Subject: Re: [FFML][R1/2][Fragile Clay] Concerning previous post
From: David Johnston
Date: 5/4/1999, 4:29 PM
To: "Kaoru L. Shimitsu" <kaoru@mosquitonet.com>
CC: Fanfiction Mailing List <ffml@fanfic.com>

Kaoru L. Shimitsu wrote:

        My previous post was not one that was seeking adulation, as Krista put it... the simple fact is, I received only 2 responses from the list when I know
        I like to hear that people WANT the next episode before I actually post it, because if they don't, then what is the point? Besides, after my previous p
        Apologies to anyone who thinks of me bitterly because of that previous post... I will now post (Txt) version of FCv2e4 to the list, so that I perhaps m

There is a problem which is very likely a reason why you do not get much 
response.  I keep repeating this because people keep doing it, and it can
destroy the potential readership for otherwise very good fics.

Line length.  

Note the sentences I have quoted above.  Do they seem somehow incomplete?  
That is because you have not limited your line length.  Perhaps you expect 
other people's software to do it for you, but most of the time, that isn't 
what happens.  Instead they get a fic which is unreadable without 
effort.  Given the amount of traffic on the list, most people won't invest 
that effort.  Instead they'll just delete the e-mail and go on to something 
more readable.  

72 characters or less per line.  It may not be the law, but it's a really 
good idea.  And remember, the return key is your friend.