Missing DQSteele story

[ILienBagby]

thanks to brujay

thanks for the reply...you're right about the title, "Ghosts and Shadows." What beats me is DQS1's
inability/refusal to explain why he was pulled, whether the story will continue, or whatever. total disregard (contempt?) for his readers!

 

[Sidney43]

Glad I found this forum after all the time I have spent on this site as an anon and for over a year as registered. I had the same questions about the story and noticed it had disappeared last night. I sent an email to DQS and have had no response so far.

As to the question about only posting finished stories, I don't know, there is merit to both sides. It is frustrating waiting for a conclusion and right now am waiting for Pennlady to finish Rhythm and the Blue Line, but I won't bug her about it.

Is it my imagination, or are the number of new submissions declining lately?

 

[PennLady]

As to the question about only posting finished stories, I don't know, there is merit to both sides. It is frustrating waiting for a conclusion and right now am waiting for Pennlady to finish Rhythm and the Blue Line, but I won't bug her about it.

Is it my imagination, or are the number of new submissions declining lately?

I am very sorry to keep people writing on R&B. I had planned/hoped to have it all done, but then Ch 7 needed huge rewrites, which bled over into eight, and then the holidays hit and we had many birthdays at the beginning of the year and I got sick and... see, that's the problem. Sometimes life just happens. I have had almost no time to write anything, and it's very frustrating.

I'm not sure the number of submissions is declining, or if fewer are getting approved in a day. Laurel has said in another forum that she is the only one who reads and approves submissions, and the number of submissions has increased. I know the approval time has gone from three to as many as six days.

 

[nakdsub]

If I have something going for 3 or 4 chapters...

I try to complete the first and second chapters and almost, or at least have half, of the next chapter done. Then I submit them a week apart.
That gives me time to complete them in a timely fashion.

 

[PennLady]

I try to complete the first and second chapters and almost, or at least have half, of the next chapter done. Then I submit them a week apart.
That gives me time to complete them in a timely fashion.

That's what I was doing, and had done before for a story or two. Still, things don't always work out as one hopes.

 

[Laurel]

We don't have a policy regarding unfinished stories because we know some authors write the next chapter of their stories based on feedback they receive on the previous one. Different writers have different ways of working, and that's cool.

However, while we welcome authors to publish shorter fiction on Literotica while promoting ebooks or other offsite projects on their profile page, out of respect for readers, we would rather not publish partial works as "teasers". If an author submits a partial work, then puts a "see the rest/buy the rest on BlahBlah.com!" on their profile or in the chapter itself, the work will be pulled.

The more readers we have, the better it is for our writers. If the site becomes nothing more than half-finished teasers, readers will go elsewhere and it would not be good for those who read or write.

We can't check all profiles every day, so we rely on readers to let us know when this is happening. If you see such a case, please feel free to bring it to our attention with the REPORT feature.

 

[Laurel]

I'm not sure the number of submissions is declining, or if fewer are getting approved in a day. Laurel has said in another forum that she is the only one who reads and approves submissions, and the number of submissions has increased. I know the approval time has gone from three to as many as six days.

Yeah, sorry about that. Submissions are same as always, but I've fallen behind a bit. Should get caught up over the next few days.

 

[ILienBagby]

More, more and more....

Laurel's first reply on this thread seems to imply (without directly saying it) that DQS's story was pulled because he posted an ad for the continuance of the story at a pay-for site. If this is so, why doesn't Laurel just say so (the name of the pay-for site need not be included in Laurel's post)? The lack of explanation from ANY source, Lit or DQS is really bothersome to this reader and, by the number of posts to this thread, to many many other readers.

 

[PennLady]

Laurel's first reply on this thread seems to imply (without directly saying it) that DQS's story was pulled because he posted an ad for the continuance of the story at a pay-for site. If this is so, why doesn't Laurel just say so (the name of the pay-for site need not be included in Laurel's post)? The lack of explanation from ANY source, Lit or DQS is really bothersome to this reader and, by the number of posts to this thread, to many many other readers.

Laurel may imply that, but it could be that DQS pulled the story himself. If you want to ask her that, you should ask her directly. It's too bad that DQS won't respond, but not much you can do there.

 

[PennLady]

Yeah, sorry about that. Submissions are same as always, but I've fallen behind a bit. Should get caught up over the next few days.

Not complaining, just observing.

 

[Laurel]

Hi Ilien. My reply was directed at the discussion about partially submitted stories to the site, not to any specific case. I replied because an author PMed me asking about the subject, referencing this thread. I posted my answer here as well in the event it could be helpful to other writers.

As far as any specific situation - you'll have to ask the author involved.

Not complaining, just observing.

No worries! Complaints (and observations ) are justified. Will get back on the ball.

 

[bassack]

... If the site becomes nothing more than half-finished teasers, readers will go elsewhere and it would not be good for those who read or write...

I'm with you there; just wondering if that's where we're headed.

I think many of these authors are like some girls I've met. Good, as long as they're free, but in for a surprise when they want to start charging.

 

[PennLady]

I'm with you there; just wondering if that's where we're headed.

I think many of these authors are like some girls I've met. Good, as long as they're free, but in for a surprise when they want to start charging.

I really think most unfinished stories are a result of the author losing interest, or having other things take priority in life. I know it sucks to read a story that doesn't have an ending yet, but I don't think most authors start out that way. I think they intend to finish, but well, things happen.

 

[ILienBagby]

hi Laurel

Thanks for the further message. I guess it clarified a bit, though it didn't really elucidate about DQS's specific case. (I did e mail him through your site and through google....no reply) Thanks anyhow. I'll see what Bing has to offer.....but, damn, it was a very interesting situation he had cooked up in that story!!!!

 

[ILienBagby]

to PennLady

What you say about an author's motive for quitting a story may be true, but it does not justify the quitting. Anyone can, and most do find justification for their actions....no matter what their actions were---read Loving Wives stories to see specifically what I say generally. There is an implied contract between reader and writer. That contract says to me that a writer gives the reader a fair shot at getting pleasure or understanding or just entertainment from a story (all of this is impossible when a story is not finished) (this is also why I object to sloppily written, ungrammatical, stupid homonym use, etc....it implies an author who doesn't care for his reader.) The reader, I believe, owes the writer (if the writer has fulfilled his part of the contract) at least a vote, and, if it might help, a comment. I am sorry to say that I haven't read a story of yours but will do so NOW and leave a comment at the story's close. Thanks for your comments to this thread.
ILienBagby

 

[PennLady]

What you say about an author's motive for quitting a story may be true, but it does not justify the quitting. Anyone can, and most do find justification for their actions....no matter what their actions were---read Loving Wives stories to see specifically what I say generally. There is an implied contract between reader and writer. That contract says to me that a writer gives the reader a fair shot at getting pleasure or understanding or just entertainment from a story (all of this is impossible when a story is not finished) (this is also why I object to sloppily written, ungrammatical, stupid homonym use, etc....it implies an author who doesn't care for his reader.) The reader, I believe, owes the writer (if the writer has fulfilled his part of the contract) at least a vote, and, if it might help, a comment. I am sorry to say that I haven't read a story of yours but will do so NOW and leave a comment at the story's close. Thanks for your comments to this thread.
ILienBagby

An author -- and perhaps I'm biased b/c I am one, although I also read a lot -- doesn't have to have a reason for quitting a story, especially on a free site like this. If an author wants to stop b/c they're bored, well, that's no good for the readers but I can't fault them for it.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you on many points, but as I said, this is a free site, and I don't think the readers or writers owe each other anything. Any feedback, author responses, etc., are really just courtesies, although courtesies that are much appreciated in most cases.

What if an author gets ill and needs to focus energies on getting better? Are they supposed to stress out over a story they aren't getting paid for, that has no deadlines? For myself, I have two kids, one of whom is not quite four and is at home with me most of the time -- let me tell you, that doesn't lend itself to writing a story. And then I also do the grocery shopping and cooking, and most of the cleaning. Earlier this year we had a series of family birthdays in January and February, and I got sick. This is what I mean when I say life just happens and sometimes things just get in the way of writing a story.

Also, sometimes writing the story doesn't go as you plan. I had written chapters 7 and 8 of "Rhythm and the Blue Line," but my beta reader pointed out issues with Ch 7 that took some time to get resolved, and which then required changes in ch 8. Then there were the events above and the Christmas holidays before the birthdays. I wrote about half the story or more, started posting about a week apart, and well -- it didn't work as I'd hoped or planned.

I feel bad that there's such a gap in posting chapters, but I don't think you can be mad at me for that. I'm not a professional writer, and I have other claims on my time.

If you do read a story of mine, I hope you enjoy it and look forward to comments. Please be advised, though, that "Rhythm and the Blue Line" isn't finished, but I am working on it.

 

[soflabbwlvr]

What you say about an author's motive for quitting a story may be true, but it does not justify the quitting. Anyone can, and most do find justification for their actions....no matter what their actions were---read Loving Wives stories to see specifically what I say generally. There is an implied contract between reader and writer. That contract says to me that a writer gives the reader a fair shot at getting pleasure or understanding or just entertainment from a story (all of this is impossible when a story is not finished) (this is also why I object to sloppily written, ungrammatical, stupid homonym use, etc....it implies an author who doesn't care for his reader.) The reader, I believe, owes the writer (if the writer has fulfilled his part of the contract) at least a vote, and, if it might help, a comment. I am sorry to say that I haven't read a story of yours but will do so NOW and leave a comment at the story's close. Thanks for your comments to this thread.
ILienBagby

As an author, I appreciate your enthusiasm for the stories on this site. I have to disagree with your premise, however. There is no implied contract between the reader and the writer such as you described. If that were true, then nearly every author here would have a cause of action against 99% of the readers. The percentage of readers who comment and/or vote is miniscule--less than 3% of all views, and typically less than 1% on any given story.

Complaints by authors regarding the low vote totals and even lower number of comments are found throughout these forums. But as sr71 so often states, the readers owe the authors nothing. If that is true, then the authors likewise owe the readers nothing. Otherwise, we are no more than indentured servants of the readers. There is no "contract"--written, oral or implied--without mutuality of obligation.

I understand your frustration, and I agree with you to an extent. An author should finish a story he has started, and this site should not be used as chum for the purpose of hooking you onto a pay site. On the other hand, life happens. Authors get sick, die, grow, old, or lose interest. It happens in the mainstream, and it happens here. Frank Herbert died before he finished the Dune saga. Robert Jordan died with two novels to go in the Wheel of Time series. David Wingrove was forced by his publisher to change the ending and end the Chung Kuo series prematurely. These authors have millions of readers make piles of money from their audiences.

Different authors have different styles of writing. Some write a story all at once, some parcel it out one chapter at a time. Neither style is wrong. Some stories, such as LC68's opus, consist of over forty chapters. There must be over close to a million words there. I recently saw someone else with over 70 chapters in a story. Is anyone seriously suggesting that these authors should write the entire story before posting a single chapter? What if the story bombed and no one read past chapter 3? Uploading chapters as they are finished gives authors an opportunity to gauge the response to the story and judge whether it is worth their time to continue. It also gives them the opportunity to make changes in their story. If everyone hates the main character because he is a selfish prick, the author can take steps to soften him early on without having to rewrite 95% of the story.

It is unfortunate when an author does not finish a story or fails to do so as quickly as you would like it completed. This place is not our primary responsibility in life. It's not what pays the bills or puts food on the table. For some, it serves as a bridge to other writing they do for remuneration, but for others, it is purely a hobby. And hobbies stop being fun when they become obligatory.

I see that you are an author as well, so I am assuming that you have no unfinished stories in your index, or if you do, that you are working toward completion. I applaud you on your commitment to your readers. However, I would be willing to guess that your readers do not feel as obligated to you as you do to them. Unless your votes and views are equal, they are not returning the love in same proportion.

 

[DanielQSteele1]

Just a few comments to clear the air

This is for the readers on this site, particularly the ones that are really pissed at me and accusing me of mis-treating readers. I had no idea until a few minutes ago that this thread had started on LIT. And I haven't responded to readers emialing becuase i've gotten 250 emials in the last two days...and I haven't had time to get back to individual readers. Here is the truth - the way I see it.

"Ghosts and shadows" is finished. I posted the first four chapters in two segments on LIT, the first of which was approved and the second was I thought on the way to being approved. There will be seven parts altogether. Then the administration pulled the first story.

I did get a note and from LIT and I gathered the problem was that I kept referring to When We Were Married when I introduced new stories to the site. I didn't realize that was such a key, violation of the site's rules, but it is their site and they have the right to require any standardds they see fit.

I would never badmouth the site because it has revitalized my writing career, inroduced me to a lot of readers who have become fans and friends, and gave me a venue to expose my writing to people. And I don't blame them for enforcing any rules they consider proper. It's their site. If this was a publishing company, I'd expect the company to publish things the way they want to. So, no harm, no foul.

Except, I didn't even think and I never think about commenting in this section so I have tons of readers thinking I'm a greedy selfish son of a bitch for tossing out the first part of a story and then pulling it back just for the hell of it.

Know this - I DIDN'T PULL THE STORY. I have reposted both the first and second on LIT with the comments about WWWM removed hoping that would assauge the problems the administration had with it and they woiuld return it to the site.

In the meantime I have posted the first and now second parts of the story on SOL, which I know a alot of other writers have done. Apparently LIT has no problem with writers posting on both sites. Probably in the future I'll do a dual posting on everything I write, because there are separate reading audiences on both sites.

Now, I'm not going to apologize to anybody for taking WWWM in directions I never anticipated. I've been a professional, paid writer in fiction and non-fiction for a long time. I'm going to keep working on WWWM and other projects commercially. But I will keep that activity and the writing I do for LIT strictly separate and wont refer again to WWWM on any stories I post here. People already know how to email me.

But I'm going to continue posting stories on LIT, if they will accept them, because I like writing these type of stories - I think of them as romances for men - sex and emotion which is a good combo. I hope the the administration on LIT will accept my word as good on the fact that i'll keep the commercial and LIT activites separate and I look forward to the entire seven-part "Ghosts" being published here becuase I do love the reader feedback.

 

[brujay]

If I remember correctly, DQS prefaced this latest story by stating it was complete and being submitted. BTW, the SOL site now shows 4 chapters posted, which I believe is the entire story.

I also emailed DQS requesting more information, but he has not responded. I must confess I'm disappointed that the story was pulled as was WWWM. However, I agree with the concept discussed above that an author does not owe the reader anything. There is no contract. DQS is entitled to his reasons for his actions and that includes not necessarily sharing those reasons with his readers. As an avid supporter and reader of his stories, I
I’m not happy about the impact that has on me, but I’ll accept it because I have no choice in the matter.

Please allow me a moment on my soap box:
I have truly enjoyed the great selection of stories on this website and it is a major disappointment that so many talented authors have ceased publishing in the LW category. My un-informed take on their departure is the vicious and personal attacks coming from mostly Anon commentators. I'm all for “Freedom of Speech,” BUT do we really have to put up with the demeaning crap that some of these commentators are spewing? The vitriol and hatred has got to be stopped before this site implodes. Readers and authors on this site are human beings with all the human failings, but no one should be subjected to the raw ugliness of hatred, racism, and homophobia that runs rampant here in the comments section on Literotica. I believe this site has a responsibility to protect the author’s from these vicious unprovoked personal attacks as well as the rest of us from unreasonable mind-numbing dribble that passes as responsible commentary and constructive critiquing.

Thank you.

Brujay

 

[brujay]

DQS - Thanks for the update and the explanations.

 

[sr71plt]

Please allow me a moment on my soap box:
I have truly enjoyed the great selection of stories on this website and it is a major disappointment that so many talented authors have ceased publishing in the LW category. My un-informed take on their departure is the vicious and personal attacks coming from mostly Anon commentators. I'm all for “Freedom of Speech,” BUT do we really have to put up with the demeaning crap that some of these commentators are spewing? The vitriol and hatred has got to be stopped before this site implodes. Readers and authors on this site are human beings with all the human failings, but no one should be subjected to the raw ugliness of hatred, racism, and homophobia that runs rampant here in the comments section on Literotica. I believe this site has a responsibility to protect the author’s from these vicious unprovoked personal attacks as well as the rest of us from unreasonable mind-numbing dribble that passes as responsible commentary and constructive critiquing.

The authors are given the ability to just erase any comment they don't want to have there. If more authors erased the sort of comment you note, the frustration of just being erased would eventually get to the anonymous posters and they'd go to where they can't be erased. No author has to be subjected to any comment they don't like.

 

[pkma]

Especially if they rejected the next couple of chapters.

He continues to post the story on SOL with chapter 3 and 4. I suspect he ran afoul of someones rules here. He is one of the best, I hope we don't loose him here.

 

[lovecraft68]

I was never aware there was a policy about teasers here. Guess you learn something new everyday. Also another reason for an updated faq from the site.

I've seen quite a few authors do this including an extremely big name author that makes me want to report it just to see if the site would do as they say. I however, will not, because first off I was raised to never be a rat and two, I have no issue with an author trying to make a few dollars.

whether it is right or wrong I'll tell you what annoys me (and I will annoy many with this statement) is how flat out fucking cheap many readers here are. This site contains tens of thousands of free stories heaven forbid they pay for anything.

In general if they like an authors work they will heap praise upon them. "Love your work" "Keep writing" "You're an excellent author" all very flattering and I'm sure sincere.

Now try saying that if you want to read the rest it's on smashwords or Amazon or anywhere for the unbelievably steep investment of $2.-4.99 and oh no! Yeah all of a sudden the interest to finish the story wanes.

one of my favorite authors does this all the time and each time I have mortgaged the house to spend that whole $3.99 and finish a good story and show my support for this persons hard work.

In the end being a free site that does not charge the members, nor pay the authors, no one owes anyone anything.

If the authors were paid and did not complete a work I could see a problem, but since we're not what do we owe the reader.

It was nice that DQS came out and explained the situation, but I think it sucked he came here to see himself getting bad mouthed by people who think he had nothing better to do than entertain them.

When you write for free that puts your writing low on the priority list when Real life drama hits. There is an author named Zex Wizard who vanished for awhile and people were all over his shit, come to find out the poor guy had a heart attack.

Penn lady has two young children, they get sick they are her priority, not finishing a story that everyone wants to read for free, but most likely wouldn't fork over $5 for if she had the gall to charge for it.

To the readers, you get your money's worth here every day. Stop griping.

 

[scouries]

huh?????

We don't have a policy regarding unfinished stories because we know some authors write the next chapter of their stories based on feedback they receive on the previous one. Different writers have different ways of working, and that's cool.

However, while we welcome authors to publish shorter fiction on Literotica while promoting ebooks or other offsite projects on their profile page, out of respect for readers, we would rather not publish partial works as "teasers". If an author submits a partial work, then puts a "see the rest/buy the rest on BlahBlah.com!" on their profile or in the chapter itself, the work will be pulled.

The more readers we have, the better it is for our writers. If the site becomes nothing more than half-finished teasers, readers will go elsewhere and it would not be good for those who read or write.

We can't check all profiles every day, so we rely on readers to let us know when this is happening. If you see such a case, please feel free to bring it to our attention with the REPORT feature…

…Hi Ilien. My reply was directed at the discussion about partially submitted stories to the site, not to any specific case. I replied because an author PMed me asking about the subject, referencing this thread. I posted my answer here as well in the event it could be helpful to other writers.

As far as any specific situation - you'll have to ask the author involved.

DQS1 "Ghosts and shadows" is finished. I posted the first four chapters in two segments on LIT, the first of which was approved and the second was I thought on the way to being approved. There will be seven parts altogether. Then the administration pulled the first story.

I did get a note from LIT and I gathered the problem was that I kept referring to When We Were Married when I introduced new stories to the site. I didn't realize that was such a key violation of the site's rules, but it is their site and they have the right to require any standards they see fit.

Know this – I DIDN'T PULL THE STORY. I have reposted both the first and second on LIT with the comments about WWWM removed hoping that would assauge the problems the administration had with it and they would return it to the site.

In the meantime I have posted the first and now second parts of the story on SOL, which I know a lot of other writers have done. Apparently LIT has no problem with writers posting on both sites. Probably in the future I'll do a dual posting on everything I write, because there are separate reading audiences on both sites.

First off I’d like to thank the QUEEN for again addressing a question that had come up. This is the second timely response I’ve seen from her in the last couple of weeks. Which is more than I’d seen in the previous 5 years. Thanks!

After reading her first post she seemed to be saying that she would pull a story if an author put a ‘teaser’ up and invited readers to purchase subsequent chapters elsewhere. While I’d never heard this site rule before I agree 100% with her on this subject. It would ruin the site if that became a regular technique used by authors.

However, after reading her posts and the subsequent one from DSQ1 I’m confused. The author seems to be reporting something completely different. The story that the site “pulled” was not a teaser according to him. It was going to be published in its totality on LITEROTICA. Its crime seems to be (although not having seen the ‘pulled’ story I’m not even sure of this) that it broke another rule I’d never heard of before – you can’t include advertising for another work in a LITEROTICA work.

If true I think it would have been much more informative if the QUEEN had simply admitted in her first post that 1) she had pulled the story in question; and 2) the reason she pulled it (which appears to be for a completely different reason than she used in her post). Was her post disingenuous? It makes little sense that it was intended that way – perhaps simply a miswriting?

I certainly don’t want to discourage her recent decision to interact with us – please continue dear sire. But we are adults, there’s no reason to sugarcoat your replies – I believe we can handle the straight goods. Rule clarity across the board would help both you and your loyal authors.

Certainly an overhaul and revision of the FAQ is long overdue and would be a great first step. ​

As to DSQ1's WWWM story it still seems to be up on LITEROTICA and for those who don't know it let me simply say that it is one of the best stories ever published on the site per the readers of A.I.R.

 

[scouries]

As for the question of a LITEROTICA author’s responsibility to his readers – I must say I fall with ace’s posts # 7, 12 and 16 (and mr/ms bagby) on this one.

In general I do believe that an author should have finished the story in its totality before he starts publishing it. This is in spite of the fact that I myself have been guilty of the opposite (I am trying to rectify my trangressions).

All the arguments - such as I got busy on something else, or I got sick, or birthdays suddenly loomed, or I got tired of the story, become moot if you haven’t already published part of it.

And lovergirls (and tiger womans) defense of authors – saying we have no responsibility to our readers because they haven’t paid anything for the story – is pure balderdash. Of course we do! And even they know it...​