Difficulties With Reciprocal Reading
Observations
Introduction
I have written about reciprocity before but while the basic concept is simple, the actual implementation is more difficult, and to many, it is an alien concept.
I have written close on two and a half thousand stories, and read and liked close on thirteen thousand stories, so for ever one I write, I read and comment on about four.
That Is All Well And Good But ...
When someone comments on my story, or the odd time I see someone subscribe to me I feel guilty and feel I should reciprocate, but sometimes I may not find their work to my taste and I know many people will feel the same about me.
Also if twenty people comment on a story of mine, I would not have th etime to read something by all of them.
I know there are some creators who publish and expect to be read, but seldom read others' work, but I am with Stephen King in thinking that to be a writer you need to be a reader first, and Vocal comments let us know who reads our stories.
So for every story I publish, I always make sure I go out and read five or six stories and leave comments.
That way I get to know what people are doing, and on Vocal give them half a cent, and hope that they will maybe remember me and read one of my pieces, but I know because of what I am like, I cannot expect reciprocal reads.
Because I do read other people's works I just hope that some people will read mine too, enough to buy me a coffee every now and then.
When I feel guilty I think of all the support I give Vocal Creators in general, sharing their stories and bringing people together, and giving help and encouragement. I realise that I probably give out a lot more than I get, but I know I do get a lot so I am not complaining, but the reality is that I do not need to feel guilty.
So what I would suggest is that for each Vocal story you publish go out and read three or four.
Thank you so much for reading.
About the Creator
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Comments (6)
I think you have a healthy approach. Energy goes round, regardless of whether you’ve read someone who read yours, or someone else. I haven’t been able to get on here as much as I’d like, but pop in when I can. If there’s a challenge on, I might publish something; then I usually read about 7 minimum—a mixture of people I know, or who responded, or new to me writers from that day’s Top Story list 🤗
I would not feel guilty; I for example am busy with taking care of an elderly relative and have been traveling unable to find a minute until now to read. I scanned down to you because I genuinely wanted to read what you had to say. I missed the last challenge due to illness, forget to even look at my phone for updates and so, as you have encountered me before, care for yourself first. I also read books. Heaven forbid we live a little outside vocal, lol. I appreciate your candid nature.
I think you made 2 mistakes in this story..just so you know that I read it! :) You are one of the people I read more often.
I do, I always read minimum 3 after I post unless I've already read the top 10 of a page. I also read a story for those who comment on mine, like here in the comments, on the weekends. Then I random read other ones. When I'm publishing I do that.
I like reading others work, but at times I get ideas from others works. Really like reading yours for a lot of times they take me back to my young childhood.
You are right. Reciprocity is important. Time is a bit of an enemy there though. Was just thinking about this.