I Feel I Am No Longer Part Of Vocal
A Few Reasons
Introduction
I didn't want to write this, but it has been bugging me a lot so I will get it out now.
Why I Feel Like This
The main reason is the virtual complete ignorance Vocal shows when I raise an issue. I shared this as a story and have had no response to the ticket or email:
The actual base problem has been going on for well over a year, and the ones in here since about October. Other people seem to get quick email responses. I get nothing.
When I was unable to publish, Vocal gave me a year's free V+ bout they still took til January to rectify the situation that started in November last year
I work administering a Finance system, and almost every day there are new issues that HAVE to be rectified, and we work to fix things, but keep users and managers informed of the situation. That is not how Vocal behaves.
Justin asked me to email him about the issues. I did, and there was no response.
So I can now publish, and I have a lot of readers, but I have not had a Vocal -initiated bonus since October. When I mention this, people tell me to stop complaining because I have placed in four challenges and had lots of Top Stories.
This makes me feel that Vocal have decided my work is crap, but I and the people who read and comment on my work and I know that my work is excellent, so why am I not considered for a Top Story? I see the same names on Top Stories and Challenge wins, and wonder with so many Vocal creators why it is the same few who get the bonuses.
Is it because I get so many reads? Are my numbers too high to be awarded a bonus? I think not.
Conclusion
So, although I love the platform and have promoted its excellence, I am not part of Vocal any more. I don't think I will get another Top Story or challenge place.
I did get a Top Story when Annie Kapur placed one in Raise Your Voice, and for some reason, a piece appeared as an honourable mention on the Leaderboard, but as far as Vocal are concerned, I am a ghost.
I included Johnny Cash's take on Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down". I think you know why.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Mike Singleton π Mikeydred and writers in Writers and other communities.
A Ticket To Vocal 18/03/2026
These will not load. These are the ones I know about https://everydaydealxhub.live/wander/199-steps https://everydaydealxhub.live/wander/a-walk-in-pannett-park-whitby%3C/p%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cstyle data-emotion-css="16e5cai">.css-16e5cai{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1rem;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;}
Paul and John's 47-Words Short Story Unofficial Challenge
UPDATE - Republished to update the list of entries, with the 40 we've had so far. Completely smashed last unofficial challenge which recieved 31 entries. And there is still time. If you have yet to enter and fancy winning a bit of money or just challenging yourself or both or just making two old geezers job harder - please enter!
By Paul Stewartabout 16 hours ago in Writers
Comments (16)
honestly I am shocked to even get top stories-Vocal engagement has gone down lately
It does seem like things are sort of getting better though.
Hey, hey LEADERBOARDππ°
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! ππππππ
This is bizarre! You would think with such a large audience you would be getting more awards... On a side note, I am LOVING that Vocal Creators are taking their concerns "to the streets" when emails don't work. Justin, where you at??? Lots of love to you, Mike! I've got hopes I'll see you in the Top Story section again soon!!
WOW ππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ π πΉ LOVEπΉππππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ ππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ π πΉ LOVEπΉππππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ ππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ π πΉ LOVEπΉππππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ ππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ π πΉ LOVEπΉππππ πΉ LOVEπΉππππ
It does feel like you are neglected when you arenβt winning anything, but there are a lot of great writers here, more than when I started in 2021. And actually, Iβm quite jealous of your reads. I think I might hit twenty in a day once a month. 2-4 is probably the average. Often 0. I am happy to see my total reads hit the 2,500 mark for all the years Iβve been publishing here.
I kind of feel neglected myself, nothing has been happening on my feed for some time. But, I feel your pain and hope for the best. You are one of their loyal creators.
Sometimes I feel like this too because I canβt spend a lot of time reading and commenting on peopleβs stories (not as much as Iβd like to anyway). But youβve got a community here that adores you - we are all your friends and I hope you donβt forget that. Vocal is more than just the site - itβs the groups of people who have all become mates along the way π
Hang in there, Mike. The fact that you have so many readers is a testament to the value you provide us and to the love we have for you and your work.
Sometimes I feel the same way. I've never placed, only getting RU and HM. I, too, see the same names. I've read some pieces that I didn't think earned a place. Sour grapes, I suppose. But, we put our hearts and souls into our pieces and characters, all for little or naught. I enjoy Vocal, and I like that friends and family can read for free, but it may be time to look at Medium. I'm sorry you're going through this extra crap. I enjoy you, Mike. If you go, it will be like losing the wind in our sails. Keep us up to speed. π
You remember the days when you could sit down with a person and iron out matters. Or even have one on one messages somehow. Now we feel lost and at the mercy of digital blockades. Sorry Mike, I hope matters get resolved. hugs.
Don't give up! I'll write in for you!
I am so sorry! You are a valued member of our Vocal community and we are behind you!! Justin..?
My earnings disappear. Vocal doesn't respond to my tickets. But make it right behind the scenes. I've been here since '21, haven't had a top story since '23 (maybe early 24, cant remember exactly) because the Criminal section has many spammers and scammers, and even though I've emailed abt that issue, post on here, email them frequently, etc. I am placed in that category. You aren't alone, friend.
I'm shocked when Vocal awards me anything. It doesn't happen often for me