Want to start by rolling a couple of stats I scrounged up myself: Of the top 100 original novels, roughly half of them are romance novels (with romance novels dominating the top 3 spots).
Another quarter of the top 100 is comprised of fantasy novels and the final quarter is made up of various genres (sci-fi, sports, video games, erotic novels, and fan-fiction).
It shouldn't come as a surprise by now that male novels or rather male-centered stories are outgunned on the site. The ladies of Webnovel are putting their power stones where they want, but what of the gentlemen?
Are we not voting enough, simply lurking around and not letting our voices be heard? Perhaps the demographics of the site are inherently in favor of the ladies? Where have the lads gone to?
I believe that female readers are more prone to comment, review, and vote for the novels they like, unlike guys who silently support their favorite novels incognito. I'm sure you've seen the absolutely crazy number of power stones that have been given to the top romance novels in the past weeks. It's mind-boggling.
I initially thought the male readers flocked to translated novels more than original works, but the stats seem to be proving me wrong. It's the same deal with translated works as romance novels dominate roughly half of the top 100 translated works. The rest is a mish-mash of fantasy, cultivation, and the like.
Female readers in essence, own half of the top 100 spots on the site, a majority of them being in the top 50, while the rest -- (usually) male-centered own the bottom 50.
I summon forth the men of the site and ask you this: What should we do to rise again to prominence?
I think a major shift needs to happen. We need to cater to the ladies when we write, but the issue is to what extent? Where can we compromise and where do we say no?
Romance is the biggest issue by far for us; how we write and what they think of it. Let me know your thoughts on this, gents. Would like to hear your insights on the trends of the site.