Am I the only one who does this?

[krait]

One of the most influential factors in whether I read an unfinished work is the presence of a defined number of parts. I'm far more likely to read a story that's at "Chapter 3/18" than one that's at "Chapter 3/?" ...and I often 'save' or 'subscribe' to fics but hold off on reading them until that finish-point estimate goes up!

Comments

[tropicsbear]

I'm more likely to read the WIP with the defined number of chapters. You kind of have an idea of what you're in for? Unlike the "3/?" one that could go one forever.

[krait]

Yes! I think a lot of it is the uncertainty - with "3/?" I have no clue, even with all other considerations aside, whether I'm looking at something that has enough plot to hold my interest! Without any indication whether it's part 3 of 5 or part 3 of 50, I could be wasting my time reading what's basically an intro to a story, rather than a story proper.

I don't MIND if it's 3/50 (though I still might wait till there's a bit more, just to get me past the intro feeling), I just want to know: am I about to read a three quick character/scene summaries, or am I going to be caught up in an intense plot that's halfway (or more) complete? Am I reading an expanded kinkmeme prompt, or boarding an emotional rollercoaster with bonus cliffhanger?

Both of those things have their points of appeal, but not knowing makes me much less likely to commit, because what if it's not the one I'm currently in the mood for?