As most of you may or may not know, I've been running and writing online novels since August 26th of this year. So far, I've had close to 2000 hits in 4 months. That is an average of about 500 hits a month. Its because of my work that I've recently been recognized as a professional writer. However, a question arises. Would you take the time out of your day to read an online novel as the writer progresses through the chapters? Or do you prefer the traditional book? What are your thoughts?

Personally what I tend to find with online novels is I forget after I finish whatever chapters are published. For instance, if they have 1-3 up, I'll read them and totally forget about reading them again until I find them maybe a year down the road. However, the flip side is that it's great for people that read slower. Rock and a hard place I guess.

If an online novel is regularly written, and most importantly well-written enough to be compelling, then yes, I can definitely see myself following one. It's not at all unlike serialised novellas that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But in my opinion you have to commit to a schedule (One chapter each week, two chapters a month, etc) for it to be successful. Most people aren't willing to read 'whenever the author finishes it', in my utterly uninformed opinion. It's also a great way to keep you writing until until you're finished - And then you can go for a more traditional venue of publication.

I think I'd rather read an entire book, because if it was weekly, we'd have what webcomics have: hordes of fans posting on messageboards and emailing the author, "OMG It's 12:01 and YOU HAVEN'T POSTED AN UPDATE!"

I've already had a few people e-mail me, asking me to hurry up and post chapter 4 on Street Shadows. Though, one of the e-mails was a mother who was angry her son got ahold of one of my books. She said, and I quote, "...should be ashamed at such horrible literature. You should be sued for what you're putting on the internet..." She was mad about the word F*** as well as a few sexual scenes I had written into the story. I politely told her I had warning pages up and any legal actions were denounced when they came into the warning page and clicked the "continue to the novel" link.

I agree though. A good schedule would keep readers coming back for more.

Perhaps you should refer her to www.labradorslikeitupthebottom.com and let her redirect her anger in a more positive direction.

I didn't realise you had been posting online novels, what is the link?

I agree that a schedule for posting is very important. One problem I have with online novels (all intense online reading, really) is that computer screens slow down the rate at which we can read, which is frustrating, and they cause my eyes to strain, which hurts.

I'd read an online novel if it manages to captivate my interest. Aside from regular updates the layout of the page you're reading is important too. Proper formatting like in a real book, a correct font (some are better for long text than others) and fontsize, and a clear background.

To notify readers from updates you could work with an RSS feed they can put into their favourite feed reader. Will make it easier for them as well to keep track if they are for example using this for different novels.

I'd prefer a print novel to an online novel in most cases, mostly because it's eye-straining to read the computer screen for a long time. If you do do an online novel, make sure to use a big and easy-to-read font with no bright colors or anything.

Or, just provide a print version. Either a PDF or a plain black-on-white page with standard fonts and no fancy navigation artifacts in sight.

RSS Feed? I'll have a look into it. I've honestly never heard of it.



The link is the black and pink banner on my signature. It'll take you to my professional web page, where you can find the novels under "About me" link located below the ice-cube looking picture on the far left hand side.

So far, I've had 81 hits just today, with people still using the old guest book I had up with comments such as, to quote someone above who posted earlier, "OMFG POST MORE!"

Of all the Yule/Christmas presents, that was the best one ever.

As a matter of personal habit, I don't read online novels, e-books from the library, or any of their kin. I don't go to the computer for passive entertainment. I've made an effort to look at online stuff, but there're just too many other distractions online. Interactive things just have a stronger pull when they're right there. I do love to read, though. I'm going to curl up with my old friend Unamuno here in a second.

Hard copy for so many reasons.

-Comfort, easier to take a book anywhere you like resting rather than a computer screen, laptop or not.
-Travel viability, can take it on the go.
-Fulfillment, can read it as you like and if you get into the book you can finish it in one sitting.
-More subtle reasons, a hard copy stimulates your senses; The texture of the book, the smell of the ink covered pages, the forcing open of a stiff binding, and the like.