On the Apparent Lack Of Interaction On Our Vocal Stories

Interesting read-- I used to think that my work would spread out if it warranted reading-- now, with social media I am not sure. The Top stories do a bit to help readership but as you noted, how top stories are chosen often seems to be an enigma in itself. I am glad that you got top story and lots of reads...and as a makr of inflation.. instead of a penny for your thoughts it now takes 3 thoughts for a penny! It is a precious penny!

Interesting read… I’m relieved to learn that I’m not alone in my puzzlement over Top Stories, mine & sometimes others I come across. I take it as a pleasant surprise.

I think at least some of the reason Top Stories seem to come from the same people is because those people are writing and posting consistently. I had two last month after about two months of not posting anything at all and 10 months since my last Top Story.

Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊

Congratulations on your Top Story, Mike!!❤️

Your observations are always intriguing and informative, Mikeydred. I have the impression that the Vocal gods are enigmatic: a story or poem that I think is hopelessly self-indulgent and obscure gets recognition, while a piece I am sure will have broad appeal vanishes into obscurity. Sam and Calvin seem to have it sorted: many factors are probably involved and securing the attention of the right human at the right time may be foremost among them. I am grateful to be recognized now and then; the rest is guesswork, I think.

I think raw number engagement is only a small part of determining top stories. I think it might boost your chances, but there’s some unpredictable human elements to it and I for one like that. I may be the odd one out here, but I like the feeling that top stories are kind of unpredictable. It makes them feel more fun, and I think if it was down to a formula it would eliminate some of the value on the art. That said, I used to look at the ratio of challenge placement trophies to total story count as an indicator of author talent, when deciding who to bother reading on here, but I’ve since learned that’s not reliable. There are some honestly wildly talented authors on here with very low ratios and I’d like to see those folks get more recognition.

I have no idea why some stories are awarded Top Story and others aren't. I'm lucky in that enough of mine appear to catch the eyes of whoever choses, so that I'm encouraged to keep writing. But I know it's not within my control which stories are going to get the award and which aren't. So, I just write what I want and try to make it as well-researched and well-written as possible. In terms of engagement, I notice this ebbs and flows. It has definitely been down this month, but then I've not posted as much. And my last couple of top stories didn't appear to get that many comments either. I will always try to respond if someone does comment and if they are a name that is new to me I will check out their profile. As you've said before reciprocity is key.

I think it is just a matter of being in front of the right eyes at the right time.

You are Always thinking, and bringing to front what many of us think. I have stories assigned TS that I think are ok but perhaps not deserving, and other stories that I feel perhaps could have been but had not become one. Unfortunately I notice people press like but know they have not read the works.

Top Stories are something like an unsolved mystery, lol.

Hmm…interesting, although sometimes they can be nominated I thought and also through the raise your voice, so that make account for some…

Mike, you are one to make us all think on how to make our own writing measurable in others eyes. I learn quite a bit from all your articles and stories. Again, maybe write a nonfiction book on being an online writer. Keep up the good work.

Good observations!

Interaction could certainly use a boost, yes. It's a bit disappointing when comments are too terse.

Nailed it! I can never figure out which pieces will get the laurels, and there should be some method to determine this.

I am never quite certain why my top stories are awarded, but I am ever so grateful. I imagine it's a combination of a unique perspective, a topic not often written about, or perhaps something that Vocal feels should be highlighted for maximum readability. I never receive a slew of hearts and comments, but I do okay. Sometimes, a challenge entry piece will get a top story but not make it to the winner's list, and that is fine as well. You always leave me with something to think about, Mike. Thanks!

Great article Mike 🦋💙🦋Last week I paid my years sub again. Ok two days later I got a TS first in months. Silver a few days I posted lots of poetry to see if vocal had now taken me off the naughty step. My answer no. To vocal I am not good enough. Yet I know some of my poetry is worthy. I rest my case 💙

I am often baffled as to why certain stories of mine qualify for top story. I have said this before but perhaps a short email with one or two bullet points stating 'why' the top story has been chosen to the creator would be a great idea, but I also understand that vocal might be pushed on this since they award so many stories 'top story'

I have definitely noticed it more since I read your last article. I have even felt it. I wrote a story that had decent engagement for me, had someone comment multiple times, conversed with them, then not 5 hours later they wrote a story that was barely more than a paraphrased prose version of mine, littred with swearing, and even using the same photo. They got top story within minutes of posting. And I feel like I am getting plenty of top stories, it just irked me.

I’ll admit, I’m not quite sure why my review of “The Curse of the Sotkari Ta” became a Top Story due to its very low interaction/readership. Perhaps it’s because I was trying to promote the writing a new Vocal member? I’m really not sure, but the lack of interaction/readership has been disappointing, even with the Top Story. Frankly, I had other stories that I thought were more deserving of a Top Story…I guess we’ll never really understand how they choose these stories because, in truth, the criteria probably keeps changing.

I feel Top Story is more on how a story get wide range of audiences. I notice stories I post on different platforms get Top Stories. I have not been posting my story as much.

I also don’t think that engagement is the main criterion of Top Story. Sometimes I get a badge for a story that only has 2-3 comments and I know that another story I wrote would be more deserving to be there. But then I also see how TS can be a selected from an underrepresented community, for example. It’s all a mystery.

I enjoy reading your insights as always 😀