How many readers actually care about set publishing dates?

[caelesc]

Hi, I'm new here and would like some information/ideas on set publishing dates. A lot of advice here says that as an author you should have certain days you publish weekly/monthly. How many readers actually care about that though?
As a reader myself I follow a number of comics and I've never paid attention to their publishing dates. I read the episodes when they appear in my "feed". So, what does everybody else think? Are certain publishing days a must because readers care about it or is it important 'cause it helps the authors have a schedule?

[Penni]

To me, have set dates allows the readers to know that the author will be consistent, which matters to a lot of readers. They know when to expect the next episode. Some readers can get turned off to a story if they are sitting around wondering when the next episode is coming. However, that doesn't always pan out well because of life but maintaining good communication with readers tends to eliminate that problem.

I also find it help to keep myself on track when I have set dates, so I don't fall behind.

[DiegoPalacios]

While is not an obligation, it is highly recommended to keep the reader`s engagement and shows how serious you are about it. You want your readers to know when you will make an update.

You don`t need to post everyday, but once or twice per week is the common way to go. If you cant upload that frequently because you dont have enough time or you are not fast enough yet,it is okay. You could do it once every two weeks or even once per month in extreme cases. But keep your updates meaningfull. Is frustrating to wait 2 weeks for a person just walking on a hallway.

If you need to go on a hiatus or take a break, make sure to tell your readers and tell them when will you go back.

[punkarsenic]

i dont pay attention to publishing dates a lot for a looot of comics, but for the ones im really into, i do. i come to anticipate it. so its a good idea

also, its better for yourself to have a routine of publishing - especially for promotions sake. if you know you always need to schedule your tweets / posts / whatever for x time on x days, or know to set aside that time, to share your update, then its much easier to keep up with

[caelesc]

Thank you for the reply! This was exactly what I was wondering. If others' experience has shown that readers can be turned off over not knowing when the next episode is coming out, then I will definitely set certain days when to publish. I have been publishing every two days or so up until now but even though I know I'll keep publishing regularly the readers won't, unless I tell them so, right? : )

[caelesc]

Thank you for the reply! I guess there really are as many different personalities as there are people. I've never minded when authors don't post on their set date, but if keeping readers informed and up to date is what the majority prefers, then I will definitely keep that in mind going forward!

[caelesc]

Thank you for your reply! I guess it's true that if you find something you really like you will notice it once it stops publishing regularly. I also like the aspect of using it as a personal reminder to make time for the update. I'm definitely going to incorporate certain publishing dates into my schedule from now onwards. : )

[Harmony-S-S]

Preach it @Peni!!!! (I should know, I do it all the time )