Cang's Ramblings

Chapter 740 736. Comment on the way out of online literature
Hello everyone, I am Cang Yiwei.

Today we will not talk about specific books, but about the future of online literature.

This topic is too broad, so I would like to focus on the monthly ticket list.

Maybe everyone can understand better.

I don’t remember when the monthly ticket rankings were revised.

I didn’t pay much attention to the specific changes in the charts before, because Eagle’s "The Tribulation of All Races" was always dominating the charts at that time.

The time it spent on the charts even exceeded that of Lord of Mysteries by Cuttlefish.

There is still a difference in quality between the two books, but in terms of the monthly ticket list, Guimi was indeed sanctioned by Wanzu.

This is also the reason why I gave up looking at this list.

When Elbow published his new book "The Naming of Night" on April 18, I was still out of town and had no time to follow the online writing trends.

When I was watching the double event these days, I suddenly realized a problem.

All new books can participate in the monthly ticket competition starting from the release of the first chapter.

This is especially obvious for great writers and platinum writers.

Chen Dong's "The Other Side of Deep Space" fully proves this point.

So recently many readers have left me messages, complaining that there are suddenly a lot of new faces and new books in the top ten of the monthly ticket list.

They were still wondering if they had read the list wrongly.

No wonder some authors also say that this list has completely become a pay-to-win list.

In the past, only the new book list required spending money, but now the monthly ticket list also requires spending money.

In fact, even the recommendation vote list has been like this since a long time ago.

This is why many readers would rather go to "Cangshi's Ramblings" to find books than look at the rankings.

The reasons for this situation are complex, and two of them are worth mentioning.

First, they're exploiting authors. The platform is exploiting authors, and the exact nature of the contracts remains unclear. Who controls the contracts, and how much control the authors have, is unclear to ordinary authors. This allows the platform to change its operating model at will, and authors are essentially forced to comply.

To make the list, authors either rely on official platform promotion, their own operations team, or they have to pay out of pocket. The large number of Silver Alliance members during the double bonus period didn't just happen by chance.

At the same time, the platforms are also exploiting their readers. Ultimately, the top spenders are still taking advantage of readers' money, and it's quick cash. Whether it's tips, subscriptions, cards, or various other types of support, the fastest way to earn money is through spending. Platform operators reap this money, quickly improving their performance and securing better positions. In the short term, this is the best approach for the platforms and their managers, as no position remains static forever.

In the long run, the ones who lose out are the platforms and the authors. Once reputation is tarnished, it's hard to regain it. Relying on in-game purchases to get on the charts, climb the ranks, achieve masterpieces, and secure tens of thousands of subscriptions is only temporary. Over time, no one will remember!

Another point is the dramatic shift in the platform's style. This is primarily due to a shift in leadership philosophy, with online literature becoming a commodity, with value as the sole criterion. Literary quality has been completely stifled, and following the trend to earn a quick buck has become the only path for most authors. The shift to full attendance has also left many newcomers unable to pursue their dreams.

When bread and milk became unattainable and instant noodles were unaffordable, what was the point of dreaming about literature? What difference was there between a writer without dreams and a typist?
There are still exceptions!

Doesn't an author like Squid know how to make quick money? Doesn't he have a strong fan base?
I think his motivation for writing is the purest. He wants to leave behind a few books that can leave their names in the history of online literature, rather than fast-food online literature.

Although I have been complaining about his "The Embers of the Long Night", it is indeed much more thoughtful and exciting than the routine series of novels by the five white men in the Central Plains. "The Great Ruler IV", "Fights Break Sphere V", "Douluo X", etc., are all complaints.

A well-known online writer's desire to build his own online literary empire is a good one, but using nesting dolls is unacceptable.

While works like Elbow's "I'm a Big Player," "The First Sequence," and "The Naming of the Night" are also part of a series, the differences are stark. Elbow, known for his dancing and commentary, has actually stopped writing jokes and started writing stories. His achievements are no longer limited to the level of "Lord Spare My Life." He develops a depth of thought that transcends the vulgarity of ordinary online writers.

Therefore, no matter how the platform harvests authors and readers, authors must set a good example and create more thoughtful works after they have a certain level of ability.

Therefore, rankings and achievements are temporary, but stories and ideas are eternal.

And this is what I understand as the way out for online literature!

【to sum up】

Writing is not easy, so cherish every moment.

I’m Cang Yiwei, and I’m here to promote “Cang’s Ramblings”.

Welcome to the paradise of book reviews.

【Cang's Ramblings】

I have been watching "Little Willingness" recently. Many primary school students in the show are taking Olympiad classes and gold medal classes, and many "chicken babies" are born.

The current pay-to-win rankings and 515 activities are also forcing authors to work hard and set goals to complete things that are difficult to accomplish under normal circumstances.

It looks very passionate, but no one can guarantee how much sadness is behind it, how many nights it will take, and how many exciting plots it can produce.

But aspiring authors have no choice but to participate.

Pressure from all sides will force many famous authors to step down and do this thankless task.

Is it time to calmly consider the significance of this activity and recall the original intention of writing?
(End of this chapter)