This report has several limitations, including:
The influence of ASSTR authors can be seen in the rise of "Dark Romance" and niche erotica genres that are now topping bestseller lists. They proved that there was a massive, hungry audience for stories that didn't fit the "sweet romance" mold.
Authors wrote under handles, distinct online personas, or anonymously to protect their privacy in real life.
Understanding the history, impact, and writing style of ASSTR authors offers a unique window into the early history of the internet and the evolution of digital creative expression. The Origins of ASSTR and Its Writers