Woo hoo! 100 Hits!

[rusty_armour]

An Awful Biznai finally has 100 hits on AO3 -- and it only took about three months. Not that I've been obsessively checking on a daily basis or anything... And, okay, it's not as if I don't have stories that have received less than 100 hits. However, my less popular stories tend to be ones I wrote quickly or a long time ago, so the emotional attachment isn't as strong. And it's one thing if I write a story in a week or two and it doesn't attract much attention, but I put a lot of work into An Awful Biznai. I spent hours on the research alone.

I know I shouldn't get wrapped up about hits -- and, believe me, I'm sincerely grateful for the feedback I have received -- but writers are vain, selfish creatures. They always want more. Or maybe that's just me... *Clears throat* Anywaaaaaaay, I'm going to take whatever I can get with this story. If celebrating a 100-hit milestone is the best I can do, then so be it.

Comments

[avictoriangirl]

GO YOU! \o/

And it's not just you. Previous fic writers and present fan artists are the same way. ;)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Ah, thanks, avictoriangirl! :-) It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who's this way. *g*

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

You're not the only one, trust me. I put my stories back up online, shared the news on the appropriate forum and only got a comment from a friend.
I was like, "You were all so excited I was going to put them back up. Now they ARE back up and.... nothing?! GIMME THE COMMENTS!!!!"

(Okay, I was slightly milder but still... )

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I don't blame you for being pissed. It's so frustrating when people express an interest in seeing something and then are nowhere to be found when you post. :-(

Out of interest, are you on Archive of Our Own (http://archiveofourown.org/)? I know there's a waiting list, but it would give your work more exposure. And at least you can measure other stats (besides comments) like hits and kudos. :-)

[fredbassett]

I know just what you mean, and I think all authors are the same.

I've been slowly putting my Stephen/Ryan series up on AO3, but I've had sod all feedback. The highest hits are around the 40 mark.

Insecurity thy name is author.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oh, no! I'm sorry about the lack of feedback that you've had for your Stephen/Ryan series! :-( I didn't realize that you'd made the move to AO3, so I'll be sure to check out your profile. I know that you've written some stories that I'd love to bookmark. :-) Unfortunately, I don't think Primeval is the most popular fandom out there. I think my hits are pretty low in that category.

I really should have emphasized in this post that the quality of a story shouldn't be measured by hits. However, when you've had very little in the way of feedback or kudos (though I very much appreciate what I have received), you need something... And, yes, I suppose there is a lot to be said for authors and insecurity! *g*

[fredbassett]

I've started the gradual process of putting stuff up there, but I do have an awful lot of fic, so it will take some time.

I don't think I was ever realy expecting much feedback as I don't think there is much of a fandom presence there. But author insecurity is an ever-present thing, sadly!

[karen9.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! I understand how much a writer needs affirmation. It's a pity that those 100 people didn't all leave kudos or comments.

Remember that Rudyard Kipling is not exactly fashionable and that not many young people will even have heard of Stalky & Co., so 100 hits in 3 months is pretty good.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! I understand how much a writer needs affirmation.

Ah, thanks, karen9! You were one of the people who was kind enough to leave feedback (and very generous feedback at that), so you've been supportive since the very beginning! :-D

It's a pity that those 100 people didn't all leave kudos or comments.

Well, a few of them did, but I keep hoping for another kudo or two. I can't help thinking that people are clicking on the link and then hitting the back button when they realize it's a crossover -- or whatever other excuse there might be for the lack of interest. *g*

Remember that Rudyard Kipling is not exactly fashionable and that not many young people will even have heard of Stalky & Co., so 100 hits in 3 months is pretty good.

To be honest, I was expecting more Maurice fans to check out the story (especially as I posted on gravesdiggers), but I'm guessing the Kipling aspect is putting them off. As you've pointed out, Kipling isn't exactly fashionable and a lot of people (young and old) haven't heard of Stalky & Co. Under the circumstances, I guess 100 hits in 3 months isn't too bad. :-)

[jackycomelately.livejournal.com]

Well, that's a shame. It's a great story! I do understand your disappointment.

I agree that crossovers are always harder to entice people to try (particularly if both are on the obscure side). You need to mix it up with Teen Wolf or the Avengers! Hee! Stiles at boarding school! I would dig it, but I know you can't pick your passions. Tiny fandoms can just break your heart. If it makes you feel better, I have a story that's at about 59 hits after over a year!

The great thing about AOOO is that the story will be waiting there for when someone somewhere discovers Maurice or Stalky and Co. and they will be just delighted to see it.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Well, that's a shame. It's a great story! I do understand your disappointment.

Thanks, jackycomelately. That's very kind of you. :-D

I agree that crossovers are always harder to entice people to try (particularly if both are on the obscure side). You need to mix it up with Teen Wolf or the Avengers! Hee! Stiles at boarding school! I would dig it, but I know you can't pick your passions.

Actually...those sound like stories you should write! :-) It would be pretty cool to see Scott interacting with the crew from The Avengers. Stiles at a boarding school could also be fun. I don't know if you'd want to set it during the Victorian era, though. I have a hard time picturing Stiles outside of the present, though I'm sure it could be done.

Tiny fandoms can just break your heart.

Too true. And I should know this after writing for fandoms like Robin of Sherwood. *g*

If it makes you feel better, I have a story that's at about 59 hits after over a year!

My personal best is 90 hits after three years. *g*

The great thing about AOOO is that the story will be waiting there for when someone somewhere discovers Maurice or Stalky and Co. and they will be just delighted to see it.

Again, that's very sweet of you! :-D Surprisingly, I've been receiving kudos lately for one of my Enterprise stories, so you can never be sure when someone might discover something you've written! :-)

[funkyinfishnet.livejournal.com]

*throws confetti* Hurrah! And congrats to you, my dear :)

I know what you mean, often stories I feel a deeper attachment to end up being ones that aren't all that popular - because they don't feature the fandom's OTP or because they're light on any sex. Sometimes though, there's people out there who are as interested in an aspect of a show as much as you are and they tell you so. It's glorious, so glad it's happened for you *hugs* xox

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

*throws confetti* Hurrah! And congrats to you, my dear :)

Ah, thanks, funkyinfishnet! That's very kind of you! :-)

I know what you mean, often stories I feel a deeper attachment to end up being ones that aren't all that popular - because they don't feature the fandom's OTP or because they're light on any sex. Sometimes though, there's people out there who are as interested in an aspect of a show as much as you are and they tell you so. It's glorious, so glad it's happened for you *hugs* xox

I think you're absolutely right about the less popular stories being the ones you have a deeper attachment to. *g* And, of course, the same goes for a lack of OTP and a lack of sex. However, as you've pointed out, there's often someone who will enjoy that less popular story. I've actually been very fortunate with the feedback I've received, so I really shouldn't complain. :-) *hugs in return*