StoryMash Creative Storytelling Forum

I have been writing on StoryMash for quite a long time, and no matter what I do, my stories earn me nothing more than two cents! How can I increase my earnings?

i honestly have no idea. i've only earned 18 cents, but the money doesn't really matter to me anyway. i just wanna get my story seen and read a few times before i try to get it published.

I'm far from rich, earning just over $2/month here. Josh's assessment that the money doesn't matter should be taken to heart.

I've found the best way to have people read my stories is threefold:

1. Interact. Make comments. The more effort you put into it (beyond "Nice job," which says nothing), the better chance of that author coming back and reading your entry. Some people take this to an extreme and bash or self-promote in comments for others' stories; please don't. Voting isn't nearly as important as quality feedback.

2. Hitchhike. Take a ride in someone else's car. In other words, continue stories by "established" authors. Some of the newer contributors here are very kind, and I expect they'd check out your entries if you added something worthwhile on theirs. The most fun I've had with SM is the collaborative aspect.

3. Write quality. Have a hook, bang out something clean and intriguing, create quirky and deep characters, twist your plot, achieve a voice, and leave readers wanting more. This should've been first, but I'm not editing my comments.

There are other methods of increasing readership, but they don't thrill me nearly as much:

4. Write controversy pieces. Title something: YOU'RE ALL IDIOTS and spend your story complaining.

5. Create a chapter on ways to improve the site. Those tend to get lots of comments. I expect, with the forum, it's not as feasible anymore, but it'd still work if you have innovative ideas.

6. Enter Contests. Automatic readership? Voila! If that's your goal, there you go. I'd say joining a project is a better idea, and if they're already filled up, create your own.

In my experience, this site isn't nearly as much about moneymaking as it is about exposure. (Now if you'll pardon me, I need to fix my zipper.)

(Lastly, I checked and you've made 7 comments in over two months. Quality can rise to the top, but it's easier when you get your name out there. Re-see #1.)

I like Josh's attitude - and think it's spot-on. For me, this site isn't about money, it's about the ability to give and receive feed-back and to have a bit of fun when adding to the stories of others. I very rarely go to the "Stories" link to find something to read.

I also like Nashville's philosophy and suggestions - the first few at least ;) Commenting on other people's work is a good way to find readers.

My philosophy: In order to be read, you need to read.

I read a few things written by you - and commented - about 2 months ago? I try and go back occasionally through my comments and check for any follow up on the comments I've left. You've neither replied to my comments nor left comments for me. It's had to build a rapport with others if you don't interact.

arg! typo... it's HARD to build a rapport with others if you don't interact.

I second josh and nash. I am not here for the earning potential. It just isn't there.

For me it's about the recognition, the cyber-fame.

The best way to get recognized is to read,comment and mash other authors work.

Contests and Projects also help to build a fan base quickly. Nash comments sums it up. Try them, and use whatever works best for you.

i'm with theblckhand on this one! i'm here for recognition of my work. i can't just hand this to one of my teachers and expect them to see this from a writer's standpoint! and i'm most definitely not getting anywhere just writing a blog, so what better to do than write on a community site of fellow authors and poets? (shrug) please stop by and check out my work that would help out a ton!

i'm just happy if people give some comments to me. it makes me feel connected to the world out there.

i also try to read as many stories as i can and even if i don't really know how to give comments i'll just leave something so people know that i read their work and like it.