Question about story votes?

[sarah thorne]

I have a question that has kinda had me perplexed for some time now.

I have posted spanking stories on several different sites, a couple on which I am quite active. Here the stories get placed in the BDSM board, which is fine and expected. But this has been my observation.

Of the few stories I have posted to Literotica, it seems that harshness is what tips the scale. The first two stories I ever posted on this board were quite harsh, almost unrealistically so, and were not, IMO, very well written as they were from the days of when I was just starting to get back into writing after having been rusty for quite some time. I also received tons of feedback from the harsher stories. They got very high marks and are labeled 'HOT' stories altho I do not think myself that they are all that great...certainly not as well written as some of my other stuff.

Some of my others, particularly the last two that I have submitted, have gotten very high marks elsewhere, especially being that they are non-fiction at that. Here, however it seems to be that because it is actually a story with a plot and goes into the minds of the characters as well and doesn't get straight to the spank spank spank or detail extremely harsh treatment, that the ones voting tend to vote it down.

Now, regardless of what it sounds like, I am not complaining. I am just asking personally what causes people to vote a low number? I would never vote a low number on a story that simply was not my cup of tea but was pretty well written. Do others do that? I am just perplexed because, as I stated, this is the only place where it seems my stories get extremely high ratings if they are very harsh, even if it's not written exceptionally, but otherwise...no matter how well written, if the story lacks the extreme harshness that some may want then they vote it down rather than moving on to something more harsh.

Is the voting not for literary ability? Or am I being vain in thinking I have it?

Just curious. Would appreciate what others' input on this matter is.

sarah

 

[Lying Eyes]

Sometimes their is no logic to why some stories get high votes despite it seems a mediocer piece while others recieve low votes even though it is extremely well written.

Their is a long discussion about voting and views in the feedback forum titled "about voting and views" you might want to ask this question there.

 

[sarah thorne]

Thank you, LE. I wasn't sure where to post the question but I shall check out the thread you mentioned!

sarah

 

[Pure]

sarah, you might also try the bdsm forum. harshness, I'd say, is a feature of extremity. And lots of people's fantasies partake of extremity.

So that SM people's arousal is more for "the whip tore through the soft white flesh" than for "John spanked Sally lightly, careful just to pinken her beautiful butt."

 

[dr_mabeuse]

I post stories here, and I also post some over on a BDSM site, and I find too that it’s the extreme and more outre that gets the higher votes. It gets kind of silly, because I know what it’s like to work hard to craft a good, well-written piece of fiction and have that totally ignored in favor of some quickie about a guy getting his dick whipped with a chain or something.

It’s tough. Literotica is such a good venue for writers, but it is after all a porn site, and you can’t really blame people for coming here looking for porn. It’s tougher still in that, once you get a few stories under your belt, it’s natural to want to try and improve, and improving usually means giving your characters more depth, your stories more meaning beyond the beat-off factor, and generally paying more attention to those aspects that are considered literary rather than just pornographic. That fact is, though, that most readers here don’t really appreciate that stuff. They want the chains whipping the dicks.

As far as voting goes, if it ever starts to bother you, go look at some of the top rated stories in any category. Read some, and then ask yourself if you’d wish you’d written that, or if you’d be happy writing like that. Story ratings are hard to ignore, but doing that should remind you of just what a poor indicator of quality votes are.

---dr.M.

 

[sarah thorne]

Thank you Dr.M

Actually, I have read more than several stories here and have seen some written well and also harsh. However, I have also seen on the discussion forums people being ripped apart for very minor spelling errors when their story was actually pretty good as far as plot and such. I even see this aspect (intolerance for mistakes) here on a greater scale as well, which is what has led me to believe that literary quality matters as well. Perhaps it is the enormity of membership and traffic?? I belong to some pretty large sites/forums, but this is the largest.

I have actually read some of the top ranking stories. Some really are very good. Some are medicore (IMO) and have many errors grammatically, yet feature harsh beatings and bleeding. And others, I have also noted, feature an author who is pretty popular on the site.

I guess I am just confused why someone would open a story and vote a low number because it wasn't what they expected. That's like someone who likes romance stories and not horror/suspense giving Stephen King or Tom Clancy a bad review because their type of writing doesn't appeal to them personally.

But no biggie, really.

sarah

 

[doormouse]

The one topic I avoid like the plague is BDSM.

Still, if you post the links sarah, I'd love to read the two different styles and offer my opinion.

One of each style would suffice.

I read a LOT of stories on here, and only normally read stories in that category if its a friend's.

Personal reasons, not against the idea of BDSM.

I'll read and vote.

 

[impressive]

The "Hot" ratings just baffle me, but *LOL* so do the "Editor's Choice" at times. As suggested earlier, I've read many of the top rated stories in my favorite categories -- and I would not want them to be mine. Still, I can't help but be a little envious that my work is not (currently) as well-received per ratings.

Even if it's not a turn on for me, I appreciate a well-crafted story.

However, what I've found most incongruous is the difference between the numerical ratings and the e-mail feedback. (The latter being really terrific and the former being just so-so.) I don't have a thick enough skin to allow public comments.

I treasure the e-mail. It seems far, far more sincere. Around 90% of it is praise or well-intentioned constructive criticism. (The other 10% is proposals of one sort or another.)

Now, I gotta check out that voting thread mentioned above ...

 

[MLyons]

"Hot" ratings baffle me as well, actually. Many of the stories that I've gotten the most out of on this site are not "hot" rated at all. People vote according to their own criteria whether we think the criteria are valid or not. There's not a thing we can do about it. It's not that I doubt that people are voting honestly for the most part, but tastes in erotic stories just vary so widely that, as a reader, using the "hot" rating as a primary indicator of what you're going to like is a huge mistake.

Unfortunately, most casual readers don't realize this.

I'm afraid that "hot" ratings are of most benefit as an ego boost to the authors that get them--not to the readers trying to find a story they're going to like. In fact, in that capacity, I'd say they are unfairly misleading.

Honest, constructive and detailed feedback is the only way to measure the worth (to readers--not to yourself) of a story you've slaved over to the point of insanity. Obviously readers aren't obligated to give that, but it's nice when you've touched them enough to inspire it. The votes, in my opinion, are just a smoke screen.

 

[BlackShanglan]

I thought that "hot" ratings were based on number of views? No?

I am in the peace zone at the moment. Odd, really, for me; I'm not a very peaceful pony. But I am smiling to myself. My second-last post (http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=156413) is the lowest-voted of anything I have up. Not only do I genuinely not care, I am finding it rather humorous.

I like that story better than anything I have posted. It's exactly what I wanted it to be. I haven't often been able to realize my own vision in a way that I am entirely satisfied with, but this one is just about there. For this reason the votes seem ... amusing. But not emotionally charged or worrying to me. It's very easy with this one to say "Eh. Some people just don't like my kind of thing." What gives me peace and pleasure is that it is, thoroughly, my kind of thing.

Feel free to shred it by the way. I know that it will not appeal to many readers. I have never had anything read less (still under 500 hits). I have never had anything rated lower. And quite possibly, Sarah, it may have something to do with a lack of lengthy and explicit sex scenes. But ... a fig for all such concerns. It pleases me immensely. Let who else like it who will. That, I think, must be the end goal - to have something that genuinely pleases you.

Shanglan

 

[impressive]

Let who else like it who will. That, I think, must be the end goal - to have something that genuinely pleases you

Bingo!

(And I left you feedback on this piece earlier today.)

Peace,

 

[dr_mabeuse]

I thought that "hot" ratings were based on number of views? No?

Shanglan

You get an H if your story rates 4.5 or higher after 10 votes, so views really have nothing to do with it.

Anytime someone opens your story it counts as a view, whether they read it or flee at the sight of the first word.

---dr.M.

 

[Weird Harold]

I have a question that has kinda had me perplexed for some time now.

I have posted spanking stories on several different sites, a couple on which I am quite active. Here the stories get placed in the BDSM board, which is fine and expected. But this has been my observation.

Perhaps your softer spanking stories would do better in a different category?

Spanking is really a distinct fetish that is separate from BDSM and so could easily fit in the "Fetish" category. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the spanking, any particular spanking story could also be appropriate for another category -- Romance, First time, Incest/Taboo, and Mind-Control are other categories where a "soft" spanking story wouldn't be particulalry out of place.

I think what you're seeing is the effect of mis-categorization that is lumping all "spanking" stories as BDSM when actually very few spanking stories have anything to do with what BDSM fans are looking for.

 

[pop_54]

The votes and feedback very rarely match up... I have one particular story with about 50 feedback emails in the inbox... almost all positive praising the story... but the story doesn't have 50 votes against it, in fact less than 30, and it's languished at about 4.20 since vote 10... Go figure.

Also don't forget the compulsive bomber who will '1' vote your story no matter how good or bad it is... either out of spite, jealousy, or just because that's the way their twisted mind works.

Also of course there's the purist English language fanatics who will bomb you story if you missed out a comma somewhere... they never read the story, just proof read the content.

As you've found though the majority of Lit readers just want something to get off on... they haven't the brain power to sort out the complexities of a well crafted story... all they want is... Insert dick in slot, bang for 5 minutes with loads of dirty talk... The End.

 

[impressive]

Insert dick in slot, bang for 5 minutes with loads of dirty talk... The End.

You know, it's a shame there's a minimum story length. It'd be a hoot to submit the above just to see how it'd be rated.

Peace,

 

[pop_54]

You know, it's a shame there's a minimum story length. It'd be a hoot to submit the above just to see how it'd be rated.

Peace,

I could run that out to 600 / 700 words easily You obviously haven't read any of my crap

 

[impressive]

I could run that out to 600 / 700 words easily

I have no doubt you could. No rule against repetition, either: "Oh god oh god oh god mmmmmmmm fuck me oh god oh god oh god ..." *LOL* Just might play with this wacky pure dialog idea a bit for the H&S category.

You obviously haven't read any of my crap

Not yet, but I'll get there eventually.

So many stories, so little time!

 

[pop_54]

I have no doubt you could. No rule against repetition, either: "Oh god oh god oh god mmmmmmmm fuck me oh god oh god oh god ..." *LOL* Just might play with this wacky pure dialog idea a bit for the H&S category.


Not yet, but I'll get there eventually.

So many stories, so little time!

If you want to know how 'NOT' to do pure dialogue Check the 'Slack Alice' link below

(It is a piss take, please don't take it seriously )

 

[Guest]

If you want to know how 'NOT' to do pure dialogue Check the 'Slack Alice' link below

(It is a piss take, please don't take it seriously )

pops, you sexy beastie...

i loved your story re: slack alice. it was a hoot

 

[gauchecritic]

Consider television.

Big Brother vs Coronation Street vs Wednesday Playhouse.

Viewer rated in roughly that order.

(don't know the US equivalents)

Do the viewer ratings reflect artistic merit?

Which of these would generate letters to the station in praise or criticism?

If the viewers were able to vote from 1 to 5 how many of them would vote on merit rather than entertainment?

Gauche

 

[sarah thorne]

gauchecritic said >>

"If the viewers were able to vote from 1 to 5 how many of them would vote on merit rather than entertainment?"

Well, see...the thing is that anyplace else I have posted it, it has also been considered qualified entertainment as well. Even I can appreciate a good television show that necessarily is not something I would have chosen to watch but just happened to come upon or happened to be sitting alongside someone else who was watching it.

Besides, if a particular scene doesn't float your boat yet is crafted well, why would you even bother to praise/criticize it at all if it is written decently, that was really my question? I have read things that I would personally consider abuse, but realizing that it is simply others' cup of tea and not mine keeps me from voting either way, y'know? Hell, I have even had people not into spanking at all read and go 'wow...this is great!' ~shrugs~ Not their cup of tea either but they liked it.

Guess as this is kinda akin to a porn site, tho, I guess that is to be expected.

I was just under the impression from earlier hangings out on this board that quality here is a thing that is held in high regard, after having read posts on some of the boards slamming people for poor grammar and such and yes, missing a comma as someone stated earlier.


Weird Harold said :

"Perhaps your softer spanking stories would do better in a different category?

Spanking is really a distinct fetish that is separate from BDSM and so could easily fit in the "Fetish" category. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the spanking, any particular spanking story could also be appropriate for another category -- Romance, First time, Incest/Taboo, and Mind-Control are other categories where a "soft" spanking story wouldn't be particulalry out of place.

I think what you're seeing is the effect of mis-categorization that is lumping all "spanking" stories as BDSM when actually very few spanking stories have anything to do with what BDSM fans are looking for.

Now this I agree with and have thought for some time. As a matter of fact, one story I submitted into a different category and it was changed upon being reviewed for posting.

Personally, I too find spanking separate from BDSM. I also write ageplays but do not submit them because there is no real category for them. I do not want them in Incest!! lol

But not all my stories are romantic. Some are discipline. As a matter of fact, the last two I posted were real life discipline stories and one was given a 5 by the reviewing editor. No, he doesn't hogtie me and beat me until I bleed when I am disciplined but, all the same, it falls under D/d. There doesn't really seem to be a place for them, which kinda strikes me in a funny ironic way, as I see categories here that, on most storyboards, have no place and are not even touched.

Guess I'll just stick to my other boards and my website.

sarah

 

[impressive]

I also write ageplays but do not submit them because there is no real category for them.

(Cover your eyes if you don't want to see my ignorance.)

What are ageplays?

Thank-ee,

 

[gauchecritic]

(Cover your eyes if you don't want to see my ignorance.)

What are ageplays?

Thank-ee,

At a guess, role playing age differences. School boy and teacher etc.



On specific boards such as this we are generally authors and (sometimes) talk about writing and improving our writing. So here you will see people saying craft is a plus to story line.

On the GB I doubt whether you will find this sort of discussion.

You've merely stumbled upon a group of people who think writing is a good thing to do, sometimes in preference to reading.

This however is not representative of the reading public at Lit.

 

[impressive]

You've merely stumbled upon a group of people who think writing is a good thing to do, sometimes in preference to reading.

Then I'm "home."

Feels good,

 

[sarah thorne]

and yes, gauchecritic is correct. Age play is a role play. An adult game, if you will, where one adult usually assumes the role of someone much younger than they are.

Teacher/student is one good example, yes.

sarah