There are two kinds of readers in the world.
The first kind says, “I’ll just read one before bed,” and then resurfaces three hours later dehydrated, emotionally compromised, and questioning their life choices.
The second kind says, “I like the anticipation. One episode a week. Something to look forward to.”
These two groups argue a lot online. Loudly. With great certainty.
And they are both right.
The Case for the Binge
Binge readers want momentum.
They want:
- No interruptions
- No recaps
- No “wait, who was that guy again?”
- Emotional immersion without brakes
Binge reading is a trust fall. You give the author your weekend and say, Don’t make me regret this.
When it works, it’s glorious.
When it doesn’t, you’re hate-reading by chapter six but too stubborn to quit.
(Ask me how I know.)
The Case for the Weekly Drop
Weekly readers want rhythm. They want:
- Time to think
- Time to speculate
- Time to yell theories into the void
- A reason to check their email without resentment
One episode a week turns a story into a shared experience. It stretches the pleasure instead of compressing it. You live with the characters a little longer.
It’s not fast food. It’s tapas.
Here’s the Part Everyone Misses
This isn’t really about preference.
It’s about control.
Binge readers want control over pace. Weekly readers want control over anticipation. And neither of them wants the author to decide they’re wrong.
So What Am I Doing With Credible Threat?
Glad you asked. (I was going to tell you anyway.) This July, Season One of Credible Threat is being re-released. Which means:
- You can binge the entire season if that’s your thing
- Start at Episode One and plow through like a responsible adult who absolutely is not responsible
Then—after that—Season Two begins. And Season Two will be released one episode per week.
Not because I’m cruel. Because I want you arguing about it.
Why I’m Doing It This Way
Season One works beautifully as a serial or a binge. It was designed that way. Season Two works beautifully as a serial or a binge. It was designed that way, too.
Different tools. Different effects. Same story world. You get to choose how you read. I get to write the story the way it wants to be written.
Everyone wins.
Final Word From the Smart-Ass Desk
If you tell me binge reading is better, I’ll nod. If you tell me weekly releases are better, I’ll nod again. If you tell me there’s only one correct way to enjoy a story…
…I’ll quietly stop listening.
- Read fast.
- Read slow.
- Read weekly.
- Read until 3 a.m. and regret everything.
Just read.
(And yes—July. Credible Threat. Season One. You’ve been warned.) 😏
Or, if you’d prefer to read Credible Threat now, you can find it here.
— Mark