Update - 17th Feb - I NEED your input!!!
Added 2025-02-17 10:11:18 +0000 UTCHey all ๐
I just wanted to share an update. Bit of a personal one, to be honest.
Recently, I've moved into doing GenderPlay Books as more of my job and less as a hobby. You may have noticed how posts are coming in far more regularly. I'm happy that I'm able to focus more on this work.
However, over the last few weeks, I've been struggling with my own mental health. Not only do I have to do with all of the ups and downs of having my gender dysphoria spike, but I've been feeling pressured by my work and frankly lost. Very very lost!
Youtube, for example, the content continues to perform badly. Now, as much as I want to enjoy my work for the sake of being creative, if video after video performs badly, it's only natural to assume that it's bad content or at best, boring. When I look at the other TG content being created, it's less about a compelling story and more about the sexual aspects (i.e my gf forced me to be a girl)
Compound that with over saturation of Ai written and generated content (which yes, I use Ai for imagery), it feels like my audio series no longer have a place or really an audience. For example, episode one of Lara's Story (which is my worst performing video for a long time) cost a fair amount to produce (my time writing, editing and producing/artwork/audio work)
I know that doesn't really matter because art means something different to everyone, but I have to start thinking as GPBs as a business (as it supports and my family)
The reason why I'm sharing is again that lost feeling. I'm struggling to enjoy writing anymore as I feel it no longer has a following. Now, obviously, I suffer from ADD, and my current hyper focus is away from written work (and will likely go back as I move onto the next hyper focus), but I have a question I want to ask you all and a reply would be greatly appreciated ๐
Firstly, thank you so much for supporting me. I could do this without you.
So, here's the question....
What content are you actually interested in seeing from me??
Note - I'm not talking particularly about stories individually. Do we read the written work? Do we watch the videos? Do we read the manga stories I've been makin?. What type of content do you actually want to see?? (Longer form sagas like Sonyas story or would be prefer simple stories just focused on the TG element)
Context - I'm not the strongest when it comes to descriptive writing. Since starting the Sora series, I've realised that
1. That style of storytelling tends to be more popular than my written worm across all the platforms I use.
2. I feel I'm able to tell much more concise and compelling stories in that format, as opposed to my actual writing.
3. The panels don't take up as much of my time with editing (for example, I don't have to spend 2 hours doing an art script for an artist). So I therefore enjoy it more. Now, I love having art made and my stories brought to life, but I am able to tell a story a lot quicker in the Sora format (less waiting for me to get around to something)
Well. Sorry if this was a bit ranty. I guess what I'm asking (but still answer the question above). Would we be opposed to the Sora style storytelling more often and less of the written work?
My friends. This is your chance to guide me. Please, give me your honest thoughts.
GPB xxxx
Comments
I really love your manga style stories, especially the long ones like sora. The video's are cool too, i like watching them. The reason why, realistic, magical or something else, it's all fine with me. And a short fun story every now and then never hurts anyone ๐ Just remember you are an amazing artist who brings joy to a lot of people, please take care of yourself. ๐
Nanime
2025-02-18 20:53:37 +0000 UTCI like some of your dubbed comics like I Caught Him Crossdressing so yeah I'd watch a dubbed manga
ItsJodie96
2025-02-18 18:03:00 +0000 UTCAlot of competition for sure. That's why I feel like I need to change up the offering to ensure I don't get left behind
GenderPlay Books
2025-02-18 17:31:41 +0000 UTCKeep an eye out later ๐
GenderPlay Books
2025-02-18 17:30:52 +0000 UTCQuestion is. Would you watch long form sub mangas?
GenderPlay Books
2025-02-18 17:30:39 +0000 UTCDeffo. Thanks for letting me know how you found me
GenderPlay Books
2025-02-18 17:30:06 +0000 UTCI love those 2. They tend to have the most memorable (at least for me) moments. Problem is, they aren't always the most popular.
GenderPlay Books
2025-02-18 17:29:08 +0000 UTCIt's always nice to here those stories have fans. I guess those more trans related stories don't resonate with most.
GenderPlay Books
2025-02-18 17:28:03 +0000 UTCAppreciate the gesture, thank you ๐
GenderPlay Books
2025-02-18 17:26:34 +0000 UTCIโm bad at phrasing things, however Iโd like to give you a Hug ๐ซ
Freya
2025-02-18 16:39:26 +0000 UTCTo be honest, maybe take a break from the videos if you aren't enjoying them at the moment. Sometimes that break helps put things together in a way you can enjoy them again. I personally enjoy your Manga style stuff, Sora, Sonya's whole group of videos, And The Crossdressing Club. The Crossdressing Club hit me really deep, Tia was living out all my fears I had when I was in high school. I never said anything back then about me being trans. Knowing what I knew now I wish I did, all my friends still supported me. Just remember even with the under performers, they can still have an opportunity to touch someone's heart.
Talia
2025-02-18 08:48:28 +0000 UTCPersonally I love stories where the protagonist deals with dysphoria finds a friend/companion and comes to find closure in their true self but the context from within a major story like the Sonya universe is only additional info but it isnโt required but u do love your. Content since it eases my own gender dysphoria as well as gives me a bit of euphoria about it
Nova Young
2025-02-17 18:04:20 +0000 UTCI know that I love the format of the Sora story. it is easy to read and easy to pic up form where I left off reading. I have Dyslexia and find it extremely difficult to read long format written works. which is why I love the format you have used for the Sora stories. I do love your videos too. "My sister Ivy" was a nice one to watch the same with my all time fave "My Idle" . If I may suggest try to think of youtube as more of a way to advertise your work and your Paytreon. after all I found your work on youtube and then joined the Patreon because of the youtube. I would think that most of us here fund your work because of your youtube channel so it would be a shame to loose that path for others to find your work too. What I am trying to say is we all love your work and wish you well
Adam Penman
2025-02-17 16:17:11 +0000 UTCI agree with Brett.
Loona Starr
2025-02-17 14:36:37 +0000 UTCWell I can only speak for me but I love the manga style you're doing with the Sora series When it comes to YouTube something that puts me off your videos is how long some of them are and again there I prefer the manga style to the long form content. Also prefer realistic stories to ones with magic/body swaps. And I also prefer stories where the characters are young adults.
ItsJodie96
2025-02-17 12:34:00 +0000 UTCI love the sora series so i hope you gonna continue with this type of manga stories !
Paladin Roanne
2025-02-17 11:40:01 +0000 UTCOk Iโve liked every way youโve delivered your passed stories and I really enjoy your video stories but I really enjoy reading plus it helps me with my dyslexia Long stories like Sonya I really enjoy more than the quick ones As for your videos on YouTube I think they are great you just have so much competition on there you just need to keep pushing them and find what works there
Brett Schuhkraft
2025-02-17 11:26:57 +0000 UTC