Why aren't any of my stories ever reviewed?

[lance gt]

I have written 28 stories so far and have never been read or reviewed by the author's hangout. I get the feeling that you have to be a part of a clique to be reviewed. I asked SelenaKittyn to review one and have never received an answer, let alone a review. Are there anymore of you out there who feel we aren't getting the recognition we deserve. The feedback section is full of bullshit authors who do their own reviews and shamelessly plug away.On the same note, who does the ratings score? I have stories that have ratings that beat all other stories in my category, but they aren't even posted on the toplists. What gives with that? I have so many good things to say about this site, I'm also finding some things I don't. I'd like to change those bad things to good, with some info on what the fuck is going on. There, I finished my ranting little tirade, lmao

 

[AchtungNight]

For the record, I never plugged my stories on these boards until I was reviewed in the AH. Since then, I've built up somewhat of a following in both places. Depends on the individual person/situation, I guess.

 

[Carnevil9]

I wouldn't go so far as to call it a clique. Seems more like a close-knit group of friends who review each others' stories on a mutual-support basis. There are far too many stories on this site for a small group of reviewers to ever hope to review them all.....Carney

 

[Aurora Black]

There are far too many stories on this site for a small group of reviewers to ever hope to review them all.....Carney

Exactly what he said. I can't speak for the other reviewers, but there are a LOT of stories that come out every day and there's only so much time that I can spend reading and reviewing stories without it cutting into the rest of my daily activities.

As for the toplist question, you need at least 10 votes before your story comes out.

Another thing: Why did you start this thread in Story Feedback instead of the AH when your beef is obviously there? I saw this thread by accident, since I haven't done much outside AH since I joined up. Did you really want a reviewer to answer your questions, or was this thread just to rant and start shit?

As for the bullshit author/plugging comment, you're perfectly entitled to your opinion. I must remind you that ANYONE can review a story in that thread, and it's been that way since the very beginning. It's not just open to us, but I guess it's easier for folks to point and sneer.

I DO remember seeing your name on the New Stories list on my assigned day and I meant to read it, but I ran out of time. Shit happens. Life happens. Shoot me now.

Have a lovely day.

 

[Darkniciad]

I have written 28 stories so far and have never been read or reviewed by the author's hangout. I get the feeling that you have to be a part of a clique to be reviewed. I asked SelenaKittyn to review one and have never received an answer, let alone a review. Are there anymore of you out there who feel we aren't getting the recognition we deserve. The feedback section is full of bullshit authors who do their own reviews and shamelessly plug away.On the same note, who does the ratings score? I have stories that have ratings that beat all other stories in my category, but they aren't even posted on the toplists. What gives with that? I have so many good things to say about this site, I'm also finding some things I don't. I'd like to change those bad things to good, with some info on what the fuck is going on. There, I finished my ranting little tirade, lmao

If your stories have a high rating, but do not have at least ten votes, they will not appear in the toplists.

Participating in the boards is a good way to cause people to look at your work, where they might not have otherwise. Put a link to your submission page in your signature. I know that my reads and votes jumped a lot when I started posting on a fairly regular basis. I'll peek back at this thread over the next few days, and if you put a link up, I'll take a look through your list and give you a read or three. If you have something out new, and I like it, I'll go post a review.

The reviewers pick their stories by finding titles and taglines that interest them. They will also gravitate toward stories from authors they know that they like, or categories they are fond of. That is probably what gives you the clique feeling. I'm sure they read many stories more than they review each day, as I know when I put up a few to help with fill-ins, I read far more than I reviewed. I know I've seen numerous new and first time authors reviewed in the thread.

Why would I post a scathing review of something in the thread, however? When I found fault with a story, I sent the feedback privately, if the story at least kept me reading until the end. My personal rule is that I didn't put up a review in that thread unless it merited a four or five, when I do take some time out to post in that thread. I'm sure many of the other reviewers feel the same.

As to shamelessly plugging, what is wrong with that? You should drop a few plugs of your own here and there. There are all sorts of threads popping up for reading recommendations, see what fits from your catalog and pimp it out! Give a synopsis of the tale that may better describe it than just the tagline and the title. Perhaps that extra bit of information will draw someone to click the link and read away. With so many stories, and so many new ones every day, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle.

You have to grab destiny by the lips and yank for all you're worth sometimes.

For that matter, anyone can review stories in the review thread. Take a look at the format the reviewers use, and then *you* do a few reviews of authors you think are being overlooked in the new list. There's a simple way for you to fix a problem, and you can do it without any help from anyone.

There are numerous ways to get your work noticed, and help others you don't believe are getting the notice their work deserves. Take a hand yourself, and do something about it!

Drop that link to your submissions in here, you might just be surprised by how many new reads you get

 

[AceStroker]

I must remind you that ANYONE can review a story in that thread, and it's been that way since the very beginning. It's not just open to us, but I guess it's easier for folks to point and sneer.

This is unfortunately true, feedback is an author's best tool, it also helps fuel the passion to write more stories, but usually people don't post in the feedback. i.e. 30,000 views and 1 review.

 

[FallingToFly]

This is unfortunately true, feedback is an author's best tool, it also helps fuel the passion to write more stories, but usually people don't post in the feedback. i.e. 30,000 views and 1 review.

Remember the old saying "A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step?"

How often do you leave a review on a story you've read? Most of us have feedback options enabled, either PC or email, and you can always send them feedback privately if you have something negative to say.

My current list of commented stories:

A Certain Way A runaway bride finds a haven in a friend's arms.
4.68 113 12579 Erotic Couplings (English)
Public Comments: 18 Moderate Public Comments

A Far Cry From Heaven A look into the rhyme & reason of a vampire.
4.83 30 3073 NonHuman (English)
Public Comments: 11 Moderate Public Comments

American Baby Ch. 01 Who knew Ville was a Knight in Shining Armor?
4.60 10 1318 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 6

American Baby Ch. 02 Alison joins the band as their tour mum.
4.29 7 1970 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 1

American Baby Ch. 04 With tour break coming up, the band is playing Cupid.
4.69 13 1428 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 3

American Baby Ch. 05 Ville goes home and sees what Alison's really like.
4.50 8 517 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 5

Butterfly Wings Sometimes the greatest gift is letting go.
4.79 14 1337 Non-Erotic (English)
Public Comments: 6

Deus Ex Machina: Serpent Heart The first of the Club Adrenaline series within this series.
5.00 6 891 Chain Stories (English)
Public Comments: 3

Fall: From "Wicked Ways" A preview excerpt from the novel.
5.00 3 879 NonHuman (English)
Public Comments: 1

Falling Ch. 01 A romance novel that happens to be Celebrity cat.
4.75 8 2660 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 3

Falling Ch. 18 Troubled Waters.
4.75 4 678 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 1

Falling Ch. 20 Love is NOT a fucking KNIFE.
5.00 6 937 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 2

Falling Ch. 22 It Just Won't Quit.
4.83 6 763 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 2

Falling Ch. 23 The boys of summer.
5.00 4 692 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 1

Falling Ch. 24 Home.
4.00 6 634 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 3

Falling Ch. 25 Rachel looked into the bathroom mirror.
4.20 5 1057 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 3

Falling Ch. 27 I kissed her.
5.00 5 680 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 1

Falling Ch. 28 Complicated.
5.00 3 721 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 1

Falling Ch. 29 Did I say that?
4.83 6 677 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 1

Falling Ch. 30 Baby, Baby, Baby.
5.00 9 959 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 2

Killing Loneliness "What a wicked game to play, to make me feel this way.."
4.86 7 2303 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 1

Playlists: Dreams in Digital She dreams in digital, because it's better than nothing.
4.71 24 980 Sci-Fi & Fantasy (English)
Public Comments: 8

Playlists: Fearless Making love with her, it was like falling.
4.62 34 2146 Romance (English)
Public Comments: 7

The Heart of the Matter A letter to the lost.
4.50 8 1222 Letters & Transcripts (English)
Public Comments: 3

Things I Won't Say To You Unrequited.
4.74 23 2953 Lesbian Sex (English)
Public Comments: 10

Your Eyes Sometimes things just aren't meant to be.
5.00 4 2218 Celebrities (English)
Public Comments: 1

Now, on that list, the ratio is anywhere from 10:1 or 600:1 as far as views versus comments. I've gotten an addtional 14 private feedbacks. I have a choice- either I can complain and do nothing, or I can comment on every story I read- if I enjoy it, I will leave feedback saying so. If I don't, I will try to leave constructive criticism. I don't read nearly as much as I used to- I'm writing more than reading, and posting on the boards when not writing, if I'm here at all.

A good tip for recieving reviews and readers- read and comment on other people's work. Quite often they will reciprocate. It may not be immediate, but if you leave feedback with a signature, and they see your name, they'll say "Oh, that person left me feedback on such and such.. wonder what THEY write?" Quid pro quo.

 

[Aurora Black]

Remember the old saying "A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step?"

How often do you leave a review on a story you've read? Most of us have feedback options enabled, either PC or email, and you can always send them feedback privately if you have something negative to say.

A good tip for recieving reviews and readers- read and comment on other people's work. Quite often they will reciprocate. It may not be immediate, but if you leave feedback with a signature, and they see your name, they'll say "Oh, that person left me feedback on such and such.. wonder what THEY write?" Quid pro quo.

That is how it works. You have to work to get people interested in your stories. Starting a thread to complain/rant and insult reviewers doesn't make them want to read your stuff, IMO. This issue could have been handled better.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Look, Lance_GT

Aurora and the other reviewers are great. They do a crappy job and take a lot of crap for it. So cut them some slack.

I looked at your stories. This is my take -

You've been here since March 2006. You have 11 posts total. Who are you?

Of your 28 stories most of them are chapters of continuing sagas. The lion's share of people on Lit don't read those unless they are by an author they know.

You have some "H"s. Be happy.

There are sometimes 50 to 75 new stories each day. Don't blame the reviewers for being picky about the stories they choose to review.

There's a thing called competition. The AH isn't a clique. Anyone is welcome to join in and be noticed.

You'd do a lot better if you took it up upon yourself to hang around the AH and be noticed rather than sitting out here bitching.

Sorry if I'm not particularly sympathetic to your rant.

 

[lance gt]

Thank you Jenny

I'm starting to understand the concept being given to me, with a shovel. I started this thread to find out why my stories weren't listed in the top lists, or being reviewed. I now know why. They either suffer at the hands of jealous writers or waste away in obscurity. I've watched my stories go up in ratings and wait for them to be posted in the top ten of that category, only to see them drop suddenly. This thread has caused a negative effect on them and now wish I hadn't written it. As for your take on it, I am new to Lit. and have not as yet found all the steps to follow. I have red "h"'s beside some of my stories, only because they were ones that appealled to a great many readers, not because I'm favoured by a few reviewers who decide fates of them. As for who I am, wouldn't you like to know. Lance

 

[FallingToFly]

I'm starting to understand the concept being given to me, with a shovel. I started this thread to find out why my stories weren't listed in the top lists, or being reviewed. I now know why. They either suffer at the hands of jealous writers or waste away in obscurity. I've watched my stories go up in ratings and wait for them to be posted in the top ten of that category, only to see them drop suddenly. This thread has caused a negative effect on them and now wish I hadn't written it. As for your take on it, I am new to Lit. and have not as yet found all the steps to follow. I have red "h"'s beside some of my stories, only because they were ones that appealled to a great many readers, not because I'm favoured by a few reviewers who decide fates of them. As for who I am, wouldn't you like to know. Lance

To be listed in the top list, a story must have 10 votes and a score high enough to put it between 1-500 on that category's list. That's the only requirement. AS for the "jealous writers" schtick- put down the crack pipe, slowly.

Most of the writers on here don't even vote if they can't leave a 4 or 5. You didn't fall afoul of US, you fell into Trollville. The readers who do nothing but skim through stories and vote pathetically low, and leave horrid comments. They get all of us. Half of my non-Celeb stuff was No.1 in it's respective category, and the moment it hit that spot, was trolled down to nothing.

Don't slap at the writers and claim jealousy- we all have stronger egos than that, or we wouldn't be publicly displaying our smut. The blame is on the readers- NOT the writers.

 

[Aurora Black]

AS for the "jealous writers" schtick- put down the crack pipe, slowly.

LMAO!

I don't have time to be jealous of anyone. I'm too busy trying to start a career in writing, promoting my work, sending my stuff to magazines, singing for extra cash, working on my first novel(s), going to school full time and more.

I'm damn sure I'm not the only one who has a full life outside of Lit.

What are you doing other than playing victim?

 

[Darkniciad]

I'm starting to understand the concept being given to me, with a shovel. I started this thread to find out why my stories weren't listed in the top lists, or being reviewed. I now know why. They either suffer at the hands of jealous writers or waste away in obscurity. I've watched my stories go up in ratings and wait for them to be posted in the top ten of that category, only to see them drop suddenly. This thread has caused a negative effect on them and now wish I hadn't written it. As for your take on it, I am new to Lit. and have not as yet found all the steps to follow. I have red "h"'s beside some of my stories, only because they were ones that appealled to a great many readers, not because I'm favoured by a few reviewers who decide fates of them. As for who I am, wouldn't you like to know. Lance

More likely, your scores are suffering from the votes of trolls who have never written a word, and probably never read anything of yours that they slapped with one bombs.

Getting an H while your story is still on the first page of the "New" stories is troll bait.

Reaching the first page of the toplists, especially with vote totals less than 20 is troll bait.

It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that if your story has a perfect 5 rating with 10+ votes that you'll be bombed into oblivion shortly after it appears in the toplists.

Your stories are also posted in categories that have a much higher percentage of targeted trolls: Non-conscent/Reluctance draws a large number of people who low-vote every story they see, for example. Lesbian sex has its share of people who will low-vote any story written by a male, regardless of the quality of the story.

There are numerous factors that can contribute to your story ratings sinking, and most of them have little or nothing to do with the story.

 

[lance gt]

Thanks again

I am understanding how this site works. I wish you, (Aurora Black) well on your stories and writing career, and Falling, a better understanding of "newbie" writers like myself. Dark, Thank you so much for all your info and help and I'll do what I can. I no longer care what my fellow writers opine in terms of my rants, and thank those for the heads up on Trolls. I enjoy writing like a great many of you others, and just want to be read by those who enjoy erotic lit. And Falling, I don't do crack and never have. I'm just a writer looking for answers and because I'm in the dark about things, I was looking for answers. Your rebuttals haven't assisted me in the least and wonder if you can remeber what it was like when you entered this site and started posting. I try to avoid negativity at every turn, as I feel it's non-productive, and hope you can overcome your need to be sarcastic and vindictive in your replies. If my stories are long, it's because I write in depth and detail. I like to present a story that can guide the reader into the world of my characters. I will never worry about ratings from this point on, and ply my trade in stock as best I can. Thanks again to all of you who have taken the time to care and inform me. Lance

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

I've explained how I do my reviews. . .so I'll do it again, it is the same every time and when I make a note of something I pick because of an author I mention it.

1. I look through the list to see where my date stops and the day before started.

2. I scroll back up and begin to look for a TITLE that captures my interest, then I read the description line. I don't check the author. I click the story, read the story, vote if the option is there and then comment on the story with a general "Your story will be mentioned... etc...." sometimes the wording is different, sometimes if the story is powerful. . .I'll add the word, great or wow or wonderful to it, but then I hit send and copy the location to word and type my review.

3. I check to see if the writer is new (3 or less stories - IMO) or established.

4. Back to the list I go. I start where I ended and repeat step 2.

5. When I reach the end, I scroll back up slowly, looking for Reviewers that have a story out. This is because even their stories deserved to be reviewed and not "avoided" because they are a reviewer.

6. After reading all the stories that appeal to me and the reviewers' works. (this total ranges between 6-10 stories) I do a "personal pick" a new thing I added to my reviews. This is one author that I like to read, but know I'll be bias, so I save them for last and I tell people I am bias about this person.

7. I then pick one category, usual Humor/Satire, it is my favorite, and click the Story Spinner. This lands on a story randomly picked by Lit's computer. This story is my "Blast from the Past."

8. I then post all of this in the New Story Thread.

***

Now, since you asked about your stories. . .and didn't get a response, then I am sorry you felt left out. There are days when there is NOTHING that strikes my fancy and I will not force myself to ever read something I don't want to. This is a volunteer job, not a paid one.

I looked at your titles. I don't generally read the titles you used. I know "pussy" will be in the story. . .this is erotica. It isn't you, but a personal preference.

You're stories may get reviewed by me if 1. They fall on Sat. morning. (If you didn't know, we all have set days we review, but we do sometimes fill in for each other if needed). . .2. The title catches my eye. 3. The description line snags me.

Even this thread you started, won't make me bias for your reviews and I will read it with the same attitude I read all the stories.

If you choose to not believe us that is your right. We do this because we want to, not because we have too. Some take our reviews and pitch them, saying nothing. Others agree. And I have had people publicly disagree with mine and I am all for it. I like different opinions, I don't have to agree with them, but we each have our own way of doing things.

Enjoy lit and good luck with your work.

~ Red. - Saturday co-reviewer with sirhugs.

 

[lance gt]

Thanks Red

I now understand your methods. As I wrote earlier, I don't care about ratings, as I know what little they mean. I'm glad my stories have been read by so many and if I do get reviewed, well lucky me. Once I am more established in writing, I would like to try a review stories. I enjoy most categories and would give an honest opinion on them. To date, two people have written e-mails and requested my opinion on their stories and one reader has given me story ideas to write on. If my tirade has rubbed some of you the wrong way and struck a sensitive nerve, I apologize and want you to know, I do NOT blame the reviewers and fellow writers any more. Lance

 

[Fantasies_only]

In a few weeks, I'll tell you what I think.
http://www.literotica.com:81/storie...eywords=spy&author=&Submit=Search+The+Stories
I don't know if I can get to them all, so maybe someone else out there would like to give me a hand.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

I now understand your methods. As I wrote earlier, I don't care about ratings, as I know what little they mean. I'm glad my stories have been read by so many and if I do get reviewed, well lucky me. Once I am more established in writing, I would like to try a review stories. I enjoy most categories and would give an honest opinion on them. To date, two people have written e-mails and requested my opinion on their stories and one reader has given me story ideas to write on. If my tirade has rubbed some of you the wrong way and struck a sensitive nerve, I apologize and want you to know, I do NOT blame the reviewers and fellow writers any more. Lance

Lance,
The number of reads isn't always a good thing. My most read story (5500 the last time I looked) was trashed by trolls for a couple of reasons. Mainly it was a "non-consent"... ok RAPE story. Those always get trashed. I got almost 300 hate emails and pms over that story. It's now sitting at about 3.29. I had one story in that catagory that actually got me death threats.

Falling made a really good point - Titles that catch the eye. A great title will get you a long way, often a score better than the story merits in the beginning. Just remember this is a pretty "Level Playing Field" and it all levels out in the end.
JJ

 

[lance gt]

Thank you Jenny

Your reply has confirmed my thoughts and again, I have no more worries as to what my stories are rated at. I will be happy to see the readership go up and know that people are at least reading it. I will say right now, I have read some of your work and find it wonderful reading. Thanks to you and the others, this thread can be terminated and I will spend more time in AH and other sections of the bulletin board and find out how to become an intregal part of writing and reviewing. Take care JJ. Lance (by the way, if that's a pic of you on your bio, you are DDG!)


Fantasies, I thank you for the thought of reading my stories, but please do so for your own pleasure of reading them, not for the sake of reviews. I am happy with the knowledge I now have about how they are read and rated. Lance

 

[drsalt]

Why bother?

Why are you upset because you don't feel you've been shown the proper respet by a bunch of people you'll never meet?

You posted your story/stories as an exercize in vanity, like the rest of us. If 'some' folks don't like your work, oh well.

You probably have better places to put your energy.

 

[Skip1934a]

I now understand your methods. As I wrote earlier, I don't care about ratings, as I know what little they mean. I'm glad my stories have been read by so many and if I do get reviewed, well lucky me. Once I am more established in writing, I would like to try a review stories. I enjoy most categories and would give an honest opinion on them. To date, two people have written e-mails and requested my opinion on their stories and one reader has given me story ideas to write on. If my tirade has rubbed some of you the wrong way and struck a sensitive nerve, I apologize and want you to know, I do NOT blame the reviewers and fellow writers any more. Lance

Lance, why don't you surf the AH forum and get to know some of the other authors who hang out there? I think you'll find a friendly bunch who enjoy what they do. I know I did.

And I'm happy to know you realize the enormity of reviewing every story posted. These guys are volunteers, and it sometimes cost them in their own posts simply because they do reviews. The trolls watch for that, and they strike leaving venom in their wake.