What is a dumb story? And who would tell someone else to write a dumb story?
Not sure of the original context. In literal context, wouldn't dumb mean to not being able to speak or express anything at all? So if I was told to write a dumb story, I'm being told to not write one? :expressionless: Isn't that kind of... head explodes from analysis paradox. 🤯
I can only guess that this post was related to something about cliché books from new writers. If we're talking about ranking books here, they know how to convince readership by the masses even if a story concept has been recreated millions of times in various ways. So, I don't agree that these stories lack in quality because readers have already judged their worth with verbatim, votes and coins by the truck loads.
Also, many new writers are recent supporters for the clichés they are writing. So, of course they're going to attract a like minded following because their story is fresh of a trend, and mimicking what they have currently read. I don't think this lacks in quality at all. To mimic a popular story and gain the same amount of ranking is actually pretty cool.
Now, a writer like me can be considered having niche shit, as a small few of blessed souls have taken a chance on my tales and given me props for creating a story that they consider of an artisan quality. Still, because I don't get any new readership, my stories can't be commercialized. Why? Because commercial potential is perceived by a reader majority.
If a story attracts a minority it's considered niche. Niche is for the artisans who already know that they will have it tough. Because minority readers are most often silent readers; those that just want to appreciate the one good story then move on.
So, in short, authoring will always attract one of two options:
- Write a cookie cutter story that most readers want to read and have it commercialized. The ideal author path for monetary benefits.
- Hone a story according to artistic desires and struggle to find an audience, 99 percent of times earn nothing but self satisfaction. This allows for artistic expression to be unhindered.
Note: At some point, every developing writer will hit the niche wall as they begin to experiment on their ideas and experiences.
Ever read The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System? This pretty sums up an author's dilemma of writing to the masses vs writing to their artistic desires.
Edit: Gah this ended up TL;DR