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wrapping my head around "much sex" vs "stroke story"

sublock ๐Ÿšซ
Updated:

I'm pretty sure this topic has been bandied about to death but I figure authors with multiple stories have at least some sense of how the Sex Quantity Rankings affect readership.

From poking around it looks like having more than one sex scene per chapter and/or having a plot that very clearly is there only to move things from one sex scene to the next is one of the more agreed-upon "stroke story" qualifications.

The old Greenfield and porno novels of the 60s through the 80s remind me of that (many of which have been preserved here). I have fond memories of enjoying them, but for the most part they were all instantly forgettable, no matter how transgressive they tried to be.

I think StoriesOnline has probably solidified its reputation as attracting a certain amount of literary quality in its published erotica thanks to at least a reasonably committed reader community, but the author's version of "how little do I care about this plot" maybe resulting in a smidge of downscoring by a discerning audience (a good thing, if we want that quality) makes me worry that my Stroke Story may get disregarded by the kind of erotica fans I'm hoping to satisfy.

But I'm probably overthinking it, right?

Switch Blayde ๐Ÿšซ

@sublock

You will not get consensus on what determines the "sex content" of a story.

But what are you asking?

sublock ๐Ÿšซ

@sublock

God all that and i didn't really have a clear question, whoops.

Basically, how much does it feel like people disregard the Stroke Story category because they want more literary porn?

How much does that make authors try to elevate their plots?

Anyone else feeling that concern/pressure to tone down their sex?

And lastly โ€” and I think I know the answer to this, haha โ€” am I overthinking this stuff?

awnlee jawking ๐Ÿšซ

@sublock

Basically, how much does it feel like people disregard the Stroke Story category because they want more literary porn?

I think you'll find that stroke + plot attracts more readers and earns higher scores than pure stroke. But neither will buy you a cup of coffee :-(

AJ

Replies:   Switch Blayde
Switch Blayde ๐Ÿšซ

@awnlee jawking

stroke + plot

To me, that's "much sex."

awnlee jawking ๐Ÿšซ

@Switch Blayde

stroke + plot

To me, that's "much sex."

I guessed that's what @sublock meant by 'literary porn'.

AJ

Bondi Beach ๐Ÿšซ

@Switch Blayde

Current site definitions:

Stroke Story: Story is mostly sex.
Much Sex: Story contains plenty of sex.

My memory is it used to be plainer. Stroke was all or mostly sex. Much sex was sex with a plot.

~ JBB

Replies:   Switch Blayde
Switch Blayde ๐Ÿšซ

@Bondi Beach

My memory is it used to be plainer. Stroke was all or mostly sex. Much sex was sex with a plot.

Actually, my memory says that stroke used to be "no plot".

Switch Blayde ๐Ÿšซ

@sublock

Basically, how much does it feel like people disregard the Stroke Story category because they want more literary porn?

I can only speak for me. Every reader will have a different opinion.

If they're looking for a story they would likely disregard a stroke story. Because, basically, a stroke story isn't a story (as in plot/character). Now a reader looking for just good sex for simply the sex would lean toward a story labeled as stroke.

I never feel like I need to tone down my sex. If it's called for, I put it in. And I use my "show don't tell" logic to either show it (graphic detail) or tell it (mention it because it's not important enough to show it or it's simply another of the same that I already showed).

No, you are not overthinking it.

Vincent Berg ๐Ÿšซ

@sublock

Well, there is some consensus. In general, "stoke" is short for 'stroke material', thus it's purely about the sex (getting off), while "much sex" has some but varying degrees of actual plot (i.e. it's generally more about the character than continually tossing in yet one more girl to hump).

So any lack of consensus lies in where that precise balance lies (plot/porn ratio).

Marius-6 ๐Ÿšซ
Updated:

@sublock

If an entry is Tagged: Stroke, but it doesn't have sex in the first three paragraphs; it is likely to annoy those who picked it based on the Stroke Tag.

Tagged: Much Sex, most people expect there to be sex in every chapter, perhaps several sex scenes per chapter. If you include the Tag: Slow, a story might have the first several chapters with no sex; but probably building some sexual tension. In a story Tagged: Much Sex, it could be possible to not have sex in some chapters, if the writer is building sexual tension, or something similar. Such as the characters going out for a romantic dinner; or the characters going out somewhere that there are consequences for having sex that they are unwilling to face, or get caught before they can consumate.

If I were to open an entry Tagged: Stroke, I would not be surprised to see sex in the first paragraph. Perhaps there is a knock at the door, or the doorbell rings; there is the babysitter, callgirl, gigolo, pizza delivery guy/gal, plumber, landlord, etc. Perhaps the person who opened the door, cannot afford to 'have their pipes cleaned' or the pizza, or whatever... SEX.

Perhaps the last paragraph states that they are lovers, and were just acting out a fantasy, or they are filming a porn scene... Any more 'plot' than that and it's not a 'Stroke Story'

It is possible to have a well written Stroke story. Perhaps the protagonist is describing being at a club, searching for a sex partner. A paragraph or two could set the mood: an upscale nightclub, a Rave, a dive bar, a high school reunion, etc. Describe the desired partner, perhaps a seduction scene; or describe the dancing and/or flirtation in a manner that builds the sexual expectations.

Time is a factor. Most readers of a Stroke story don't expect many paragraphs to be lacking sex. Foreplay, even 'mere' caressing, or detailing the removing of each article of clothing, interspersed with kissing, etc. could be part of a Stroke story. However, most extraneous details are omitted. So, you might detail some interactions (flirting, dancing, etc.) at the club; but if they leave the club, unless there is a scene of roadhead, etc.; it is just: We left the club, and as soon as we were through the door of my apartment... perhaps they get as far as the bedroom, before the sex begins/continues.

In a Stroke entry, no one should expect a plot. Presume that every character mentioned will be engaging in sex; unless they are a Cuckold, Voyer, etc. or mere 'decoration' such as the bouncer, the doorman, the taxi driver, the waiter/waitress, who is probably not named.

In a Stroke entry, there need not be any plausible reason for anyone/everyone having sex. Grandpa, a police officer, a random person in a park, a burglar, Santa Clause, POTUS, the neighbors, wizard, depending on the Tags, animals, dolls, aliens, monsters, or tentacles!

Most often a Stroke entry will be short. Perhaps you might have several chapters, such as describing an orgy from the perspective of multiple partners, each with their own chapter, or some other situation.

(Edited to change the word 'chapter' to the word Paragraph; twice.)

Replies:   Switch Blayde  sublock
Switch Blayde ๐Ÿšซ

@Marius-6

Most often a Stroke entry will be short.

I would expect that too. So my curious self did a Category Search selecting the tag of -2nd POV (just to select one tag), stroke, and a size beginning at 1,000.

The first stroke story that came up has 231,436 words.

If that is truly a stroke story, it should come with hand cream for the reader's safety.

BTW, there are 17 stroke stories larger than 1,000 KB (although 9 are from the same author).

Replies:   sublock
sublock ๐Ÿšซ

@Switch Blayde

My stroke story is approaching novel length. Wondering if that's enough to shift it down to "Much Sex"? I asked my readers in a blog post, interested to see what they say.

sublock ๐Ÿšซ

@Marius-6

Super appreciate the detailed response here, thanks.

irvmull ๐Ÿšซ

@sublock

I suspect readers that are attracted by a "stroke" story would just be annoyed and complain if there is a plot to get in the way.

irvmull ๐Ÿšซ

@sublock

I suspect readers that are attracted by a "stroke" story would just be annoyed and complain if there is a plot to get in the way.

Replies:   sublock
sublock ๐Ÿšซ

@irvmull

Perhaps!

As an author, there's a small compulsion there to see if what plot I am using to get to the next scene can pull at the heart strings enough to โ€” I don't know โ€” stretch a horny reader's indulgence towards some character development and intrigue? A silly thing, but it's there.

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