Question

Of course, as soon as I saw my new website I realized it was a great way to communicate with fellow writers, editors and readers. But it just occurred to me that it can also work the other way as well. Meaning I can get information from people reading these journal entries.
I get a lot of feedback on the books my stories have been published in and by extension the stories themselves. I see sales figures and ratings and read specific reviews that talk about specifics of the books and often about the individual stories. Thus I have a good idea about how popular characters are and what people like about them.
For instance I can tell a lot about what readers think about a character like, uh Domino Lady, for instance. I can tell how the books sell and even get feedback on my specific story as well as others.
However, there is one story that I have written and published that I know nothing about. It is one of my favorites and featuring a character I hope to write more of but I am somewhat baffled concerning this particular story.
The story is Brush Strokes and was published in Legends of New Pulp Fiction. Now before I go any further I will say that Legends is a spectacular achievement. It is a huge book filled with work of some of the best writers and artists in New Pulp today. It justifiably has sold very well. In fact, it has sold far better than any other book that any of my stories have ever appeared in.
Normally that would mean that the topic, story or character was popular. Unfortunately, Legends is not like other books. It’s size, scope and the fact that it is a benefit book make it an instant classic. It also makes it hard for a writer like me to draw any conclusions from.
Since sales numbers are no help, we can look at reviews. But again considering the sheer size, scope and vision of the book, none of the reviews talk about the individual stories except to repeat what I have already said; that the book is filled with lots of great work. Flattering to be a part of but of little concrete help.
A lot of people have bought Legends but I have no idea if anyone has actually read my story. The hero in Brush Strokes is an original character and I consider it some of my best work. It would be nice to know if anybody liked the story or character. Heck, it would be nice to know if anybody has actually read it, since it is buried deeply in among a lot of other very good yarns.
So here’s the information I’m looking for; if any Legends purchaser (and I know there are a lot out of copies out there) has read Brush Strokes, I would like to hear from you. This is not a fishing expedition for compliments. I long ago learned a writer needs to develop a thick skin when it comes to his work. I would honestly be interested in anyone’s thoughts about the story. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are equally welcome.
Brush Strokes is a favorite of mine and I believe the character has a lot of possibilities. Feedback would help me improve the next story he will appear in.
If there are a lot of Legends purchasers out there but few readers, meaning the book is kept proudly on bookshelves but not read, I understand. At over 750 pages it is somewhat daunting. I myself have only managed to plow through a little over half the stories. When I finish them all I intend to get a T-shirt reading “Legends: I read the whole thing.”
Hope to hear from all you Legends fans out there.