and it's gotten so much worse with the recent addition of Stripe-approved countries. Those that clap on my comments (every day) but have never read a story of mine, leave me scratching my head.

I also enjoy the summary comments--gee, thanks for telling me what my story was about--brilliant.

As for stats, I have never bothered with them. I only check the weely viewership email. Don't care a wink about the rest. I don't write for or pander to the boost algo. I also don't read for read, if you have something interesting or relevant, I'll read. Fiction? Always. AI or contest trash. Never.