I've read several stories recently that I thought were very good. I got to the end only to find a "to be continued". There was nothing in the title that indicated that the story was going to be posted in multiple parts. I think that is rude (but that is okay, you can think it differently). I sell books for a living, and I've also been published professionally, but I keep this a secret. I don't want to create a conflict of interest between my two jobs (shhh). Of course these two points don't make my opinions any better or worse than anyone else's. I just wanted to let you know that my existence revolves around reading and writing, etc. So, don't be offended.
I don't find it comfortable to read a book on a computer screen, so I typically skip the ones that appear extremely long (but, that is okay, you don't have to). I thought this format was to provide feedback, and I have posted several stories to the archive over the past six years or so (under different names, too, sorry, but I have found that readers expect a certain type of story and when you want to move away from that style they get disappointed, so i've written them under different names). I've gotten positive and negative feedback, and I still write. You should, too.
I would still like to emphasize to an author that if you have a strong plot, you weaken it if you stick a "to be continued" at the bottom and the current story isn't complete (and everyone is welcome to have a different opinion). The story written at one time, might (not always) be more successful and pack a stronger punch. It is just a suggestion, and it is sent with goodwill and love.
I wish people would get as excited over my story posts as they have over my "multiple parts" post.
Thanks to everyone who had an opinion whether it agreed with mine or not. Stand up and say what you feel, but you really shouldn't curse someone out. It's just rude.
Love and peace to you all. Keep writing and keep reading. (And, please feel free to hack this response up any way you please to satisfy your own insecurity -- see, I'm not bitter.)
P.S. Did I overuse the laughing face icon?
