Do stories by female authors get more attention than stories by males?

Quote by Icarus4

I can only respond from a personal perspective. Like many I am sure, I read stories of almost every genre and written by both genders. A good story is a good story, great writing is great writing…there is a significant amount of poorly written crap that is accepted but there is also a wealth of truly exceptional writing talent on Lush. I never fail to compliment, comment, when someone produces something extraordinary and that is done fairly extensively by both men and women. I never criticize awful writing primarily because the individual is trying and if they continue to read and write I sincerely hope they get better….I personally fall into the marginal crowd thus take what I say with a grain of salt. I ramble.

Interesting thoughts.

In my opinion it's just the nature of the beast (men)- a story about sex written by a woman, true or fantasy, straight, bi, or lesbian, just has an extra appeal to it. Not really any different than hearing a woman talk dirty, which the majority of us enjoy, it stimulates the imagination in a different way. Add in a little fun, sexy avatar, comments, and replies and it adds a lot of appeal to the story, and of course the author. Just my 2 cents...

Are there any statistics on this in terms of proportion of views/likes per sex? Anecdotally, historically from my days on L1 my likes were pretty well spread between men and women, but recently I have received attention overwhelmingly from men. I know other female writers have noticed this.

D x

Quote by DanielleX

... recently I have received attention overwhelmingly from men. I know other female writers have noticed this.

D x

A good point well made. The boys in the office at CallmeJayne Inc. have reported a similar trend.

Going back to the OP;

I didn't really notice a difference to be honest.
However, I saw this post at the beginning of the week and decided to take a look over the course of a few days.

It appears to me, that the in general terms; female authors do get more traffic on their stories than male authors.
I've had a look through a random selection of stories in different categories and looked into who the author both follows and is followed by.

A large portion of that consists of;
- Females are following; approximately equal male to female authors.
- Females are followed by; approximately 65% males.

- Males are following; more females than other males, approximately 60 : 40.
- Males are followed by; there is a lower total number than females and is about 50% male : female.

Seems to me that Lush operates more like a Social Media platform when it comes to member following than I already thought!

However, I do find that the small percentage of elite male authors monopolise that end of the site, and are unmatched on story traffic by the majority of the elite female contributors, site-wide.

The above is not in-depth or complete stats, but a little observation made by myself on a random group of authors.

Quote by Georgia_27_8

Going back to the OP;

I didn't really notice a difference to be honest.
However, I saw this post at the beginning of the week and decided to take a look over the course of a few days.

It appears to me, that the in general terms; female authors do get more traffic on their stories than male authors.
I've had a look through a random selection of stories in different categories and looked into who the author both follows and is followed by.

A large portion of that consists of;
- Females are following; approximately equal male to female authors.
- Females are followed by; approximately 65% males.

- Males are following; more females than other males, approximately 60 : 40.
- Males are followed by; there is a lower total number than females and is about 50% male : female.

Seems to me that Lush operates more like a Social Media platform when it comes to member following than I already thought!

However, I do find that the small percentage of elite male authors monopolise that end of the site, and are unmatched on story traffic by the majority of the elite female contributors, site-wide.

The above is not in-depth or complete stats, but a little observation made by myself on a random group of authors.

Thank you, Georgia, your observation comes as no surprise to me, and it feels especially true in the last few months.

I also guess that those ratios will keep widening if a greater percentage of males are joining the site.

It would be interesting to know the change in the male-to-female joining since this site moved more to a "Social Media Platform" (September 2021 if I remember correctly).

I ask the question, Could the male-female site ratio give Lushstories an issue that is building for the future?

Quote by wxt55uk

Thank you, Georgia, your observation comes as no surprise to me, and it feels especially true in the last few months.

I also guess that those ratios will keep widening if a greater percentage of males are joining the site.

It would be interesting to know the change in the male-to-female joining since this site moved more to a "Social Media Platform" (September 2021 if I remember correctly).

I ask the question, Could the male-female site ratio give Lushstories an issue that is building for the future?

I'm not sure I would call it an issue as such.

From my own experience whilst reading stories, the womans point of view is often a lot more sensual than the guys POV, even if you were to write EXACT the same story from each characters perspective, which a few clever authors have done in the past.

I wonder if you guys also prefer to read a story from a womans point of view as it is a perspective you cannot physically experience?

In a lot of the world, woman-on-woman is very popular with both straight women and straight men alike, in Erotica and porn.

There is an incredible amount of Lesbian stories here, which I believe, is a big contributor to female authors seeming more popular.
However, man-on-man is unfortunately still seen as a in large parts of the world.
Highlighted by the number of sucessful same-sex stories written my ladies compared to those written by men.

There have been studies which show men are slowly switching to erotica from porn sites too, over the last few years.

What I mean by the Social Media comparison is:

Females tend to have a pretty even ratio of male to females which they follow,
Males tend to follow more female profiles than males, especially with the "models" and "influencers" market online being dominated by females.

Take for example; The top 25 accounts are:
16 females,
7 men,
2 companies (not including itself).

I cannot answer my question as I am not a woman but I can elaborate... If the ratio trend goes on, which I would suggest is quite likely...

Would it bother the very many excellent female authors (who are primarily on this site to post their stories), if they were getting most of their likes or feedback because they were female or/and had a sexy photo? ...and not for their work?

If I was female, it would bother me, (though I could be wrong! 🙄).

I also suggest the relative lack of feedback men get especially new writers (with no followers) could put them off when they compare to new woman writers (with sexy photos).

I am just expressing a personal observation. One thing I would suggest is limiting the use of the like button. Maybe a time limit between each click (maybe this is already in play). That would help stop the multiple clickers.

I'm not sure people are overly fussed who comments, likes or favourites their stories.
A lot of the top authors here write because they love to write and are lucky to be fantastic at it, through practice and patience of trying.

Take the last competiton for example;
One of the most technical and challenging competitions the site has had, possibly ever! The top three stories were all written by men.
Two of which are in that elite category I mentioned earlier, two of the very best writers this site currently has.
Making up the top 10 were another 4 male writers, meaning 7/10 writers which entered the competiton proved to be the best of the bunch are men.

I would like to think men would and should look at that and be inspired to write, rather than be put off just because a female with a pretty picture got a load of likes.

Quote by wxt55uk

I cannot answer my question as I am not a woman but I can elaborate... If the ratio trend goes on, which I would suggest is quite likely...

Would it bother the very many excellent female authors (who are primarily on this site to post their stories), if they were getting most of their likes or feedback because they were female or/and had a sexy photo? ...and not for their work?

If I was female, it would bother me, (though I could be wrong! 🙄).

I'm uncomfortable at times if I see a great story around me with lesser votes than me because I feel it angers others. Otherwise, I don't worry about why someone votes, comments, etc on my stuff or it would take the joy out of writing.

Same as I don't worry about anyone's stories getting more attention than mine, receiving higher placement in comps, etc. I think that kind of thing ruins creativity and the publishing experience.

I "try" not to solely look to Lush readers for validation. Some days I succeed, other days I fail. The act of creating brings me great joy! If a reader connects, even better, but there will still be joy.

Quote by Georgia_27_8
The top three stories were all written by men. Two of which are in that elite category I mentioned earlier, two of the very best writers this site currently has.

Just two?

Quote by Ensorceled

Just two?

You missed this part!

Quote by Georgia_27_8
7/10 writers which entered the competiton proved to be the best of the bunch are men.

With respect to you, you are a fantastic writer - no denying that and the comp podium and EP prove that.
You'll get there, I have complete faith!

However, WW has been at that level for 5 or 6 years years,
Jaymal; over a decade!

Simply incredible consistency in quality for such longevity, competition story or not.
Thats what puts them in the elite category.

I actually feel sorry for other excellent authors when they both enter a competiton together!

I don't know (or even care, really) if men find me attractive. I certainly don't entice them, though some seem to enjoy the photos I post.

With just a few exceptions, all my stories have a lesbian theme or vibe. Overall, I get more comments from women, often exclusively. Those following me are about evenly split male and female, but only around 10% ever like/comment, again generally women.

I shelter no illusion of ever being on any favorite or leader list. I write hoping to give some small entertainment back for the solace, friendship, and consideration I have found here. The stories may not be to everyone's taste, but they are the best I can cook up with my limited pantry of ingredients.

Being a male I prefer to be thrilled by the female perspective.

Not sure I had noticed a difference between viewership between male-written versus female-written stories in a general sense, nor would it bother me. With something as asymmetrical in human experience as sexuality, I'd be more surprised at a fifty-fifty ratio.

But one pattern I have noticed is that moderators get a lot more views (and Likes) than non-moderators, on average. (That doesn't bother me, either, but it seems pretty obvious and also as one would expect), and if I'm not mistaken we have more female moderators than male ones. So that could account for a significant share of the difference right there.

Quote by kistinspencil

I don't know (or even care, really) if men find me attractive. I certainly don't entice them, though some seem to enjoy the photos I post.

With just a few exceptions, all my stories have a lesbian theme or vibe. Overall, I get more comments from women, often exclusively. Those following me are about evenly split male and female, but only around 10% ever like/comment, again generally women.

I shelter no illusion of ever being on any favorite or leader list. I write hoping to give some small entertainment back for the solace, friendship, and consideration I have found here. The stories may not be to everyone's taste, but they are the best I can cook up with my limited pantry of ingredients.

Spoken like the humble chef who quietly runs a 5 ⭐️ restaurant. You are quite the cook, in my humble opinion.

Quote by Georgia_27_8

Making up the top 10 were another 4 male writers, meaning 7/10 writers which entered the competiton proved to be the best of the bunch are men.

My recollection though, Georgia, is that this is only the second time since I have been writing competition stories, that more men than women have been in the top ten. The other was the Foolish competition, which brought with it a few jokes when the results were declared. (There were also three Australians in the top six, lol, and as the top woman (6th,) I was the lowest placed in a competition maybe ever.) We have had competitions where there were no men in the top ten and my rough calculus would be more women than men in top tens over the last four years.

By the way, I think there should be a counter on the top ten badge, its an important stat for those of us who regularly do competitions.

Quote by Ensorceled

Just two?

That's a fair point my friend. When I add your stories from your previous account, I would have included you with Jake and WW. For me, I don't list who I think is elite, as I will inevitably leave someone out. Taking of elite, where is Tam of late?

Quote by kistinspencil
I shelter no illusion of ever being on any favorite or leader list.

Look into a mirror and repeat after me, Kistin: "I am Lush's best micro writer." You are, mind you if you spelt favourite properly ,,, runs away giggling,

Quote by CuriousAnnie
Look into a mirror and repeat after me, Kistin: "I am Lush's best micro writer." You are, mind you if you spelt favourite properly ,,, runs away giggling,

I shall catch you, my pretty, and then we shall see who will giggle and who will squirm!

(❤️)

Quote by joe71

Not sure I had noticed a difference between viewership between male-written versus female-written stories in a general sense, nor would it bother me. With something as asymmetrical in human experience as sexuality, I'd be more surprised at a fifty-fifty ratio.

But one pattern I have noticed is that moderators get a lot more views (and Likes) than non-moderators, on average. (That doesn't bother me, either, but it seems pretty obvious and also as one would expect), and if I'm not mistaken we have more female moderators than male ones. So that could account for a significant share of the difference right there.

the story mods are invited to the team, in large part, because of their writing skills so it stands to reason that they'd get a lot more views - they're among the best of the best writers on the site. not really sure what the ratio of guys to gals is on the team, but we do have our share of heavy hitters among the men.

It’s most certainly true that women authors get more attention than do male authors. I’m guilty of giving more attention to female writers myself. Some of their writing is of mediocre quality at most, with grammatical and punctuation errors, not to mention mindless vulgarity, yet receive more comments and likes than men’s works of better quality.

I’m coming back as a woman.

Quote by PlinyTheYounger
It’s most certainly true that women authors get more attention than do male authors. Some of their writing is of mediocre quality at most, with grammatical and punctuation errors, not to mention mindless vulgarity, yet receive more comments and likes than men’s works of better quality.

Whit robbish! Who nids to be abel to spill when you has tits the seze of mine.

Quote by CallmeJayne

Whit robbish! Who nids to be abel to spill when you has tits the seze of mine.

Enough with your Scottlish speak, it's cultural appropriation 😆

I believe it doesn't matter who wrote it so long as its well written and
its something one is interested in Man or Woman don't really matter.

Just my opinion !!!!

Quote by CallmeJayne

Whit robbish! Who nids to be abel to spill when you has tits the seze of mine.

Put very well, with a well hidden valid point.

Female authors may get more views and likes on their stories, but at what cost. How many of those same females get unsolicited follow up messages that have little to do with their writing?

Personally, I find little difference between good writing from male or female authors. I freely admit to struggling with my gramnar and punctuation when I first began posting on here. I was lucky and got great honest feedback, advice and support from from some great authors on lush. They know who they are, and the majority of them are female!

Quote by stanglia37

How many of those same females get unsolicited follow up messages that have little to do with their writing?

Not that many, personally.

D x

Quote by CallmeJayne

Whit robbish! Who nids to be abel to spill when you has tits the seze of mine.

Yep, that's me in an AA cup

Quote by kistinspencil

Yep, that's me in an AA cup

"... Losing my religion" 🎶🎶🎶

I have not posted a story in a long time, but I’ve noticed a shift in culture on the site since it changed to more of a social media platform. There has been an increase in the proportion of male vs female readership. I appreciate our quality authors male and female. You know who you are (mostly!). Comment counts on stories with female-appearing authors are not always proportional to story quality. A comment from another author you like is worth much more than ‘That was hot’ from someone with a bare bones profile.

It is hard to compare as there are too many variables. As with any statistics you can make them prove anything you want to.

Quote by GrammarSchoolBoy

It is hard to compare as there are too many variables. As with any statistics you can make them prove anything you want to.

Can you give me two variables?

D x