An Open Letter To All Readers - From Your Dear Authors
DarkRay You guys (authors) can over rationalize and overthink all you want. Bottom line, without readers, who needs authors? You’re as good an author as the number of readers who demand for your book. But I guess that doesn’t apply to the authors on Webnovel since you’re not professional authors and, probably, don’t aspire to be so. Otherwise, you wouldn’t start a whole thread whining about and dissing the very people you want to appreciate work for appreciating your work!
- Edited
40fantasy Without authors, there wouldn't be readers either. What kind of circular logic is this?
Whining and dissing? yaoyueyi was raising a valid concern. 4 chapters a day? Don't you think that's too much? I'm sure she's happy to have such a passionate reader, but there's a difference between "I love your book!" and "Update 4 chapters a day!" There's a difference between "I really appreciate what you've written!" and "when will you do a mass release?!"
One comes across as thankful and appreciative, the other comes across as...quite entitled, actually.
You are right in that authors need readers, and authors should treasure the readers who love their books. But that doesn't equate to readers having the right to make demands of authors. You may accuse authors of overrationalizing and overthinking, but in the same manner, the readers altering their comments to make them sound more appreciative and less entitled will go a long way in helping both parties.
40fantasy Oh, I see we have a contender. I just can't wait for others to roast you. Either way, to address what you actually wrote. I somehow don't see myself whining on this forum... I find it weird you do? But alright.
On the subject of professional authors. ??? I have no idea what you are actually on about? What does author's struggle, health and such, have to do with professional authors... No idea what you are on about there. By the way, how do you know who aspires to be what? Mind reading? Looking through a mystical orb? Tarot cards? Please share, I'd like to know lottery numbers for this week.
As a last thing, in more seriousness, I would like to address that bottom line of yours. It's true, we need readers. What we don't need, is people who think they are privileged to do anything they want. Trolls (such as you? or are you serious with that?), people who spam, who constantly harass authors whether with one 1 star reviews, or comments or whatever. We don't need such people. But let me also add this, if there were no writers (authors), what would you read?
Both authors and readers are needed. And what the OP wrote, was an open piece to all, to respect their authors, and the work they put out. Because, I haven't heard of authors abusing readers. Readers don't experience stress, health issues and so on, just because they get one less chapter. We are stuck with what we write, while you as a reader, can chose 10, 20 or 30 other novels to read. Of course, you are entitled to think and act however you like. I'm not your parent, to tell you what you can and can't do. But at least, a lot of other readers understand authors, and that is already a success.
XD
- Edited
40fantasy Of course we are not professional writers. If by professional you mean we get paid for our work, then the vast majority of writers here are not professionals. We write for free! We get absolutely nothing in exchange for writing! What use is it to us if people demand for our books when none of them actually pay us anything? Furthermore, many of these readers are making demands, knowing that they are reading for free. If you get what you asked for, you get to read 4 extra chapters a day, maybe under an hour. That's about 12-15 extra hours of unpaid labor on our part. Why do you think we're so riled up for? Because these readers under the pretense of "appreciating our work" is essentially demanding extra stuff for free. You don't go to a bakery and then ask for an extra free bread under the pretense of "you should be flattered because if I want to eat more of your bread it means I really love it and appreciate the skill you put into baking it!" Never mind that you're asking for an extra loaf of bread for free.
Is it so difficult to say something as simple as "thanks for the chapter" or "I look forward to the next update!" as opposed to "mass release when?!" Keep in mind, there's nothing wrong with saying "I want more!" (or "I want moar!" as most readers affectionately type). What yaoyueyi is talking about is the entitled demands like "release 4 chapters a day!" or "mass release when?" as if we're obligated to give a mass release. You might claim that it's a show of appreciation, but if that's so, why can't they simply type, "thanks!" or "appreciate it!" instead of demanding for more chapters?
Also, I notice some kind of double standards here. You tell writers not to whine because it's annoying. Yet, it is writers who have to put up with the most whining. "Why so slow?" "Characters so retarded." "Story is garbage."
"Writer is trash/an idiot." "Nothing but useless filler!" So readers are allowed to whine, but authors aren't because it's "annoying" and you don't want to read it? You think we want to read about readers complaining, insulting and whining about our stories too? But no, readers should be allowed to whine, writers should not be allowed to delete their absusive comments or reviews, and should not be allowed to whine either. How very fair.
Tomoyuki And what is your logic? That authors only have to consider their feelings and their efforts while totally disregarding readers? I’ve been following the thread here and I’m yet to see an author who’s spoken for readers. All of you have consistently used the word ‘readers’ in general. I’m a reader, I don’t make unnecessary demands of authors (and there are many like me) but somehow I’m lumped into that. But it’s okay.
Back to point - demand for more updates, big deal! So readers want more chapters it’s either you can or you can’t. I’ve seen many cases where authors explained why they couldn’t release more than 2 chapters daily or weekly and it was well received by readers. Most readers don’t mean to put pressure on authors by asking for more chapters - it’s just a reflex reaction to good book.
While it doesn’t take a lot of effort for readers read, it does take effort for them to buy spirit stones since they cost money. Now, I’ve seen several cases where authors commented that readers only use free ss to read; while that may be the case for some readers, it’s not the case for all. So I don’t appreciate authors looking down on readers as if you’re doing us a favor by writing your books.
I’ve said it before, if you publish a novel on this platform it means you want people to read it; if it’s an interesting one, they’ll want more (sucks but that’s the reality) so if you can’t handle the pressure, don’t publish!
Reading on a platform like WN isn’t like reading on Kindle in that it’s designed to make you addicted to reading - this is what fuels the demand for more chapters.
And yes, readers need authors too which is why we support you guys by reading and voting for your novels. The highest appreciation I can give you as an author is to READ your book. So frankly, I don’t need this tirade of complaints for wanting to do that.
I hope you can be more objective about this.
- Edited
40fantasy I am being objective.
And you, on the other hand, have consistently used the word "authors" in general. I'm an author (actually I'm not), I don't look down on readers nor have I ever once thought that I am doing you a favor by writing you a story, but somehow you lump me into that. On the other hand, you come across as saying that you are doing authors a favor by reading our stories. But it's okay.
You completely missed my point. The point isn't that they can't demand for more chapters. My point is that they could at least change the way they comment. That if they truly want to show appreciation and gratitude, they could simply comment, "thanks for the chapter" or "I look forward to the next update!" instead of "mass release when?" But your attitude seem to be, instead of us suggesting a better way of showing appreciation, no, we should suck it up and deal with it because we're "overanalyzing" or "overthinking" it, or that we should just give up because we can't handle the pressure. It's not even the damned pressure I'm talking about, I'm merely pointing out that they can word it in a better way because frankly, "mass release!" or "4 chapters a day please!" sounds entitled. I'm suggesting that they can word it in a less entitled way. Is that too much to ask, or are readers the only ones who can make demands and writers can't?
Additionally, you claim that you buy spirit stones, but most people write for free. We don't receive any spirit stones at all. It takes you effort to buy spirit stones? But the vast majority of writers here don't receive any spirit stones. We write for free.
By the way, I am not an author. I have no right to call myself one, so I don't know why you're assuming that I'm an author, but okay. I assure you, I'm being objective. You're the one who needs to chill instead of jumping into conclusions and making hypocritical remarks. I see a lot of double standards in your statements, despite your so-called objectivity.
40fantasy Only premium authors get paid, so maybe you should just read premium stories instead of assuming all of us are professionals or that we receive spirit stones.
And I'm pretty sure the premium system works differently from the way you describe it. You pay x amount of spirit stones for premium stories individually as opposed to having a singular subscription that covers all stories on Webnovel.
Alright guys, I think that's enough of a shit show. Cool down your heads, and return later perhaps? Everyone will have their views, no need to further try and prove something. We each said our piece, alright?
Tomoyuki Authors can chose, when to go with premium chapters (I have a copy of the contract, so I know). https://www.webnovel.com/book/11701767605489305/Power-Up%2C-Artist-Yang! She has access to gifts which is basically a premium feature. Correct me if I'm wrong then.
DarkRay Tomoyuki yes, I'm contracted, but I have not locked any chapters yet (bc I want to give as many free chapters as I can to readers before I really need to start making money) & the only profit I've made so far (after 3+ months) is like 36 cents from gifts LOL
my point is, regardless of being contracted or not, paid or not, all authors should be treated with mutual respect between readers & authors. :blush: even if I'm getting paid, it's a very miniscule amount, and I'm sure that many contracted authors like me only write and have payment as sort of a side gig/part time job-- I know many authors that are high school/college students like me (in this case, writing on webnovel is like a part time job like working at a restaurant or as a cashier) or use webnovel as a side job. very few authors can completely rely on the pay that you get from writing webnovels to treat writing as a full time job, and therefore, we are unable to update at the speeds that many readers will demand from us.
so @40fantasy, I just think that there's nothing wrong when I ask for readers to be more understanding of authors? we're not calling readers insensitive; we're only asking for there to be more of an understanding on both sides of things. no one is thinking that some reader out there is "hyperventilating" bc there are no updates-- the only reason for why there is pressure from receiving comments/feedback like this is bc it's not 1/2 people asking these things, there are many, many, many (the bigger your story get, the more who will ask). all I'm saying is that it's not a nice feeling to be given this demand even when you make it clear what your schedule will be/that you won't be doing mass releases ever, but they're still not getting the clue and persisting with their demands. most of the time, these demands aren't in kind words either (I don't mind "can't wait for the next update!"), they come in threats/pretty rude ways (e.g. "update or I will drop" or "RELEASE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE I NEED MORRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEE. when will you update???" <-- when i've literally just released a chapter a few hours ago). I've heard about a certain group of readers claiming that another author was dead/telling other readers to drop the novel just because the author was extremely, extremely sick and had to go to the hospital for a long period of time, and being unable to update.
tl;dr: is it the end of the world just b/c readers are asking for more updates in a very rude manner? no. but will the webnovel community be a better place if readers chose to be more understanding of authors and cut down on these demands/learned how to rephrase them with consideration to the author? yes. that's the purpose of my post. positivity :) :sparkles:
Yeah, that was exactly my point. I'm not saying authors want to control how readers feel or react, nor am I saying they are wrong in demanding for mass releases or more updates.
What I am saying is that there are nicer ways to phrase your appreciation and gratitude toward the author by saying stuff like "thanks for the chapter!" "I enjoyed the chapter!" "I look forward to the next update!" "I can't wait for the next chapter!" instead of "MASS RELEASE WHEN!?" or "update 4 chapters a day!"
As much as authors such as yaoyueyi and others appreciate their passion, it makes everyone happier if both parties express their gratitude clearer or politely instead of in a demanding or entitled manner.
Tomoyuki yeaaah that's too much work for me. I only update 5 times a week (so if my math is correct), that's 1700 words per chapter, which I can't guarantee since I write from a range of 700-2.5k words per chapter plus, the fact that they only pay you if you have locked chapters doesn't seem too appealing to me. :sweat_smile:
- Edited
yaoyueyi That's because a lot of readers have no understanding in how things work here. A lot of them don't understand that this is not a full time job for most of you. They don't understand the amount of efforts you have to put in writing and how many hours it would normally take for an author to write a chapter. Heck, a lot of them don't even know the difference between translated and original works. Just like @40fantasy said, all those readers know is that they like your story and they want to read more of it.
Unquestionably, most of those readers, if not all, don't frequent, or even come to, this forum at all.
The thread is titled "To ALL Readers". I think that's also a part that had ruffled 40fantasy's feathers, because not all of us, readers, are that unreasonable. Just like authors wouldn't want to be generalized into one sort of author, reasonable readers don't want to be compartmentalized In the same box with the ignorant ones either.
Those unreasonable and ignorant readers most likely don't come to this forum to read this thread. Comparatively, those who read this thread are mostly the reasonable readers who don't need the letter.
I understand you created this thread to vent out your frustration and there's nothing wrong with that, that's what forums like this are for. But don't set your expectations high, because the ones whom you were addressing this open letter to, won't read it.
So next time you see those comments, just don't let it get to you. Ignore them and just remind yourself that they don't know any better.
- Edited
Reinesse Then that's just being condescending. And believe me, you don't want to be condescending to your reasonable paying readers, that is, of course, if you still appreciate the income you're getting from publishing your novel here, no matter how little it is.
A few weeks ago, one of the top original novels here got banned, because the author was found to have plagiarized some of her contents. Avid readers who supported that author felt cheated, because 1) they had been paying for stolen works, 2) they won't know how the story ends.
Now you don't see these readers reminding all the other original authors here not to plagiarize, do you?
Cantiara like reinesses said, I intended this to be a helpful reminder. those who aren't unreasonable can just read it and ignore it since it doesn't apply to them, but for those that do, it's a good thing they clicked? regardless of how much people I can show a new perspective to, even if 1 person can become more reasonable, then this thread still has some purpose, right? :smile: when I was writing this letter, I didn't think too deeply about it, so "all readers" was just a referral I came up with in like 2 seconds without thinking about it? and I don't think that i insulted anyone (I tried to be nicer than usual), so I don't really understand how it can offend anyone...? (e.g. "an open letter to all romance authors, stop writing romance is trash your novels are pathetic" vs "an open letter to all romance authors, can we please cut down on the CEO tropes?" not all romance authors write CEO novels, but it doesn't mean that those that don't write those sort of romance novels will go on the thread and rant about how it's offensive to be grouped with the authors that overuse tropes?)
but I guess, sorry if my use of "all"... triggers anyone? :sweat:
and next time readers comment these demands, isn't it nice that I have this forum link I can reply back to them with? :D other authors who agree with my message can do the same too.
yaoyueyi I never said it was wrong. On the contrary, I said I understand it. And I also understand where 40fantasy was coming from.
Of course you can always link them to this thread, but I sincerely hope you won't get too disappointed if that doesn't help.
Some readers are demanding for a mass release in the comments section of one of the novels I was following. I used to take my time to reply to them to explain that things don't work as simple as they think. And guess what, the next day, the same comment, and the day after that, and so on. So, I'm just saying, just don't let it get to you and ignore the ignorant ones.
yaoyueyi I feel you dear Author. It's not easy to write. For me, I get a finished novel and 2 unfinished ones. So that I have something to read whenever I want to....that is if I have spirit stones. Well done to you all. You are dong a great job. I really appreciate you Authors. 
In the end, it will still all depend on the writers. There's nothing that the readers can do if the writer can only write on his/her own pace. That's just how it is.
kcgrabin Oh, really? They can blackmail you, threaten you, report your story, and force you to delete it. They can also spam your story with 0.5/1 star ratings to bring it down as much as possible while slandering you on the forums or Discord, telling everyone not to read your story. They can also start a movement to boycott your story.
Yes, I know readers who actually do that.
Cantiara those are two different things. plagiarism is against the law (if it's free, it prolly won't mean much since it can easily be taken down but since that human earned money, a lawsuit should be filed but it depends on the orig author or whatnot) while urging authors to update more is leaning on the personal side (also serious but less cause it's more on the psych side)
but as for readers complain, i've actually seen some. and i'm pretty sure some authors have read it. it's something about "don't promise readers anything if you can't do it whether you're contracted or not because it's a promise and stuff." there was more but that was few months ago so idk anymore
it was polite and all and the feedbacks were rather decent. some were even saying "i'm guilty" and whatnot. not sure if it's in this forum or somewhere else but it has to be wn.
If you have free time, feel free to read this novel. It is a story about new authors and their struggles on writing their stories in this platform called Webnovels.
Take note that these are "real conversations" by some of your favorite authors in Webnovels and how they spend their days while writing your favorite stories in this platform. Maybe this will give you a better understanding on what it's like to be an author here in Webnovels.
Reinesse Those two are two different things indeed when it comes to legality and whatnot, but when it comes to your argument of it having a simple logic, it's still the same thing, hence the analogy.
I was not even the one that got bothered by this thread. As yaoyueyi said, she intended it to be a helpful reminder, and those who aren't unreasonable can just read it and ignore it, which I did. I read and ignored.
But there was a debate here between a reader whose feathers got ruffled because of the post vs. multiple authors. And while I understand the authors' arguments, but I also understand where that reader was coming from.
So, my point from my previous post was, just like authors don't want to be generalized into one label, don't compartmentalize readers into one box either. If you were going to address this letter to ALL readers, then expect there that would be readers that got offended.
And yes, most readers I've interacted with here are polite and reasonable readers just as you described, but as I said, don't compartmentalize. Not all readers are like that. Some readers purely see themselves as customers.
And when your work is available for purchase, then there will always be expectations from paying customers. And if you add to it their lack of understanding of how things work here, you get those demanding comments.
Hence, my advice to yaoyueyi was, don't let those kinds of comments get to her.
yaoyueyi
I totally agree with you dear author and I apologise on behalf of my fellow readers........ I also wanna thank all the authors of webnovel with all my sincerity for putting their heart and soul to write all the amazing stories and sharing with us( the happy readers)
Once again thank you dear authors of webnovel....