Love what you're doing here, and the ambassador program sounds cool, but I wonder if it wouldn't be good to mirror to some degree how the 'top in -' listing actually works? Mind you, I have no idea. Most likes, comments, shares? Or is it more like the NYT bestsellers list and there is some editorial input in there too?
When you ask “how it works” do you mean the selection process each week? I speak a bit about how TiF works in my personal Substack. I chose to do it there because I’m trying to keep TiF as much fiction forward as possible. The process for the ambassador to select stories would be not different than my own. A mostly random selection. I have considered the pros and cons of making the list cater more towards the “popular” stories each week. Meaning the selection process is based purely on the number of likes and comments (positive or negative) they receive. There are a few obvious and not so obvious flaws with this option. For now, I like keeping the list random. It allows for smaller Substacks and a new list of writers week to week. I am always open to new ideas and avenues to take TiF into that will keep the mission alive and thriving, which is to be fiction forward, fiction only, fiction always.
I was talking about the official Substack lists. Not sure how they work it out or if it's pure metrics, which could be problematic, as you say. As a small starter, I certainly appreciate your openness to highlight some less "popular" works each week, and I'm finding it a handy discovery guide!
The issue with Substacks Top in is its lack of Fiction in the list. That is to say, while the stories listed are 100% not fiction in any way, Substack is merely showing those that are popular but also happen to list “fiction” as a category. Some of them do write fiction but it’s their non-fiction work that ends up featured. This Substack is a direct result of that frustration that all of us fiction users of the platform have. It’s not as easy a fix for Substack to do and to their argument, their discovery tool isn’t the main resource for growth within the user base so it’s not a priority to fix. They are focusing on their other features, such as recommendations, that are responsible for way more growth. And I’m okay with that. TiF can pick up the slack and share some amazing fiction along the way, hopefully doing our own little part to facilitate growth as well.
Thank you for sharing your work with us! We see you in the fiction community and are so glad you’re here. We look forward to seeing and reading more of your work.
A last minute decision on my part. Up until this issue I’ve kept the number at 15 for the list but your story was just too good so I made an exception to my own rule and made this week’s issue 16 featured! Well deserved. Thanks for trusting us with your story!
Cool idea!
Love what you're doing here, and the ambassador program sounds cool, but I wonder if it wouldn't be good to mirror to some degree how the 'top in -' listing actually works? Mind you, I have no idea. Most likes, comments, shares? Or is it more like the NYT bestsellers list and there is some editorial input in there too?
When you ask “how it works” do you mean the selection process each week? I speak a bit about how TiF works in my personal Substack. I chose to do it there because I’m trying to keep TiF as much fiction forward as possible. The process for the ambassador to select stories would be not different than my own. A mostly random selection. I have considered the pros and cons of making the list cater more towards the “popular” stories each week. Meaning the selection process is based purely on the number of likes and comments (positive or negative) they receive. There are a few obvious and not so obvious flaws with this option. For now, I like keeping the list random. It allows for smaller Substacks and a new list of writers week to week. I am always open to new ideas and avenues to take TiF into that will keep the mission alive and thriving, which is to be fiction forward, fiction only, fiction always.
I was talking about the official Substack lists. Not sure how they work it out or if it's pure metrics, which could be problematic, as you say. As a small starter, I certainly appreciate your openness to highlight some less "popular" works each week, and I'm finding it a handy discovery guide!
The issue with Substacks Top in is its lack of Fiction in the list. That is to say, while the stories listed are 100% not fiction in any way, Substack is merely showing those that are popular but also happen to list “fiction” as a category. Some of them do write fiction but it’s their non-fiction work that ends up featured. This Substack is a direct result of that frustration that all of us fiction users of the platform have. It’s not as easy a fix for Substack to do and to their argument, their discovery tool isn’t the main resource for growth within the user base so it’s not a priority to fix. They are focusing on their other features, such as recommendations, that are responsible for way more growth. And I’m okay with that. TiF can pick up the slack and share some amazing fiction along the way, hopefully doing our own little part to facilitate growth as well.
I really wanted to make this list! I’m delighted to be “honorable”! Thanks so much Erica!
Thank you for sharing your work with us! We see you in the fiction community and are so glad you’re here. We look forward to seeing and reading more of your work.
I really appreciate being included. Thanks Erica!
Thank you so much, Erica! I’m honored to be included!
I’m honored to have your storytelling abilities out there. I’m just glad to be able to share it as much as possible with as many people as possible.
Thank you, Erica! ❤️
Truly honored to be included in TIF! Thank you so much!
A last minute decision on my part. Up until this issue I’ve kept the number at 15 for the list but your story was just too good so I made an exception to my own rule and made this week’s issue 16 featured! Well deserved. Thanks for trusting us with your story!
Thanks very much Erica 🙏
Thank you so much for including my Uprooted series! 😊
Thank you so much for including my story ‘Glass Heart’!
Thank you so much for the mention!! 🙏🏾
Hi, Erica! What a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much for the mention.🥰
I'm thrilled to be included! Thank you.
Thank you so much for the honorable mention! I am honored!
Thank you for including me, Erica.