Woohoo! Well some people have a systematic method of mutual engagement, which I know you do a bit, but some people are more obsessive about it. I think when a regular reader keeps coming back, the writer doesn't earn so much, compared to a new reader. My guess is you have more new/unique readers.

I'm always intrigued by how RC's approach works, because he has tremendous engagement, but I think it's almost all because he reads other writers who he knows will reciprocate, and makes it known that he expects them to reciprocate.

It works. But his earnings weren't that different to mine last time we compared notes. I don't have the time or inclination to engage as much as he does - and the low level of comments on many of my stories shows. But our earnings aren't as far apart as you might think based on the numbers of comments.

Saying that, it's been ages since he shared his earnings, so they might be better now.

Also, if you're counting double the reads and numbers of reads on the stats, I think that includes comments, so someone who writes more comments will inevitably have more reads.