If I Was the CEO of Vocal

I enjoy writing for Vocal.

I signed up on February 2nd, 2021 lured in by a $20,000 prize for the top story of the Little Black Book Challenge. I also submitted and published my first story on February 2nd. I decided to jump in with both feet and attempt to make a little extra cash for my stories.

In 67 days, I published 65 stories. Only one submission was rejected, that one for being too religious. That's fine. I knew the criteria going in and pushed the envelope. Vocal stayed true to its guidelines. No bitterness on my end. But, in the last several months, several ideas for bettering the Vocal experience have crossed my mind, and I have decided to share them here. Who knows...maybe it will trigger some modifications or prompt some conversations among the company's leadership. So, for the moment, let's pretend I'm the one responsible for the company. What would I do differently?

Require Proper Grammar for Top Stories

I've written 110 stories and not once have I been chosen for Top Story. I consider myself an above average writer and strive to submit quality pieces, but still haven't cracked the code on how to win a coveted spot on the front page. I've read many pieces that have earned this distinction and have been mildly disappointed at some of the choices. I regularly find spelling and grammar errors in the top story winners. Granted, I am considered somewhat of a grammar Nazi, but it really isn't that difficult to choose between to and too or their, they're and there. For Vocal to experience continued growth, attracting quality writers, I would suggest that top stories be cream of the crop submissions, including in grammar. If a story idea really resonates but there are misplaced modifiers and misspellings, the editors should send the story back to the writer and explain the story will be a top story selection once the grammar issues are corrected.

Monthly Suggested Topics that Might Earn Top Story Status

Undoubtedly, the editors approving stories for the Vocal platform are reading countless submissions per week. Maybe many deserve Top Story status, but only a certain number can attain that position. These choices are based upon the readers' preferences...topics that resonate with those choosing front page stories. I currently can't identify the "rhyme or reason" for the Top Story winners. In browsing the Top Story page, I see articles on reusable menstrual pads, the best dating apps, and Ethereum versus Bitcoin. I understand the need for diverse topics, but I think it would help if Vocal sent out story topics for the month and writers researched and posted based upon those topics. At least then, those writing would know they were submitting stories that were in the running for Top Story status.

Up to the Minute Reads Counter

I know nothing about how counters work on an internet page. However, I do know that Facebook is able to post up to the minute (maybe even second) status changes on posts. I can see how many "likes" or "shares" I have...refresh the page, and I can see if that status has changed. Maybe the programming necessary for up to date stats is pricey, but that would be a wonderful perk for Vocal writers. If not up to the minute, even hourly updates would be better than waiting 24 hours to see if the story you posted resonated with more people than your supportive mother.

Follow Writer Option

This isn't an original idea...in fact, I doubt any of these are, but I have seen multiple people express the desire to have the option of following their favorite authors. I would add having the option to get alerts when favorite writers post works. It seems much of the work of promotion falls squarely on those submitting stories. Being able to follow and receiving alerts would be a way that Vocal could help shoulder the promotional work necessary to get the stories in front of readers' eyes.

Allow Religious Content

Almost half of the world claims a religious affiliation. Certainly not everyone agrees on the particulars, but there is a definite interest in the topic. Since no option exists for leaving writers feedback, online arguments wouldn't litter Vocal's site and readers can choose whether to read the entry or not. Vocal could even warn writers that a religious entry will never be showcased as a Top Story, but writers can submit stories with a spiritual emphasis to a category titled simply, Religion.

Obviously these are only suggestions and since I know little about websites and online platforms, maybe these ideas are unrealistic. But, if these ideas could be incorporated, I believe it would make Vocal an even more powerful force for showcasing a writer's creativity and would continue to draw other writers into the fold.