This column is a list of appropriate ways to get more reads at Storywrite, the do's and don't's.
The following is a list of ways to get more reads and what not to do:
You may not promote your stories in the Chatterbox. However, you may ask someone to swap reads and instant message(IM) who you are chatting with in the Chatterbox and send them the title or link to your story. Go to the 'Find User' box at the bottom right of the page and enter their name there. That will take you to their page and you can message them from the link at the top right of their page. You may also invite them to be your friend at the 'Invite name to be friends' link.
Spamming(sending the same or similar messages to many people) is prohibited on the site in comments, IMs, or the Chatterbox. You may, however, ask those on your 'Friends list' to read your story(s). Those on your 'Friends list' receive a notification when you post a new story or contest. Making friends at Storywrite is highly encouraged.
You may join writing groups and post one story per group in the groups' reading lists. If the group owner does not object, you may send a group message inviting group members to read your story(s).
When you read a story, in your comment you may ask that they 'return the favor'. They may choose to read one of your stories. Your comments should be individual, about the story, and not spam. If you like the writer, you might invite them to be friends.
You may swap reads: Ask another member to read and comment on one of yours and you offer to read and comment on one of theirs.
You may enter contests and usually this will get you at least one read and comment. In doing this, you should abide by the contest criteria and rules. You may also win trophies and points while improving your skills when you write for a contest.
On the right of the page appears 'Featured Stories'. They rotate until all their clicks are used. Each click costs the bid at the time you purchase your clicks. The readers receive double the points for their comments as a reward for reading 'Featured Stories'. This is a good way to get more reads, but it does cost points.
You may 'reward' readers for reading your stories. These, too, double the points for the reader's comment, but the process is slower. The cost per click is five points. To offer rewards, click the 'Stories' tab at the top of the page. Then click 'more about rewards'.
You may place your story(s) in 'Shameless Stories' which appears on the front page. There are fifty stories in the list of 'Shameless Stories'. A story placed in this list stays until fifty have been added, then it drops from the list. The cost of this is ten points.
If someone nominates your story and it is approved by Staff, it may appear 'In the Spotlight' on the front page. You may not nominate yourself.
If you have any additional questions about getting reads, please ask a greeter or moderator.
Add a comment
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
-
That was useful; thanks.
-
very useful! Thank you!
-
Its very helpful, thanks for taking your time writing this.
-
-
You're welcome.
I'm glad you found this useful.
Andy
-
-
Very clear, thank you!
-
Wickedly helpful. I wish I'd discovered some of this earlier.
-
The Rules are very clear,
Thank you for bringing these to my, and others attention. Very clear, concise and easy to read. I knew most of them because you were my 'greeter' when I arrived, and you've been very supportive ever since.
In "Aussie" terms "You're true blue, mate!"
Lis -
I followed your recommendations, and since I no longer have a problem attracting 'critters' you can mark me as one of your successes.
A great column, Andy with all the useful advise you gave me when I entered the site (sniveling about making friends and getting critiques.)
I followed your recommendations, and since I no longer have a problem attracting 'critters' you can mark me as one of your success stories.
Some of it is people today expect instant recognition. They post a file and wait for all those great reviews--it ain’t gonna happen. If they put a little effort into preparing the way, like critiquing a dozen or so other members before they post, they stand a better chance of creating an interest in what they, themselves, write.
Geri
-
Good column!
I think my biggest pet peeve about people trolling for comments is this: When, after asking me to read and review their story, they rate my (incredibly in depth and helpfully critical) review less than 5 stars. One ungrateful jerk actually rated it one star because I was moderately critical of his poem (it had spelling errors).
So to any and all readers out there, when you ask someone else to take the time to read your story, at least have the courtesy to rate their comment five stars. Even if the comment isn't as helpful as you'd like, you're still getting A comment from someone who probably wouldn't have read your story otherwise.
Oh, but I do love the "feature" aspect of the site. It's very nice and totally worth the expense in points. So if anyone wants their stories read, I concur that it's an excellent way to go.
Great article, Andy. Very informative.
-
-
The whole point of the rating system is for people to rate how helpful the critique was to them. Most people automatically give five stars, but ideally, that should only be given for helpful comments... not those that essentially say nothing. Constructive critiques are meant to point out errors... you can't help it if someone can't take the truth.
I've had people tear apart my stories, and I can see the reasoning behind their comments, so I give them five stars. I've had people tear my story apart, and their comment is nothing more than how clever they are, so their rating doesn't change. I never lower a rating, unless it's obvious spam. -
Thanks Megan
Yes, I am always annoyed if I don't get five stars and my comments are not really that good. I also always rate comments five stars and I always give three applauds. I want people to read me and I think that encourages them to do so. I don't feature often, but I may start doing it some. Actually, I'm pretty content with the comments I get.
I also appreciate this comment. Glad you like this column. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Andy
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 11 of 11
