readinating?

[SageRock]

What makes people read the stories others post? What attracts you guys to the stories at first? Is it a good title, or an obvious anime influence, or what? And also, are most of you drawn to more nonstop dramatic stories?

[EireWolf]

This is a very good question. I'll be honest; I don't read most of the stuff here. I just don't have time. But there are a couple of CAA authors I look for regularly.

Usually I'll read the first paragraph or page, and see if I like the style. If I like the style, I'll usually read on. If there are a bunch of grammatical and spelling errors in it, I won't. It drives me crazy. (I'm an editor at heart.)

Of course, an intriguing title helps. If it sounds interesting, I'll peek at it.

If I'm not interested in the subject matter, I won't read very far even if the style is good. I guess I'm not so drawn to nonstop drama, because I have to get to know the characters if I'm going to care about what happens to them... and if I don't care about the characters I'm not hooked into the story. (I'm guessing that by "drama" you meant "action.")

[true_noir_chloe]

I totally agree with EireWolf. I don't think I can add much to her comments, because I usually look for the same stuff. However, when one of the kids here pm me and ask me to personally read their stuff, I will always look at it.

[SageRock]

I'm actually the very same way! Eirewolf, by drama I didn't quite mean action (though in a lot of stuff, drama quickly leads to action!), but the almost too steriotypical (not necessarily a bad thing) everything any character says is long and wordy, lots of "He killed my brother's dog's best friend's master's college roomate's computer technician! I must avenge him!" Of course that's an exageration, but personally I go for more drawn out stuff (which doesn't go well with my quick skimming). Dang, I've got to go, but will continue this laaateeerrr.