Some people just have more charisma than others and there's really nothing to be done about it.
Quality, though, is ... well, subjective, of course, but also not always directly linked to popularity.
For example, take two juvenile fantasy novels: The Golden Compass (Philip Pullman) and Harry Potter. IMO, Golden Compass is a far superior book. The writing is brilliant, the plotting is tight, the characters are fully developed and real. I've read it about 3 times and it moves me every single time.
OTOH, I've read Harry Potter probably 10 times. I talk about details with my SO. I write fanfic for it. I have a Slytherin House scarf that I wear about. And there are lots of other people who do these things, probably more than ever read The Golden Compass.
Why is that? Well, that's really a question for another time. But the best writing isn't always the most accessible writing or the most popular.
I remember a few people back in my TXF days saying that if they needed a boost and they weren't getting enough of one from their usual feedback, they'd write some NC17 MSR under a pseud and get lots and lots of feedback. And then they'd go back to writing their usual stuff.
And, yes, it's about who you know. :) That's not going to change any time soon.
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Quality, though, is ... well, subjective, of course, but also not always directly linked to popularity.
For example, take two juvenile fantasy novels: The Golden Compass (Philip Pullman) and Harry Potter. IMO, Golden Compass is a far superior book. The writing is brilliant, the plotting is tight, the characters are fully developed and real. I've read it about 3 times and it moves me every single time.
OTOH, I've read Harry Potter probably 10 times. I talk about details with my SO. I write fanfic for it. I have a Slytherin House scarf that I wear about. And there are lots of other people who do these things, probably more than ever read The Golden Compass.
Why is that? Well, that's really a question for another time. But the best writing isn't always the most accessible writing or the most popular.
I remember a few people back in my TXF days saying that if they needed a boost and they weren't getting enough of one from their usual feedback, they'd write some NC17 MSR under a pseud and get lots and lots of feedback. And then they'd go back to writing their usual stuff.
And, yes, it's about who you know. :) That's not going to change any time soon.