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[dzchoquet]

I'm brand new here and have posted my first story. I was hoping to get some useful feedback, but so far, 68k views and 9 "favorites" but not a single comment (except for an immediate spam comment which is gone now).
So, what's the trick to getting people to comment?
Thanks.
-- Daniel (pen-name)

 

[SimonDoom]

I'm brand new here and have posted my first story. I was hoping to get some useful feedback, but so far, 68k views and 9 "favorites" but not a single comment (except for an immediate spam comment which is gone now).
So, what's the trick to getting people to comment?
Thanks.
-- Daniel (pen-name)

There's not a lot you can do. Many people complain about not getting comments, so you are not alone. Still,a story that gets 68K views usually has at least a few. You can add a line at the top and bottom of your story urging readers to vote on the story and provide feedback.

 

[Apisto42]

Post a story in Loving Wives. Almost guaranteed to get a comment. Most likely will not be useful, constructive or even sane.

Seriously, most readers do not comment. It doesn’t really have anything to do with your story.

 

[dzchoquet]

...a story that gets 68K views usually has at least a few...

Oops! Sorry. Off by an order of magnitude. It has seen 6.8k, i.e., 6800 views!

 

[FaeLissa]

3 most recent stories (together) has got over 10K views. 3 comments. about 125 votes.
Being noticed at all is a good thing

 

[SimonDoom]

Oops! Sorry. Off by an order of magnitude. It has seen 6.8k, i.e., 6800 views!

When I last calculated, I was getting about 1 comment for every 4200 views, so your experience is not that unusual.

According to some who've been around awhile -- longer than I have -- the favorites feature has disincentivized the making of comments, so there are fewer of them.

 

[Kantarii]

Every story I’ve written that has ended with a cliffhanger setting up the next chapter has yielded a higher percentage of comments for me than those that don’t. It’s not a guarantee, but there is a tendency.

I will also say this - as a writer, if you cannot move the emotions of the reader in someway or get them to relate to the characters you have created, then comments will forever elude you. I doubt there are many people here that qualify as professional writers, but a well written, thought provoking story that moves the reader, engages them in some way has a greater chance to get comments.
Kant

 

[LoquiSordidaAdMe]

You might try posting a link to your story in the Story Feedback forum and ask for feedback as a first-time writer. There are a lot of folks over there who will give good, constructive feedback - not always positive, but at least thoughtful and constructive.

 

[yukonnights]

Every story I’ve written that has ended with a cliffhanger setting up the next chapter has yielded a higher percentage of comments for me than those that don’t. It’s not a guarantee, but there is a tendency.

I will also say this - as a writer, if you cannot move the emotions of the reader in someway or get them to relate to the characters you have created, then comments will forever elude you. I doubt there are many people here that qualify as professional writers, but a well written, thought provoking story that moves the reader, engages them in some way has a greater chance to get comments.
Kant

THIS ^

It may seem odd, but erotica can have a purpose...an intention that the author has set out to achieve. Many of the more well received stories have that plus well executed technical craft.

Here's an example of a comment posted on a recent story. The reason I use this one is because this comment showed me that I had achieved precisely what I had hoped to achieve in the initial planning before ever typing a word.....Truth....
by Anonymous user on 03/17/2018
As a trans woman, this story completely captured my experiences and feelings. If I recall correctly, the author is cis-male: you, sir, did a fine job of creating a truthful portrait of transgender women. Too often we become sexual objects or two-dimensional caricatures. You crafted a beautiful story that has aroused every nerve (spiritual, emotional, personal, and especially sexual) within me. I'd go higher than five stars but the site won't allow it. I've never read a more accurate, human, or beautiful portrayal of a trans character. My hat's off to you

Of course, it depends on one's own personal goals, but just wanted to share a thought on that one aspect of having a theme or goal or message as one ingredient in getting the comments you hope for. And for what it's worth, the story this comment is from had a total of 5 comments in 7790 views...so comments are a rare thing. But my initial goal was to touch at least one person with my effort, so I am satisfied! Don't get discouraged ~

 

[ElectricBlue]

So, what's the trick to getting people to comment?
Thanks.
-- Daniel (pen-name)

Write exceptionally well or spectacularly badly, and you'll get feedback. If your writing is on the "middle of the bell curve", don't expect much comment reaction.

I've got 55 pieces up across several categories - my rule of thumb from all of that is one vote per hundred views, one comment per thousand. For my body of work, those are almost universal constants.

 

[Jada59]

I don't get a lot of comments. Some of the comments I do get are via PM.

 

[ElectricBlue]

It may seem odd, but erotica can have a purpose...an intention that the author has set out to achieve. Many of the more well received stories have that plus well executed technical craft.

Absolutely.

My equivalent comment to the one you quoted is this:

Gorgeous
by Anonymous user on 03/11/2016
I am a wheelchair user. You have a great sense of what it means. She is beautifully seen, strong and vulnerable. I have never thought to include my disability in my writing, but you inspire me to. I will write and post. Thank you.

 

[yukonnights]

Absolutely.

My equivalent comment to the one you quoted is this:
Quote:
Gorgeous
by Anonymous user on 03/11/2016
I am a wheelchair user. You have a great sense of what it means. She is beautifully seen, strong and vulnerable. I have never thought to include my disability in my writing, but you inspire me to. I will write and post. Thank you.

Lovely ~ I think every person should have a Lit story that touches them...everyone needs love (or sex...probably both!)

 

[ThatsTheGuy]

No comment.

 

[dzchoquet]

Thanks for all the responses!

You might try posting a link to your story in the Story Feedback forum and ask for feedback as a first-time writer. There are a lot of folks over there who will give good, constructive feedback - not always positive, but at least thoughtful and constructive.

I will try this. Thank you.

 

[Zodia195]

One thing I started doing to encourage feedback is that I actually take the time to thank individual readers in my Author notes at the beginning of my stories, whether they be anon or not. So I always let my readers know that. It doesn't always work but I know it makes me feel great as a ready when the author replies to my feedback. I am actually the type who'd rather add feedback then put something in my favs or vote for it.