A thought came to me. What is popularity? I mean to you personally. Is it scores, views, comments?
I personally see it as a mixture scores and comments. If I get high scores and the comments reflect the score, I consider it to be popular amongst a niche - perhaps as an author a niche that I tried to capture.
If it has more views and hardly any comments or scores, or low scores, I see it as not so popular.
So, what do you see as "popular"?
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Popularity
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Alpha Blonde
It's a combination of factors, but I'd say comments weigh in the most for me... not just the quantity of the comments but the quality.
It's easy to throw in a "great story" type comment, but when a lot of readers take time to leave something really personalized that shows the story had some impact on them, then I see the story as one that commanded attention within the Lush community, so it's fair to deem it as 'popular'.
Having over 30K views is a good indicator as well.
It's easy to throw in a "great story" type comment, but when a lot of readers take time to leave something really personalized that shows the story had some impact on them, then I see the story as one that commanded attention within the Lush community, so it's fair to deem it as 'popular'.
Having over 30K views is a good indicator as well.
Active Ink Slinger
I'm struggling with this right at this moment, because my latest series is getting few views and few comments. Votes are almost irrelevant and I'm thinking of turning them back off. I only turned them on because of the VIP contest. I didn't know what impact having the votes turned off would have on that. The comments, especially from respected authors, feed my ego the most. The views I get are low for a number of reasons that I understand, but I like to see enough views to justify the effort that I put into writing something other than a quick wank story. Having over 2K of views would, I think, be impressive for a novel written by a not very well-established guy.
My latest story is too hot to publish. My most recent story before that is Even Stranger In Lust
Active Ink Slinger
I personally don't look at popularity when on here. I come here because I enjoy being a member of Lush and enjoy interacting with other Lush authors and members.
I write a story just for the pure joy of being able to share some of my writing ability with the Lush population. If a reader likes it and comments and votes, that's great.
I do like getting the comments on my stories. It does let me know that the readers enjoy what I have written.
But I never look at it as a popularity contest here. As long as I enjoy myself being a member and having readers enjoy what I write, then that is enough for me.
I write a story just for the pure joy of being able to share some of my writing ability with the Lush population. If a reader likes it and comments and votes, that's great.
I do like getting the comments on my stories. It does let me know that the readers enjoy what I have written.
But I never look at it as a popularity contest here. As long as I enjoy myself being a member and having readers enjoy what I write, then that is enough for me.
"So don't cry to me.
If you loved me,
You would be here with me.
Don't lie to me,
Just get your things.
I've made up your mind."
--Evanescence
If you loved me,
You would be here with me.
Don't lie to me,
Just get your things.
I've made up your mind."
--Evanescence
When I wrote my first story I really wanted to be a popular author and have a lot of votes and comments but later I realised that I rather write for my own satisfaction and set small challenges upon myself. At the beginning I got advice like use sexy profile pictures to draw attention, put some sexy pictures on the image gallery and so on. I tried at first but I wasn't comfortable. It wasn't me I guess.
Of Course I still wish to get more views, votes and comments than I do at the moment, I mean who would not?
Personally I get awesome messages in my inbox from some people which really make my day and that matters most to me than the number of views I get.
I would not judge a story by the number of views because sometimes we tend to just click on a story, read 5 lines and close it because we do not get it...and it still counts as a view, right?
The comments (but not everyone is comfortable with writing comments) and the scores are a better indicator and the number of people who are following you or who have put the story as a favorite.
Of Course I still wish to get more views, votes and comments than I do at the moment, I mean who would not?
Personally I get awesome messages in my inbox from some people which really make my day and that matters most to me than the number of views I get.
I would not judge a story by the number of views because sometimes we tend to just click on a story, read 5 lines and close it because we do not get it...and it still counts as a view, right?
The comments (but not everyone is comfortable with writing comments) and the scores are a better indicator and the number of people who are following you or who have put the story as a favorite.
Active Ink Slinger
I just want to say that most of my favorite stories on here DO NOT have a lot of views or votes. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the stories by Tashitasha, SITTING and a few others. Most of the stories that people respond to quickly on here are very superficial and stupid and you really can't read them. Also if a story is really short and just about the sex then I have no connection to the characters and I don't really give a shit about them so who cares if they're having sex? Tasha, Emilia, John and Jake.....Rachel.....I love you all and your stories rock!
Active Ink Slinger
Quote by VirginalViet
I just want to say that most of my favorite stories on here DO NOT have a lot of views or votes. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the stories by Tashitasha, SITTING and a few others. Most of the stories that people respond to quickly on here are very superficial and stupid and you really can't read them. Also if a story is really short and just about the sex then I have no connection to the characters and I don't really give a shit about them so who cares if they're having sex? Tasha, Emilia, John and Jake.....Rachel.....I love you all and your stories rock!
It's great for me as a writer to hear this. I'm not going to knock the quick wank stories, because that's what many readers seem to prefer. But I prefer to write about complex interpersonal relationships. Putting a story into either the Novels or the Love Stories category seems to alienate many potential viewers, but it targets the audience that appreciates the difference. It would be great if the readers in those categories would comment more.
My latest story is too hot to publish. My most recent story before that is Even Stranger In Lust
Sophisticate
In my view, it is not all about the number of views, votes, or comments. Although, of course, I like to receive positive feedback to my poems and the stories that I write with Alphamagus, when I see the some of stories that get far higher numbers in terms of views, votes and comments, I realize that is not the audience that I write for. Everyone is entitled to their own taste and to read what they enjoy. There are some readers who I am certain would never read my work, and that is not a problem for me. So, bottom line, numbers are not everything. Comments that are positive and thoughtful are meaningful, no matter how many or few there are.
Active Ink Slinger
I have the same views as Principessa. That is probably why we write so well together.
The Linebacker
Story views can be greatly affected by the story category they are under as certain categories garner greater views. So in some cases some of your best stories may not gather near as many views as a lesser story you posted in another category.
I tend to judge my stories by the totality of views, scores, number of comments and number of votes. Certainly trolls can lower the scores of excellent stories. I definitely give greatest credence to comments from authors and commentators who have established excellent critical acclaim. No doubt comments mean the most to me.
To create a popular story and get great reviews, stretch your ability in writing, really push yourself. Proof read and proof again, follow up by finding a friend who is a quality proof reader/editor and has a good knowledge of English grammar to thoroughly read and edit your story. Do not submit your story until after you've done all of that.
I tend to judge my stories by the totality of views, scores, number of comments and number of votes. Certainly trolls can lower the scores of excellent stories. I definitely give greatest credence to comments from authors and commentators who have established excellent critical acclaim. No doubt comments mean the most to me.
To create a popular story and get great reviews, stretch your ability in writing, really push yourself. Proof read and proof again, follow up by finding a friend who is a quality proof reader/editor and has a good knowledge of English grammar to thoroughly read and edit your story. Do not submit your story until after you've done all of that.
Cocolicious
Quote by Buz
Story views can be greatly affected by the story category they are under as certain categories garner greater views. So in some cases some of your best stories may not gather near as many views as a lesser story you posted in another category.
I tend to judge my stories by the totality of views, scores, number of comments and number of votes. Certainly trolls can lower the scores of excellent stories. I definitely give greatest credence to comments from authors and commentators who have established excellent critical acclaim. No doubt comments mean the most to me.
To create a popular story and get great reviews, stretch your ability in writing, really push yourself. Proof read and proof again, follow up by finding a friend who is a quality proof reader/editor and has a good knowledge of English grammar to thoroughly read and edit your story. Do not submit your story until after you've done all of that.
I love what Buz has said here, specifically the part about comments meaning the most to him. I feel the same.
Story Verifier
Quote by Dancing_Doll
It's a combination of factors, but I'd say comments weigh in the most for me... not just the quantity of the comments but the quality.
It's easy to throw in a "great story" type comment, but when a lot of readers take time to leave something really personalized that shows the story had some impact on them, then I see the story as one that commanded attention within the Lush community, so it's fair to deem it as 'popular'.
Having over 30K views is a good indicator as well.
I agree completely. I especially like hearing details from the story mentioned in the comment or a more detailed comment on a story in a private message.
The 30K views thing eludes me, but I've only published 9 stories and I like to think I'm improving and will reach that goal one day.
Active Ink Slinger
Popularity is as much about marketing as writing skill. There are very good writers here who get more from their stories here by putting time and effort into spreading the word.
Jaymal is one of the best exponents of this I've come across here. Whether it's deliberate or not, he has a way of getting his friends to issue "send to all" messages to their friends list to reach a huge audience
Marketing seems like a dirty word to some people but if it's numbers you're after you really have to do more than post and hope. Of course you still have to write something that resonates with your readership. "Some books are undeservedly forgotten; none are undeservedly remembered." WH Auden
Jaymal is one of the best exponents of this I've come across here. Whether it's deliberate or not, he has a way of getting his friends to issue "send to all" messages to their friends list to reach a huge audience
Marketing seems like a dirty word to some people but if it's numbers you're after you really have to do more than post and hope. Of course you still have to write something that resonates with your readership. "Some books are undeservedly forgotten; none are undeservedly remembered." WH Auden
Warning: The opinions above are those of an anonymous individual on the internet. They are opinions, unless they're facts. They may be ill-informed, out of touch with reality or just plain stupid. They may contain traces of irony. If reading these opinions causes you to be become outraged or you start displaying the symptoms of outrage, stop reading them immediately. If symptoms persist, consult a psychiatrist.
Why not read some stories instead
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Why not read some stories instead
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Purveyor of Poetry & Porn
Quote by Gurlyboy
So, what do you see as "popular"?
I consider my stories popular if after reading them, people like them so much they offer me money and sexual favors...
Hmmm...come to think of it, maybe I'm not so popular around here...never mind...
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Active Ink Slinger
Quote by DirtyMartini
I consider my stories popular if after reading them, people like them so much they offer me money and sexual favors...
Hmmm...come to think of it, maybe I'm not so popular around here...never mind...
I think that's called the Male Author Club.
My latest story is too hot to publish. My most recent story before that is Even Stranger In Lust
Big-haired Bitch/Personality Hire
I'm gonna have to completely agree with Buz on this one. To me, the comments are the proof in the pudding. Just because a story has views doesn't mean someone actually read it.
░P░U░S░S░Y░ ░I░N░ ░B░I░O░
I’m not too concerned about popularity for the reasons highlighted by Buz. Some readers who have enjoyed my stories have voted and left positive and complimentary comments. Those who haven’t enjoyed them have been polite enough to remain non-committal.
I have read many stories in many categories and I know that I could make significant gains in popularity by writing stories that deal with a different kind of sex and get straight to the action.
I write the way I think and if others enjoy and connect with that I’m very pleased but I won’t wright about different sexual scenarios or in a style that’s alien to me just to gain popularity.
I have read many stories in many categories and I know that I could make significant gains in popularity by writing stories that deal with a different kind of sex and get straight to the action.
I write the way I think and if others enjoy and connect with that I’m very pleased but I won’t wright about different sexual scenarios or in a style that’s alien to me just to gain popularity.
For me, it's never about popularity. I write stories for myself, whether it's a revisiting of past events, or something that it titillating to me.
It’s nice if people like the stories, but I never write anything with the “approval of others” in mind. Quite frankly I couldn't care less.
I doubt I’ll be on anyone’s best seller list. Just having fun.
It’s nice if people like the stories, but I never write anything with the “approval of others” in mind. Quite frankly I couldn't care less.
I doubt I’ll be on anyone’s best seller list. Just having fun.
Internet Philosopher
Comments are what I write for, that and my own satisfaction. As stated above though, when someone who has shown that they have real talent and taste feels moved enough to leave a comment, especially one that shows they really understood what the story meant, thats when I know I've written something of value.
Quote by Buz
Story views can be greatly affected by the story category they are under as certain categories garner greater views. So in some cases some of your best stories may not gather near as many views as a lesser story you posted in another category.
I tend to judge my stories by the totality of views, scores, number of comments and number of votes. Certainly trolls can lower the scores of excellent stories. I definitely give greatest credence to comments from authors and commentators who have established excellent critical acclaim. No doubt comments mean the most to me.
To create a popular story and get great reviews, stretch your ability in writing, really push yourself. Proof read and proof again, follow up by finding a friend who is a quality proof reader/editor and has a good knowledge of English grammar to thoroughly read and edit your story. Do not submit your story until after you've done all of that.
I've gotta to agree with Buz 100% and I feel the same. Comments truly mean more.
Quote by overmykneenow
Popularity is as much about marketing as writing skill. There are very good writers here who get more from their stories here by putting time and effort into spreading the word.
Jaymal is one of the best exponents of this I've come across here. Whether it's deliberate or not, he has a way of getting his friends to issue "send to all" messages to their friends list to reach a huge audience
Marketing seems like a dirty word to some people but if it's numbers you're after you really have to do more than post and hope. Of course you still have to write something that resonates with your readership. "Some books are undeservedly forgotten; none are undeservedly remembered." WH Auden
I guess this is a great way of getting your name out there, however I know even the marvels such as Jaymal still need that fan base and popularity factor to get themselves out there! Lush is an amazing site for encouragement and support for amateur writers.
I am very new to writing so still very much learning and reading as much as I can. I took it as a personal insult when I was being scored lower than a five everytime or why my name was not on the top authors list!
but we all need the constructive criticism to only improve.I try and take as much time as possible to interact with people who do enjoy my stories and see the comments as valuable information as to the readers observation of my work.
I also see having a high number of views as having a popular story, however, I'm not sure if that is a true reflection on the actual number.
I belong to a few writing sites, and the most important thing to me is writing what my characters tell me. I don't aim for popularity. I never have anywhere, nor have I ever been at the top of anybody's list. I guess I went through a phase where I worried about reviews and views, but I reminded myself of the reason I write. For me. So I write what is organic in my mind and put it out there, and I always end up with great readers. 
Primus Omnium
When I first started writing here I was not even aware of all of the complexities involved, from comments, to scoring, to keeping track of views. Now, after some 40 or so stories and poems it seems to me that if people keep coming back for more, then you are popular. I hate to make it about statistics, but it is a basic fact of human nature. If you like something you want more, if you dislike it you want less. So, to keep it simple, for me the number of views compared to the number of pieces written will give you a good idea of popularity.
Authors write in the expectation of being read. Its most unlikely they would write on a desert island. Some hope to leave a legacy after death has silenced them forever. Words are our one way of getting at the future we will never see.
They enable the unlovely and the unattractive to enter the realm of desire. Fat unwholesome men, old ladies well past their prime, can in their imaginations be young studs or sex crazed beautiful young women.
But when the chips are down I would rather be popular between the sheets than between the pages.
They enable the unlovely and the unattractive to enter the realm of desire. Fat unwholesome men, old ladies well past their prime, can in their imaginations be young studs or sex crazed beautiful young women.
But when the chips are down I would rather be popular between the sheets than between the pages.
Matriarch
Quote by deadlogger
Authors write in the expectation of being read. Its most unlikely they would write on a desert island. Some hope to leave a legacy after death has silenced them forever. Words are our one way of getting at the future we will never see.
They enable the unlovely and the unattractive to enter the realm of desire. Fat unwholesome men, old ladies well past their prime, can in their imaginations be young studs or sex crazed beautiful young women.
But when the chips are down I would rather be popular between the sheets than between the pages.
Ok.
Gingerbread Lover
Quote by deadlogger
Authors write in the expectation of being read. Its most unlikely they would write on a desert island. Some hope to leave a legacy after death has silenced them forever. Words are our one way of getting at the future we will never see.
They enable the unlovely and the unattractive to enter the realm of desire. Fat unwholesome men, old ladies well past their prime, can in their imaginations be young studs or sex crazed beautiful young women.
But when the chips are down I would rather be popular between the sheets than between the pages.
Chips? Chips? NOM NOM! I'll have a battered pollack with mine, please.
When I first joined up, I saw "popular" authors as the ones with loads of high scores, many comments, and people following them. They were also the people with yellow ribbons, even if they had few stories.
Other "popular" people, sometimes authors, sometimes not, were the people who could banter back and forth with each other in the forums, sometimes alienating others, but most times being welcoming and friendly. That's what made them "popular".
Now that I have had time to build up a list of my own work, with a couple of ribbons and people kind enough to receive messages when I write some new material (whether they like it or not), I sort of have to re-evaluate what "poplular" means, since I never put myself in the definition I had when I first joined.
The rule of thumb to being generally popular, is that an author has built up a reputation for consistently great material (not just because of the genre, but because they are talented). People know their name, and their reputation, which is often earned, and sometimes not.
To me, how I view authors that are popular in my own reading, or how I would like to be "popular", means somebody who not only has a reputation for producing well-written material, but is able to really connect with their readers, to speak into their lives or spark their imagination in some way. They have to earn respect and their name and stories being shared. Only then are they popular in my own world. Other people may differ in what they look for, but I look beyond the reputation, and look at their style and quality. My "popular" authors are not usually on the wider "popular" list.
Ut incepit fidelis, sic permanet.
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