found that it is better to pre-plan you title and description. Keep your title short and something that grabs the eye as you scroll down the list.

In my ways the description is more important. It is your ad for your story. The "log line" if you will. You know, the sentence you read when scanning TV listing. That's the log line.

 

[KeithD]

My memory says they use to allow more and cut it back a while ago.

Not anytime since 2006 at least that I've observed.

 

[LAHomedog]

Not anytime since 2006 at least that I've observed.

Well, I'm 70 and can't remember shit.

 

[PennameWombat]

In recent months I have started to write a few different kinky stories for this site; all is good, but it is very annoying that there is a limit of 35 characters.

Why is there such a small character limit?

It's very frustrating when you think up a great title and then realise it's too long and can't be used; even more annoying is that the limit often stops us from numbering our chapters.

The 'why' is covered here: Literotica FAQ: Titles and Descriptions. How the info is displayed depends on which mode you're using (I use a 'beta' view that isn't the classic view), but especially for users on mobile devices the display real estate can be small. And apparently users on mobile devices (phones, pads) are a significant amount of traffic here.

Every platform has, um, challenges. This is one that's specific to Literotica. Other places I've submitted to have their own restrictions of various sorts. Some, like KDP, are much broader, but even there you have to hew to what the platform allows you. So... these title/description limits, age limits and other subject matter restrictions/quirks, etc., are things you need to take into account if you're going to submit here.

I've found little practical impact. I'll admit that I have spent effort to 'adjust' my titles and/or descriptions, but I'm unlike you, I've never come up with the perfect title anyway, but I aim for as short but impactful (in my own head, at least) as I can.

 

[KeithD]

Well, I'm 70 and can't remember shit.

I'm 75 and can't remember what we were talking about.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

And...

What was the question?

So, show me a mainstream book, not some ones dissertation, that has a title longer then 35 characters. If you want a longer title put it at the beginning of your story...

Into the Darkness Pt. 01 is what everyone sees on the outside.

Then in the story body at the beginning...

Into the Darkness Pt. 01

The First Doorway Opens​

If they didn't limit the title people would have a 2,000 character titles...

Into the Darkness Part 01 The Doorway Opens into the Gates of Hell.