I see posts about reaching milestones, and I’ve become curious. As some if you know, when I joined vocal (vocal+), I didn’t know about the pay per read, top stories, leaderboard bonuses, any of that. I joined for the challenges, to motivate myself to branch out as a writer. The most I’ve done with tightly structured poetry in the past is a couple of really bad sestinas and “Ode on my Senior Year”(subtitled’Apathy’), which can be sung to the tune of The Beatles’ “Yesterday.”
I digress. I was delighted when I checked out the stats page and discovered that I was earning money. A couple of months later, I got my first Top Story (“Building Birds”). About a month later, I got my first Honorable Mention in a challenge, for a sonnet (“Persephone’s Ascent”). Before this summer, I had never written a sonnet, never even attempted one. Rules aren’t really my thing (except no trucks in the left two lanes. I fully support that one.), so the villanelles damn near drove me over the precipice of insanity into the abyss. It helped that regret was the theme. Miserable repitition. I imagine the judges needed a therapy session after those.
I digress again. This is about stats, and I have a whole lot of curiosity. I want to know if my stats are good or not by the reliable comparison method. My current stats are thus(it would be rude for me to ask you to show me yours without showing mine):
Total reads: 3458
Subscribers: 90
Reads past 30 days: 1009
So, I’m averaging around 30-35 reads per day, which is roughly 100% better than last month. If you don’t mind sharing these three stats (total reads, subscribers, reads past 30 days), I would love to gain an idea of attainable goals to set.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
About the Creator
Harper Lewis
I'm a weirdo nerd who’s extremely subversive. I like rocks, incense, and all kinds of witchy stuff. Intrusive rhyme bothers me.
I’m known as Dena Brown to the revenuers and pollsters.
MA English literature, College of Charleston
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If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
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Comments (9)
Dear Harper - I'm a bit confused. Who is Dena Brown? I'm scrolling through your marvelous achievements; perhaps she's a character. I don't go onto Facebook, but I heard about you from friends @ VSS *I've subscribed with pleasure; if I can keep up with all of your offerings. I'm just a retired legal professional morphed into a silly storyteller/cartoonist; Harper, it's just fun for me at this stage. As an English Master, of course, you do know that you are the best judge of yourself. Comments often just want to get recognition from your banner...! Best to you and 🎶 a thousand more 🎼 Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Village Community -
Well, I first have to acknowledge being in the presence of greatness with these comments. Truly impressive numbers. As a newbie, I'm still working through the best methods to get reads. I've been pretty steady with engagement and reading others (last week excepted when the flu rendered me mentally useless), and that seems to help. Recognition seems to help and engaging with other Vocal resources (Facebook groups dedicated to Vocal, especially). I'd definitely appreciate more information on how you all achieved these numbers that appear astronomical to me from my modest perch: 197 total reads 93 reads 45 subscribers I really appreciate the article. I've set goals for 2026, but they were focused on income. I now realize I need to set goals for reads as well. Thanks!
Oh, my stats are rollercoaster right now. I've just returned from a social media break and am rebuilding my audience. I'm about 25-30 views a day, but before, I was 75+ daily. Depending on the day.
Btw, I’m updating my stats everyday inside the post (but not doing a new screenshot everyday) to keep it current.
After Vocal stopped me from publishing new stories or getting Top Stories (that's still the case) in November last year.my thirty day reads went down to 600. I found a workaround and am back up to 1,000. Use your Top STories and Challenge Placements to advertise your work, also find non-Vocal groups to share your work with. Reads are what count and I have published stories showing how my most read pieces are virtually unread by other Vocal Creators. You are doing well.
I can always appreciate curiosity :) And I think you're doing fantastic! It's a good pace, in my humble opinion. I don't often share my stuff, but it's a new year so whatever, ha! Subscribers: 914 Total reads: 20,626 Reads last 30 days: 81 (which is abysmal, but I pulled all my works a few months ago (400+), and don't post much now. It was probably around your number at the height. I've had a lot of top stories and leaderboard placements which definitely helps with visibility. I used to post my stories all over the place too, so that helped numbers. Good luck to you this year :)
Really enjoyed your honesty here, starting on Vocal for the challenges, then discovering the stats/earnings side, is such a relatable journey. And honestly, your momentum looks strong. For comparison, here are mine: Total reads: 66,128 Reads last 30 days: 6,736 Subscribers: 51 I’m usually getting between 200 and 300 reads per day Also, in my opinion, I get most of my reads through social networks, primarily Pinterest.
This past month was my worst reads per month since joining 9 months ago. But I also didn't post every day, and there was a week I didn't post anything at all. subscribers 170 11,002 All time Reads last 30 days 347 I was down this past month. And that's okay.
I think they're great. Sometimes they don't feel as good for effort put in. I'll stick to the stats you focused on. As my others are....big? Lol. Subscribers 749 Total reads 34,224 All time Reads last 30 days 902 reads prior 30 days