Let me preface this by saying it's not all about notes. If notes were of paramount importance to me, I would have been in another fandom and made vastly different decisions with the pairings that I write for. So, it's not about notes… but an observation.
The fandom was already in decline when I joined. In fact, some bigger creators had already left because so many had left. Even so, it was a very different landscape 2 years ago.
Back then, the unwritten rule (as explained to me by a now-gone creator) was 100. If a fic got over 100 notes, it was good; if it was under, it wasn't.
I never put stock in that because I've read phenomenal fics with well under 100 notes. In a fandom that tends to be very transactional and where politics plays a big part in notes, it was never a gauge for me.
But, as the fandom grew smaller, 100 notes became a near impossibility. Many creators have left as a result, and while it's easy to judge, I can understand. It's difficult to put your heart and soul into your work and have it get very little to no interaction. I think those who remain are the diehards; we’re clearly here because we love the content and the community.
That said, I’m curious about what other writers think about the notes they receive today? Is there a number where you say, "OK, it was worth making post-worthy?"
Personally, anything over 50 leaves me giddy these days. lol If it's in the 30 range, I’m content. But it’s funny because I write for Wake the Dead. I know those fics are lucky if they get 20 notes, but it doesn't stop me. I've gotten some of the most self-satisfaction from writing those stories, and having even one enthusiastic reader is so gratifying. So, what about you...
For the Choices fandom: What number of notes do you need to receive to feel a fiction was "successful"?
Still over 100 for me
51-99
50 - if it reaches 50, I'm happy.
Anything above 25
Any. If I get 1 note, I consider it successful.
0 - notes truly don't matter to me.
I'm just here for the answers.