Understanding Story Ratings

[Brutal_One]

It’s not necessarily been a focus for me, to date just being able to launch a series and have it published was the initial main objective. So up to 6 parts submitted and up to a total of 11 So 5 more for this initial part already pending.

The latest part part 06 has a score of 4.75 and rising it seems but what is this based on.

Brutal One

 

[Ginlover]

At the end of each published chapter there are stars. The score is the average of people who voted on your story by clicking 1 to 5 stars

 

[Brutal_One]

At the end of each published chapter there are stars. The score is the average of people who voted on your story by clicking 1 to 5 stars

Cool, so a rising score means that the average number of people are ranking higher. Thanks for the simple explanation.

Brutal One

 

[SimonDoom]

Cool, so a rising score means that the average number of people are ranking higher. Thanks for the simple explanation.

Brutal One

Yes, this is what is happening.

It could be because the story is getting better or sexier as it goes along. Another possible explanation is that as the story progresses through multiple chapters the readers who remain to keep reading the story are those that like it, and are more likely to rate it higher. This is a phenomenon that happens to almost all authors of multi-chapter stories. Scores tend to rise as the chapters go on.

I didn't read your whole story but I did scan the chapters quickly, and I have a recommendation: Write much longer chapters. Your story is a BDSM story, but you are not going to please readers and persuade them to give you high scores, in general, unless your published chapters give them the BDSM payoff they are looking for. Your chapters are too short to do that. Wait until you have a chapter of at least 5000 or so words , with at least some meaningful BDSM content in each chapter, before you publish the chapter. Your story so far is in six very short chapters, and that's likely one of the reasons that the scores are not as high as they could be.

 

[Brutal_One]

Yes, this is what is happening.

It could be because the story is getting better or sexier as it goes along. Another possible explanation is that as the story progresses through multiple chapters the readers who remain to keep reading the story are those that like it, and are more likely to rate it higher. This is a phenomenon that happens to almost all authors of multi-chapter stories. Scores tend to rise as the chapters go on.

I didn't read your whole story but I did scan the chapters quickly, and I have a recommendation: Write much longer chapters. Your story is a BDSM story, but you are not going to please readers and persuade them to give you high scores, in general, unless your published chapters give them the BDSM payoff they are looking for. Your chapters are too short to do that. Wait until you have a chapter of at least 5000 or so words , with at least some meaningful BDSM content in each chapter, before you publish the chapter. Your story so far is in six very short chapters, and that's likely one of the reasons that the scores are not as high as they could be.

Simon good feedback and tend to agree. There was the question I posed earlier about pacing and yes I had advice also to role more in. As for BDSM content it will start to become far more relevant in the next coming chapters. It was still important for me to set the premise from chapter 1 and add to it leading up to chapter 5. Arguably part 1 through 5 could have been in one entire story but I wasn’t about to do that until I was sure the very short part 1 could fly. Also this is a rewrite so we have quite some way to go and in effect the main arc is open ended. Taking the revisions in smaller parts has been easier as a wholesale rewrite would have been more of an issue. For the very few probably that saw something of interest from part 1 they can enjoy the background more. From the next chapter the BDSM and of course my particular take on it is front stage and centre. The reality is this is the main reason why I wanted to try and get the story out there. For 1 person to ‘get it’ and enjoy what is to come is enough. Brutal One.

 

[Enchantment_of_Nyx]

Yes, this is what is happening.

It could be because the story is getting better or sexier as it goes along. Another possible explanation is that as the story progresses through multiple chapters the readers who remain to keep reading the story are those that like it, and are more likely to rate it higher. This is a phenomenon that happens to almost all authors of multi-chapter stories. Scores tend to rise as the chapters go on.

I didn't read your whole story but I did scan the chapters quickly, and I have a recommendation: Write much longer chapters. Your story is a BDSM story, but you are not going to please readers and persuade them to give you high scores, in general, unless your published chapters give them the BDSM payoff they are looking for. Your chapters are too short to do that. Wait until you have a chapter of at least 5000 or so words , with at least some meaningful BDSM content in each chapter, before you publish the chapter. Your story so far is in six very short chapters, and that's likely one of the reasons that the scores are not as high as they could be.

I'm not sure it really is a BDSM story. Not so far, anyway. So far, it's a mind control story (via the magic ring.) Sure, there's some dialog about BDSM and there's a BDSM skin mag, but nothing that happens actually is BDSM. I realize that's not the point you're making, but the OP might want to consider re-categorizing. If this gets enough views to bring into wider attention, the BDSM readership is likely to eat someone alive for using mind control as a substitute of the psychological evolution of a BDSM relationship. Mind control and BDSM absolutely do not mix. One negates the other. Switching to the mind control category now could avoid that type of down-voting.

Just a thought.

 

[Brutal_One]

I'm not sure it really is a BDSM story. Not so far, anyway. So far, it's a mind control story (via the magic ring.) Sure, there's some dialog about BDSM and there's a BDSM skin mag, but nothing that happens actually is BDSM. I realize that's not the point you're making, but the OP might want to consider re-categorizing. If this gets enough views to bring into wider attention, the BDSM readership is likely to eat someone alive for using mind control as a substitute of the psychological evolution of a BDSM relationship. Mind control and BDSM absolutely do not mix. One negates the other. Switching to the mind control category now could avoid that type of down-voting.

Just a thought.

EON totally agree but I guess time will tell. Totally agree on the negation of the ring for what BDSM and specifically D/s should be. Over time it will become clear the ring is irrelevant. At the end of the day it will have served it’s purpose. Brutal One

 

[SimonDoom]

I'm not sure it really is a BDSM story. Not so far, anyway. So far, it's a mind control story (via the magic ring.) Sure, there's some dialog about BDSM and there's a BDSM skin mag, but nothing that happens actually is BDSM. I realize that's not the point you're making, but the OP might want to consider re-categorizing. If this gets enough views to bring into wider attention, the BDSM readership is likely to eat someone alive for using mind control as a substitute of the psychological evolution of a BDSM relationship. Mind control and BDSM absolutely do not mix. One negates the other. Switching to the mind control category now could avoid that type of down-voting.

Just a thought.

It's a good point, and I didn't read the chapters clearly enough to know one way or another.

The BDSM readership is rather finicky, and many of them are very particular about what constitutes "BDSM" versus something else, like nonconsent or mind control.

The essence of BDSM, according to many of these readers, is consensual power exchange. The element of consent is essential, as they see it, and separates BDSM from other categories. So if the story involves control or dominance over people but lacks this element many of these readers will feel it is improperly categorized.

 

[Enchantment_of_Nyx]

It's a good point, and I didn't read the chapters clearly enough to know one way or another.

The BDSM readership is rather finicky, and many of them are very particular about what constitutes "BDSM" versus something else, like nonconsent or mind control.

The essence of BDSM, according to many of these readers, is consensual power exchange. The element of consent is essential, as they see it, and separates BDSM from other categories. So if the story involves control or dominance over people but lacks this element many of these readers will feel it is improperly categorized.

I expect they may be quite vehement about this, since it strikes at the foundation of the concept. Right now, the votes are probably coming in from the new stories portal from people not looking for a particular category. For them, it wouldn't be a problem.

 

[Brutal_One]

I expect they may be quite vehement about this, since it strikes at the foundation of the concept. Right now, the votes are probably coming in from the new stories portal from people not looking for a particular category. For them, it wouldn't be a problem.

I think aside from this the main intention was also to write well in terms of characters etc, whilst true the opening plot idea seems contra to the D/s dynamic the main story as will become apparent revolves around our 2 main characters. Actually looking to get it Lit ready is what changes it (hopefully for the better, time will tell) certainly the original was way more selfish which is why I probably never thought of trying to publish it before.

My main advantage from the original is the characters who always existed and the relationships and dynamics were similar. But yes in the process of the redraft the characters are becoming more rounded and their relationship extends further back than the original (where Michelle and Sophie only meet in first year University.

I guess as said in another post it’s out there so that is the main thing. As Lucien says the unwritten storied may be the best but never get to see the light of day. Brutal One

 

[Enchantment_of_Nyx]

At the end of each published chapter there are stars. The score is the average of people who voted on your story by clicking 1 to 5 stars

Congrats to you on all your stars! Awkward MD mentioned on her thread that you got the top spot in Erotic Couplings for May. Way to go!

 

[lovecraft68]

You know, I hate to do this (smirks while sharpening the long ancient needle etched with the words Burster of bubbles in long forgotten Atlantean)

The reason the score is up is because its chapter 6. What happens with series is your first chapter or two will have the highest views and usually the lowest scores because its knew so a lot of people are checking it out and the voting will be both bad and good depending on what people thought.

But as the series move on those who didn't like it are gone-probably after chapter one-and some who could take it or leave it have left thinking it just keeps going and they don't want to keep spending time on it.

So what you have left is smaller readership, but a core readership which is invested in the story and likes it and will more than likely give it a five even if its not as good as other chapters.

It's pretty much a form of winning through attrition, the bad have left, the good remain.

That's your not so glamorous answer.

I'll leave you the wise words of a great philosopher.

 

[lovecraft68]

I'm not sure it really is a BDSM story. Not so far, anyway. So far, it's a mind control story (via the magic ring.) Sure, there's some dialog about BDSM and there's a BDSM skin mag, but nothing that happens actually is BDSM. I realize that's not the point you're making, but the OP might want to consider re-categorizing. If this gets enough views to bring into wider attention, the BDSM readership is likely to eat someone alive for using mind control as a substitute of the psychological evolution of a BDSM relationship. Mind control and BDSM absolutely do not mix. One negates the other. Switching to the mind control category now could avoid that type of down-voting.

Just a thought.

Mind control isn't a widely read category, so some authors will try out NC or BDSM.

Personally I feel it shouldn't merit its own category, it goes in with NC as someone being controlled by hypnotism or a magic device or a spell etc...is not giving consent.

MC is NC light...the taste of rape, but not quite the kick. (like the people who read step mom books instead of mom son, it gives them an out to get close to what they know they want but can't take the plunge)

Its the gateway drug, or the excuse category for people who for whatever reason don't want to admit they like N/C.

 

[Brutal_One]

Mind control isn't a widely read category, so some authors will try out NC or BDSM.

Personally I feel it shouldn't merit its own category, it goes in with NC as someone being controlled by hypnotism or a magic device or a spell etc...is not giving consent.

MC is NC light...the taste of rape, but not quite the kick. (like the people who read step mom books instead of mom son, it gives them an out to get close to what they know they want but can't take the plunge)

Its the gateway drug, or the excuse category for people who for whatever reason don't want to admit they like N/C.

As ever everything is not as it seems which I guess is the beauty of writing. Whilst it’s clear the ring is about NC (actually in strict BDSM terms it is both NC and SM ) so it is really the NC that Is not really in BDSM though some may argue otherwise.

The key point however is going to be how it is used and that in part was why getting the first draft passed was an issue. The reasons were valid. Part 7 at least makes it clear why the story should be BDSM but in the writing it will be handling this properly. Brutal One

 

[Enchantment_of_Nyx]

Mind control isn't a widely read category, so some authors will try out NC or BDSM.

Personally I feel it shouldn't merit its own category, it goes in with NC as someone being controlled by hypnotism or a magic device or a spell etc...is not giving consent.

MC is NC light...the taste of rape, but not quite the kick. (like the people who read step mom books instead of mom son, it gives them an out to get close to what they know they want but can't take the plunge)

Its the gateway drug, or the excuse category for people who for whatever reason don't want to admit they like N/C.

I've wondered why mind control is it's own category. It's the most literal form of non-consent you could possibly imagine. A victim that can't even fight.

Maybe because a lot of non-con readers wouldn't be interested?

 

[SimonDoom]

Its the gateway drug, or the excuse category for people who for whatever reason don't want to admit they like N/C.

I love the "gateway drug" concept of erotic fiction immersion.

Be careful kids. It starts with a steamy Romance, then an Erotic Coupling story or two.

Before you know it you're reading Anal and Exhibitionist stories, BDSM, and -- heaven forbid! -- Group Sex.

Then you slide into the swamp of Incest and NonCon.

Then it becomes unspeakable.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Then it becomes unspeakable.

Simon, be cautious of the chasm. Once you cross it, the Balrog will come and you'll be stuck there forever, screaming for your sanity.

"But it was only a little category change experiment. I didn't mean to stay."

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Brain cramp time. Somebody did a study of the most (and least) well-scoring categories. Could somebody provide me a reminder or link, please?

 

[NotWise]

Brain cramp time. Somebody did a study of the most (and least) well-scoring categories. Could somebody provide me a reminder or link, please?

I remember the post, but I don't have a link.

I'm pretty sure that LW had the lowest scores, and that there were a handful of categories that gave fairly high scores. The high-score categories I remember were Lesbian and SciFi&F.

 

[lovecraft68]

As an aside, this is why chapter stories dominate the top lists and people have been trying to get the site to put them in their own list as well as make them ineligible for the monthly contest winners and especially the annual awards.

As many point out, no matter how many chapters it goes, its not a complete story until its done and shouldn't be on any list until it is complete and then maybe chapter one with an aggregate score would be the only one on its category list.

The sites been promising to change this for...about...wait, how long have I been here?

 

[SimonDoom]

Brain cramp time. Somebody did a study of the most (and least) well-scoring categories. Could somebody provide me a reminder or link, please?

8Letters started two threads based on studies he'd done of Lit stories and standalone Lit stories, with analysis by category. Here are those threads:

https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=1487508&highlight=story+stats

https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=1488161&highlight=story+stats

 

[VermillionVenusian]

From Wikipedia:
“Hypnosis and mind control fetish content has been shared on the internet since its early years, as in a 1997 survey of stories from alt.sex.stories which found that "five percent of stories involved some kind of mind control (such as hypnosis, the use of mythical mind control machines or drugs)".“

I’m not sure if 5% constitutes “popular”. But it does seem like a whole lot, considering how niche of a fetish it seems. I doubt MC makes up 5% of the stories on LitE now. Too lazy to run the numbers at the moment. Maybe it used to be more popular but has fallen out of fashion as other fetish trends have taken over.

 

[SimonDoom]

From Wikipedia:
“Hypnosis and mind control fetish content has been shared on the internet since its early years, as in a 1997 survey of stories from alt.sex.stories which found that "five percent of stories involved some kind of mind control (such as hypnosis, the use of mythical mind control machines or drugs)".“

I’m not sure if 5% constitutes “popular”. But it does seem like a whole lot, considering how niche of a fetish it seems. I doubt MC makes up 5% of the stories on LitE now. Too lazy to run the numbers at the moment. Maybe it used to be more popular but has fallen out of fashion as other fetish trends have taken over.

I think this is the crucial point. Categorization is not driven by logic but by consumer preference. Mind Control and Nonconsent have different audiences, looking for different things, even if there is, conceptually speaking, some overlap. Mind control stories usually have an element of sci fi, fantasy, or whimsy that is missing from nonconsent stories, and that element is crucial to these stories.

As of right now there are 6901 Mind Control stories published at Literotica, which has 468,410 stories. So it's around 1.5%. It's a small percentage but it's a distinctive niche.

 

[BelleCanzuto]

Mind control stories usually have an element of sci fi, fantasy, or whimsy that is missing from nonconsent stories, and that element is crucial to these stories.

Aaannnndddd now I know why my attempt at a mind control story didn't fare so well... (No whimsy or magic)

 

[Enchantment_of_Nyx]

I think this is the crucial point. Categorization is not driven by logic but by consumer preference. Mind Control and Nonconsent have different audiences, looking for different things, even if there is, conceptually speaking, some overlap. Mind control stories usually have an element of sci fi, fantasy, or whimsy that is missing from nonconsent stories, and that element is crucial to these stories.

As of right now there are 6901 Mind Control stories published at Literotica, which has 468,410 stories. So it's around 1.5%. It's a small percentage but it's a distinctive niche.

I don't disagree with the reasoning, but I do disagree with the content of the non-con category. Some of the top-rated stories are sci-fi and fantasy. Anything with dubious consent goes in the category, regardless of the type of story it is. The current #1 and #2 are from a fantasy/sci-fi series about a different variety of human. Damoiselle is at #3 for a sci-fi chapter. I think April's top story in non-con was about a lycan. The list is absolutely littered with fantasy stories. There are ghosts, nymphs, dryads, witches, wizards, vampires, assassins, spies, kings, generals, aliens, etc.