What's the best category?

[Hubee]

I guess this has happened to most of you at one time or another. You write a story and you don't know what category to post it under.

I normally write BDSM but most of my stories have elements of reluctance/non-consent, or fetish, and usually group sex and occassionally even incest. But recent stories have gotten a bit romantic.

So what category should I chose to post them under

Some of best received stories have been posted under 'fetish' so I suppose I am asking - is a story going to get more views (and votes) in one category instead of another?

Do you have an opinion about this?

 

[lovecraft68]

Usually you have to judge by what "kink" over rides the other.

Incest trumps all. Even if there's romance or bdsm elements in it, if there's any family fun so to speak best put it there.

Also non-con reluctance aspects won't normally play well in romance

From what I've seen there are three "trump" categories. Incest, non-con, and gay male. Those three should pretty much be put e in their own cat. even "aspects" of those in other categories can get you some flaming.

But there is no perfect solution for "mixed" stories.

I had along running incest romance that I put inncest, but because the brother/sister were heavily into BDSM sex, it never garnered the huge following most incest series get and I took some heat with the rough sex.

However had I put it in bdsm with incest I would have been crucified.

another thing to take into consideration is the site. If you pick a category and they feel it belongs somewhere else, they will put it there.

 

[Brandie69]

A few things to consider.

1. Use tags to signal that the story has more than one theme that readers might be looking for. I've never tried, but I assume that once a story's been posted in whatever category it ends up in, you can go back and amend the original tags.

B. Consider an author's note at the beginning of the story to warn people who might be used to the category you wind up in that the story includes something they're not really expecting. This might deter the flamers from reading on and flaming you.

 

[TxRad]

And if you want to really confuse the trolls in Loving Wives, kill the husband and then cheat on him.

 

[Brunne]

Incest trumps all. Even if there's romance or bdsm elements in it, if there's any family fun so to speak best put it there.

Also non-con reluctance aspects won't normally play well in romance

Agree with you entirely on the incest-must-stay-in-incest.

I think the line for non-con/reluctance and mild bdsm elements can be a slightly blurrier, though. Seriously hard-core non-con/rape fantasy, no, that probably wouldn't float in romance, but you can most definitely get good ratings with light bondage, mind games, 'aggressive' leading men with 'reluctant' damsels and so-on. Believe me, women have been reading those sorts of stories for decades.

Again, it's all a matter of degree and perhaps that tipping point is hard to judge. I originally thought my stories fit in BDSM, but I got totally bombed there, and did well in Romance instead. It's the emotional content they're looking for most of all which sets it apart from some of the other categories imho.

 

[lovecraft68]

Agree with you entirely on the incest-must-stay-in-incest.

I think the line for non-con/reluctance and mild bdsm elements can be a slightly blurrier, though. Seriously hard-core non-con/rape fantasy, no, that probably wouldn't float in romance, but you can most definitely get good ratings with light bondage, mind games, 'aggressive' leading men with 'reluctant' damsels and so-on. Believe me, women have been reading those sorts of stories for decades.

Again, it's all a matter of degree and perhaps that tipping point is hard to judge. I originally thought my stories fit in BDSM, but I got totally bombed there, and did well in Romance instead. It's the emotional content they're looking for most of all which sets it apart from some of the other categories imho.

Hmmm, you have a point with the "lighter side" of non consent (reluctance) But if it were me (which it most likely never will be) I would go with erotic couplings over romance. I think there's more room for "kinky" in EC than romance.

 

[RodenAddison]

Hmmm, you have a point with the "lighter side" of non consent (reluctance) But if it were me (which it most likely never will be) I would go with erotic couplings over romance. I think there's more room for "kinky" in EC than romance.

In my story Wild Things Have no names, I put the first meeting of our hero and heroine in EC

One thing I did with a story ('Wild Things' it ran four chapters) was place each chapter in a different category. Ch.1 was in EC, Ch's. 2 and 3 were in Group, and Ch. 4 (still can't quite believe it) ended up in Romance. Still can't quite believe it. It was the only way it made sense. The story was spaced over a three year period in the characters lives.

Ch.1 chance encounter at a secluded hot-springs.
Ch.2 the girl brings a friend.
Ch.3 still with the girlfriend but the original couple decide they should be together in spite of current commitments.
Ch.4 getting over the final hurdle to be together.

It worked really well and I discovered I like to write romance. I let the story take me where it led me. What am I doing now? Writing solid Old West romances??? Still can't believe it.

 

[TxRad]

In my story Wild Things Have no names, I put the first meeting of our hero and heroine in EC

One thing I did with a story ('Wild Things' it ran four chapters) was place each chapter in a different category. Ch.1 was in EC, Ch's. 2 and 3 were in Group, and Ch. 4 (still can't quite believe it) ended up in Romance. Still can't quite believe it. It was the only way it made sense. The story was spaced over a three year period in the characters lives.

Ch.1 chance encounter at a secluded hot-springs.
Ch.2 the girl brings a friend.
Ch.3 still with the girlfriend but the original couple decide they should be together in spite of current commitments.
Ch.4 getting over the final hurdle to be together.

It worked really well and I discovered I like to write romance. I let the story take me where it led me. What am I doing now? Writing solid Old West romances??? Still can't believe it.

Go with what you have a flair for. I never thought I would write BDSM but I do pretty good at it.

Different chapters in different categories does work. I have a couple of three part series done that way. It lets people know what to expect more if that is the way it works out.

 

[lovecraft68]

Go with what you have a flair for. I never thought I would write BDSM but I do pretty good at it.

Different chapters in different categories does work. I have a couple of three part series done that way. It lets people know what to expect more if that is the way it works out.

Yes, you don't have to have a particular fetish to be good at it.

Actaully I think if you;re too into something it could affect your story.

As I said, I have no mother/son fetish whatsoever. When I write them I picture a cougar with a young guy.

But the ones I have written have done extremely well, so I put them out there.

On the other side, I have a killer foot fetish, but don't seem to be able to sit down and write them(my winter entry was one exception) I thinks its because I would rather read other people's stories on that topic than make up my own

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

Hmmm, you have a point with the "lighter side" of non consent (reluctance) But if it were me (which it most likely never will be) I would go with erotic couplings over romance. I think there's more room for "kinky" in EC than romance.

Hmmm. Not so sure I agree. The difference between romance and EC isn't the sex--it's the story/character development around that goes along with the sex, or the lack thereof.

Or at least, that's what I've always thought.

 

[lovecraft68]

Eh, no. The difference between romance and EC isn't the sex--it's the story/character development around that goes along with the sex, or lack thereof.

Or at least, that's what I've always thought.

Maybe you're right, you've written in that genre, I'm going with EC being kind of a catchall category.

But you better watch out because before this year is out the romance category is about to go down hill.

I have bits and pieces written of a romance series called "The benefits package" and' its an actual romance penned by me, mr bdsm incest himself.

There goes the neighborhood.

 

[Brunne]

Hmmm, you have a point with the "lighter side" of non consent (reluctance) But if it were me (which it most likely never will be) I would go with erotic couplings over romance. I think there's more room for "kinky" in EC than romance.

The decider for me then for the 'lighter' stuff would be whether it had a lot of heavy-duty emotional content rather than a more physical-experience-only focus, which would tip it into either the EC or Romance bucket. EC won't complain about love story, but Romance will sure complain if it's lacking!

If it hasn't been done before, I wonder if there is any way to create one of those 'process flow' documents (a bit like this one) which would take you through all the questions required to pop an answer out the other end. I'm sure it's been attempted and then been a source of intense debate anyway!

 

[Hubee]

Tags

A few things to consider.

1. Use tags to signal that the story has more than one theme that readers might be looking for. I've never tried, but I assume that once a story's been posted in whatever category it ends up in, you can go back and amend the original tags.

B. Consider an author's note at the beginning of the story to warn people who might be used to the category you wind up in that the story includes something they're not really expecting. This might deter the flamers from reading on and flaming you.

Thanks for the advice. I always try to use tags, but I don't see it makes a lot of difference

 

[Hubee]

Thanks for all your comments guys

Maybe I am lucky because I haven't been flamed for putting incest stories in the wrong category. Or any mixed story in the wrong place.

I was more sort of asking if there is one category that is the most popular. Which one gets the most readers and the most votes and comments.

If you tell me 'EC' I am not going to stick and BDSM or non-con story in there and expect to do well. But I might tailor my story to the best category - if you felt there was one.

On limited experience (one or two stories of mine) it seems 'Fetish' stories do well. But my latest stuff has been character driven and more 'romance' than anything else

 

[PennLady]

Maybe I am lucky because I haven't been flamed for putting incest stories in the wrong category. Or any mixed story in the wrong place.

I was more sort of asking if there is one category that is the most popular. Which one gets the most readers and the most votes and comments.

If you tell me 'EC' I am not going to stick and BDSM or non-con story in there and expect to do well. But I might tailor my story to the best category - if you felt there was one.

On limited experience (one or two stories of mine) it seems 'Fetish' stories do well. But my latest stuff has been character driven and more 'romance' than anything else

I don't think there's a clear answer to your question, although I'm sure someone could get into the numbers.

For example, for as popular as Incest is said to be, it has the 3d most stories. First is Erotic Couplings, second is Loving Wives. And the reading, voting and commenting patterns in those different. I think most would agree that Loving Wives is the Troll Capitol, and a good score there would be lower than a good score in category like Romance.

Some categories may get fewer readers in general, but those readers maybe more inclined to vote higher on the story. Or lower. Erotic Couplings may have more stories, but Loving Wives may get more readers and something else may get more comments. And just because a category gets more comments doesn't make it better than any other. Again -- LW stories get comments, but many are from trolls and are ugly and insulting.

I think it comes down to there is no "best." You can't choose what to write because you think it will get you higher scores. If you have a story you want to write, then write it. If it's romance, great; if it's BDSM, great.

 

[lovecraft68]

I don't think there's a clear answer to your question, although I'm sure someone could get into the numbers.

For example, for as popular as Incest is said to be, it has the 3d most stories. First is Erotic Couplings, second is Loving Wives. And the reading, voting and commenting patterns in those different. I think most would agree that Loving Wives is the Troll Capitol, and a good score there would be lower than a good score in category like Romance.

Some categories may get fewer readers in general, but those readers maybe more inclined to vote higher on the story. Or lower. Erotic Couplings may have more stories, but Loving Wives may get more readers and something else may get more comments. And just because a category gets more comments doesn't make it better than any other. Again -- LW stories get comments, but many are from trolls and are ugly and insulting.

I think it comes down to there is no "best." You can't choose what to write because you think it will get you higher scores. If you have a story you want to write, then write it. If it's romance, great; if it's BDSM, great.

I think incest is number one in votes/views per story, not so much that it has the most stories on the site.

I've also found that incest fans vote "softer" than some categories. If you give them their "light hearted fluffy" incest they are happy. Mix in some non con or even some BDSM(ask me how I know) and results are not as good.

I still think NH is the softest voted and maybe romance after that, but incest follows along as well.

LW I am sure is the most commented on, but most of those are just vile and insulting.

 

[Hubee]

Thanks

I appreciate both your thoughtful and considered messages

 

[sr71plt]

I have a story posting tomorrow ("Marine House Movie Night") in which I've packed almost as many disparate categories as possible: loving wives, bi, MMF, incest/taboo, gay male, interracial, multiple partners, mature, anal--not just in a gay way. (Couldn't fit in lesbian; it just didn't go with the storyline). I was mildly curious where it would be placed. Incest/taboo.

 

[lovecraft68]

I have a story posting tomorrow ("Marine House Movie Night") in which I've packed almost as many disparate categories as possible: loving wives, bi, MMF, incest/taboo, gay male, interracial, multiple partners, mature, anal--not just in a gay way. (Couldn't fit in lesbian; it just didn't go with the storyline). I was mildly curious where it would be placed. Incest/taboo.

Your saying you think incest taboo, or that's where they're putting it?

 

[sr71plt]

Your saying you think incest taboo, or that's where they're putting it?

It's got a posting date on it. And it's got "Incest/taboo" marked as the category.

This was basically pushing the lack of a bi category. In the notes, I asked that it not be shoveled automatically into the GM category--that lots of categories applied.

 

[lovecraft68]

It's got a posting date on it. And it's got "Incest/taboo" marked as the category.

This was basically pushing the lack of a bi category. In the notes, I asked that it not be shoveled automatically into the GM category--that lots of categories applied.

So I guess the "incest trumps all" rule isn't just a myth.

I still wonder about brother/brother sex.

I know technically incest, but I think it would get low readership.

 

[Euphony]

So I guess the "incest trumps all" rule isn't just a myth.

I still wonder about brother/brother sex.

I know technically incest, but I think it would get low readership.

With all that story had going on, Id still say the incest is the one most likely to assemble and incite the mob. Seems anyone truly averse to gay would probably be averse to the general openness of erotica in general. Not saying there isnt a possibility, just seems more unlikely. (closed minded people tend to be closed minded on MANY things, not one particular)

As for the brother/brother, yeah thats got to be low. A subset (those ok with taboo family relations) of a subset (obviously more men are hetero than not) If you are good at the genre though, a more faithful following I doubt you will find on here.

Still think if it were banned tomorrow, the best one could hope for is a vocal "small" minority rallying for its return.

Well and then you'd get a lot of others asking about just how far they can take it and still be within site rules.

Actually, if youre a fan of the genre I might suggest your work towards a banning. You TRIPLE you reading options overnight!

 

[lovecraft68]

With all that story had going on, Id still say the incest is the one most likely to assemble and incite the mob. Seems anyone truly averse to gay would probably be averse to the general openness of erotica in general. Not saying there isnt a possibility, just seems more unlikely. (closed minded people tend to be closed minded on MANY things, not one particular)

As for the brother/brother, yeah thats got to be low. A subset (those ok with taboo family relations) of a subset (obviously more men are hetero than not) If you are good at the genre though, a more faithful following I doubt you will find on here.

Still think if it were banned tomorrow, the best one could hope for is a vocal "small" minority rallying for its return.

Well and then you'd get a lot of others asking about just how far they can take it and still be within site rules.

Actually, if youre a fan of the genre I might suggest your work towards a banning. You TRIPLE you reading options overnight!

I don't believe someone is closed minded if they don't like Gay male sex it just means they don't like gay male sex.

I'm not into GM, but pretty damn sure I'm open to erotica in general

 

[Euphony]

I don't believe someone is closed minded if they don't like Gay male sex it just means they don't like gay male sex.

I'm not into GM, but pretty damn sure I'm open to erotica in general

My bad, I was likely unclear.

The assumption was that those who napalm the comments section and trash scores over GM being present are likely close minded.
What's the worst case scenario for you? Youre a little bummed you wont be continuing with the story and you move on.

Hell, I think NC is stomach turning 99.9% of the time but I know this about myself and do at least an overview and tags check to be sure. And if I miss it, thats on me. The author owes me nothing nor does the story. Im a guest in their world. If I dont care for it, I excuse myself NOT try to get them to redecorate the place to my taste.

 

[ButtNastyTodd]

I'm taking heat in the comments in Loving Wives, and it's a fair argument that's been made. My (first yay!) story is entirely a BDSM scene, but it's got to be Loving Wives (IMHO) because none of it matters if it isn't a happy married couple exploring something they are just coming to love.

And the right winger comments are way better in LW than in BDSM, so bring on the 1st amendment!

I'm only deleting spam bot comments.