Short Observation On Lack Of Interaction With Vocal Stories
What It Says On The Tin
Introduction
I tend to publish two or three Vocal stories a day and comment on at least ten (though I feel I don't do enough), and usually a dozen stories by other authors each week, but I am perturbed by these recent observations.
What Observations?
While interactions with my work have probably halved with Vocal Creators, I had put that down to the lack of Top Stories and Challenge placements, although for the first time, I got several recommendations in the last Raise Your Voice, which may have helped me get a Top Story with "THEM" and that has had a decent number of comments and hearts.
Here are five examples of Top Stories with less than ten reads/hearts, even though they have been there for a few days:
Maybe give them a read, Vocal certainly like them, and so do I. Hopefully, by the time you get to read them, they will be above the ten comment/heart level.
And some Challenge Placements and winners in the same boat:
If you have time, give these a read too, and get them above the ten level.
Conclusion
Part of the success of Vocal is reading and supporting others. I know it's summer and people may not have the time to read, but there is certainly no drop in publications, especially from me, although in the last week I have been working on two anthologies. one of which is here:
I don't know what the answer is, but in this piece, I have shared the work of ten other Vocal Creators who deserve a few more reads, and that is dependent on people reading this one, so if you have, thank you so much. I really appreciate your support.
About the Creator
Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred
A Weaver of Tales and Poetry
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Creationati
Call Me Les ♥ Gina ♥ Heather ♥ Caroline ♥
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Comments (10)
I've not been here very long so I can't comment on reading trends but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed all of the pieces you linked here. Thank you for sharing them! I am enjoying being part of the community and finding so many amazing writers to read, comment on, and heart.
I'm glad I clicked to read this! I found a couple of great pieces to comment on and heart, so thank you for sharing. I think it's amazing that so many people I subscribe to are able to post so many times a day, but as someone who struggles to publish monthly, it's overwhelming trying to keep up. It's also not motivating when I do only have time to post monthly, and those posts only receive maybe one comment. I just wish there was more time in the day. :) Thanks again for sharing!
As always, your diagnosis hits the mark! I am a bit behind in my reading now that we are in the twilight phase of summer, as I am sure many are, but I wonder if the ethos of Vocal is changing. How many feel the slightest obligation to support other creators?
I agree and have noticed the same as you. I too was shocked at how few reads the winners for the ‘summer that wasn’t ‘ Had. Including my own. In the days past a winning story blew up with reads, as they should. Now if people don’t see their name they don’t even acknowledge the results. I choose to read the winners in every challenge and as many runner ups as well. ( An honest read, not a skim-over) I feel the mini challenges m although great to try have weakened this platform. If your story is over 3 min. It is hard to get a read, unless you have loyal followers. Thanks for writing this,
First, thanks for including my story. I appreciate your support. Second, I have been bothered by the same thing. Not just with my own work, but especially with challenge winners. If you look back at winners from past challenges there are significantly more comments on their stories than any recent winners I've seen. Part of it is summer, but I noticed the decline well before that. It does worry me as I know comments help fuel content.
Great work, Mike. I have always seen many ups and downs on my materials usually more downs than ups, but sometimes life tends to get in my way. It is hard to write when watching toddlers or even when other adults always seem to be wanting something done for them. I am hoping soon that I can have time to catch up. (I have many pages of stories that still have no reads, comments or even likes, but thinking maybe one day.)
I noticed the same drop, not just here but on Medium as well. I think it must be because of the summer, everyone's on vacation and stuff.
I've been noticing a bit of a drop in reads as well, but it usually happens around summer for me and then it starts to go up again after a few weeks. What I am more concerned about is that there are hundreds of people subscribed to me but I'm not getting the reads that reflect it x Great piece mate xxx
I've been noticing a lot less comments on my stories as well. I've been finding it a lot harder to stay motivated to write when ppl are not commenting 😞
Congrats on your accomplishments!