100 Followers: A Right of Passage

Summary

The author reflects on the significance of reaching 100 followers on Medium, emphasizing the communal aspect of this milestone rather than offering a formulaic guide to gaining followers.

Abstract

The article titled "100 Followers: A Right of Passage" by an author who remains anonymous delves into the cultural phenomenon on Medium where writers often pen stories about achieving 100 followers. The author acknowledges a lack of expertise in writing or influencing but recognizes the human desire to share in collective experiences and milestones. The piece underscores that reaching 100 followers is less about the advice one can give and more about the sense of belonging and shared journey within the Medium community. It's a celebration of becoming a "Professional Writer," even if the financial rewards are modest. The author admits to trying common strategies to increase followers but finds the true value in the community's support and the personal satisfaction of reaching this milestone.

Opinions

The author believes that the repetitive nature of "100 Follower" stories is a testament to the community's culture and the significance of this milestone in a writer's journey.
They suggest that the compulsion to write about reaching 100 followers is not about easy content or unique insights but about acknowledging a shared rite of passage.
The author posits that the celebration of such milestones bonds the community together, creating a shared memory and understanding among its members.
They express skepticism about the value of common tactics for gaining followers, emphasizing the uncertainty of what truly works.
The author values the community's support and the collective joy in others'

So many stories and I discovered why.

Are you looking for an article detailing my surefire, foolproof, life-hack tactics to get 100 followers in only nine days? Well, you are out of luck. I don’t have one. Nor should you take my advice on writing or building a brand. I’m not a writer, blogger, content creator, or influencer. I’m just a creative guy playing with his new toy, and I have no idea what I’m doing.

Then why did I write a 100 Follower story?

I understand something about people and how we are wired. And like it or not, that’s what people do on Medium. It’s a norm, a part of the culture, every time we log on to this platform. We write SEO popping, promise-bearing, and hope-flooding stories of how we got to the finish line. I know; I’ve read dozens. They multiply like someone has sacrificed 100 follower goats to the algorithm gods.

But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why?

Why do we feel compelled to write this story over and over and over again? Why should we believe that after nine days of doing something for the first time, people want or need our advice? We live in an “anyone can be an influencer” culture, but that’s not why.

It’s not because it’s an easy topic to write about (which it is). It’s not because we genuinely believe we have a unique spin or a new promotion tactic (we don’t). It’s not because we know that hundreds of yet-to-be members will want the secrets soon (they will). It’s not even our impatience that we wanted to be successful eight days ago.

We write these stories because 100 Followers is our right of passage.

We are part of a community. And one of the hallmarks of any genuine community is the celebration of meaningful milestones. 100 Followers represents a baptism into our professional writing journey. The birth of possibilities. The infinite future. The promise of being paid for something we love to do. The title of “Professional Writer” even if most of us will only make $1.17 a month.

Rights of Passage bond the community together

It’s something we all understand. We remember when we first crossed that threshold, whether yesterday or in 2017. Our tribe knows what 100 Followers mean. It’s in our DNA. We reflect on our journey because we were once there. We can see others taking that bold step from cocoon to butterfly. We know it matters. And what I’ve witnessed in my extremely short time with our community is that we want to help others and see them succeed too. This is a place where there is so much celebration and joy.

What’s the takeaway?

I have nothing to teach you about gaining followers. I tried everything that everyone else had already said. I read other people’s stories, clapped, commented, followed, and joined Facebook groups. I’m not sure what worked or was a waste of my time.

Instead, please celebrate with me as a new member of this community because my right of passage is complete.

Screenshot of Author’s Medium Profile

Cheers!

Join Medium here and I get some extra pennies :)