Difficulties With Reciprocal Reading

Introduction

I have written about reciprocity before but while the basic concept is simple, the actual implementation is more difficult, and to many, it is an alien concept.

I have written close on two and a half thousand stories, and read and liked close on thirteen thousand stories, so for ever one I write, I read and comment on about four.

That Is All Well And Good But ...

When someone comments on my story, or the odd time I see someone subscribe to me I feel guilty and feel I should reciprocate, but sometimes I may not find their work to my taste and I know many people will feel the same about me.

Also if twenty people comment on a story of mine, I would not have th etime to read something by all of them.

I know there are some creators who publish and expect to be read, but seldom read others' work, but I am with Stephen King in thinking that to be a writer you need to be a reader first, and Vocal comments let us know who reads our stories.

So for every story I publish, I always make sure I go out and read five or six stories and leave comments.

That way I get to know what people are doing, and on Vocal give them half a cent, and hope that they will maybe remember me and read one of my pieces, but I know because of what I am like, I cannot expect reciprocal reads.

Because I do read other people's works I just hope that some people will read mine too, enough to buy me a coffee every now and then.

When I feel guilty I think of all the support I give Vocal Creators in general, sharing their stories and bringing people together, and giving help and encouragement. I realise that I probably give out a lot more than I get, but I know I do get a lot so I am not complaining, but the reality is that I do not need to feel guilty.

So what I would suggest is that for each Vocal story you publish go out and read three or four.

Thank you so much for reading.