My first post since being off Mod-Squad... (So I can say what I like, BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!) But seriously...
Working Lush Story Mods process so many DOZENS of stories in a week (at times) , (most of them returns) that the RR label allows them to to mark something that (a) THEY THINK is worthy of special note to a wider general readership and (b) THEY THINK is worthy of a look by Senior Mods who might consider EP...
Story Modding can be thankless work, and WHEN you come across a JEWEL it's GREAT to be able to RR it... (If I'm not mistaken, most RRs are awarded at the point where they are first approved by a Mod...)
They ARE subjective BUT... There is no ONE CRITERIA that makes a great Lush Story. We have many readers of different tastes. (Indeed, we have MODERATORS of different tastes...) but the RR category allows a moderator, (chosen for ability and talent incidentally) to say, "I ESPECIALLY like this and feel MY READERS might like it especially too...."
That's what an RR is...
xx Steph
(They're not given away lightly, BTW...)
Can someone remind me when RRs started? I'm sure it was since I joined Lush in 2011. The list of them goes back before then, so I guess there's been a bit of post-dated recommending.
22 February 2024 - How about a quick plug for one of my filthiest recent stories? It's all in the title - Naked Pool Party Swingers | Lush Stories Please read, comment and maybe give it a ❤️ - or even a⭐ if you really enjoy it! Thank you! Annie xxx
I was just pleased, and surprised, to get a Recommended Read. My motto is just enjoy the plaudits that come your way with modesty and graciousness, and don't get too hung up about it.
The only problem with RRs is that while the decision to award one is from an individual mod, the accountability is brought on to the mods as a collective. Any criticism for the actions of individuals just gets pointed at the system as a whole.
When the system was introduced I suggested that the RR should publicly show who it was recommended by. I know this would never be acceptable because it would cause even more problems and accusations than the present system, but any reward system that is, on the outside at least, opaque and unaccountable will tend towards creating accusations (rightly or wrongly) of favouritism and corruption.
I can fully understand how the admins and verifiers here find the "system's bent" narrative tiresome, insulting and just downright ungrateful but that doesn't mean that those on the outside of the system should take their eyes off the ball at any time or stop questioning why things happen in a certain way.
What's seen as "subjective" to one person can be "arbitrary" to another. Basing the award of an RR by the number of straight 5s it get is just daft, especially for poems. A lot of them are just sob stories about being jilted by some internet lover. Of course they attract 5s, what else are they going to get? "Hmmm, I think I'll give you 3/5 - could grieve harder"
I know many of the mods will disagree but it is my opinion that "putting yourself out there" will attract more awards. For the majority of writers the only mod who will ever see their story will be the verifier - if they don't wow her it's unlikely anyone else will read it and give the award. The more aware mods are aware of your work - be it through being on your friends list or by your presence on the site in general - the more of them are likely to read it. Each time one reads it you get another chance that someone will like it enough to click the button.
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
NEW! Want a quick read for your coffee break? Why not try this... Flash Erotica: Scrubber