What's the best strategy for posting on Vocal?

What do you do? Do you post frequently, or do you wait until you have a piece that really shines to post? Is it possible to post too often? Do you write for fun, or are you trying to grow an audience and make any kind of substantial income on this platform (or any like it)?

In the recent past, I've been literarily constipated. "No time" to write; "no time" to read. I find that paying for V+ is that little prod of motivation to show up and post. That means writing. Creating. Keep the water flowing. Keep the cogs oiled and turning. You value what you pay for. Even if it's only a little bit, the fact that I am paying for it prompts me to make the most of it.

The other day I think I posted multiple pieces in one day. How many is too many? I imagined those who had subscribed to me rolling their eyes at yet another notification from me... Should I have staggered my posting to avoid spamming my subscribers? Would that have been better to make sure each piece got the eyes it deserved? Is there an optimal interval? 🤔

I also am at a loss when it comes to Communities. Is this best placed in 01? Interviews? Journal? Lifehack? Motivation? Eeny, meeny, miny, mo...

So here are my questions to you:

First, please tell me wee bit about you:

1. How long have you been using Vocal? Ish? We are talking approximate, here.

2. Do you post consistently, or in fits and starts?

3. Is this just fun for you, or a (potential) income stream?

Next, tell me what you think:

4. Let's assume we all want, at minimum, a moderate amount of eyes on what we write, for the feedback and personal growth that offers. In your opinion, with that goal in mind (and aside from "creating good content", which should be obvious, and yet, on its own, doesn't seem to be enough) - what's the best strategy for posting on Vocal?

5. What do you do - post frequently and consistently, or wait for something stellar? Are you a daily show-er upper, or a "wait until I've got a piece that burning to be submitted and I can't possibly sit on"?

6. Are you happy with the engagement you get? (6b. If not, what do you need for that to improve?)

7. In your opinion, how important is it to post on social media? I know Vocal wants us to, but I get the impression the same people are in all the Facebook groups, so posting in different groups is really just showing your content to the same bunch of people over and over... I could be wrong about that.

7. Are you on Instagram or Twitter, and what has your experience been like on those platforms?

8. Show me the first thing you posted on Vocal, and the most recent - let's see how you've grown 😁

Here's mine:

I've been on Vocal 2 years. I've been posting in fits and starts, but working on being more consistent recently. I write for fun. I have no idea what the best strategy is (that's why I'm posting this beaut 😁 ) I used to wait until I just couldn't sit on something any longer, but lately I'm trying to post much more often. I get a reasonable amount of engagement, although it's sometimes surprising what will resonate with people. It's never the pieces that I think! I'm at a total loss when it comes to social media.

My first ever (I know, it's fucking awful) - THE SQUINCH

My latest fiction submission - FOUND

(My latest few submissions have been poetry, so for the purposes of comparison I've gone with most recent short story.)

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As always, thank you for reading, and thank you for any engagement!

Talk to me, Goose - what works for you, what wisdom can you share?

I have a lazy Saturday afternoon stretching out in front of me, so I promise to read *every* story linked in the comments and give feedback - just stick to 2 each, though (first and last).

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