I get this generally happens, but I've noticed a sudden decline lately. I was gaining pretty consistently per day and then started losing subs after my last Friday update. I'm not sure if it was because a particular scene was shot slightly differently?
Has anyone had this happen?
Oct '17
Oct '17
I think sometimes people will sub automatically if they love the art and then unsubscribe if the story's going too slow for their liking. But if it's a large number of people, maybe it's a technical issue? I'm not sure because my subs aren't in the thousands, and I think it's usually around that number where you start losing subs at a greater rate.
(Aaand you got a new sub now because I'm definitely interested in your comic. Awesome art and characters that I already feel for. 
I like the pacing so far too; it's more immersive and makes it feel more realistic. I'm looking forward to more!)
A thing I've noticed is that some BL fans will sub and soon unsub if they think the story won't give them gay kisses or even sex soon enough. I don't know if your comic is BL, but it has two pretty men in the thumbnail which often attracts that kind of audience.
If you intend to write a story that's not easily digestable romance or erotica, you haven't really lost anything. The numbers may imply you lost something, but if these people had stuck around they would have become pushy commenters instead nagging you for sex scenes.
Another thing I've noticed is that you had a character who used the word "republican" in a negative manner. This isn't a bad thing, but as creators whenever we express our opinions or let characters express their opinions, it has the risk of offending someone. It's just a risk we'll have to deal with. Pandering and trying too hard to make it agreeable to everyone will result in something that's bland and boring instead.
Your art is great tho, the people who unsubbed are missing out.
Aw! Thank you so much. <3
But yeah, I think that might be it. I'm not sure. I wasn't sure if I did something wrong. I'll check out your stuff. I like your profile pic.
It is somewhat BL but about far more than that.
I agree that I think it may be taken the wrong way. It was a joke that pokes fun at teenagers who say edgy sarcastic things. To be fair I was losing subs before I updated today. XD It was less meant to be funny in that, someone like him would say that, as opposed to "what he's saying is supposed to be taken seriously."
Yes, I realized this was the point haha ^^ I just mentioned it because some people aren't smart enough to understand such jokes, or they just take offense regardless of the purpose. You can't really walk on eggshells just to avoid it because there's always someone who will find something to be offended about.
Sounds great! 
But that's probably why some of them unsub. For now, that is. Since you have a more stable story/more to offer, it will probably be much more successful in the long run than it would have been otherwise. It will make people more likely to suggest your comic to their friends.
Okay, sounds good, thank you for the input. I guess I'll wait it out. I refuse to rush story and development for the sake of rushing into gay kissies. As much as I love that, I want it to be well brewed lol.
Yeah, it's a huge peeve of mine when subscribers leave.
It feels like they partly betray you, but that's just me.
I'm in the same boat. I usually don't keep track of subscribers but I also noticed a sudden drop in subscribers during my last update. My comic is going through the last little lull before the big climax, so that's also possible.
I think its hard to understand why people unsubscribe. I'd say just keep creating and over time hopefully the addition of new readers will out number unsubscribers. Either way, you got a new sub from me!! 
People subscribe for different reasons. Some are interested in connecting with the author. Some are test-driving a series much like one would trial install software. At the end of the day everyone especially readers have specific interests.
Usually when I get a sub I try to understand as much as I can about the follower to ensure I deliver the best I can for them. Maybe I sub or fav work back to them. Maybe I make adjustments to my work to cater to their interests.
I lose subs pretty much every updates I make now but the total amount is going up so I take it well. I tell myself that if people didn't like the progression of the story, they would even less in the next chapter, and/or didn't really understand the comic in the first place. Especially if they unsubscribed without voicing their concerns.
Analytics can be a pain for artists to look at, it can even be destructive if you let it influence your creative outlook. In an age where artists are more and more their own agent and publisher, I think we must find balance between opting for what is attracting viewers versus what keeps you working with a fair ratio of excitement.
We love to know our stories have followings and in a way, we are all servants to that same readership. When I become conflicted and doubtful, I must remind myself that I'm gonna hate my work in no time if I only serve others.
I've noticed many people lose subs, so it happens. I'm at the point where I expect to lose more subs than gain subs.
Don't let it discourage you, though; your loyal readers will stick around and support you.
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