Submission date question; Evildoers mess with rankings?

[Roxanne Appleby]

Are stories dated in the month they are submitted, or in the month they go up on the site?

Separately, I notice that whenever one of my stories approaches or is in the top "Readers Choice" spot in its category, somehow mysteriously it suddenly receives one or two "1" ratings, which is obvious when a 4.93 rated story with 29 'votes' drops to 4.80 on number 30. This has really spoiled the whole experience of getting excited to see one of my stories being well received.

After the first time this happened I resolved to not even pay attention to these rankings, since the real reward comes from the feedback of incredibly generous readers (and the pure joy of creating). But like Charlie Brown invited to kick the football I can't help getting excited when one of my stories rises toward the top of its category in the current month.

I fear there are evil or jealous people out there messing with these, but maybe I am just oversensitive and one out every 30 people just think my stories really, really suck, despite the fact that the other 29 think it is '5' or '4' at worst. I know I should not care about this aspect, but can't help it. Stop me before I care again! Roxanne Appleby

 

[cloudy]

Are stories dated in the month they are submitted, or in the month they go up on the site?

Separately, I notice that whenever one of my stories approaches or is in the top "Readers Choice" spot in its category, somehow mysteriously it suddenly receives one or two "1" ratings, which is obvious when a 4.93 rated story with 29 'votes' drops to 4.80 on number 30. This has really spoiled the whole experience of getting excited to see one of my stories being well received.

After the first time this happened I resolved to not even pay attention to these rankings, since the real reward comes from the feedback of incredibly generous readers (and the pure joy of creating). But like Charlie Brown invited to kick the football I can't help getting excited when one of my stories rises toward the top of its category in the current month.

I fear there are evil or jealous people out there messing with these, but maybe I am just oversensitive and one out every 30 people just think my stories really, really suck, despite the fact that the other 29 think it is '5' or '4' at worst. I know I should not care about this aspect, but can't help it. Stop me before I care again! Roxanne Appleby

1) the date they are "approved."

2) nope, you're not imagining it....it happens, unfortunately. You've been "trolled." Consider it a badge of honor that you've attracted the trolls attentions. It happens to all of us, unfortunately. Laurel does do vote sweeps, however, so sometimes those pesky votes will disappear. The bad thing is that the trolls seem to have figured this out, and will revisit you sometimes.

Don't let it get to you. As you said, the real judgement is in the feedback you receive.

Welcome to the AH.

 

[sophia jane]

Yes, people sometimes vote 1's out of jealousy or spite or stupidity.
Yes, you will care even if you don't want to.
Yes, it gets easier the more stories you write.
Yes, Laurel fixes these votes, eventually.
Yes, it sucks.


Welcome to the club.

 

[CharleyH]

Who seriously gives a shit if they are trolled?

Not confident, enough?

 

[Stella_Omega]

Who seriously gives a shit if they are trolled?

Not confident, enough?

I know how good my work is. I'd like my ratings to show it too.

I'd like the chance to contend for the prize money, sometime.

I am sure the trolls are smart enough to leave votes from different computers- so that the IP isn't the same for each vote. I think it sux.

 

[Samandiriel]

I know how good my work is. I'd like my ratings to show it too.

I'd like the chance to contend for the prize money, sometime.

I am sure the trolls are smart enough to leave votes from different computers- so that the IP isn't the same for each vote. I think it sux.

Stella, you're the coolest.

 

[CharleyH]

I know how good my work is. I'd like my ratings to show it too.

I'd like the chance to contend for the prize money, sometime.

I am sure the trolls are smart enough to leave votes from different computers- so that the IP isn't the same for each vote. I think it sux.

Jeez - if there is prize money?

I have had the wrost of the worst trolls. They make not a dent unless your story REALLY sucks?

 

[CharleyH]

Stella, you're the coolest.

You are so dishonest, Sam

Edit: But Stella is cool

 

[Samandiriel]

You are so dishonest, Sam

Edit: But Stella is cool

Can't handle being replaced, can you?

 

[CharleyH]

Can't handle being replaced, can you?

SHUSH - I am trying to exalt intelligence. Stella? I am much more open to experience than you ,,,not that Stella gives a shit Fighting over Stella? ROWR

 

[Stella_Omega]

Stella, you're the coolest.

oh, thank gawds you're here! I need a distraction and I'm feeling mouthy

I got special sux for you darlin

eesh, my head, what did I say?

Anyway, I don't have easy access to lots of computers, which is why my story "A Private Party" is lingering at 4.86 with 9 votes- for weeks and weeks now... Besides, I'm too lazy to be dishonest

 

[Samandiriel]

oh, thank gawds you're here! I need a distraction and I'm feeling mouthy

I got special sux for you darlin

eesh, my head, what did I say?

Anyway, I don't have easy access to lots of computers, which is why my story "A Private Party" is lingering at 4.86 with 9 votes- for weeks and weeks now... Besides, I'm too lazy to be dishonest

You jingle my bells.

My story was fine when it first came out, I need to re edit it, the format sucks.

 

[Stella_Omega]

SHUSH - I am trying to exalt intelligence. Stella? I am much more open to experience than you ,,,not that Stella gives a shit Fighting over Stella? ROWR

I do, I care! What experience can I offer you?

 

[Samandiriel]

SHUSH - I am trying to exalt intelligence. Stella? I am much more open to experience than you ,,,not that Stella gives a shit Fighting over Stella? ROWR

You don't stand a chance nutcase...go back to your igloo.

 

[Stella_Omega]

You jingle my bells.

My story was fine when it first came out, I need to re edit it, the format sucks.

Really, you think so? What would you change?

 

[CharleyH]

oh, thank gawds you're here! I need a distraction and I'm feeling mouthy

I got special sux for you darlin

eesh, my head, what did I say?

Anyway, I don't have easy access to lots of computers, which is why my story "A Private Party" is lingering at 4.86 with 9 votes- for weeks and weeks now... Besides, I'm too lazy to be dishonest

HMF! And I was being nice. What us this thread about?

Oh right the two EVIL BITCHES, some sorta Shakespeare.

 

[Samandiriel]

Really, you think so? What would you change?

The first part was supposed to be in italics...I rushed to get it up.

 

[Samandiriel]

HMF! And I was being nice. What us this thread about?

Oh right the two EVIL BITCHES, some sorta Shakespeare.

Nice? You? Feh.


Anyhoo....I write for me. Trolls be damned.

 

[CharleyH]

Boil and beg Sam, boil and beg and beg and touble .

 

[Samandiriel]

Boil and beg Sam, boil and beg and beg and touble .

I think the sun is coming up soon, shouldn't you be in bed?

 

[CharleyH]

I think the sun is coming up soon, shouldn't you be in bed?

Not when I want to kill a Vamp

 

[Samandiriel]

Not when I want to kill a Vamp

Peasant.

 

[CharleyH]

Peasant.

Oh - I saw you on Jerry Springer! As I briefly watched on cable

 

[Stella_Omega]

Whoah!
dammit, I apologise, Charley
I probably should stay away when I'm in this mood.
Frustrated with my writing, I didn't mean to take it out on you, honest!

 

[JamesSD]

Separately, I notice that whenever one of my stories approaches or is in the top "Readers Choice" spot in its category, somehow mysteriously it suddenly receives one or two "1" ratings, which is obvious when a 4.93 rated story with 29 'votes' drops to 4.80 on number 30. This has really spoiled the whole experience of getting excited to see one of my stories being well received.

Just a couple quick notes:

1 votes generally are troll votes. They're removed before final tallies for contests, etc.

Don't consider a 4.93 to be at all sustainable. There are currently 53 stories listed at 4.93 or better. At least 17 or 18 of those are in their first month. The fact is, a high rated story will get more casual readers who discover it from the top list. Casual readers are far more likely to give 4s and 3s. 4.8 is still a fantastic score, and if it's a great story the high votes will outweigh the detractors.

I suppose being someone who is good but not great it's easier for me to just shrug about the trolls. I'm on a few category top lists, but have never been in serious contest contention. I guess it's good to be mediocre.