[Alassante]

So what makes you decide to read a story? Is it because of the author of the story? The subject matter? Recommendations? The description? The rating? The nice pretty avatar of the writer? A combo of some the things I have mentioned? What is it that makes you read?

Lately I have been reading more and I have noticed the stories I enjoy more seem to have less readers. And things I think are not as good have lots of readers.

As far as subject matter, a writer that writes about something or someone out of the normal stream of things like a story about little known characters or even unpopular characters doesn't get read much.

I made a comment to another writer about not getting certain things read vs. others getting read alot and she asked if I had posted my story on a day with a lot of postings, like maybe people only read the stories that are the most current. What are your thoughts on this?

[Viv]

As a writer, I'm curious too. I've been studying the popular-story phenomena for a few years but have to confess that am as confusticated as ever.

As a reader, well ... I tend to leave really honest reviews, even sometimes when I shouldn't. Therefore, I try to avoid sucky stories as much as possible, because then I might be tempted to leave an honest review and make some really-trying-hard 10-year-old writer bawl her eyes out. This is not my intention. So lately, I've been reading mostly stories that other people recommend to me.

[Viv]

Oh, and I forgot: when I see a story on the Just-in page and it looks like it might be worthwhile, I frequently check the author's profile page. If the author has posted more than one story and zero reviews, I tend to skip the story. I'm just bitchy that way.

[LuthienTinuviel]

Honestly, I don't think that a writer should write to appease the readers, but to write from their hearts and well, whether people like it or not it's ok. IM experience, cultural differences makes people choose which story they read, and truly enjoy. Sometimes it's background, or just their solitary interest in what they think is worth their time.

It's funny how the stories my friends enjoyed immensely are rated low online sometimes.

If you mean confined to this website only, I admit that ratings by former readers do play a part in my choice. Sometimes I read the reviews first (Story of the day), or if the topic is clear enough what it's about, I go directly to it. I noticed that I tend to give better ratings to adventure-type stories which is darned good, so to speak, friendship type is my clear fav, romance third, and I'm not opposed to the ocassional smut hehehe...

I used to choose story according to Highest Ratings, but now whatever's new I read. I'll admit I don't read Denethor fics, for some reason.

It's just human interest, I suppose. So, heck, I simply write what I feel like writing, not otherwise.

[DarkElfChilde]

The summary of the story, or the title of it, and also whenever I feel like reading a story.


- DEC

[Thuriniel]

Elves. Do I need to say more?

OK, I will. Elves, intriguing summary, angst is always nice, by recommendation, by reading the reviews. And yes, I do look at the rating a lot of times. Bite me, but I so do !

[ghettoelleth]

I tend to follow the impeccable taste of Big Pimpin.' hehe, okay, Big Pimpin cheats sometimes. The stories that I like are so diverse in style and subject matter that I have to say, first impression keeps me there. I will open any and every story that I've never looked at before, but if the first few paragraphs don't peak my interest, I'm gone. I have continued on with stories that haven't immediately caught my fancy, however, because they deal with characters I prefer to read about. Often, I have been highly rewarded for the effort. Ergo, my method is not always a good idea. Once in a GREAT while, I'll read something that I think is a good concept but in dire need of beta help and try to lend a hand. But for the most part, I'm with Viv, I don't like leaving neg. reviews so I avoid like the plague anything that begins the first sentence with, 8 typo's or has an OC named Mitziwen. Another thing I tend to avoid, because I'm just not that smart, is lofty prose. If I want to read Chaucer or Conybeare's Beowulf, its going to involve massive quantities of alcohol and a chair with no wheels. IMO, however, the best fics I've ever read have been stumbled upon inadvertantly and there's just no telling, so I give it all at least a fair try.

[inglor]

The summary has to get my attention. But characters are what gets me to look. I usually avoid Legolas/OFC like a hooker with open sores. Then I look at the reviews, not just what but who, a recommendation of sorts. For instance, if Viv, Sind, and Space give afic nice reviews, I will read it, sometimes out of curiousity. After that, it's Author.

Inglor

[sindohte]

There are any number of things that factor into deciding whether I will read a story or not. However, it all depends on the particular day and mood that I am in as to which things are most important.

A good summary of the story is usually the first thing that catches my eye. What I'm looking for is a nice blurb that sums up the main point of the story and peaks my interest.

The characters involved in the story tend to be the next thing. I did have a period where I read Legolas/OFC stories like there was no tomorrow. Now I have become extremely discriminating and like Inglor said so elegantly, tend to avoid them like a hooker with open sores and a nasty ole piece of toilet paper trailing from her spike heels. That is not to say that I don't still read Legolas/OFC stories, but I am looking for stories where Legolas and his lady love are portrayed as fully realized characters. What I do like reading about are questionable characters such as Maeglin or Sauron who are shown to have other facets besides simply being "evil."

I also look at whether or not previous reviews have been left for the story. If I see a story without any reviews, I don't necessarily take it as a bad sign. And just like Inglor I pay attention not only to what is said in the reviews, but also who is reviewing (kinda scary because I also regularly check to see what Viv and SW have R/R lately and use that to sometimes guide my reading choices).

Who wrote the story is another thing I check out. There are certain authors that when they post I will immediately read what they have written. At the same time, I am also always on the look out for new talent as well.

[Vilwarin]

Hm, there are some authors whose stories I just have to read because I know that they are good, e.g. Cassia and Siobhan with their Mellon Chronicles.
Characters and summery are the most important factors for me. A summery must sound interesting for me. When there is a Ranger-story, I just have to read it. It's only sad that there are so few.
What I would not read is the typical Mary Sue, or girl-falls-into Middle-earth-story - save parodies or stories that are really well written, like Don't Panic. Technicaly, I avoid all Tolkien-would-turn-in-his-grave-stories.
I am absolutely not influenced by a title, rating or general opinions. I will see for myself.

[SpaceWeavil]

I'm actually not very discriminating when it comes to what I read to be honest. I tend to check the latest page quite often to see if there's anything new, and there are a few longer stories that I try to keep up with. But I will read most things. I don't really go by ratings as I never seem to agree with the ratings stories are given anyway, but I do sometimes check the reviews before I read something, if it has any. I also go by recommendations in the forum quite a lot as well.

I do sometimes go by character - I'm really not keen on Faramir stories, and I have no idea why that is. I'm also not that hot on 'girl drops into ME' or OFC-based stories, and prefer canon-based 'gap filler stuff', but I will read the other types as well. Just not first choice.

The only thing I usually avoid like the plague are 'when they were little' stories, unless it's an author I know, like Ellisk with her 'young' Legolas in her Thranduil stories. But things like when Aragorn was growing up in Imladris or stuff I'm just not too keen on. Again though, I have read some, so even that I will look at.

[krazykataave]

Character, character pairing and attention getting summary for me. Along with things i am interested in.

Kat

[ZeeDrippyVessel]

Well, I see lots of people who AREN"T reading me... (I, who have written a dreaded modern day WOMAN falls into Middle Earth.)

Strange - normally, I don't like it when a GIRL falls in, but let a full grown mature woman with a life fall in - I tend to like. Go figure. The writer however needs to be aware enough that there are DIFFERENCES and that on its own will cause problems.

Because my time has become so precious, I have become very picky of what I will - or actually more so - of what I WON'T read.

I am NOT a Leggy fan - I don't read Leggy with any OFC. Just doesn't interest me.

I don't mind OFC's - as there are so few in canon. I tend to stay away from lofty, pretencious writing. I become irked when it appears to me that a writer is trying to be Tolkien. I am here to relax and some days.... most days... my brain gets angry when I stroke it the wrong way. (intellectually)

I have not read The Sil, therefore I'm not up on the 1st Agers. I don't KNOW the canon characters and in a sense, that scares me. When I try to read a 1st Age based fic, it tkaes me a while. That's why I'm taking so long with yours Ghetto. Sorry. I am reading it tho! Onward to Chapter 05!

I will NOT read anything by a known flamer. I don't care if you are the next best thing to cheesecake - if you post at a flamer site, I'm not going to read you. Anyone who derives pleasure from making fun of someone else's sweat (and yes, even the WORST fic, someone poured themselves into) you are not worth my time!

I read recs, I look at ratings - although they don't really mean that much to me. I do check reviews. If the first chapter doesn't grab me, I back out and move on. I read specific authors. I like action-adventure as well as... yes, I admit it... the occasional pink, fluffy romance, as long as there is a plot. I like any rating - but to prefer R to NC17. I will bless and thank the person who uses their beta and spellcheck and grammercheck. On occasion I am shocked that someone would recommend a fic I find lacking, but I figure that's just a difference of opinion. I tire of the loooooong nc17 fic with lots of sex and no plot. (The dreaded PWP with no end) You find TONS of those in the HP universe.

I don't like to see canon Elves turned bad... well except Thranduil and then Not bad, just bad to the bone. If you are going to have an Elf go postal - create one. Otherwise, put Thranny butt and Celeborn in leather and I'm happy.

I DO constructive review. HOWEVER, contrary to popular opinion at The Site That Shall Not Be Named - CR or CC does not mean you DEMORALIZE the fic and/or the writer! Whoever thinks that needs a RED HOT poker shoved up their ass without the aid of anal lube! I can always find something good in whatever I read and I will tell the writer that I liked this and this and this.

These days, I am VERY interested in Rohirrim fic. Théoden, Eomer, Eowyn.... Gamling... (you knew that was coming). Het Eomer is hard to find (yes, I've read Nove's masterpiece - I had pieces of my fingertips in that one!) and Frigg's collection. Gamling anything is next to impossible to find and what little I could was slash or general with him as a .... well... background minor character. And you know what.... Théoden needs some lurve too!

Not to mention Men enjoy sex, unlike Elves who depending on your spin do or do not enjoy sex. (well, they do, they just THINK about if fondly rather than do anything about it.) I tire of the argument between those who write them as prissy tea totalers with those (like me) who write them as happy go lucky horny pointy eared things.

So, bottom line - I'll try it. I'm not a HUGE Dwarf or Hobbit fan - but I want to see Dwarves with Dwarves and Hobbits with Hobbits.. (I've read some LOVELY Sam and Rosie ficlets.) 3rd age (HALDIR!) Elves and long haired blondes on horses. Keep 'em real. Keep 'em sexy!

[Ilmatar]

I usually pick the stories that feature Elrond, Eomer or Legolas. Good Legolas stories are very rare, especially Legolas OC stories. But I have found some real gems too. I tend to read romance and action. Tragedy is not really my cup of tea, since I tend to get very emotional very easily.

I am willing to give any story a chance, because the ratings or reviews can sometimes be only half of the truth... the problem is that the amount of time I can spend on reading fanfiction is very limited, so I tend to read the stories that are recommended to me.

Then there are some authors that I really like. It is strange that no matter what they write it always turns out to be great.

I always review a story if I read it and if I really like it, I review all the chapters. I guess that is my way of thanking the author.

[NancyBrooke]

When I log in here (daily, usually) I check two things: new forum posts and the "Latest Stories" page. I read threads with summaries and titles that interest me, or if a member I respect started it; similarly, I browse new stories for ones with interesting titles, provocative (in the ordinary sense) summaries, a pairing or character I like. I certainly read stories by authors I'm familiar with pretty much regardless of anything else. If a story has a dubious summary but intriguing, then I check the ratings and reviews.

Typically don't read Silm stories, sadly because I don't understand a lot of them which is my loss, will often give "drop-in" stories a shot, but avoid Lego- and Haldimance stories like ... well, you know (just can't top the hooker simile).

One thing I do find intimidating - is when one author, usually a new one, posts lots of stories all at once. Since I'm looking at the New Stories page, there they all are - and I feel sort of odd wading into them: if I read one, why not the others? If I read them all, then I could sound like I'm targeting the author ...

A personal request - don't post your stories all at once! Spread them out a bit, give us a chance to enjoy each one on its own merits.

OH! and I won't read WIP's, but I note them and check in from time to see if we're there yet.