"To be continued if I get enough feedback"

[KillerMuffin]

Or something to that effect. What do you think of this statement that appears to be cropping up more and more at the end of various stories?

What are the pros and cons? Would you use this technique?

 

[SexyChele]

I haven't seen this yet, but if I did I would probably not give any feedback. For me, it's sort of an arrogant remark. Like, "Yeah, I wrote this story, but unless people beg me to write more I'm not going to waste my time." That might be unfair, I realize that, but it's my first first impression.

As to possible pros or cons? Well....

Pros:

1. A way to get people to respond to a story.

2. If a reader is really interested in the story continuing, they realize they might have a way of letting the writer know they want it continued.

Cons:

1. Perceived arrogance. (As stated above)

2. The reader has to hope that enough people responded to inspire the writer to write a follow up.

3. The continuing story could take longer than reader interest lasts. Unless the writer already has the next part written, readers would need to wait until the writer has it written. By then, interest could wan. (Then, of course, the writer would wonder where his/her audience went)

4. Lack of confidence in the writer's work. I write stories because I am inspired by something or some one. If readers don't care for it, I like to hear their remarks, but I'll still write what I want to. To wait for readers to say, "Yes, okay, write more," tells me the writer wasn't writing for themselves, but to please others. I would think they need to reconsider why they are writing.

 

[Alex De Kok]

Not any more!

I have in the past used something similar, but I have no plans to do so again. I'm now firmly of the opinion that when I write something I should write the complete tale before posting. If it's well received and there is scope for more, involving the same characters, then I might write more. It would however have to be a tale that stood by itself.

This is essentially what happened with "A Date for the Prom" and its sequel, "Tell me I can hope". Each story can be read - and was written - completely independently but they involve the same main protagonist. There are also references in the second story to events in the first, but there is enough detail in the second story to allow it to be enjoyed on its own. At least, I think there is...

Generally, I tend to think now along the lines of SexyChele's answer.

Alex

 

[jfinn]

I see this a lot at a couple of other sites and I think it's really pretty common. Especially places where writers have no stats or votes to judge the reader's reactions to their stories. Even some of the more experienced writers use it though I believe it's normally more for the first timers who are unsure of their reception and need the positive reinforcement.

I've never really perceived it like SexyChele does though. I guess I've always believed it stems from insecurity more than arrogance. And while it does look like the author is saying they won't write more if they don't get begged to do it, I know some writers who've used it and most of them had already written additional chapters, they just weren't sure they were brave enough to post them if no one was reading their stuff in the first place.

So while I've never done anything like that myself and probably never will, I figure if someone wants to that's fine and wish them luck.

Jayne

 

[Pookie]

When I see a statement like that, my first thought is that the author not only hasn't finished writing the story, but they probably didn't even think the storyline through completely. I quickly lose faith in the author's ability to write an ending that will be entertaining.

I don't want to read the ending I would want to read, otherwise I would just write the story myself. I'm reading it to enjoy the author's ideas.

The second and probably more prevailing thought is one of disgust. It's like I have to tell the author how good he is just so I can see the rest of the story. The author is basically holding the story hostage until I/we stroke their ego enough. I won't send feedback to a writer who pulls something lime that.

 

[Octavian]

Although it was only a light-hearted comment, I put something similar at the end of my story, ‘A Day to Forget’. I penned this short piece on the spur of the moment and before I wrote any more, I wanted to see whether or not a non-erotic humorous story would appeal to the Literotica readership at large.

That may demonstrate a degree of insecurity perhaps, but certainly not arrogance.

My Stories

 

[Pookie]

Octavian,

I'm not referring to the type of thing you put at the end of chapter 1,

"This is the first part of a story that is planned for issue in 1,768 parts. I would have liked to have issued Part 2 free with Part 1 but unfortunately Part 2 is not yet written. Neither, for that matter, are the other 1766 parts. However, suitably fulsome feedback, especially if accompanied by money, might encourage me to write Part 2 at least."

First, it's a story in the Humor & Satire section, so I wasn't thrown by the demeanor of what you wrote. The other is I know you will write additional chapters as time permits. What I'm referring to is the ...

"If the readers don't give me at least a 5.01, and if I don't get one million in unmarked feedbacks in a plain brown email, I won't write or post the next chapter."

All you did in your footer was "encourage" feedback in a humorous way. Some authors include footer statements that literally state that they won't post another chapter without the readers meeting their demands. And it could mean you have to tell them how the story should end, because they have no fucking clue how to end it themselves. (Sorry about my potty mouth this morning. )

Pookie

 

[Lady Lust]

I haven't seen any statement's like that on any of the stories I have read, but it would seem like the author needs/wants to be rewarded in order to go ahead and write the next part of an unfinished story. Personally, just the act of writing and having a forum of readers to present it to is reward enough for me. Not that I don't appreciate the votes and feedback.

The story I am currently working on is far from finished, but I decided to post it a chapter at a time so that I could see some reaction as to what readers thought about the characters. It allows me the opportunity to take different plot turns and add or change characters interactions.

 

[English Lady]

i must say i've seen similar statements on stories and i can also say i don't think i have ever sent feedback or voted particularly high on those stories.

It can look like you're just begging for higher scores, but i guess if you really want feedback this might work,although your probably going to get the"this story made me cum..write another" kind of feedback not anything more constructive...

who knows?

 

[Pookie]

I have seen it more than once. It's rare if ever with "established" authors. But I do catch it here and at a few other websites from time to time. I have actually seen an author put a score requirement in a footer.

 

[openthighs_sarah]

I'd like to think I can stop a bad story from being continued by sending feedback. So in those cases, I would enjoy seeing that comment. (I would do it in a very crafty manner, though: "Let's just keep the next chapter between you and me, okay? Or how about between you and you?")

 

[Lady Lust]

I have seen it more than once. It's rare if ever with "established" authors. But I do catch it here and at a few other websites from time to time. I have actually seen an author put a score requirement in a footer.

Now that's just tacky.
(BTW... I deserve all "5's" for my next chapter).

 

[oggbashan]

I Like Feedback

I apreciate feedback but trying to bribe readers to give feedback doesn't appeal.

If my story doesn't generate enough response in the reader either for or against, then would they react to an implied bribe?

If they like the story enough to say so, that's great.

If they hate the story, and at least one of my stories is written to poke fun at a common fetish, they might respond as well. If they do, I have produced the effect I aimed for. It also generates low marks.

I think asking for feedback is acceptable but threats of withdrawal of labour are not.

Og

 

[Couture]

Let's face it. It takes a good deal of work to write a story, be it porn or otherwise. Especially a long story like a series or something where you have plot, characters, foreshadowing etc. So the thing is, the only thing to pursuade me to take the time and effort to do the work necessary to move the idea from my head to paper is feedback. That's the currency I get paid in. If I'm not getting paid enough for the time I put into the stories, then I refuse to share them.

I usually get enough feedback to keep me writing, but there has been the occasion where I've said, "If you are reading this, let me know. Otherwise, I'm going to keep it to myself."

Some authors don't get as much feedback as I do. I don't have any problem with them posting a message stating they want feedback before continuing, because, in a way, I do the same thing.

 

[violent intimacy]

IMO, writing is a very exhibitionistic activity for some and, because of this, having a "guaranteed" audience is necessary for them to want to continue.

As for me, well, I write because I just have to get these images out of my head and into words before my eyes start to bleed. It IS gratifying when people read what I write and send me feedback to say they enjoyed it or whatnot, and it does make me want to write more. But the writing itself, as I said, that just has to get out.

 

[Pookie]

Let's face it. It takes a good deal of work to write a story, be it porn or otherwise. Especially a long story like a series or something where you have plot, characters, foreshadowing etc. So the thing is, the only thing to pursuade me to take the time and effort to do the work necessary to move the idea from my head to paper is feedback. That's the currency I get paid in. If I'm not getting paid enough for the time I put into the stories, then I refuse to share them.

I usually get enough feedback to keep me writing, but there has been the occasion where I've said, "If you are reading this, let me know. Otherwise, I'm going to keep it to myself."

Some authors don't get as much feedback as I do. I don't have any problem with them posting a message stating they want feedback before continuing, because, in a way, I do the same thing.

I think it's cool to encourage feedback, don't get me wrong. I probably wouldn't care to write nearly as much if I got little or no feedback. But some authors step way over the line with their statements, placing some quota on votes, score, etc. before they will post another chapter. I don't think you are even close to doing something like that.

If the feedback I get sucks or is basically nonexistent, I probably won't continue the story myself. I know I have added a statement to a few of my chapters in the past, encouraging readers to send feedback. It's more of a reminder than anything. But I wonder if some readers get a backlash from some authors at times too. So some statement encouraging constructive feedback is not out of line, IMO. It lets the reader know that I am receptive at least.


Pookie

 

[Chicklet]

Re: Not any more!

I have in the past used something similar, but I have no plans to do so again.

I did that at first. My reasoning was that I didn't know if I was any good, and if anyone would be interested in reading another chapter. I realized eventually that it didn't matter to me what the damned readers thought, that if I wanted a story to go on I'd continue it, and that if I didn't, I'd let it die. A few times I've planned on doing more stories in line with others, but negative feedback has stopped me. But I wouldn't put a notice at the bottom anymore.

When I see pleas for feedback on the bottom of a story, I actually send feedback. When people say "To be continued if I get enough feedback" I *don't* send feedback. Those kinds of pleas are just dumb. People who want to know they're needed and wanted and loved and desired. That bothers me. People that just want to know what you think, that's different.

Chicklet

 

[Couture]

Well, if I don't get at least 10 more replies to this thread, I'm gonna stop responding.

 

[pop_54]

Yes guilty

Did it once as an experiment to try to give people the kind of story that appealed to them for a change instead of forcing my preferences on them all.
I asked them to vote if another chapter was needed, and suggest items they'd like to see in said chapter.
Too many sick bastards out there though with too many sick suggestions and I didn't get enough sensible feedback to sway my writing one way or the other.
I'll just finish it the way I feel comfortable when I get round to it and in my own time.

No Mr/Mrs/Ms anon I will not make her pregnant then have her guts ripped out with a bill hook, no way!!!


pops..............

 

[Svenskaflicka]

Feedback is not a carrot, it's a bonus.

 

[Alex De Kok]

I used to be insecure, but now I'm not so sure...

I had a little spare time so I've been checking. I've used this device twice, and that was in my very early days on Literotica. Under the name of my alter ego, Frederick Carol, the first piece I ever posted, Change of Plan, popped up on Literotica on July 4, 2000. I finished it with 'to be continued?'

It was the first time I'd ever offered my efforts for public consumption and I didn't know how they'd be received. There were a further four parts, each essentially complete in themselves, but quite well spread out - posted on December 10, 2000, May 31, 2001, June 2, 2001 and February 7, 2002. I think now I'd try to have all, or at least most, of the parts ready before submitting the first. In none of these did I ask if I should continue. I told the readers they would be continued.

Shortly after submitting 'Change of Plan' I submitted the first part of Aunt Ellen and it was posted on July 30, 2000. Again I was unsure of how it would be received and this time I finished it with 'To be continued? (Yes, if there's enough interest. I need feedback!)' What must be taken into account is that this was in the days before the present submission mechanism was in place and 'Aunt Ellen' was submitted before 'Change of Plan' was posted.

This time I had my act together a little better and the next three parts of 'Aunt Ellen' were posted together and popped up on Literotica on January 10, 11 and 12, 2001. A fifth and so far final part was posted on July 13, 2001. In none of these did I ask if I should continue. In fact I've been told I should and accused of leaving too many loose ends!

I've never asked again if I should continue but I do ask for feedback! I think Svenskaflicka summed it up rather neatly -

Feedback is not a carrot, it's a bonus.

Alex

 

[Master_Vassago]

I add it at times. Simply because most of the stories I write can either end that way or they could go on further if enough interest is shown. I don't mean to sound arrogant at all just conveying to the reader that I would like to know if anyone is interested in reading more on that same story line or to let it end where it had.

I would have to look but out of some fifty odd stories I don't think that I use it as much anymore I just request the readers to vote or send feedback if they made it to the end of the story.

Sometimes it's just added as an afterthought as you post the story and scroll to the bottom. I would love if every person that read one of My stories sent feedback and/or voted. Simply because even though you would receive positive you would also see the negative side of your writing and perhaps that would help improve on areas one did not realize they were missing.

Just My take on it.

 

[MathGirl]

Feedback is not a carrot, it's a bonus.

I like that, Svenska.

No, I wouldn't grovel for feedback like that. It's too blatant. I'd find more subtle ways to crawl and beg.
MG

 

[KillerMuffin]

Here is an example of what I consider over the top requests for feedback. "To Be Continued if I get enough positive feedback... "

http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=88305&page=2

I see this a lot around here. At least once every night I read stories.

Couture has a request for feedback as well, but I consider that to be a respectful asking. "If you enjoyed this work, take a moment to email the author. Your comments are their only payment."

http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=87884&page=2

I think the first one is over the top because it's giving the reader an ultimatum. Sorry, I think that's rude. You don't manipulate people into giving you happy happy joy joy feedback.

The second one isn't because it doesn't tell the reader, "If you do this, I'll do this, but if you don't, then I won't either." Though, I think C could stand to put in a "please" between work, and take if he wanted to.

But that's just my opinion. This tactic might work for some authors. I don't ask for feedback because I get enough to overfeed my ego. It's easy for me to sit here and judge.

*sigh*

 

[Sabledrake]

I don't care for that sort of feedback-begging. I agree with those who've said it strikes them as arrogant and also insecure (which is one hell of a combination).

I mean, yes, sure, we all love to get feedback, especially good feedback. We might crave it the way a vampire craves blood. I post announcements, I ask for feedback, and it

But holding the rest of the story hostage for it? Not good.

That tells me a writer is writing for the audience, not for him/herself, and such writing is usually not as good as that which is written honestly because it's what the author _wants_ to write or what story _demands_ to be told.

Conversely, though, a deluge of positive feedback can encourage a writer. I recently posted the first chapter of a story called The Neglected Son (shameless plug: http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=87076) with the idea that I would eventually get around to writing more of it.

But the amount of feedback I got led me to begin work on the next chapter far sooner than anticipated. I expect to submit Ch. 2 by the end of this week.

Of course, since it got four times as many votes as anything else I've done as well as all that glorious feedback, it sure showed me which category gets the most attention

Sabledrake