Authors who don't interact with the community

[Brayon]

I've noticed that GA has a number of Authors who post Stories to the Stories Archive, and that's the limit of their participation here on Gay Authors. There is no talking in clubs, as they are not members of them, no talking on forums, but they may or may not respond to chapter comments. How can an author do that? How can they not interact with the community, and still have their stories read?

 

It's mind-boggling.

Edited May 19, 2018 by BHopper2

[JayT]

For those authors who are not members of any of the clubs and don't post on the forums, have you looked at the number of people following their story? The numbers are generally very low. That means only a handful of people actually read their story. If a story I wrote didn't get at least a decent following, I would consider shelving it and forgetting about it. Sometimes, though, some people just feel they NEED to get their story out and published somewhere where someone might actually read it. They don't care about how the story reads, grammatical errors, story structure, or anything else. They just want to be able to say they have a story they've written published somewhere and they can show that off. 

[Myr]

5 hours ago, BHopper2 said:

How can they not interact with the community, and still have their stories read? It's mind-boggling.

No it's not.  It's pretty easy... they write good stories that people want to read when they know about them.

I keep repeating this over and over... but 70-80% of the traffic to the site comes in as "guests".  All the guests can do is read.

4 hours ago, JayT said:

have you looked at the number of people following their story? The numbers are generally very low.

A large number of guests issue also applies here.

 

I'm going to vastly over-simplify "Story Success" into an Equation.  (Again, this is over-simplified)

 

Story Success = (Quality of the Story) x (Exposure for the story)

 

So, in this case, the higher the quality and the more exposure, the more successful the story.  In this, again simplified case, the author has 2 levers they can pull for success.  They can write better, which takes lots of time and lots of effort to move the dial on quality.  The other option is to make others aware of their story, which they can do by participating all over the place.  And if you people like what you say or behave or have an interest in you, then they'll read your stuff.  (This is where the quality comes in...)

 

So, lets say I walk upon water and write the Best Book Ever🔱.  We will rate that a 10.  But I only tell my Dungeons and Dragons buddies I posted it.  We'll rate that a 1.  My success would be a 10.  

 

So let's say I have an unedited mess and @Cia has just finished yelling at me and I barely make it past her screening.  We'll rate that a 1.  On other hand, I have more money than brains and just ran a $5 million dollar ad campaign on Google to advertise my masterpiece.  We'll rate that a 10.  My success would also be a 10.  

 

Let's say I have an average story. 5.  It's a lot easier to move the dial on exposure than on quality.  So I'm active member on the site and have a decent story, 5 and 5.  The Story Success would be 25.  Way better than the over-exposed mess or the unexposed masterpiece.

 

That's probably an overly wordy way to say that most people will have an easier time getting more readers attention through participation than writing a giant diamond in the rough story that people trip over by accident.

 

Knowing this, the staff guides promotions along these lines, typically.

 

But we also have a lot of authors that no longer active, or have passed away or write on other sites and post here for exposure, but interact elsewhere.  Some authors, like @Comicality, are constantly marketing and hmmm... saying he's exposing himself probably has bad connotations... let's say using many different forms of media to engage his readers. 

 

Some authors just write for themselves and post thier work and people can enjoy or not and they don't care.

Some authors predate the internet and hate this new-fangled social crap.  And get the hell off their lawn!  🏑

 

I hope this helped...

[Dodger]

6 hours ago, BHopper2 said:

I've noticed that GA has a number of Authors who post Stories to the Stories Archive, and that's the limit of their participation here on Gay Authors. There is no talking in clubs, as they are not members of them, no talking on forums, but they may or may not respond to chapter comments. How can an author do that? How can they not interact with the community, and still have their stories read?

 

It's mind-boggling.

It can be frustrating when someone doesn't interact. Particularly when it comes to chapter/story comments. I have taken a lot of time to comment on a lot of stories generally leaving encouraging remarks. Many of these are never replied to or even liked . It comes across as arrogant because surely they would know that someone has commented on their story and they must be interested in what people think yet they cannot be bothered to respond with a click of the mouse. Some of these authors are quite prominent so shame on them.

There are a few authors who seem to post chapters every 5 minutes which is annoying. I was under the impression that the site encourages authors who participate in the community and are actively involved in the site but lately I'm not so sure if this is the case.

[Myr]

1 hour ago, Dodger said:

There are a few authors who seem to post chapters every 5 minutes which is annoying.

 

Nobody is posting stories that quickly and when they do, rest assured the site staff deals with it accordingly.

 

Authors should be focusing on writing great stories and being the best they can be.  That means the feed and care of your writing and your fans.  But at the end of the day, that is up to the author what they want to do.  The staff is here to deal with people abusing the system and helping people along that are doing well.  But it is a volunteer staff without a lot of turmoil going on.  New jobs, family changes, moving. 

 

@Dodger I'm going to pick this apart... but please don't take this personally. I'm doing this to show you how things and can be interpreted VERY differently than how you intend it.  It is also to point out to the people that are thinking this, but not saying it.

 

1 hour ago, Dodger said:

It can be frustrating when someone doesn't interact. Particularly when it comes to chapter/story comments. I have taken a lot of time to comment on a lot of stories generally leaving encouraging remarks. Many of these are never replied to or even liked . It comes across as arrogant because surely they would know that someone has commented on their story and they must be interested in what people think yet they cannot be bothered to respond with a click of the mouse. Some of these authors are quite prominent so shame on them.

 

I can say definitely beyond a shadow of a doubt that we have a LOT of people on the site that are not the least bit technically savvy.  We get support requests DAILY asking for help to post a story or a new chapter.  Including from people that have done it before.  People over say 45 pretty much universally have an aversion to doing the social stuff on the site.  They couldn't figure out "Like" if you held a gun to their head.  We get support requests screaming at us that the site has no help function.  Nevermind the fact that there is a help button on EVERY SINGLE PAGE.  And a Contact Us link at the bottom of every single page and they still can't figure it out.

So, I very much suspect, that there are authors that can't figure out how to get back to their chapters and read the comments.

In other cases, for example prominent author Don H, does not usually come to GA at all.  I post his chapters for him and maintain the site.

In other cases, the authors are just gone.  Dom Luka, dkstories.  Or dead. Ghostryder15.  Point being, there are many reasons under the sun for not replying and the very least likely one, is "arrogant".  The most likely one is.. "people can comment? I didn't know that..."  No matter how obvious you think something is... it isn't.  This is why most of my posts get staff reviewed.  I fall into the same trap of making assumptions, even knowing the danger.

 

1 hour ago, Dodger said:

There are a few authors who seem to post chapters every 5 minutes which is annoying. I was under the impression that the site encourages authors who participate in the community and are actively involved in the site but lately I'm not so sure if this is the case.

Now, I think you probably are expressing a vague frustration to a specific issue you feel you are having.

My first interpretation of this comment brings to mind immediately "Rules layering" and "Mind your own business". Oh.  And "Arrogant".  Obviously, if I go with that interpretation, the response is very different.  It's a hideously easy trap to fall into and even knowing the danger I fall into it all too often.  I hate having people tell me what to do and I naturally counterpuch back before I even think.

 

I think we can probably go back to an interpretation of the Golden Rule and use that for the advice.

Go be the best You that you can be.  Write what is in your heart and do the best you can.  Take the time to treat others well and it will come back to you.  But don't take the time to write that comment expecting a response.  Write that comment because what the person wrote moved you enough to write the comment.  Maybe they see it.  Maybe they don't.  It doesn't take away from the good you did in writing it.  And it stands there for others to read and think on.  Maybe the author read it and was so humbled they couldn't think of a reply?  Maybe they got so frustrated because they aren't tech savvy and couldn't reply.  (And yes, I've have a over a dozen support requests I've answered that were just that)

 

Again Dodger, though I've quoted you here, I'm not doing so to call you out specifically.  I've seen these types of comments around or through PM's or IM's.  We, as a community, do our best to encourage the full spectrum of participation.  But there are plenty of people that aren't social.  I'm not.  I'm perfectly okay with an author that just wants to come here, post stories and leave.  I wish it were more... but if all I get out of it is a really good story, then I'll enjoy that and hope for more.

 

I hope that helps

 

[FormerMember4]

I’m getting very picky about this. Especially in story comments. If a reader is reading and commenting on your story... have the courtesy to respond. Even if it’s just Thank You! When an author cherry picks, plays favorites, doesn’t respond in an adequate time. I won’t continue to engage the story.

[Myr]

1 minute ago, BlindAmbition said:

When an author cherry picks, plays favorites, doesn’t respond in an adequate time. I won’t continue to engage the story. 

That is entirely fair and completely up to you. 

I'm just saying that there are a lot more factors that go into not getting a reply.  Hell, it could even be a bug of them not getting notified.

[FormerMember4]

1 minute ago, Myr said:

That is entirely fair and completely up to you. 

I'm just saying that there are a lot more factors that go into not getting a reply.  Hell, it could even be a bug of them not getting notified.

True. Some authors will say if they are having issues, or they will have a delayed response. That’s understandable. Others start showing patterns. Those are the authors I’m referring to.

[Headstall]

Interesting topic. I'm not tooting my own horn, but I put a lot of thought into both my comments and my replies. I started out on site as an avid reader who would go into depth with my 'reviews,' so I understand the frustration of some. In a perfect world, we would always get responses or acknowledgments for our contributions as readers. 

 

But it is not a perfect world. Yes, there are some authors I have stopped leaving comments for, but only after trying to understand why there isn't a response, if I like their work. One author I follow has had a tough year, health-wise, and has always been busy, so I get that.  Another author has a lot of responsibility, so again, I'm fine with it. That author answers when they can... not to every comment, but that's okay. I know my comments are valued. There is another one, again a favorite, who answers very sporadically. That one seems surprised when replying, saying they didn't realize the comment was there. That's okay too... I'm talking about an excellent author who has given me hours and hours of entertainment. But yeah, some authors don't seem to get it, but fortunately,  I find those in the minority. 

 

As far as posting on forums, that is another story. I, for example, am active on one chat, but posting on this thread, or any in Writer's Circle, to be honest, has become difficult for me. Even status updates are hard for me... it's a victory for me to post one. When I venture away from chat, I can feel... I guess 'emotionally unsafe' is the best way to put it. That is no one's fault but my own. It's a fairly recent development, and I work every day to get back to where I used to be, when I would post everywhere, and was never afraid or leery of giving my opinion.  I waffled on making this post... and had to force myself. My point is, my lack of, or reduced, participation throughout the site has nothing to do with arrogance. I would hope no one thinks that. Some members may just prefer, or be able, for whatever reason, to observe.

 

I think we have to be understanding, not that we don't have the right to feel frustrated. I've commented on new stories from about five new authors in the past couple of months, and have received no response. I don't know... maybe they're shy, or insecure, or ill, or not adept at 'puter stuff (I know how tough that can be). My choice has been not to leave another comment, but that decision is, in part, based on not seeing quality in the work. I did my best to be welcoming and encouraging, and that's enough for me. Cheers.

Edited May 20, 2018 by Headstall

[Cia]

I interact with the new authors who come to the site, and those who care to ask always get the same speech. "You get out of GA what you put into it." The more you engage, the more you will be engaged. The more writing you do, the better writing you will do (this isn't a 100% fail-proof system, but most of the time, authors do improve based on tips, comments, finding a beta/editor here, etc...) and having a place to post typically means that you will write to do that posting. 

 

But I'm guilty of the "real life" trap. Even as a staff member here with duties I do every day/week/month for the authors, the stories queue, blogs, newsletter, etc... I post original story content at least twice a week. But in the past, all I had was my house, kids, and health to deal with on top of that. Now I have my day job, house, kids, and health to deal with. And just that one extra element has sent me reeling since working in a school also really affects my health. I barely manage to keep writing to post my twice a week updates on GA, but I know my acknowledgment of my readers by replying to comments has suffered. I haven't been doing anthologies. I haven't been publishing eBooks either. My ability to manage and balance has absolutely been challenged and all the plans I had to stay on top of everything I do from 4:30 AM to bedtime at 10 PM narrowed down to necessities. Some days I feel like I am "going" non-stop on GA before work that's from 7:30 till 3, then house chores or errands, then picking up the kids from track or working at their track meets for 3 hours 1-2x a week during track season, dinner/dishes, homework review, more GA work, writing, editing, graphics, blog content, newsletter content... and maybe some reading if I'm lucky or just too exhausted and full of fukitol to do anymore. 

 

And this is where it's really hard to judge other people by "our standards". We don't know the reality of the lives others' lead outside GA. We don't know if they have to hide their participation on the site so they're limited on when and where and how often they can post or come to the site. We don't know if lack of internet means it has to wait for a time they can go to a free wifi location. Or if they have something else going on. Or if they just struggle so much with writing that they spend all their time really working on that because they're not sure how to approach the vast information repository that is GA. Or if the close connections between the active members feels too intimidating to the quiet lurker types.

 

So, like Myr said, if you like a story and feel moved to comment or review, do so! But don't do it because you want the author to feel grateful or acknowledge you. Do it because you appreciate that author or feel grateful they took the time to share their work with you. Do it because you want to share some advice that maybe helped you with something you see them doing in their story/writing that could help them. Do it because it costs you nothing but a minute or two of your time, and you have no idea of what it might mean to the author. Maybe nothing--or it could mean the difference between them continuing this challenging hobby versus giving up. You never know. 

[Dodger]

1 hour ago, Myr said:

Now, I think you probably are expressing a vague frustration to a specific issue you feel you are having.

My first interpretation of this comment brings to mind immediately "Rules layering" and "Mind your own business". Oh.  And "Arrogant".  Obviously, if I go with that interpretation, the response is very different.  It's a hideously easy trap to fall into and even knowing the danger I fall into it all too often.  I hate having people tell me what to do and I naturally counterpuch back before I even think.

I think you've probably hit the nail on the head here, although I wouldn't describe myself as arrogant. I would be surprised if anyone would ever describe me as arrogant, even if they hardly know me at all. However, I realize that you are not addressing me specifically so that's not really an issue. The specific issue that I did have (I guess you're referring to the banner) as you know, has now been fixed and I'm very grateful for this. However, I often fall into the same trap as you and strike out before I think.

[Timothy M.]

At least the ability to like comments helps a lot. It's a simple way to say 'I saw your comment.' As an author I often do that first, and then return to reply later, if I'm stressed for time.

 

Even if the author doesn't react, other readers usually do, which means you know someone read your comment and appreciated it. I try to like comments on stories I read, and i also appreciate the 'new' possibility of replying to the comments of other readers. If we can't interact with the author, 'talking' with other readers is  

Edited May 19, 2018 by Timothy M.

[Dodger]

23 minutes ago, Cia said:

Even as a staff member here with duties I do every day/week/month for the authors, the stories queue, blogs, newsletter, etc... I post original story content at least twice a week. But in the past, all I had was my house, kids, and health to deal with on top of that. Now I have my day job, house, kids, and health to deal with. And just that one extra element has sent me reeling since working in a school also really affects my health. I barely manage to keep writing to post my twice a week updates on GA, but I know my acknowledgment of my readers by replying to comments has suffered. I haven't been doing anthologies. I haven't been publishing eBooks either. My ability to manage and balance has absolutely been challenged and all the plans I had to stay on top of everything I do from 4:30 AM to bedtime at 10 PM narrowed down to necessities. Some days I feel like I am "going" non-stop on GA before work that's from 7:30 till 3, then house chores or errands, then picking up the kids from track or working at their track meets for 3 hours 1-2x a week during track season, dinner/dishes, homework review, more GA work, writing, editing, graphics, blog content, newsletter content... and maybe some reading if I'm lucky or just too exhausted and full of fukitol to do anymore. 

Phew 😨 Cia. I'm knackered just reading about what you have to do!!! I wanna know what coffee you drink?

[Cia]

15 minutes ago, Dodger said:

Phew 😨 Cia. I'm knackered just reading about what you have to do!!! I wanna know what coffee you drink?

Actually, not a fan of coffee, and when I do drink it, it's something froofy to cover up the fact that it's coffee at all. The last one I got? Almondmilk horchata frappe. I'm a huge fan of tea, though. And a bit of a snob about it. I like mine to be the leaves/bark/flowers loose-leaf type of tea that I steep myself. I shudder to think about what is hidden in those tea bags bought from the supermarket. I usually brew myself a nice cup of a jasmine green tea, chai mate, or do a mint masala chai latte before I sit down to write. 

 

Otherwise I fall asleep mid-typing and wake up to a page of kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk 😆

[Brayon]

5 minutes ago, Cia said:

I like mine to be the leaves/bark/flowers loose-leaf type of tea that I steep myself.

That's how I like mine as well. But, there is some Apricot that someone gave me, in bags, that is to die for.

[Dodger]

Okay, this is true and I've just checked through my old comments to make sure I get it right.

 

Like a lot of members I like to binge read old stories. It's not always easy to comment on a chapter a year after everyone else but I went through a phase last year where I decided that I was going to try, even if it was only one line.

 

There is a signature author who is well-known on the site and still actively posting stories. One of them is about a bird not singing in a storm. So now you know. Anyway I read a few of his stories and left loads of chapter comments, all of them upbeat, friendly, telling him how I was enjoying the particular story I was reading. He never gave a single reply to any of my comments not even a like. I was baffled to the point where it became quite amusing and politely pointed this out to him after the last chapter of the story I mentioned. This was what I wrote:

 

Thanks for the story. I enjoyed reading and commenting, even though I'm pretty certain that every single one of my comments has been completely ignored. That must be some kind of record. Maybe it's because I'm a year behind everyone else, but it's still kind of rude!  

 

I didn't get a reply to this either but he liked the comment directly below so I know it was read. How about that for arrogance? Maybe he had a good reason at the time. Maybe he was ill, having a breakdown, moving house, going through a divorce. I don't know. What I do know is I still get comments on chapters that I posted two years ago and I always reply, even if it's just a quick, 'Thank you for reading'. Even when I've been 'Cia' like busy doing double shifts at work and driving hundreds of miles with other commitments. I've replied to comments in motel rooms, at airports, at friend's houses, at my families houses, in Canada, in the US, in England and even when I was in hospital!

 

If anyone accused me of being rude or ignoring them, then I would go out of my way to apologize or offer some kind of explanation. I would never simply ignore it. It's not like he's shy because he uses the forums when it suits him. Anyway, that kind of thing tells me a lot about somebody.

[FormerMember4]

12 minutes ago, Dodger said:

Okay, this is true and I've just checked through my old comments to make sure I get it right.

 

Like a lot of members I like to binge read old stories. It's not always easy to comment on a chapter a year after everyone else but I went through a phase last year where I decided that I was going to try, even if it was only one line.

 

There is a signature author who is well-known on the site and still actively posting stories. One of them is about a bird not singing in a storm. So now you know. Anyway I read a few of his stories and left loads of chapter comments, all of them upbeat, friendly, telling him how I was enjoying the particular story I was reading. He never gave a single reply to any of my comments not even a like. I was baffled to the point where it became quite amusing and politely pointed this out to him after the last chapter of the story I mentioned. This was what I wrote:

 

Thanks for the story. I enjoyed reading and commenting, even though I'm pretty certain that every single one of my comments has been completely ignored. That must be some kind of record. Maybe it's because I'm a year behind everyone else, but it's still kind of rude!  

 

I didn't get a reply to this either but he liked the comment directly below so I know it was read. How about that for arrogance? Maybe he had a good reason at the time. Maybe he was ill, having a breakdown, moving house, going through a divorce. I don't know. What I do know is I still get comments on chapters that I posted two years ago and I always reply, even if it's just a quick, 'Thank you for reading'. Even when I've been 'Cia' like busy doing double shifts at work and driving hundreds of miles with other commitments. I've replied to comments in motel rooms, at airports, at friend's houses, at my families houses, in Canada, in the US, in England and even when I was in hospital!

 

If anyone accused me of being rude or ignoring them, then I would go out of my way to apologize or offer some kind of explanation. I would never simply ignore it. It's not like he's shy because he uses the forums when it suits him. Anyway, that kind of thing tells me a lot about somebody.

I do understand life happens.. Your response was a little passive/aggressive... I get it, because I’d probably react the same. No response just shows character in my opinion. Now you know for future. I just think you reap what you sow with something like that.

[VampireMystic]

Umm...

 

Perhaps the only reward for commenting is the author not abandoning a story thinking it's unwanted. Or deciding to post something new on their hard drive. 

 

Or some other circumstance. 

 

Remember just having the story to READ is a gift of sorts. And putting it out is "interacting."

Edited May 19, 2018 by VampireMystic

[Brayon]

@Dodger I am not justifying that person's actions. I have four GA members on my ignore list, two of which are authors. They've never commented on any of my stories, but I will say if they did, I would still ignore them.

[Myr]

7 hours ago, Myr said:

Go be the best You that you can be.  Write what is in your heart and do the best you can.  Take the time to treat others well and it will come back to you.  But don't take the time to write that comment expecting a response.  Write that comment because what the person wrote moved you enough to write the comment.  Maybe they see it.  Maybe they don't.  It doesn't take away from the good you did in writing it.  And it stands there for others to read and think on.  Maybe the author read it and was so humbled they couldn't think of a reply?  Maybe they got so frustrated because they aren't tech savvy and couldn't reply.  (And yes, I've have a over a dozen support requests I've answered that were just that)

Yeah... forgot one... Maybe they are an obnoxious ass? 

 

But what differences does it make?  Don't give the power to make you miserable to other people.  They haven't earned that from you.  I can't really think of any circumstance where anyone could earn that right.

 

Ponder for a few moments this gem of a concept... I have kept Gay Authors up and running for 15.5 years through sheer force of will.  There are people out there that hate me because they disagree with how I run the site.  I have a great and wonderful group of staff people that help out so much.  Nobody here is paid.  The vitriol directed at staff members over the years has caused so many people to leave us.  If I was any less a stubborn ass than I am, I would have closed up years ago.  But I don't give that power over me to other people.  I'm not easily offended. However, I do have low tolerances for pests.  I have more than a few times whapped someone on the head with a rolled-up newspaper to say in effect, "Don't do what you're doing here".   When that doesn't work, I'm just as happy to club someone and toss them out. 

 

Kind of a long way to say... it has been my experience in life, that you can be a happier person if you don't dwell on what others think of you while you strive to be the best you can be.  We're all flawed... no need to dwell on other people's flaws when we can be working on our own.  Your mileage may vary.

 

Damn... this topic has gotten me excessively philosophical today.  silly birthday is making me reflective. lol.

[Brayon]

3 minutes ago, Myr said:

Damn... this topic has gotten me excessively philosophical today.  silly birthday is making me reflective. lol.

Again. Happy Birthday Myr. I'm wondering if I need to apologize now for starting this thread now. LOL. 😋

[Mikiesboy]

1 hour ago, Myr said:

Kind of a long way to say... it has been my experience in life, that you can be a happier person if you don't dwell on what others think of you while you strive to be the best you can be.  We're all flawed... no need to dwell on other people's flaws when we can be working on our own.  Your mileage may vary.

This is so true, and well said.

[Dodger]

1 hour ago, Myr said:

But what differences does it make?  Don't give the power to make you miserable to other people.  They haven't earned that from you.  I can't really think of any circumstance where anyone could earn that right.

 

At first, I thought it was funny but I admit, in the end, it did wind me up! It's pathetic I know because it had no effect on my life whatsoever but I couldn't help being annoyed (not miserable).

 

Anyway, he's the one who lost a reader and a lot of future comments and reviews not me. 

[Parker Owens]

20 hours ago, BHopper2 said:

I've noticed that GA has a number of Authors who post Stories to the Stories Archive, and that's the limit of their participation here on Gay Authors. There is no talking in clubs, as they are not members of them, no talking on forums, but they may or may not respond to chapter comments. How can an author do that? How can they not interact with the community, and still have their stories read?

 

It's mind-boggling.

 

My mind isn’t boggled. For me, at least, it’s spring, which means crazy job season in tons of ways. I’m swamped, and so I’ve not spent as much time on GA as I might like. 

 

There are authors I’d love to hear from, but life can get in the way, I guess. Interaction like this is fun and engaging, but I can envision a scenario when one can’t participate. 

 

Anyway, thanks for letting me put my two cents in. 

 

[CassieQ]

15 hours ago, Myr said:

No it's not.  It's pretty easy... they write good stories that people want to read when they know about them.

I keep repeating this over and over... but 70-80% of the traffic to the site comes in as "guests".  All the guests can do is read.

A large number of guests issue also applies here.

 

I'm going to vastly over-simplify "Story Success" into an Equation.  (Again, this is over-simplified)

 

Story Success = (Quality of the Story) x (Exposure for the story)

 

So, in this case, the higher the quality and the more exposure, the more successful the story.  In this, again simplified case, the author has 2 levers they can pull for success.  They can write better, which takes lots of time and lots of effort to move the dial on quality.  The other option is to make others aware of their story, which they can do by participating all over the place.  And if you people like what you say or behave or have an interest in you, then they'll read your stuff.  (This is where the quality comes in...)

 

So, lets say I walk upon water and write the Best Book Ever🔱.  We will rate that a 10.  But I only tell my Dungeons and Dragons buddies I posted it.  We'll rate that a 1.  My success would be a 10.  

 

So let's say I have an unedited mess and @Cia has just finished yelling at me and I barely make it past her screening.  We'll rate that a 1.  On other hand, I have more money than brains and just ran a $5 million dollar ad campaign on Google to advertise my masterpiece.  We'll rate that a 10.  My success would also be a 10.  

 

Let's say I have an average story. 5.  It's a lot easier to move the dial on exposure than on quality.  So I'm active member on the site and have a decent story, 5 and 5.  The Story Success would be 25.  Way better than the over-exposed mess or the unexposed masterpiece.

 

That's probably an overly wordy way to say that most people will have an easier time getting more readers attention through participation than writing a giant diamond in the rough story that people trip over by accident.

 

Knowing this, the staff guides promotions along these lines, typically.

 

But we also have a lot of authors that no longer active, or have passed away or write on other sites and post here for exposure, but interact elsewhere.  Some authors, like @Comicality, are constantly marketing and hmmm... saying he's exposing himself probably has bad connotations... let's say using many different forms of media to engage his readers. 

 

Some authors just write for themselves and post thier work and people can enjoy or not and they don't care.

Some authors predate the internet and hate this new-fangled social crap.  And get the hell off their lawn!  🏑

 

I hope this helped...

I think Myr makes an excellent point here.  

 

I came to this site in 2011 and after looking around a bit, I decided that I wanted to be Signature Author (it was called Hosted at the time) and I worked my butt off.  I wrote and was active in chat and wrote some more.  If someone gave me a suggestion or feedback, I would follow it.  I always tried (and still do) to respond to reviews.  

 

Some life stuff happened and messed me up for a while a few years back.  I became less active on the site and I noticed that the less I interacted with my readers, the less they interacted with me.  Which is only fair.  

 

I think I've gotten my butt back in gear at this point.  I am having fun writing again and I love interacting with people on the site.  I don't know why people wouldn't want to.  But if writers don't interact with readers, I think it's only fair to not expect readers to interact with you.