TF stories that aren't super short.

[TF-Viewer]

I still get new followers on my DA even though it's completely blank. Like I said most of them had to have been bots to begin with. Probably 10 actual people watched me, the rest just bots. Really explains everything.

[LycanDope]

More likely they followed a story link from someone's recommendation and then favorited you for when you post more. I really don't want to keep bothering you but, as an author who feels/has felt this sting, I really feel like you're overly harsh on yourself.

I mean, hell, Rose Crowley mentioned you on her server randomly as one of the authors she admires: https://i.imgur.com/MojAjgD.png

People don't like to write comments. On art, okay, sure, those are immediate candy for the brain so art gets the lion's share of comments and love.

But, your writing is enjoyed by many and maybe they're silent (although comments here have shown that people will speak up) but they're still there.

Just sucks seeing you down so much. If you're done, you're done. I get that. Or you could look for ways to engage with your readers more if you really need that feedback. Forget Patreon if that doesn't work. Set up a Discord server, create polls for story ideas, proactively engage people in different ways - asking what people enjoy about TF stories in general, about your stories, areas they'd like to see improved or see more of, etc etc etc

You aren't writing in a void. It's just that it's sometimes difficult for people to take a moment and write what they think.

I won't bother you again after this if you're truly done and wasn't going to but at least know that - as shown by just the small search selection - people are inspired by your writing.

[TF-Viewer]

Originally Posted by LycanDope

More likely they followed a story link from someone's recommendation and then favorited you for when you post more. I really don't want to keep bothering you but, as an author who feels/has felt this sting, I really feel like you're overly harsh on yourself.

I mean, hell, Rose Crowley mentioned you on her server randomly as one of the authors she admires: https://i.imgur.com/MojAjgD.png

People don't like to write comments. On art, okay, sure, those are immediate candy for the brain so art gets the lion's share of comments and love.

But, your writing is enjoyed by many and maybe they're silent (although comments here have shown that people will speak up) but they're still there.

Just sucks seeing you down so much. If you're done, you're done. I get that. Or you could look for ways to engage with your readers more if you really need that feedback. Forget Patreon if that doesn't work. Set up a Discord server, create polls for story ideas, proactively engage people in different ways - asking what people enjoy about TF stories in general, about your stories, areas they'd like to see improved or see more of, etc etc etc

You aren't writing in a void. It's just that it's sometimes difficult for people to take a moment and write what they think.

I won't bother you again after this if you're truly done and wasn't going to but at least know that - as shown by just the small search selection - people are inspired by your writing.

Well, now I feel kinda dumb. I didn't realize I got mentioned like that.

I don't think having my own Discord would help anything though, if people aren't willing to comment on my stuff where it's posted why would they want to on a Discord server instead? I don't get that.

But you made some good points, earlier too. I was just in a mood and didn't want to listen. Maybe I'll try again after all.

[LycanDope]

It's easy to get down on yourself, trust me, I know.

Also, the Discord server can help. I run a pretty quiet one. Like really quiet and small compared to Kari or Lobo Leo but it has a few channels for my patrons and story specific things. The biggest thing, I've found, is getting out that you put in. Chat with your people, make some friends, do a few stories for people sometimes when you're in the mood, bring up the stories and ask about things I mentioned above. Just go a little bit further and make an effort.

It made a big difference for me, at least. I was pretty much a recluse before starting a server and chatting with people.

But just remember, just people will still only give a few reviews on da and fa. I get most of my feedback on my server because I chat with people there directly and give chances at letting them pick what I write next.

I hope some of that helps. It won't be a magical fix. People like your stuff.

Oh. And I also try to work with others - collabs or writing gift stories for artists I like and other people, opportunities like that. That also helps me keep going.

[Cursebearer]

It's okay to feel down like that sometimes, I just hope you find yourself feeling better, you don't deserve the abuse you're giving yourself. Your work is something a lot of the community enjoys, it just can be hard to comment on stuff of this nature. When it comes to pornographic material, especially niche pornographic material like this, many will just stay silent as can feel more comfortable. You know, unless they're begging you for content they specifically like, which honestly is almost never welcome.

For my part, if I'm the one you wanted feedback from, I really do apologize for never getting back to you. I think your writing is extremely good, but if I recall correctly the content you asked me to comment on involved a pleasurable transformation. My personal taste leans well away from that sort of thing, I don't like pleasurable TFs at all, and so I felt awkward trying to comment on it constructively since it's not something I really understand. I should have just been straight with you at the time about that, but I was simply too nervous to express myself that way, and while trying to gather the courage to respond I just put it off until it felt too late.

It was not a cool thing to do, whether that was what you were referring to or not, and either way I'm sorry about it.

[TF-Viewer]

Originally Posted by Cursebearer

It's okay to feel down like that sometimes, I just hope you find yourself feeling better, you don't deserve the abuse you're giving yourself. Your work is something a lot of the community enjoys, it just can be hard to comment on stuff of this nature. When it comes to pornographic material, especially niche pornographic material like this, many will just stay silent as can feel more comfortable. You know, unless they're begging you for content they specifically like, which honestly is almost never welcome.

For my part, if I'm the one you wanted feedback from, I really do apologize for never getting back to you. I think your writing is extremely good, but if I recall correctly the content you asked me to comment on involved a pleasurable transformation. My personal taste leans well away from that sort of thing, I don't like pleasurable TFs at all, and so I felt awkward trying to comment on it constructively since it's not something I really understand. I should have just been straight with you at the time about that, but I was simply too nervous to express myself that way, and while trying to gather the courage to respond I just put it off until it felt too late.

It was not a cool thing to do, whether that was what you were referring to or not, and either way I'm sorry about it.

Yeah, you were the person I was referring to. I get it though, I knew it wasn't your thing. I feel bad about including that in my earlier ranting, calling you out without actually calling you out, like one of those passive aggressive post it notes people leave for roommates. It wasn't cool of me. I just was let down that I didn't hear anything from you on it when you were probably my biggest inspiration to write in the first place, and like I knew you weren't into that aspect of transformation really. So me writing that story with that heavy an emphasis on sex during the transformation was just bound to make for an awkward conversation. But hey, to each their own or whatever. I shouldn't have let it get to me like that, seriously I just overreact to stuff and get moody, and assume the worst, I'm awful about that. Sorry.

And I really was thinking of writing an alternative version of it for a while. I might still eventually. But I'm also glad that there are people who appreciate the version I did write as it is. And maybe I shouldn't worry about if a story isn't going to appeal to everyone as there are sure enough at least a few people that enjoy my erotic takes on transformation. Writing 2 versions of everything would be such a hassle.

I'll get to reposting my stuff to DA and FA later... for the however many times I've done this now...

Sorry for the drama.

[dorintf]

Originally Posted by LycanDope

Did you get a lot of favorites on your stories?

I quite writing for a long time over 4 years ago for a little bit of the same reason - barely any comments and feedback. I mean, granted, I wasn't (still kind of aren't) very active in the community socially outside of my tiny area but, still, it sucked.

I'd still get a lot of likes and some random comments but a good chunk of stories never got feedback. I was going to give up since it didn't feel like it was worth the effort until someone suggested I create a Patreon.

That made a pretty big difference. I set it up, created a Discord server and started being a little more talkative and active. It's been 4 years since I started it and it's kept me writing and since I have a little community, I get a little more feedback from my interactions.

I've seen your name mentioned as a writer that people enjoy, when it came unprompted. So I know that people aren't just humoring you.

If you don't feel like it's worth it and you're not enjoying it, don't keep doing it. But, if you enjoy it and just need an extra push, maybe look for something like Patreon to help give you a bit more of a reason to keep going. Maybe a similar situation will work for you like it did for me. But, only if you don't hate writing smut itself.

Seeing this comment really hits home with me. A lot of times I feel the same, especially when I think one particular story of mine is far better than other things I've written but received much less attention. You're a very talented and prolific TF writer, and I guess it goes to show that everyone that writes TF stuff feels this way sometimes. Just wanted to say thanks for your comment. Also, is your Discord available to the public?

[LycanDope]

Oh no. I wrote 'quite' instead of 'quit' ahhhhh that's going to bother me forever.

I really do think interaction is important for getting feedback. Chatting with people in your comments on stories, on Discord servers or Twitter or anywhere that your content is shared. Some people don't comment because they're not sure if you're reading comments (I've had that mentioned a couple times) while others may be anxious about it and need to see the interactions before joining in. And especially if you're getting story prompts and then posting them regularly or asking specific questions.

It still won't match what artists typically see in their comments. That's okay. I've personally tried to make peace with it and to understand that some people just don't have the time and energy to say something. If I need to know something about my writing specifically, I'll ask proactively instead. Getting 'favorites' and being watched by people is a good enough indicator on things otherwise.

And money. Money from Patreon, haha

[Jimbo]

yes lurkers are nice but its even better to get feedback and get a feel for what most like and growing as a creator.

no point in creating and sharing if there is no interest.

[palindrome64]

Originally Posted by dorintf

Seeing this comment really hits home with me. A lot of times I feel the same, especially when I think one particular story of mine is far better than other things I've written but received much less attention.

Yeah I got hit with this on a recent story of my own too. It's a rough feels to put a lot of work into something to have it ignored by your followers. You can spiral into that feel of "Did I really screw up?" or "Is it really just not very good?" It's hard to tell, and the mental chewing can really hurt your motivation to continue to write (or draw). I swear most things I write over about 5,000 words tend to get ignored. Which is really frustrating.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

yes lurkers are nice but its even better to get feedback and get a feel for what most like and growing as a creator.

no point in creating and sharing if there is no interest.

I'll take a single comment, constructively critical or positive, over almost anything. I'd rather talk about what you liked or didn't like with my works as long as your response isn't along the lines of "You suck and should go crawl in a hole..." It's important to get that feedback to grow and develop as an author.

It's not even always about making a buck. It's about feeling like your artform is contributing to the community you are part of and that it's appreciated. Even if it's naughty smut, it's still a part of your creativeness exposed to the world asking for a certain level of validation.

[dorintf]

Originally Posted by palindrome64

Yeah I got hit with this on a recent story of my own too. It's a rough feels to put a lot of work into something to have it ignored by your followers. You can spiral into that feel of "Did I really screw up?" or "Is it really just not very good?" It's hard to tell, and the mental chewing can really hurt your motivation to continue to write (or draw). I swear most things I write over about 5,000 words tend to get ignored. Which is really frustrating.

The one in particular of mine was 75 pages, so I think you're spot on about story length and diminishing views.

[palindrome64]

Originally Posted by dorintf

The one in particular of mine was 75 pages, so I think you're spot on about story length and diminishing views.

I do word count, rather than pages, largely because I use an A5 setting that mimics mass market size. My longest single story is around 48,000 words, which for comparison is about the old fantasy novels back in the day. You know the thin ones, like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

I swear these things get crickets. Something I toss off in 2 hours for about 2,000 words that's just light smut? Yeah I'll get, at least for me, decent response.

As a writer it's frustrating to feel this way about longer pieces. People say they want more, but then never read it. I've tried doing chapters, sometimes that does better, but after a while it tails off anyway. So I don't know. It's just a thing. We're allowed to feel frustrated, but it's really not going to be something I try to dwell on too much. I write the stories I feel I have to tell. If people like them, great.