I really did not expect the outpouring of supportive comments from readers and authors on this site.
THANK YOU!
I always assume most of my blog posts reach only a handful because I rarely get feedback. Usually, they are little updates on my writing and occasionally something funny (The continuing adventures of the guy who doesn't read story codes).
However, the troll problem is so universal and has become so toxic that people are generally just exhausted of it.
Some had ideas on how to fix it, some had advice not to feed them by acknowledging them, some commiserated but no one disagreed that they contribute nothing and if the disappeared that nothing of value would be lost.
What really bothers me is the 'vigilante troll'. - Self-appointed defenders of what topics/stories are permitted who insist upon harassing and downvoting authors to discourage them. Being quiet about them hasn't worked to stop them - it's only given them tacit permission to continue.
My message to them is: When you grow old enough to get some hair on your balls, you'll realize everyone has some weird fetish or interest. If people are into something you are not - as long as they aren't hurting anyone, leave them be.
if the story is not for you, just move on.
I've said anything I need to say about that topic.
On to another. AI ART - if you are following this topic (And there is generative AI out there writing stories, making music, etc. too) but AI art is really progressing.
Most of those tools don't permit NSFW output, because they would probably be overwhelmed and they are trying to monetize.
As many of you know, I often add illustration to my stories in the form of little captions. I follow the rules of what is and isn't allowed on the site and I try not to overdo it. I enjoy a quick caption because "a picture is worth a 1000 words".
However, I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, so I try to limit it. HOA: Dolphin shores, I had plenty of illustrations available so I have been doing it more there.
With my new story, "Horny But Not Desperate" I do not plan to include many but I am proud of the picture on chapter one.
I wanted to point out that I did include one illustration I made with AI art. I am particularly proud. It wasn't as simple as just typing what I wanted, but it wasn't anywhere nearly as hard as practicing until I had the talent to actually make something like this the old fashioned way.
https://storiesonline.net/s/30858:274018/chapter-1-horny-but-not-desperate
At the top of the story. I thought I'd share it with you.
AI Art - will disrupt and potentially kill a lot of industries like stock photo companies. Just like the Word processor killed typewriters and liquid paper, there are advances that whether you love them or hate them - are here to stay.
I do not want to debate the intrinsic value of it in our society, just wanted to share a cool byproduct of the technology.