Cultural Question: The "Silent Samurai" style vs. Active Promotion?

[rest256]

Hi everyone! I’m a Japanese author who recently started posting my story here on Scribble Hub.

I have a question about the "Author's Notes" culture here. In Japan, there is a certain aesthetic called the "Silent Samurai" style. It’s where the author simply provides the work and bows silently, without asking for anything. We often feel that letting the story speak for itself is the most professional way.

However, since joining SH, I’ve seen many authors actively chatting with readers and asking for ratings or reviews in their notes.

I’m torn between my natural instinct and the need to grow my story. I’d love to hear your thoughts as readers and fellow writers:

1. Does a "Silent" author seem lazy or unenthusiastic? If I don't ask for ratings, do you assume I don't care about them?
2. Is it "annoying" if I ask for support in every chapter? I want to be respectful of your immersion in the story.
3. For those who like Japanese LN/Manga culture, do you find the silent approach "cool," or do you prefer the author to be more engaged?

I’m currently experimenting with this on my story, [https://www.scribblehub.com/series/2087200/fabl-the-blue-traveler-and-the-dualbody-savior/], and I want to make sure I’m being a good member of this community.

Thank you for your advice!

I’ve received more responses than I ever expected, and it’s been a real eye-opener. > It made me realize that everyone here—whether authors or readers—is navigating this path with their own thoughts, struggles, and unique perspectives. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in these worries. > Thank you all for being so welcoming and sharing your wisdom with a newcomer like me!

 

[Akkizakura]

The only Japanese author I know is Vicn and we don't interact much. Do that made him seem lazy? I don't think so. Unenthusiastic? Never.

You can tell how enthusiastic someone is at their works by looking at it. This is how you can tell if something is AI-generated or not.

To answer your questions:

Most readers on ScribbleHub are silent.

That's it. Something to consider, isn't it?

The "readers" you often find interacting with authors are usually scam bots. Don't have a conversation with them outside SH.

Just be yourself.

 

[InkSmith]

well im a semi mix, i dont promote m work, but sometimes i put an "author's note" at the end and ask for feedback about specific things

 

[MakBow]

1. No, you would not seem as lazy, nor would it seem like you don't care.
2. Ask for feedback if you feel you want to
3. I don't think it really matters for the most part

 

[AliceMoonvale]

It all boils down to what you want to do, or what you feel is right or important.
I'm personally one of the people that doesn't do author notes at all and rarely ask for feedback.
If people comment, neat, I'll comment back if they're not a bot.

 

[Zinless]

Interact as you like. Either barely interact at all or talk a lot. As long as you aren't pushing yourself to interact when you don't want to, things should be fine. You shouldn't concern yourself over "If I interact too much, I'll look like I'm desperate for attention" or things like that, readers here often don't see authors that way. Authors interact the way they want to interact, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[rest256]

The only Japanese author I know is Vicn and we don't interact much. Do that made him seem lazy? I don't think so. Unenthusiastic? Never.

You can tell how enthusiastic someone is at their works by looking at it. This is how you can tell if something is AI-generated or not.

To answer your questions:


That's it. Something to consider, isn't it?

The "readers" you often find interacting with authors are usually scam bots. Don't have a conversation with them outside SH.

Just be yourself.

Thank you so much for your insightful comment!

Hearing that you can feel an author's enthusiasm through the work itself really puts my mind at ease. It's exactly what I hoped for when I thought of the "Silent Samurai" approach.

Regarding the use of AI, since English is not my first language, I do use Gemini (AI) to help me with the translation process. However, I can say with pride that every single word, idea, and plot point of the original story was born from my own brain and heart through hard work and passion. Knowing that my "sweat and tears" are reaching the readers despite the language barrier gives me immense joy.

 

[Macha]

The best promotion is to just keep writing until readers have enough chapters to binge.

Most readers here only read a story after it has 50 chapters or is completed.

 

[rest256]

well im a semi mix, i dont promote m work, but sometimes i put an "author's note" at the end and ask for feedback about specific things

That sounds like a great balance!

Asking for feedback on specific things seems like a very sincere way to engage with readers without breaking their immersion. It shows that you value their thoughts on the craft, rather than just "promoting" the work.

It all boils down to what you want to do, or what you feel is right or important.
I'm personally one of the people that doesn't do author notes at all and rarely ask for feedback.
If people comment, neat, I'll comment back if they're not a bot.

Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s reassuring to know there are others who prefer not to use author’s notes at all.

I agree about the bots. To be honest, I recently received a message that seemed like it was from a bot, and it left me feeling quite discouraged. It’s a bit of a downer when you're looking for genuine connection and encounter that instead.

Interact as you like. Either barely interact at all or talk a lot. As long as you aren't pushing yourself to interact when you don't want to, things should be fine. You shouldn't concern yourself over "If I interact too much, I'll look like I'm desperate for attention" or things like that, readers here often don't see authors that way. Authors interact the way they want to interact, nothing more, nothing less.

Thank you! Your words really relieved me. > I was worried that being too vocal might come across as desperate, but I’m glad to hear that readers don't see it that way. It's a relief to know that there's no "correct" amount of interaction and that I can just be myself.

The best promotion is to just keep writing until readers have enough chapters to binge.

Most readers here only read a story after it has 50 chapters or is completed.

Thank you for the practical advice!

I haven't reached the 50-chapter mark just yet, but I'm currently working on the translations at a high frequency to get there as soon as possible. My goal is to provide a steady stream of content so that readers can reach that major plot conclusion without having to wait too long.

Knowing that having a large amount of content is the best promotion gives me a lot of motivation to keep up this pace. I’ll do my best to keep the updates coming!

 

[Eldoria]

Does a "Silent" author seem lazy or unenthusiastic? If I don't ask for ratings, do you assume I don't care about them?

Silent readers and authors are more honorable than those who create a thousand fake reviews just to gain widespread attention. At least silent readers and authors are honest with themselves.

 

[rest256]

Silent readers and authors are more honorable than those who create a thousand fake reviews just to gain widespread attention. At least silent readers and authors are honest with themselves.

I couldn't agree more. Thank you for such a powerful and encouraging comment!

To be honest, I feel the same way. While I understand the need to share information within my own work, I’ve always felt reluctant to engage in "promotion for the sake of promotion" just to grab attention. I value honesty in my creative process, so your words really resonate with me.

 

[Macha]

Silent readers and authors are more honorable than those who create a thousand fake reviews just to gain widespread attention. At least silent readers and authors are honest with themselves.

You will know a platform is unhealthy if everyone has to fight without honor just to survive.

 

[FRWriter]

I think some authors are a little desperate for feedback, which I can understand.

They might have written 10-20 chapters but haven't received a single comment, so they try to ask in the Forum. Without even a hint of feedback, you feel like you are walking with sunglasses during the night. Some are just desperate for that first guiding light.

 

[rest256]

I think some authors are a little desperate for feedback, which I can understand.

They might have written 10-20 chapters but haven't received a single comment, so they try to ask in the Forum. Without even a hint of feedback, you feel like you are walking with sunglasses during the night. Some are just desperate for that first guiding light.

That’s such a perfect metaphor—walking with sunglasses during the night. I can really relate to that feeling!

Actually, thinking back to when I started serializing the original Japanese version of my story, it took about two or three months before I received my very first comment. Now that I’m a "newbie" here on this site, I’m starting to experience that same anxious feeling again (lol).

 

[Eldoria]

Is it "annoying" if I ask for support in every chapter? I want to be respectful of your immersion in the story.

You are free to write author's notes as long as you don't overdo it.

For those who like Japanese LN/Manga culture, do you find the silent approach "cool," or do you prefer the author to be more engaged?

Hmm... I wonder what would happen if a samurai fought against a knight, who would win?

 

[Macha]

Hmm... I wonder what would happen if a samurai fought against a knight, who would win?

The one who don't lose.

 

[rest256]

You are free to write author's notes as long as you don't overdo it.


Hmm... I wonder what would happen if a samurai fought against a knight, who would win?

Haha, that's a question for the ages!

But as for me, I have a very simple answer: the one you love more will always win!
Belief and passion are the strongest weapons, after all!

 

[CharlesEBrown]

You are free to write author's notes as long as you don't overdo it.


Hmm... I wonder what would happen if a samurai fought against a knight, who would win?

Depends on the skill levels involved and which country of origin. A Central European knight, fully kitted out, would PROBABLY tear apart a novice samurai just because of the superior metal of their gear. But a skilled samurai against a modestly equipped knight would almost always win because they have superior techniques for forging their weapons and, in general, better martial training.

 

[MFontana]

Hi everyone! I’m a Japanese author who recently started posting my story here on Scribble Hub.

I have a question about the "Author's Notes" culture here. In Japan, there is a certain aesthetic called the "Silent Samurai" style. It’s where the author simply provides the work and bows silently, without asking for anything. We often feel that letting the story speak for itself is the most professional way.

However, since joining SH, I’ve seen many authors actively chatting with readers and asking for ratings or reviews in their notes.

I’m torn between my natural instinct and the need to grow my story. I’d love to hear your thoughts as readers and fellow writers:

1. Does a "Silent" author seem lazy or unenthusiastic? If I don't ask for ratings, do you assume I don't care about them?
2. Is it "annoying" if I ask for support in every chapter? I want to be respectful of your immersion in the story.
3. For those who like Japanese LN/Manga culture, do you find the silent approach "cool," or do you prefer the author to be more engaged?

I’m currently experimenting with this on my story, [https://www.scribblehub.com/series/2087200/fabl-the-blue-traveler-and-the-dualbody-savior/], and I want to make sure I’m being a good member of this community.

Thank you for your advice!

I’ve received more responses than I ever expected, and it’s been a real eye-opener. > It made me realize that everyone here—whether authors or readers—is navigating this path with their own thoughts, struggles, and unique perspectives. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in these worries. > Thank you all for being so welcoming and sharing your wisdom with a newcomer like me!

It wouldn't be viewed as lazy. In many cases, it is the more professional approach, however there ARE some readers on here who do like to leave comments, and engaging with any community you are trying to build with your work wouldn't hurt.

Personally, I would find it annoying if there was an Author's Note included in every chapter asking for the readers to Like/Follow/Rate the story, but if you were to leave an author's note at the beginning or end of each chapter asking for feedback and critique, or asking specific questions, then that wouldn't bother me at all, and I'd be more than happy to engage with the questions, so it really depends on the purpose of the note.

As for whether either approach is "cool" is a matter of personal preference and comfort, so I can only discuss my own personal approach to the matter, and that is to be professionally engaging with critiques and feedback, and trying to be an active member here in the community (on the forum). I tend toward having an open-engagement policy with any fans of my work, because I think its cool that people like the stories that I'm sharing.

That said, I am also still fairly new here, but have been building a steady audience a little at a time, so I'm always happy to engage with them about their questions, feedback, critiques (and personally would love to see how my own work might inspire them one day). This may not work for you, or it might. Either way, neither approach is "wrong" or "not cool", so do what works for you, and makes you comfortable. Your readers will find you.

 

[Akkizakura]

Your readers will find you.

Sounds scary.