There are a lot of web comics that aren't really serial in nature. Penny Arcade doesn't tell a broad story that seems to be heading toward an end, for instance. Those are the only type I read, when I read web comics at all. And even so, web fiction is a much bigger emotional investment for me than web comics.
I'm not alone in this--I've had people tell me they avoid reading web fiction unless the author has a track record of finishing projects. (Web fiction writers, be aware! Readers do notice!)
So, yes, it's a risk. But my entertainment time is limited, and I don't want to invest time in something that gets discarded.
I suppose I could find some of the serials that are already finished, though. :)
For my own part, I won't be posting something again that isn't at least mostly finished when I start. I do take my readers' time seriously, and am not happy I couldn't finish WR.
Anyone looking for something to review that is guaranteed to finish can take comfort in the knowledge that the last chapter of Pay Me, Bug! goes up October 19. ;-)
You're just crazy excited about that, aren't you ubersoft?
When I first joined here, I went on a reviewing binge. Then, unfortunately, I got busy doing other things (writing being chief among them, since I'm prepping some science fiction work for e-publication sometime this fall). It's nice to get back to reading, though.
There being no definitive end, or the story just being abandoned is a risk in any form of serial fiction, including traditionally published novels, films, TV series, video games; anything really. Despite this i still find serially told stories the kind that engage me most and it's the reason I wanted to write an ongoing series in that timeframe. I don't have an endpoint in sight at the moment and I don't know 100% that I'll reach one, but - as a writer - it's the journey that matters and I hope, for some readers at least, they'll respect that and enjoy what there is as it's there. I hope I can keep on at it and that one day I reach a satisfying conclusion, but I don't see Shadow as a novel-in-progress so much as I see it as an ongoing series, like a TV show, which may one day come to an end.
When it comes to reviewing, or comitting myself to reading a serial, I take it as I find it. If one day it just stops coming, then I'll be sad, but it's a risk of the medium and I wouldn't miss out on serial stories for the world.
Waiting for wine to compile is proving to be an excellent time to read and review webfiction. If I have to do this too many more times I just might catch up to Gavin.
Hmmm. Gonna have to set aside some time for reading this week I guess! I used to try to write one review a month...sometimes more. Lately though I've gotten side tracked.
And thanks Chris! Just noticed a few minutes ago that my story was added! I appreciated it!
Responses
Posted 6 years ago
Well I suppose that's always a risk. But really, it is for comics, too, or any other kind of art.
A Rake by Starlight (Updating)
Posted 6 years ago
There are a lot of web comics that aren't really serial in nature. Penny Arcade doesn't tell a broad story that seems to be heading toward an end, for instance. Those are the only type I read, when I read web comics at all. And even so, web fiction is a much bigger emotional investment for me than web comics.
I'm not alone in this--I've had people tell me they avoid reading web fiction unless the author has a track record of finishing projects. (Web fiction writers, be aware! Readers do notice!)
So, yes, it's a risk. But my entertainment time is limited, and I don't want to invest time in something that gets discarded.
I suppose I could find some of the serials that are already finished, though. :)
Livejournal: http://haikujaguar.livejournal.com
Posted 6 years ago
For my own part, I won't be posting something again that isn't at least mostly finished when I start. I do take my readers' time seriously, and am not happy I couldn't finish WR.
Posted 6 years ago
Anyone looking for something to review that is guaranteed to finish can take comfort in the knowledge that the last chapter of Pay Me, Bug! goes up October 19. ;-)
A Rake by Starlight (Updating)
Posted 6 years ago
You're just crazy excited about that, aren't you ubersoft?
When I first joined here, I went on a reviewing binge. Then, unfortunately, I got busy doing other things (writing being chief among them, since I'm prepping some science fiction work for e-publication sometime this fall). It's nice to get back to reading, though.
Serial #2 @ http://www.embklitzke.com/e557
Posted 6 years ago
I confess I'm pretty stoked I actually finished it. But mostly I was just being a smartass. :D
A Rake by Starlight (Updating)
Posted 6 years ago
There being no definitive end, or the story just being abandoned is a risk in any form of serial fiction, including traditionally published novels, films, TV series, video games; anything really. Despite this i still find serially told stories the kind that engage me most and it's the reason I wanted to write an ongoing series in that timeframe. I don't have an endpoint in sight at the moment and I don't know 100% that I'll reach one, but - as a writer - it's the journey that matters and I hope, for some readers at least, they'll respect that and enjoy what there is as it's there. I hope I can keep on at it and that one day I reach a satisfying conclusion, but I don't see Shadow as a novel-in-progress so much as I see it as an ongoing series, like a TV show, which may one day come to an end.
When it comes to reviewing, or comitting myself to reading a serial, I take it as I find it. If one day it just stops coming, then I'll be sad, but it's a risk of the medium and I wouldn't miss out on serial stories for the world.
http://shadowsodes.blogspot.com
Posted 6 years ago
Waiting for wine to compile is proving to be an excellent time to read and review webfiction. If I have to do this too many more times I just might catch up to Gavin.
Not that it's a competition.
...
A Rake by Starlight (Updating)
Posted 6 years ago
Is there a prize beyond the satisfaction of contributing to the community?
Posted 6 years ago
Bragging rights!
A Rake by Starlight (Updating)
Posted 6 years ago
Awesome job with the reviews, everyone! I'm so impressed.
Among the mediocre and abandoned stuff, some real gems are coming to light.
Posted 6 years ago
Hmmm. Gonna have to set aside some time for reading this week I guess! I used to try to write one review a month...sometimes more. Lately though I've gotten side tracked.
And thanks Chris! Just noticed a few minutes ago that my story was added! I appreciated it!
Posted 6 years ago
Same, i've been itching to read some new things, I'll take a look through and read some.
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