Writers logo

Power, Incompetence and Lies

My Situation On Vocal

By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred Published about 15 hours ago 2 min read
Detail from "Power, Corruption and Lies" by New Order

Introduction

This is another reused story because I have been unable to publish a brand new story since the 23rd of November.

Power, Incompetence And Lies

Vocal has the power to promote the creators they like, and most creators are happy with that, but it seems to be the same old, same old ones that appear. I know how good my work is by the comments I get from other creators, but Vocal does not agree with them.

But it is their platform, and they can do what they want. I have not had any Vocal bonus since October, and I have explained why I think a big part of that is due to my inability to publish a brand-new story.

I have received very little support from other Vocal Creators because they are not affected, but the ones who have supported me by emailing Vocal have been incredibly supportive.

I emailed Vocal on the 23rd of November about the situation.

On the 5th of December, I got this

Then nothing until I chased them again on January 16th

Now they are saying there is nothing wrong because I am publishing (reused) stories.

I presented them with this

The same thing is now happening for this Creator

So once you are up to 3,400 stories, then you can't publish anything brand new; you have to reuse, which means you won't be considered for challenges or Top Stories. When Marie renewed her subscription, she asked if there was a limit on stories (after my last experience) and was told there was definitely no limit.

Conclusion

So are there upgrades coming? Vocal said they would keep me posted. They haven't. The follow-up emails smack of ignorance and incompetence.

I am now a month into my complimentary V+ subscription, but being barred from any Vocal bonuses degrades the value of that.

Thank you so much for reading, and if you are over three thousand stories, be warned, this will happen to you.

I have been listening to "Power, Corruption and Lies" by New Order and included the gorgeous "Your Silent Face" for you to enjoy, and I suppose that relates to how Vocal are with me at the moment.

Bad habitsFriendshipHumanitySecretsVocalPublishing

About the Creator

Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred

A Weaver of Tales and Poetry

Backup A/C

7 ֎ Fb ֎

In ֎ YT ֎ § ֎ BS

Glittering Fox Book

Vocal Ideas For You

Join & Share In VSS

Creationati

Call Me LesGina HeatherCaroline

DharAnnie

Misty MelissaMa Coombs

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments (13)

Sign in to comment
  • Rachel Robbinsabout 2 hours ago

    At the very least Vocal need to say for anyone joining that there is a limit on stories. (I'm unlikely to meet that limit as I am nowhere near as productive as you). Then they need to offer a chance for you to make your own space - by deleting stories if necessary - and ensuring that this does make a difference to the limit. Sorry you are still having these problems. Recycling old stories is not anywhere near what you want to do with your creativity.

  • Andrea Corwin about 8 hours ago

    Jeez!! Geez!! Or just damn! So 1) diff people work ther help desk, but 1a) they are not good at reading the email strings or ticket history at their end. (Which drives me nuts on any HelpDesk reply, not just here). 2) if the history is not in the email string, that is something that should be fixed on their end. 2a) If the history is available, then new training should be done so their HelpDesk reads the history thoroughly. 3) I have no idea how they can fix their limit (storage is an issue with this many writers) other than a separate server and archiving the old stories to it - but then 3b) they have to allow access to both. They need to increase their cloud storage, right?? I hope they have their coders working on this and are continuing to try to figure it out! I mean, if you take an old story and put [OLD STORY] in front of your original title, are they even going to examine that and have it key in that: , this is Mike Singleton and he’s the one with the issue? 😳🤪 How distressing and annoying.

  • Michelle Liew Tsui-Linabout 10 hours ago

    Wow. I never knew there was such a limit. Have they said that deleting some of the really old stories would help?

  • Raphael Fontenelleabout 13 hours ago

    Yeesh. DX This site sometimes.

  • Dharrsheena Raja Segarranabout 13 hours ago

    But I still see Marie publishing a few pieces daily. Is she also reusing old stories?

  • Marie381Uk about 13 hours ago

    Thank you Mike I just wish they would reply it’s making me so upset I just want to write 😢😢😢

  • Antoni De'Leonabout 14 hours ago

    So sorry. Maybe start a book and take some of your pieces off Vocal and lessen the number. Or an online something for some. it must be so frustrating.

  • Harper Lewisabout 15 hours ago

    I’m reading on my phone and have to get to a bigger screen to see the January image. I know it would be a bit of work, but for the interim, have you considered grouping some of your poems (thematically connected) into one post, thus deleting several standalones to bring your total count of pieces down to allow you the space to post new stories? Just a suggestion that may work as a short-term bandaid.💖

  • Comments for this start here

  • I have debated leaving Facebook a few times but people like you keep me there! 😊Great piece!

  • Very well written! Very interesting! Thank you!

  • Heather Hubler3 years ago

    Oh, I love pieces like this! I enjoyed learning more about your journey through online presence. It is definitely something to navigate these days. Some are dead ends but others (like the fb groups and Vocal) have become such a source of inspiration and friendship. Thank you for sharing!

  • The stats are interesting and yes FB is a challenge in the promoting aspects but agreed, Vocal is nice and a much better way to get your work out. Glad you are here.

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.