You Should Stop Using Webnovel. Here's why...

Summary

In this video script, the creator critically analyzes the business model of web novel platforms, highlighting their 50% revenue cut for authors, which contrasts with platforms like Steam and YouTube that charge less for more services. The narrator questions why readers still choose web novel when alternatives like Scribble Hub and Royal Road offer better deals for authors. They also discuss the hidden costs and contract terms that reduce the actual earnings for writers, despite the platform’s promises. The video urges viewers to consider these factors when choosing where to read or publish web novels.

Takeaways

• 📚 Webnovel takes 50% of authors' earnings, which is unusually high compared to platforms like Steam and YouTube that take 30%.
• 💻 Hosting costs for web novels are minimal (under 10 MB per novel), meaning the platform likely spends very little on infrastructure.
• 🖊️ While editors may be available for popular authors, their cost does not justify taking 50% of revenue.
• 🍔 Webnovel’s revenue-sharing model seems disproportionate to operational costs, which include basic infrastructure and app development.
• 📱 The Webnovel app is unintuitive, making it difficult for users to navigate and find content.
• 💸 Advertisements and physical print options for authors are not truly free; Webnovel deducts associated costs before taking its 50% share.
• 😨 The Webnovel contract contains multiple concerning clauses that may disadvantage authors financially.
• 💰 The platform appears focused on maximizing profits rather than supporting passionate writers.
• 🌐 Alternatives like Scribble Hub and Royal Road offer better revenue splits and are driven by writers’ passion rather than profit motives.
• 🧐 The creator urges users to reflect on why they continue using Webnovel despite better alternatives and asks for user feedback.
• ⚖️ Supporting authors through alternative platforms or methods can save money while still benefiting the creators.

Q & A

What is the main criticism the speaker has about Webnovel's business model?

The speaker criticizes Webnovel for taking 50% of an author's earnings, which is significantly higher than platforms like Steam and YouTube that take around 30%, despite hosting far larger and more resource-intensive content.

How does the speaker compare Webnovel's hosting requirements to its revenue model?

The speaker argues that Webnovel's hosting requirements are very low, likely costing around $1,000 yearly to run their infrastructure, yet they charge authors 50% of revenue, which seems disproportionate.

What does the speaker say about the editor services Webnovel provides?

The speaker acknowledges that Webnovel offers editors to help improve books, but doubts that books with fewer than a million views would get one, and believes the cost of this service does not justify taking 50% of an author's revenue.

Does Webnovel cover advertising or publishing costs for authors?

According to the speaker, Webnovel deducts all costs from the author's revenue before taking their 50%, meaning they do not actually pay for advertising or publishing expenses.

What is the speaker's perspective on why authors might join Webnovel?

The speaker believes Webnovel primarily attracts authors motivated by money, as their guidelines suggest writing longer stories and emphasize profit over passion.

What alternatives does the speaker suggest for authors and readers?

The speaker suggests platforms like Scribble Hub and Royal Road, where authors retain a higher percentage of earnings (up to 90%) and often write out of passion rather than just for profit.

What does the speaker say about the user experience of the Webnovel app?

The speaker criticizes the Webnovel app as unintuitive and difficult to navigate, often making it hard to find content.

How does the speaker view Webnovel's contract terms?

The speaker finds Webnovel's contract alarming, noting that it includes clauses that deduct costs before revenue sharing and contains several other concerning conditions.

What is the speaker's advice for readers who want to support authors?

The speaker advises readers to support authors on alternative platforms either by direct payment or by using options like 'buying coffee,' which allows authors to keep a larger share of the revenue.

Why does the speaker want feedback from Webnovel users?

The speaker is curious about why people continue to use Webnovel despite the drawbacks and encourages current users to comment on their reasons for using the platform.

What does the speaker believe about the alignment between Webnovel's goals and authors' passion?

The speaker believes Webnovel prioritizes profit over passion, and that authors who write purely out of passion may find better opportunities and fairer compensation on other platforms.