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GENERAL THOUGHTS ON READER RECOMMENDED STORIES...

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Quote by Dani


So you created a thread about how you don't get RR's just to tut-tut about how you don't need RR's because you get paid to write?

LOL.

So much butthurt, I can't compute.


This was never about me getting anything, plenty on other sights.... If you read at all, this was about being open... Wow butthurt lol.... Name calling just seems so trivial, by a mod too tsk tsk lol...
Quote by stormdog100


If you're worried about the readers' opinion of your work, all you can do is post it and take whatever compliments or criticisms come your way, just like everyone else.

If your concern is that the moderator might shitcan your story for being unusual, you need to now that when a story is unusual to or outside of the comfort zone of the mod that draws it, or when we have questions about it possibly pushing the envelope, it is rarely the "One person's trash/treasure" rule.

Very often stories that are "different" or which might push the boundaries (you know, "personality and intrigue"...) in some way engender a very lively discussion in the moderator's forum. We might question if the story is truly erotic, if it gives off a bad vibe, if the writing style is something we can accept, if it comes too close in either fact or intent to crossing into banned content or any number of other things. The mod that draws the story to verify can (and often does) post a thread regarding such stories in the moderator forum, seeking input from the rest of the team. Opinions can (and do) vary widely, but usually we can reach a consensus on whether to publish the story as-is or with minor editing, return the story for major revisions, or outright reject it.

Sometimes we don't agree, and then the senior mods might step in to provide guidance. Other than for routine things like grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and just basic writing quality it's actually quite rare for a story to get returned without more than one set of eyes looking at it.

You'd be amazed at how many stories that end up getting returned for things controversial have been read by most of the team before that decision was made. So, as you can see, there is little to fear from the "One person's trash" conundrum.



You always seem to have a good perspective on issues, wish you posted more.
Quote by JC72


This was never about me getting anything, plenty on other sights.... If you read at all, this was about being open... Wow butthurt lol.... Name calling just seems so trivial, by a mod too tsk tsk lol...


I didn't call you a name. I described your attitude.

You're trying to be subtle with your jabs, but it's not working.

'I don't need recognition because I get paid.' 'I get plenty of recognition on other sites so it's not like it matters...'

You're downplaying the accomplishments of others simply because they've achieved something you have not.

The butthurt is very strong indeed.

Also, I'm not sure what my volunteer position as a moderator has to do with me pointing out your being butthurt, but have at it...

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Quote by noll
I think the system is rigged in favour of those whose first language is English


Dude. Your new username fucks with me on so many levels...

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Quote by JC72


This was never about me getting anything, plenty on other sights.... If you read at all, this was about being open... Wow butthurt lol.... Name calling just seems so trivial, by a mod too tsk tsk lol...


Butthurt is an attitude. Butface is a name. Lol.

Actually your writing is good. Keep on submitting and I'm sure the recognition will come. Hang in there.
Quote by ChuckEPoo


Butthurt is an attitude. Butface is a name. Lol.

Actually your writing is good. Keep on submitting and I'm sure the recognition will come. Hang in there.


Bingo
Quote by stormdog100


If you're worried about the readers' opinion of your work, all you can do is post it and take whatever compliments or criticisms come your way, just like everyone else.

If your concern is that the moderator might shitcan your story for being unusual, you need to know that when a story is unusual to or outside of the comfort zone of the mod that draws it, or when we have questions about it possibly pushing the envelope, it is rarely the "One person's trash/treasure" rule.

Very often stories that are "different" or which might push the boundaries (you know, "personality and intrigue"...) in some way engender a very lively discussion in the moderator's forum. We might question if the story is truly erotic, if it gives off a bad vibe, if the writing style is something we can accept, if it comes too close in either fact or intent to crossing into banned content or any number of other things. The mod that draws the story to verify can (and often does) post a thread regarding such stories in the moderator forum, seeking input from the rest of the team. Opinions can (and do) vary widely, but usually we can reach a consensus on whether to publish the story as-is or with minor editing, return the story for major revisions, or outright reject it.

Sometimes we don't agree, and then the senior mods might step in to provide guidance. Other than for routine things like grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and just basic writing quality it's actually quite rare for a story to get returned without more than one set of eyes looking at it.

You'd be amazed at how many stories that end up getting returned for things controversial have been read by most of the team before that decision was made. So, as you can see, there is little to fear from the "One person's trash" conundrum.



Thanks for that.

My grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, is spot on. There's no problem concerning that. I was just a little worried about offending people on the mod team. My story has a reluctance, blackmail and humiliation theme. All parties are fully consensual and enjoy the experience, but many will label it as "writing in bad taste".

I'll upload it at some point in the week. I'm submitting it to several different sites, so it'a not a big deal if it's rejected here.
Quote by Tricky_Dicky


Thanks for that.

My grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, is spot on. There's no problem concerning that. I was just a little worried about offending people on the mod team. My story has a reluctance, blackmail and humiliation theme. All parties are fully consensual and enjoy the experience, but many will label it as "writing in bad taste".

I'll upload it at some point in the week. I'm submitting it to several different sites, so it'a not a big deal if it's rejected here.


We don't reject for bad taste, we reject for breaking site content. Reluctance, humiliation and blackmail are acceptable subject matter, as long as the sex is concentual, even if only because of the former conditions. Of course, other factors, hate speech, certain subject matter such as and scat etc, are prohibited.

I suggest you post it before you start complaining about mod reaction. Doing so before it's even moderated is pointless and frankly insulting.
Quote by Magical_felix


See, the thing about realizing that someone has a disingenuous, dishonest, and dishonorable nature is this... You don't believe or trust what their intent is ever again. When I read this I just see a person setting themselves to act like a victim again. You want to publicly apologize so that next time I say something you can try to paint me like a villain who is mean even though you apologized. I wasn't born yesterday.


Apology retracted then. It doesn't change the fact that I don't want to harbor negative feelings. I went after you and everyone that I considered s bully, because I was pissed off. All I accomplished was BEING a bully....

A little self editing on my part is something I will work on.

I have three famous stories, 2 recommended reads and have come in the top ten in two competitions~ Come in and make yourself at home.

When we implemented the RR program, it was meant to be a perk for the mods, much as Empress Burq's experience. It's not meant to be an award. How it works. If a mod reads a story that they thought should be given a little extra exposure, they hit the RR button. That means different things to different mods. In MY case, I am very stingy with them. that's my choice. I rarely give them to established authors, unless those writers write something outstanding above their outstanding work. I tend to focus on either new writers who come in and knock my socks off or writers who have been with us for a while, not gotten the exposure, and really up their game with their story. I have, once or twice, also given them to writers who might not have an award winning story, but it's obvious that they poured their heart out and improved vastly from when they started. it's my way of encouraging them. that means that the story might not be amazing, but it's headed in the right direction - it doesn't hurt anyone, and i'm always happy to take ownership over my choice.

why don't we post who gave what? Posts like this. Blogs like the OPs "fuck you, Lush, fuck you, mods." My crew does hard work. Is it thankless? No. I make sure they know they are appreciated as does Nicola. A lot of the members let them know, too. That said, a lot of members tread them like dirt, too. One nasty reply to a rejection tends to wipe out the previous 10 thank yous when you're working as hard at vetting stories as they do. A few of you might have noticed I've been MIA for a bit. Frankly, I've needed the time away from this place. For those of you who don't know me, I've been doing this for close to 6 years now, long enough that I will often refer to the mod team as mine, a conceit that Nicola never discourages. To put it simply, I needed a break, not from Lush, but from the members that I serve, and that's how I look at it - I serve you. I publish your stories, and when I can't, I tell you what you need to do to get them published. I don't do this out of a sense of power - I do it because I want the site to be able to publish great stories and I want YOU to be able to put out erotica that you can be proud of. I think that I have managed that. If not, yes, I am open to constructive criticism. My PM box is very easy to find. I am not, however, fond of taking public shots or long winded bitching sessions - they take away my focus from what is important - getting YOUR stories on the front page.

So yeah. At some point, you do get defensive, when you feel like people are taking shots at your hard work. It's only natural, hence the reason mods tend to come into these threads with strong opinions. That's why I'm taking time off to post this. The RR program isn't going to change. If someone seems to get out of hand with handouts to friends, at some point there will be a gentle reminder. Some great stories will be missed. Sometimes I'll find something written a year back that wows me and It will be tagged. Sometimes authors will think they deserve one and it will take forever to get it - a little note on that - when we implemented the EP program, I was passed by constantly until it became kind of humorous seeing as, in all humbleness, I'm one of the strongest writers here. Eventually, Nicola just sort of dropped one on one of mine out of pure fair play. I never made a stink about it, I just had faith that my work would shine through at some point and kept trying to improve and earn that pretty little digital gold medal.

That's how you're going to have to deal with the RRs. If you deserve one, you'll get one. It might not be when you want it, or for the story you want, but eventually, someone's going to say, damn, that guy can write, and this story just really knocked me out. BAM. RR.

Be patient. Don't worry about the "accolades". The award for writing should be simply finishing a story that you can take pride in and building your status as a writer with reads and votes and comments. That, at least, is how I see it - this is an amateur site and as such, more awards don't equal more sales and more money in your pocket, just a warm glow. Focus on the warm glow that you get when you see your story on the front page for the first time.

peace out
rach

You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.

Quote by adi_me33


I don't try that hard. Really. I think I am a horrible writer. I just write and submit. I don't edit my "poems". I just don't. I like them raw and straight outta me. So, don't say "all" writers try hard. Not all do.

As far as authors being recongnized....isn't that what scoring and comments are for? For your fellow authors to recognize you? I have a favourites list on my profile page. I recommend all of them! That's why they are there......



I agree with this statement. I do "try" hard to get my story published. There isn't a helpful link on the site that I havn't read. But at the same time most of my stories are spur of the moment type things. So I write it then start to proofread it. By the time I have read it and tried to fix some of the problems. I am over it, the interest in the story basically fades away.

I don't think any of my stories are worthy of the so-called "RR". But that has NEVER been the reason I write. I like hearing from many writers on what they think of my writing. Comments mean ALOT more to me than one person's view. I think even a few people have said they hated the story and I have thanked them. I have a few favorite authors that I look for on the front page, but mostly I focus on names I have never seen before. I don't even look at most of the known names because I know their work will be rated and commented on by others. I like seeing new styles of writing so I can give them a good comment. But this is how I personally see things. To each their own.
Quote by Dani
Dude. Your new username fucks with me on so many levels...


I like it when you talk dirty to me.


===  Not ALL LIVES MATTER until BLACK LIVES MATTER  ===

I like that readers can suggests ideas.
Quote by noll


I like it when you talk dirty to me.


Wait, what just happened?

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Quote by Dani


Wait, what just happened?


i think you just got yourself engaged...?

You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.

Quote by sprite


i think you just got yourself engaged...?


Pfft.

Like I'd ever be suckered into marrying someone without titties...

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After about five busiest weeks of my second year in office, I found time for Lush and this forum topic got my attention because so many 'stalwarts' jumped in to highlight their opinions....

I congratulate JC72 for having the courage to raise the issue and at the same time sympathize with him as most of the jumpers here didn't understand what actually is at stake. The issue was to make the system more transparent, to curb imposition of personal whims and to make the people at responsible positions accountable for their actions......

Unfortunately, most of the mods here didn't agree to improve the system. It appears as if they are jealously guarding the power and authority they have been given. This aspect need attention by the site owner.

I fully agree with the suggestion of topic initiator and reproduce the recommendations:

1. Any story or poem given RR, should include who gave the RR and a quick blurb as to why.

2. If a Mod gives a RR to one writer, they can't give a second one to same person for six months with no back tracking on stories.

3. No RR can be given to anyone on a friends list.

4. Readers be allowed to send personal favorites to Lush, bypassing Mods so that staff can make choice if worthy.

I mean what's wrong with these ideas ? They seems highly just and fair..... but who among the mods would be ready to be accountable.... that is the issue which needs to be resolved smile
Quote by Peri
After about five busiest weeks of my second year in office, I found time for Lush and this forum topic got my attention because so many 'stalwarts' jumped in to highlight their opinions....

I congratulate JC72 for having the courage to raise the issue and at the same time sympathize with him as most of the jumpers here didn't understand what actually was at stake. The issue was to make the system more transparent, to curb imposition of personal whims and to make the people at responsible positions accountable for their actions......

Unfortunately, most of the mods here didn't agree to improve the system. It appears as if they are jealously guarding the power and authority they have been given. This aspect need attention by the site owner.

I fully agree with the suggestion of topic initiator and reproduce the recommendations:

1. Any story or poem given RR, should include who gave the RR and a quick blurb as to why.

2. If a Mod gives a RR to one writer, they can't give a second one to same person for six months with no back tracking on stories.

3. No RR can be given to anyone on a friends list.

4. Readers be allowed to send personal favorites to Lush, bypassing Mods so that staff can make choice if worthy.

I mean what's wrong with these ideas ? They seems highly just and fair..... but who among the mods would be ready to be accountable.... that is the issue which needs to be resolved smile


frankly, the highlighted part is insulting. also, what power are we jealously guarding? is that really how you see the mods? some sort of power hungry entity that's out to make lush a poorer experience for members? btw, that's a very real question - i'd appreciate an honest answer.

as to the rest:

1. most of us will leave votes and comments if we think the story is RR worthy already.

2. why should someone who wrote 2 amazing stories within a 6 month period be penalized for it? and do you expect us to keep track of who we give RRs to? keep an excel sheet or something?

3. at one point, before i trimmed my FL down to reflect people i actually coresponded with, i had over 1000 people on the list. most of the people currently on the list are there because they are strong writers. so, as do most of the other mods. So, our strongest writers wouldn't be elligible, in other words?

4. the mods and staff are one in the same. bypassing mods means bypassing staff. and, btw, i am always open to someone sending me a PM telling me that i'm missing a really great story - i try to give it a read and see if i think it needs one.

bottom line - we do a lot of work here. it's very time consuming, it's all volunteer, and it's meant to make a better experience for the members. adding extra work on top of that, isn't something i really want to see happen.

i'm not saying i'm not open to the system being retooled if it's needed, but frankly, unless Nicola tells me that it IS needed, i'm okay with it staying as is. if it's accountability you want, it would be easy to simply drop it into my lap, but as most people will tell you, if that happens, you'll probably not be seeing more than half a dozen RRs a year at best and i don't think that's what people really want?

You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.

Quote by sprite
also, what power are we jealously guarding? is that really how you see the mods? some sort of power hungry entity that's out to make lush a poorer experience for members?


Wait, so we're not?

But that blurb about the power hunger is almost verbatim from the employee handbook.

Wow. Such shock. Much confuse. Wow.

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OMG it took a few minutes for Her Royal Spriteness to write this... seems like right from the outset she was watching me writing my views... this is scary :P

Well whatever has been said, is your personal opinion and your notion and tone further strengthen the veracity of highlighted portion smile
Quote by sprite
i'm not saying i'm not open to the system being retooled if it's needed, but frankly, unless Nicola tells me that it IS needed, i'm okay with it staying as is. if it's accountability you want, it would be easy to simply drop it into my lap, but as most people will tell you, if that happens, you'll probably not be seeing more than half a dozen RRs a year at best and i don't think that's what people really want?


I know my opinion won't be worth much as I'm not a story mod, but I'll comment on what I've observed on this as a topic in the forum.

People want RR's. RR=recognition. Although the RR system as it stands is mostly a perk for moderators, it's not viewed that way. You get a badge. You get that blue check mark. It reads as 'my story stands out from the rest', because that's exactly what it means.

From what I've observed, those who want to overhaul the RR system are those who don't have (m)any RR's or other accolades. "I'm being overlooked, so clearly the system is flawed."

I am in no way saying the system is perfect. No system is. But trying to make it more inclusive when it exists to highlight something that stands apart kind of defeats the purpose, no? I saw someone mention a participation trophy or medal, and I believe that's a perfect metaphor. That's really all it would become.

A Recommended Read means a site moderator recommends your story to others. They click an option, and it's done. And on to the next story. If the process were less simple, site productivity would take a huge hit. Then we'd see the 'It's been x amount of hours and my story hasn't been approved' threads pop up all over the place.

I suppose a happy medium could be a separate system where members can recommend the stories of their peers. We could just call it something else.

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Quote by Peri
your notion and tone further strengthen the veracity of highlighted portion smile


Nah, not really.

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Quote by Peri
3. No RR can be given to anyone on a friends list.


lol.
Quote by Peri
OMG it took a few minutes for Her Royal Spriteness to write this... seems like right from the outset she was watching me writing my views... this is scary :P

Well whatever has been said, is your personal opinion and your notion and tone further strengthen the veracity of highlighted portion smile


yes, all i do all day is watch for your posts so i can reply asap. and yes, i do have opinions. i'm just a person who enjoys this site like everyone else. as for being power hungry? if you believe that about me, you really don't know me well, but that's your opinion, and you're certainly entitled to it.

You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.

Quote by Peri

Unfortunately, most of the mods here didn't agree to improve the system. It appears as if they are jealously guarding the power and authority they have been given. This aspect need attention by the site owner.

I fully agree with the suggestion of topic initiator and reproduce the recommendations:

1. Any story or poem given RR, should include who gave the RR and a quick blurb as to why.

2. If a Mod gives a RR to one writer, they can't give a second one to same person for six months with no back tracking on stories.

3. No RR can be given to anyone on a friends list.

4. Readers be allowed to send personal favorites to Lush, bypassing Mods so that staff can make choice if worthy.

I mean what's wrong with these ideas ? They seems highly just and fair..... but who among the mods would be ready to be accountable.... that is the issue which needs to be resolved smile


What's wrong with these ideas? The problems here, as I see it are twofold:

First, this list of requests assumes the Mods are unethical. Otherwise, why would you feel like they need to be leashed?

The second is that it assumes the Mods should be accountable to the writers. They help the writers; they're accountable to the site and site owner who, I'm sure, oversees them.

The Mods read our work. They edit it. I wonder how many people understand what a valuable free service this is and how rarely it is literally free. It makes the person with their name on the story look better, not the mod. The mods get a perk for their extra effort; they get to use it freely. That actually IS fair.
I think those who scream 'conspiracy' need to step back and take a deep breath. Relax, and things will come your way.
Quote by Dani


I know my opinion won't be worth much as I'm not a story mod, but I'll comment on what I've observed on this as a topic in the forum.

People want RR's. RR=recognition. Although the RR system as it stands is mostly a perk for moderators, it's not viewed that way. You get a badge. You get that blue check mark. It reads as 'my story stands out from the rest', but that's exactly what it means.

From what I've observed, those who want to overhaul the RR system are those who don't have (m)any RR's or other accolades. "I'm being overlooked, so clearly the system is flawed."

I am in no way saying the system is perfect. No system is. But trying to make it more inclusive when it exists to highlight something that stands apart kind of defeats the purpose, no?

A Recommended Read means a site moderator recommends your story to others. They click an option, and it's done. And on to the next story. If the process were less simple, site productivity would take a huge hit. Then we'd see the 'It's been x amount of hours and my story hasn't been approved' threads pop up all over the place.

I suppose a happy medium could be a separate system where members can recommend the stories of their peers. We could just call it something else.


A clear and cogent analysis of the issue, Dani. Thank you.

RRs are by definition choices of the moderators, a matter of personal taste. Writing is not math. There is no correct answer. Choices made are subjective. If you understand that you will understand that moderators should not have to justify their picks. They choose what they think is superior work. You may disagree. You may wonder why no one chooses your work or that of your favourite writer. I am sure that moderators would welcome a PM about a gem of a story that has been overlooked. What they do not need is an attack on their integrity or accusations of being power hungry. There is a team of people doing the work. The person they answer to is Nicola. She would not countenance favouritism in the awarding of RRs, EPs, or anything else.
Quote by adagio_sabadicus
I think those who scream 'conspiracy' need to step back and take a deep breath. Relax, and things will come your way.


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Quote by Tricky_Dicky


Thanks for that.

My grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, is spot on. There's no problem concerning that. I was just a little worried about offending people on the mod team. My story has a reluctance, blackmail and humiliation theme. All parties are fully consensual and enjoy the experience, but many will label it as "writing in bad taste".

I'll upload it at some point in the week. I'm submitting it to several different sites, so it'a not a big deal if it's rejected here.


No problem. Otherwise, what Milik said. We actually have a category called Reluctance, for crying out loud, and it's a pretty popular genre. 'Nuff said.
Quote by Burquette


What's wrong with these ideas? The problems here, as I see it are twofold:

First, this list of requests assumes the Mods are unethical. Otherwise, why would you feel like they need to be leashed?

The second is that it assumes the Mods should be accountable to the writers. They help the writers; they're accountable to the site and site owner who, I'm sure, oversees them.

The Mods read our work. They edit it. I wonder how many people understand what a valuable free service this is and how rarely it is literally free. It makes the person with their name on the story look better, not the mod. The mods get a perk for their extra effort; they get to use it freely. That actually IS fair.


This is actually a very intelligent and healthy way to look at it, presented by one of our newer members who was quickly recognized as an excellent writer. If you want to see what it takes to get RR's on your story, I might suggest you start by reading some of Burquette's work. She knew nobody here and had just joined, so it was not a case of "cliques" or being on anyone's "friend" list. It was simply great, creative erotic writing, carefully structured, edited and proofed, and it earned early recognition from the mods. It's as simple - and as difficult - as that.

As for me, I wrote here for quite awhile before I ever earned my first RR, and during that time several of the mods made me a better writer. Only when I shut up, quit objecting to their advice (a little embarrassed about that now) and listened to what they were telling me did my writing improve enough that it began to earn the occasional RR. Yes, it's nice to get that little blue pat on the back when you've worked hard on something, but the thing to remember is that it's just one person's opinion; as such it carries no more weight than the opinions of the other 10 or 15 or 80 people that give your story glowing reviews!

I write what I want, try to enjoy the time I spend on it, and truly enjoy and appreciate the people that read and comment and vote on my stuff. Some of them are friends, many of them became friends because we started talking after they'd commented on a story, some are comments by people that I don't know at all. The RR's are nice, but the truth is that I value each and every comment and vote just as much - and truly appreciate the people that take the time to do that simple thing, as I always do. The authors here provide their stories for our enjoyment, free of charge; the least I can do is say thanks!

Like Sprite, I tend to be pretty stingy with handing out RR's - and when I do it's for pretty much the exact same reasons, though I didn't know that until today! I have had a few writers ask me why their story didn't get an RR, and I do respond as honestly as I can although sometimes it's as simple as it just didn't "hook" me. Good story, yes, enjoyable, sure, but it didn't speak to me at that level, that certain something that made it stand out. On a different day it might have - the RR's really are that subjective, so that's something to bear in mind.