What happened to the 'Newest Author' section?
I can see how that may be a problem. I could go either way with it, but I haven't posted any stories with it. I do like the addition of the "Editor's picks" section - so maybe that would make a suitable replacement for the top authors. Of course, the next complaint would be that "I didn't get my story in the Editor's picks". Also, with the advent of the periodic writing competitions, which I presume were meant to encourage more new stories and/or to challenge authors, you've also encouraged the spirit of competition among the authors directly.
Maybe you should just get rid of the whole point rating system altogether, or possibly just go with the thumbs up or down rating system. The real feedback to an author should be based in the criticisms of the editors and readers, either in the comments sections of their stories, or personally via email.
Let's remember why we're here. Personally for me, it was to enjoy some good erotica, and to participate in the forums with (usually) like-minded people. I may even post a story one of these days, and hopefully someone else will enjoy reading it. That, I thought, was the whole point of this site.
Or, having said all of the above, perhaps I should just sit down in the back of the room and shut up.
"I can resist everything except temptation." - Oscar Wilde
I voted for removing it. There's already a top story list in every category and an Editor's Pick section. We don't really need the Top Authors list.
I also think it'd be nice if stories that win first place in a competition get a winner's ribbon or something on their story.
I can see why you'd be bugged with all that junk, Nicola...but to me it was sort of awesome making the list, y'know? It sort of gives me something to strive for, if I don't make it, then I either need to improve, or other writers should have their turn. For me it's all about fun and motivation!
Tough choice...And I'm not help at all...as usual.
Indeed, we should be about community here rather than competition. I'm just happy that people are willing to take the time to read my stuff and leave a comment. If some recognition does comes, that's good but let's leave conspiricy theories and paranoia to the mainstream media.
OK I said I wouldn't but....
I think before anything is decided it should be put out to the general members as in an email and not just here in the forums. Not everyone comes to the forums.
As it is you will probably get alot of yeses for remove it from people who haven't even submitted a story or by people of have a beef with it. I read in another thread that people use the top author list as a way to find interesting stories.
I personally know several well known authors who look forward to seeing their name 'in lights'. And to be fair, if we remove top author then we should remove top story picks, most viewed, most popular, editors pick and competitions.
I for one won't have the encouragement and motivation to write alot of stories if it is removed.
Get rid of it. It's silly anyway.
I say get rid of it. I think the awards that the authors get for their stories (when they earn them) are good enough.
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Heh, I dont think we need to remove 'everything'. A little competition never did anybody harm.
And the top Authors thing really is only for the Authors, I doubt there are any readers who go "Hoooo, xxxx, is a top Author, lets go read their story".
But the most popular threads do keep stories from going totally off the radar, so I think it would be silly to get rid of it.
My two jiao's (like cents);
I say get rid of it. I've been on it a few times, it is nice. BUT, with all the bad thoughts behind it, it is in my opinion not worth the trouble.
Is it possible, to alter it a little? Instead of top authors, can we have category stories of the week? One story picked from each category (or the top five categories). Or possibly a Story Moderators Blog, where they tell all about their favourite story they read over the past week?
Can I have my change back?
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I voted keep, but I think it is poorly named...I've seen people who have only written one story pop to the top as soon as that story gets six "five" ratings. I am all for incentives...this list here doesn't matter much to me personally, but I do think it's a good thing. When I started writing on another site, my primary motivation at the time was to see if I could come up with a story that would make their "Hottest Fantasy" list...hottest author seemed a long way off...
I understand people write for different reasons. Some people find the applause, so to speak, a great motivator...I personally think that Top Author and Hottest Story lists lead to more great stories in the long run.
Only 1 person went for John Malkovich? Great actor. I bet it was Chef, she always likes going for the strangest choices.
This is not a democracy ...
If it were my site, I would just keep the "top lists" and ignore any whining over it.
Competition breeds innovation and drives towards higher quality products if all things are equal among participants. I do think the formula or algorithm used to calculate the top lists needs to be improved as they don't currently work very well.
In order to know virtue, you must first become acquainted with vice.
- Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade
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