Newbie asks about Time delays and Icons

[Joesephus]

I don't know what is automated and what isn't. I'm not complaining I'm just trying to learn. I had one of my stories get an "H" icon today in the category index. It didn't show up in the "New" section and then went away in the category area. (non-erotic)

The score hasn't dropped and the vote total is still there. Can anyone explain what is happening?

 

[TxRad]

First off welcome to a fellow Texican........

The H may have disappeared for a number of reasons...

First off, you need ten votes to even get started. You may have had the votes but a troll sweep dropped a few of the votes off and dropped you below ten.... Most provable...

You may have dipped below 4.5 long enough for the system to pick it up and then climbed back up and the system hasn't caught up yet...

Those are the two most likely ones....

Oh and trolls are people who vote a 1 on your story just because they can..... or because you struck the wrong nerve in them... it's a good/bad thing... bad for your score but good because trolls need to be pissed off or on to be happy.....

Don't take scores to seriously... comments are a better indicator unless they are from "anonomus"... then get the aspirin out.... Trolls that can write... well, scribble anyway.....

Lot of luck....

 

[Joesephus]

Thanks

I'm still learning how all this stuff works. I have had more than a few encounters with the nameless 1s. I frankly don't understand them. I know that one writer thinks that many are given by jealous writers. I don't know.

I do know that since I have gone to extraordinary lengths to keep my true identity private (I could lose my scholarship) I don't ever mind those who hide theirs. The real problem I have with it is that some of the most interesting comments are from people with out a return address. It's so frustrating to see a great point and want to discuss it and not be able to answer. I've posted comments on some of my stories, but I know they'll never come back to see them.

I love comments, and I need them to develop as a writer. I don't understand those who take issue with negative comments even if they aren't well written. I'm the one who has pretensions to being a writer, not the poor guy whose reading my stuff.

Sometimes I do have trouble understanding the point, but again that's why I'd like to "talk." I'm sure there are folks who can make some good points but are inhibited because they don't want to sound foolish. Heck, if my stuff isn't edited I sound like an illiterate South American (I'm South American so I'm not slamming anyone.)

BTW, the little icon did show up. I don't know what happened. The vote never dropped below 4.5 and there were more than enough votes. (it's in non-erotic so they aren't exactly pouring in. I can easily see what each one is)

The story doesn't have any sex, but it's also the first one I've written inspired by a real person, and I'm anxious to get as many reads and comments as possible.

Thanks again.