Quick Question/Request

[Bianca_Sommerland]

I was curious about something. It's not a complaint, honestly, but I have part 1,2 and 3 of a story up and for some reason 1 and 3 have more views then 2. Maybe it's just me but I thought it strange. Is it possible the discription for two is throwing people off? Strangely enough it is the only part with anything remotely sexual to date.

As for the request, for those who have read the story (Stolen Magic), would it be possible to give me a little feedback? Good or bad, I'm thick skinned, and I'm not looking to have my ego stroked. I just want to know what about the story is working, what isn't, and if anything stuck out that could be a bad habit I need to nip in the bud.

Anyway thanks to those who gave it such high ratings and I hope you are enjoying the story so far. There should be another chapter up within the next few days.

Note: Part for is up now and I added link to my sig as suggested (see below). Still not getting comments but I'll keep working at it. The viewers for the for addition went up really fast which was cool.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

I was curious about something. It's not a complaint, honestly, but I have part 1,2 and 3 of a story up and for some reason 1 and 3 have more views then 2. Maybe it's just me but I thought it strange. Is it possible the discription for two is throwing people off? Strangely enough it is the only part with anything remotely sexual to date.

As for the request, for those who have read the story (Stolen Magic), would it be possible to give me a little feedback? Good or bad, I'm thick skinned, and I'm not looking to have my ego stroked. I just want to know what about the story is working, what isn't, and if anything stuck out that could be a bad habit I need to nip in the bud.

Anyway thanks to those who gave it such high ratings and I hope you are enjoying the story so far. There should be another chapter up within the next few days.

Interesting story, Bianca. A few of your paragraphs are a bit long, but that didn't really detract from the read. I should say this is not the kind of story I read, but still it works.

I'vb often bitched to the people in this board about long paragraphs. But that has to be thought of in terms of story length. This story is two pages and the couple of longer paragraphs didn't make much difference.

Also, the idea that there was no sex in this chapter says nothing about the quality of the write. I've written a number of non-erotic stories - most actually - and the acceptance of them would not be any different were I to add a sex scene or three.

This was good.

 

[Darkniciad]

As to the disproportionate number of views, the day your story comes out can have a big effect on this. Some days are much better than others. Likewise, the position that your story appears in the "New" list can effect the number of views. Sometimes, all the new stories don't post at the same time. If yours comes out in a "second wave" of new listings, that can cut the number of views it will pick up.

More people will read the 1st chapter of a multi-parter, because those who don't like the story bow out there. Some will also skip ahead and check the last posted chapter to see if it is the end of the story, because they don't like to read incomplete stories.

The description can make a difference. If you had a link in your post/sig, I'd take a look ( we can be a bit lazy around here )

There are a lot of factors that can go into the number of views on a story -- especially a multi-parter.

[threadjack]Good to see you around here again JJ [/threadjack]

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

Interesting story, Bianca. A few of your paragraphs are a bit long, but that didn't really detract from the read. I should say this is not the kind of story I read, but still it works.

I'vb often bitched to the people in this board about long paragraphs. But that has to be thought of in terms of story length. This story is two pages and the couple of longer paragraphs didn't make much difference.

Also, the idea that there was no sex in this chapter says nothing about the quality of the write. I've written a number of non-erotic stories - most actually - and the acceptance of them would not be any different were I to add a sex scene or three.

This was good.

Thanks for the insight Jenny. I'll keep an eye out for that, but it's good to know it doesn't hurt the story. Long paragraphs use to be a very big problem. I've been working on it but I'm never oposed to sound advice.

I guess it was silly for me to assume lit readers would vote lower or be less impressed with a story just on sex content.

As to the disproportionate number of views, the day your story comes out can have a big effect on this. Some days are much better than others. Likewise, the position that your story appears in the "New" list can effect the number of views. Sometimes, all the new stories don't post at the same time. If yours comes out in a "second wave" of new listings, that can cut the number of views it will pick up.

More people will read the 1st chapter of a multi-parter, because those who don't like the story bow out there. Some will also skip ahead and check the last posted chapter to see if it is the end of the story, because they don't like to read incomplete stories.

The description can make a difference. If you had a link in your post/sig, I'd take a look ( we can be a bit lazy around here )

There are a lot of factors that can go into the number of views on a story -- especially a multi-parter.

[threadjack]Good to see you around here again JJ [/threadjack]

Didn't think of adding the link, which is stupid. I ask a question about my story and then don't make it easy for people to check it out and answer. Here's the link. http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=436683

I'm going to add it to the first post as well. Thanks for the breakdown, that makes a lot of sense. I noticed the views on all the stories went up faster with each new insert.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

You can also be shameless like the rest of us. Put a link in your sig line, post a notice saying you just posted a story and so on. That also helps you with views and votes.

 

[lance gt]

Bianca, if you write a story that is going to be done in several chapters, post script a notice saying to the readers that the next chapter is coming soon. And yes, I totally agree with Jenny that shameless or not, use your first chapter to post a notice or two in feedback to let readers know your next chapter is posted and awaiting approval. That way they will be looking for it in the new stories section. I have several readers who have written to me and want a head's up before I even submit it. I even give them a taste of what's coming to get them ready. Seems to make them feel special that they know before the rest. The more interaction with your readers, the more comments they'll make and your views will go up considerably.

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

You can also be shameless like the rest of us. Put a link in your sig line, post a notice saying you just posted a story and so on. That also helps you with views and votes.

Actually to be honest I felt a little shameless and silly coming here to ask for advice but I'm glad I did. I didn't even think of adding a sig line. Considering I started writing here to see if people would like my writing enough for me to make it as a freelance writer it's an excilent idea. Thank you.

Bianca, if you write a story that is going to be done in several chapters, post script a notice saying to the readers that the next chapter is coming soon. And yes, I totally agree with Jenny that shameless or not, use your first chapter to post a notice or two in feedback to let readers know your next chapter is posted and awaiting approval. That way they will be looking for it in the new stories section. I have several readers who have written to me and want a head's up before I even submit it. I even give them a taste of what's coming to get them ready. Seems to make them feel special that they know before the rest. The more interaction with your readers, the more comments they'll make and your views will go up considerably.

That's a good idea too. I've only got two comments but I have several people who favored the story and put me as favored author. Maybe I'll give them a note when I'm ready to add another part, see how it's recieved? I think I like the idea of a little teaser too. Part of why I joined here was because I liked the idea of interacting with the readers. Wasn't sure how to start, you've been a great help

 

[lance gt]

Always a pleasure to help a fellow writer, Bianca. writing is a tough sport, yes, a sport. You'll see that it gets violent sometimes when readers take your work too seriously and ire them. I take it all in stride and realize that writing is something I do, reading is what they do. I write what I like and they can read it or not. Get a tough shell and write your heart out. The rewards are few, but they are wonderful.

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

Always a pleasure to help a fellow writer, Bianca. writing is a tough sport, yes, a sport. You'll see that it gets violent sometimes when readers take your work too seriously and ire them. I take it all in stride and realize that writing is something I do, reading is what they do. I write what I like and they can read it or not. Get a tough shell and write your heart out. The rewards are few, but they are wonderful.

Hey Lance, it's funny because I've compaired writers to atheletes before too. All the training and skill isn't enough if you let anything bring you down. Some atheletes that become the best weren't necissarily the biggest, or the strongest. They were to most determined and that's how I handle writing. I've gotten my share of rejections and I learn to take it in stride and learn from it.

I'm gonna have to take a look at your work, and some of the others that were so helpful, when I have the time. I love the support system going here and how a lot of people seem to celebrate each other's success. Looking forward to finding my place in it all.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

[threadjack]Good to see you around here again JJ [/threadjack]

Good to see you again too, Dark

 

[lance gt]

Your very welcome Bianca. This is the right place to get the real deal when you need assistance. I think you'll find only educated and well meaning writers here that enjoy seeing a fellow writer attain success.
Lance

 

[sr71plt]

I think you'll find only educated and well meaning writers here that enjoy seeing a fellow writer attain success.
Lance

Well, that's a little bit of starry-eyed stretch, I'm afraid.

 

[driphoney]

You can also be shameless like the rest of us. Put a link in your sig line, post a notice saying you just posted a story and so on. That also helps you with views and votes.

Really? I always figured it would only helped if you were any good. Oh wait, the starter of this thread probably is. (sorry am on my phone waiting for the four ' Rita buzz to leave before I can drive. Swear I thought it was only 3!)

Anyway, too afraid to link in the sig line.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Well, that's a little bit of starry-eyed stretch, I'm afraid.

True. There are a couple hundred thousand members on Lit... but only a handful ever write anything or post. The wankers are really your audience.

 

[lance gt]

Good luck Bianca, Let us know when your next story is out and I'll take a look at it. See you soon. Lance

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

Good luck Bianca, Let us know when your next story is out and I'll take a look at it. See you soon. Lance

TY. I definately will.

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

Okay that did and didn't work I was hoping editing the first post would add my sig to it, but it's only on the other ones. Oh well, guess it'll have to be enough. Hope to get more feedback soon.

Hey, while I'm here, does anyone know how to resize a banner? I didn't realize it would be so small

 

[Darkniciad]

If that's the acutal size of the image, then trying to blow it up is going to make it look terrible and pixellated. If that's smaller than what the original image is, then there may be a way to fix it.

As to getting your sig in your first post, you can't use the quick edit feature. If you click edit and the post just changes to an editing window, then go to the button that says "go advanced"

That takes you to the full-featured editing screen. If you scroll down, you'll see a box that says "show your signature" It is probably unticked if you didn't have a signature at the time. Tick it and submit the edit. That should put your sig into the post.

Okay that did and didn't work I was hoping editing the first post would add my sig to it, but it's only on the other ones. Oh well, guess it'll have to be enough. Hope to get more feedback soon.

Hey, while I'm here, does anyone know how to resize a banner? I didn't realize it would be so small

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

If that's the acutal size of the image, then trying to blow it up is going to make it look terrible and pixellated. If that's smaller than what the original image is, then there may be a way to fix it.

As to getting your sig in your first post, you can't use the quick edit feature. If you click edit and the post just changes to an editing window, then go to the button that says "go advanced"

That takes you to the full-featured editing screen. If you scroll down, you'll see a box that says "show your signature" It is probably unticked if you didn't have a signature at the time. Tick it and submit the edit. That should put your sig into the post.

If the banner is in HTML code, that's a problem. You have to edit the code and change the perameters.

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

If that's the acutal size of the image, then trying to blow it up is going to make it look terrible and pixellated. If that's smaller than what the original image is, then there may be a way to fix it.

As to getting your sig in your first post, you can't use the quick edit feature. If you click edit and the post just changes to an editing window, then go to the button that says "go advanced"

That takes you to the full-featured editing screen. If you scroll down, you'll see a box that says "show your signature" It is probably unticked if you didn't have a signature at the time. Tick it and submit the edit. That should put your sig into the post.

Thanks, I'll do that for the sig, but as for the banner I'm not sure what happened. I just made it and it looked bigger, maybe I'll have to go back and remake it.

If the banner is in HTML code, that's a problem. You have to edit the code and change the perameters.

The site wouldn't let me use HTML codes. I converted them to vb. Not sure if there was a problem there of it it's the banner itself.

Not as computor savvy as I thought I guess

 

[Darkniciad]

You may have some sort of default zoom setting on in your image editor. Some of them will do an "automatically fit to window" or something similar on open if you use certain settings, either shrinking or enlarging the image when you open it.

Look for a setting in "View" for "actual pixel size" or similar wording while you're working on it.

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

You may have some sort of default zoom setting on in your image editor. Some of them will do an "automatically fit to window" or something similar on open if you use certain settings, either shrinking or enlarging the image when you open it.

Look for a setting in "View" for "actual pixel size" or similar wording while you're working on it.

Ok thanks. I'll take a look at that. I'm also going to have to check out if there's a max pixel size for sigs. Have a hard time with that for my avatar

On the topic of my stories (which I completely strayed from ) I noticed that while my ratings are still awesome, and more people are voting, I'm still not getting comments. I'm hoping my laterst submission will do better, although I didn't leave a note on it like I did the others. It's more of a cliff hanger.

I'm not sure if I should go with the adage 'No news is good news' or keep trying to get the readers involved. Maybe it's too soon to worry about it. IDK.

 

[Bianca_Sommerland]

Just an update. Part five is up and doing better, faster then the others! I'm really happy about it because I feel it's my best piece so far. Already got a really nice comment and just that one makes me exited about working on the next part.

Sorry about themundane post. I was thrilled and had to post it somewhere. Figured here would be better then randomly annoying people with my giddiness elsewhere!