Here's an answer to this. Hopefully, this will be of help to someone!
Theory of Diminishing Fanfic Returns:
Actually, as a universal rule, the longer a series runs, the
less C&C it gets. This does not reflect on quality or popularity,
it merely means that it's now taken for granted. Ask any author
of long-running series, and a majority will tell you that their
C&C has dropped off since beginning their project.
In other words, it's business as usual.
That's a given, actually. Usually, the best chances of C&C for a
long-running fic series is if:
a. It has controversial elements.
b. It's extraordinarily funny.
c. It's extraordinarily depressing.
d. The author hasn't written a chapter for a long time, and the series
is popular.
The way the system works best:
1. Introduce the series to the FFML at large; if it generates
commentary, fine; if not, there are methods set in place to get C&C from a
regular group. Check the FAQ for that.
The Golden Rule: ALWAYS reply to anyone who sends C&C to you! Even if
it's just a one line "this is great, keep it up" kind of message, you should
seriously consider at least sending a quick "thank you" note. If they take
the time to send a reasoned, detailed commentary, then reply in kind.
Two things that are guaranteed to dry up C&C is to either not reply to
comments at all, or to reply and say "thanks but no thanks; my work is
perfect and I'm not changing a thing". I definately have a list of people
who I won't C&C because they did one of those two things, and every serious
C&C'er I've spoken to so far has a similar list. No one wants to waste time
on an ingrate.
2. Find some pre-readers. Try to get as many as possible, because some
of them won't stay on or prove timely or reliable. You'll need a pool of
pre-readers, so that you will have a few good ones when the dust settles.
Pre-readers will be your most important source of meaningful commentary as
the fic develops, and a good one will stick with you for the long haul.
3. Once you and your pre-readers reach a consensus, post the next
chapter to the FFML. If it gets more comments, fine; if it doesn't, that's
okay too. Once you've gone over the fic one last time, taking into account
any additional comments you may have gotten, it's ready for general
distribution, so:
4. Post the fic on the rec.arts.anime.creative usenet group. More
people read the group than subscribe to the FFML, and it's the place for
semi-finished or finished works. That'll be the final chance for comments;
it'll also be stored for an indefinite term in the RAAC archives. After
that, it's purely up to you to make changes on your own to tweak the story.
If you make a major change, then it's back to step 1!
A strong suggestion: if you have a web page of your own, keep all of
your back chapters there so people can read them. If you don't, then there
are a number of people with fan fiction sites who offer to host stories for
you (me, for example!). When and if you have a web site to show your
stories on, always add the address to the site either in your story heading,
or in the signature block.
Dewa mata,
LarryF