My Experience Writing on Vocal Media

I have been a Vocal Media member since 2020. I look at this platform as a place to practice, grow my self-confidence, and connect with other writers. I've often struggled with whether my contributions here were worth it, if people really read my work, or if I was simply writing into a void. I think you should stay on as a Vocal Plus member. If it helps, my finances are currently subpar as I am awaiting the start of a new job while still battling the legal system for my lost wages from Marriott in 2025 after my accident. I allow myself this little treat, however, because writing means the world to me. I have much to say, and whether or not many people read/engage with my work, I know that the support I do get here means the world to me. You have a lot to say, too, Aarsh. I hope my words help a little.

I think of it as practicing in public. I am not a trained writer, I like the challenges because they get me thinking. In 2025 I took a challenge entry from 2023 and started rewriting it. After getting a critique and some other feedback from other authors (outside of Vocal) I finally submitted it to an agent this week. So- I haven’t won anything from it except a $5 Top Story, I’ve spent weeks working on it, but if not for the challenge, I never would have thought to write anything like it. And if your first try doesn’t hit, try another one. And get used to rejection. I have another book that has racked up 9 rejections so far. Keep doing what you are doing, be yourself, promote your stories/poems on Vocal social media sites or LinkedIn. It’s true about the hearts and reads- they never add up. A win or place or top story helps a lot…

I am here on Vocal to learn to be a better writer. I said as long as I can make the dues, I'm okay with being here. I make the dues. I don't make anything from reads, except from the ones who give me the top story. So I go about my business of writing daily, and reading everyone who reads my writing. You are already a good writer. You could easily get paid to write for someone or publish. I'm writing a book to be published now. I really don't expect to make money on that either, however, I need to start somewhere right? I love reading your poetry and stories!😊💗💕

I think it takes time to grow everywhere. I also noticed that others are on and off the site, which affects reads and likes. Though it's weird that you have more likes than reads. I experienced that on Medium. I think it's because some people fish for attention, like hearting the story without actually reading it, so it doesn't count but you get the notification. I think write as much as you want and the way that makes you the happiest. I have periods when I only write poetry, or short stories, other times I want to write about travels and food. And certain times just winter and let everything sink to the bottom so I can stir it up again. I figured the more I please my self, the better it is.

It does take time here to build some consistency. I have discrepancies at times too, and I have always understood it as a difference between how much time it actually takes to read something versus the estimated read time. I could be wrong, though. Did you see any improvements in the gap between your stats on this story?

I vote you keep writing as long as you have something to say because you’re really good at it ♥️ where you post and to whom is lucky to have you

First lovely I am not Vocal plus due to money, you do not need to not yet. Often timing here as Tiffany has said lovely. Keep going and pay attention as much as possible to your read, feel proud of yourself what you have put up. Wait for vocal plus when you have the money there is no rush trust me on that as someone who is also not vocal plus yet. I do not really look at my stacks due to this exact reason because it can get you down as a writer. Just keep writing and going you have got this. I have read some of your work and it touches me. Sometimes people don't actually read untill two months after you publish a piece some times longer and that is okay 💜 you have got this 💜

Being seen can be a hit or miss. It is often a timing thing. Just write what comes naturally and from the heart and the people who are meant to read your work will gravitate to it. Also, some of the hearts to reads stats were broken for the longest (we're talking years lol) that I stopped paying attention to them! lol I appreciate your wonderful work and thoughtful comments. Please do continue to write! ☺️

I think the overall design of Vocal tells a story itself. I believe it's basically a site for writers, not so much, readers. So, the vast majority of readers on here are also writers. I'm not sure if someone searches a basic story title on google and what the likelihood of a vocal story being part of that search is. Vocal+ has a few perks but the challenges, as you know, is the draw for that. Most Vocal+ members are here for that only. They don't care if others are reading their work, as long as the judges are. Then there are silent readers: People who read and don't like or comment. I never understood this. I mean, if you're going to take the time to read, at least acknowledge. At the same time, they are probably used to not interacting. They are not going to write to a publication to let them know they enjoyed a certain story they read inside of it. So, their same routine may apply to sites they read stories on. I don't know but do know you should keep writing. If it's in your blood, it means the itch isn't going away anytime soon. Thank you so much for voicing your thoughts.

Aarsh, thank you for being brave and vulnerable to share your inner thoughts. Truth is, you're not alone in these feelings. I think we've all asked ourselves these same questions. My hope is that you'll keep writing and follow the path that fits best for you. ☺️

There is definitely a difference between scrolling and casting a like, and actually sharing with others. Thinking of Instagram here. As to vocal, I am with you on not paying for + as if I need more frills. My own writing, your writing, all of us writing, must stand up to peer scrutiny on its own merits.

WOW

If it helps in understanding the Vocal stats that I've added to with my read, there was a couple of days delay in me "hearting" and commenting because I needed the time to do it properly. First, your writing is stellar quality in general, and I thoroughly enjoy reading your work. We're ALL improving and developing, but PLEASE don't EVER stop writing! You have a perspective that delves between cracks and crevices and heals a reader just by being. Second, do factor in the reality that we live in the age of "skim reading" where people are in a hurry to get to the end and move on to the next something or other. Minds evolved and are now accustomed to NOT slowing down (not all, but many.) Digital formats don't help much. Our brains read differently in terms of patterns on a screen than on actual paper. Screens tend to channel focus into an 'F' or 'E' template of reading from left to right across the lines of text. Biology says we weren't meant to read on screens, but in the coming decades, with inevitable adaptation, I don't want to be around to see what people's eyes will look like as a result. And lastly, keep doing whatcha doing by breaking up the online text into bite-sized reading chunks. Insert media and other embeds to aid those "brakes" for the mind of the reader. But know this: Those who truly want to absorb your words will discipline themselves to slow down. Read multiple times, even. I know I do. Glad you're here, Aarsh!

Beautifully written Aarsh. This piece definitely spoke to my soul and all my doubts I've experienced over my years on Vocal. I've been on the platform for four years, I think. Last month I broke even financially from what I've invested in Vocal+ and then this month I have well exceeded it. Up until that point I felt the investment was worth it in the same way college tuition is worth it. I've honed my skills, pushed my limits, and received validation that I have actual talent. Vocal+ was investment in my craft. I was overjoyed when I finally saw financial gain from it. But if I hadn't, I would still be here because what I get from my "tuition" cannot be measured financially. That being said, I had many discouraging moments on Vocal. I have some early pieces that never got a single read. I've published some that I felt deep pride in only to see them completely overlooked. It is a rollercoaster. But it is one that is worth the cost of entry. I've been meaning to read your work for some time, but I think this is one of the first pieces I've read. So far, I see an eloquent writing style with a lot of promise. I will be back to read more and I'll do my best to leave you meaningful feedback.

Welcome back. I was on Medium for years, they revoked me many times. I left. Thank you for your support. I am disabled and this helps me. HUGS

your talent is worth your investment in any way that feels accessible or right to you. i'm sorry it has taken me so long to find your work. you model a heartfelt clarity i strive for and can learn from. thank you for being here in whatever capacity you have.

I have noticed the same thing in my stats. Some stories have more likes than reads. I like Vocal + because I enter all the challenges. I've placed runner-up and honorable mention in some, so I have won some of my money back as well. The challenges have also made me step out of my comfort zone, I didn't write fiction before I joined Vocal and now I've placed in some fiction challenges. Don't stop writing on Vocal! You do one of the most important things, and that's supporting others by reading and commenting on their work.

"Numbers don’t define worth." Absolutely true, my friend. I've had to step away from looking at those numbers. I used to post a piece and check religiously for days and feel so discouraged when it wouldn't get any play. I'm glad you're here and keep doing what you're doing, Aarsh

I don’t have any answers to those questions, but I’ve asked myself the first one like a dozen times. I actually stopped looking at my stats because I noticed the same thing on my writing— and somebody explained it to me as vocal tracking time spent on the page to determine whether a thing was read. So fast readers who don’t comment won’t spend the minimum time necessary to track as a read. In a way, I think likes and comments rather than vocal’s read count are actually better metrics for whether your work resonated with readers. Also, I think of all the stories I’ve written (hundreds) and all the reads I’ve accumulated over the years I’ve probably only made around 5 dollars on actual read pay outs. I just don’t see any return in terms of money, on reads. The investment value in vocal+ (in terms of money) comes from being allowed to submit stories to their themed contests. I’ve been lucky enough to win more money on contest placement than I’ve spent on vocal + memberships, but the simple truth is there are plenty of free writing contests available if you go looking, and many pay better than vocal. All that being said, if i were to track the money I’ve made on vocal, subtract the membership fee, and divide by the number of hours I’ve spent writing here, I’m absolutely certain my hourly rate would be far lower than what I make in my actual job as a low level laborer for the county parks dept, so in terms of monetary investment there’s not much to be said in favor of a vocal + membership, at least in my experience. But I get a lot of value out of writing here beyond the financial stuff, I think the challenges are uniquely engaging and they push me to learn and practice new writing techniques. I also think the community of writers here can be very encouraging, and insightful. And while I’m not swimming in reads I find a lot of personal value in knowing that something I’ve written has resonated with somebody— for me the quantity of reads doesn’t really matter if I know I’ve managed to create some art that connected with at least one person. That’s a good feeling, and it’s definitely one you can achieve on vocal, even without a plus membership… but it can also be found off vocal, anywhere you can share your writing really. So I still can’t answer your questions but that’s my experience and maybe some of it can be helpful. As for your writing, I appreciate the stuff I’ve read of yours, I feel your command of the craft is too notch, your writing is especially clear and direct which I admire, and you seem to share thoughtful insights which are thought provoking and worthwhile. So definitely you should keep writing, and i personally hope to see more from you here on this site, but whether it’s worth it to you in terms of investment is really up to you.

It's a slippery slope Aarsh. When I first joined, I read a lot of stories, wrote a lot of stories that had 0 reads. But I was undaunted,. I kept writing until I got my first Top Story. The i got a bit of recognition. Reads started coming in. I found that in reading other creator's work, I was learning. I kept on learning and got better at writing. I have grown a lot personally, by doing research for stories I learned many new things. Things have changed...people have moved on - reads are drastically down, likes are up a lot. Likes annoy me tremendously, i don't do likes only, it feels like an insult to a creators hard work of creating a poem or story. Poetry is my strong point, stories not so much. Find your strong point and hone it, while experimenting in other areas.

Those of us who read quickly(I’m roughly at a 1:4 time read), it doesn’t take but two or three minutes to read an eight-minute piece, and without staying to comment, I’m not on the page long enough for my read to count.