Challenge: Prove The Importance Of Relational Interactions On Medium

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of genuine relational interactions on Medium for personal growth, community building, and successful public relations.

Abstract

The author of the article argues that public relations (PR) on Medium should not be viewed in the traditional sense of managing information to influence public perception. Instead, they advocate for a more personal approach to PR, which involves reading, commenting, and forming relationships with other writers. This relational method is seen as a way to foster growth, learning, and authentic sharing within the Medium community. The author challenges readers to engage with at least three new authors by reading and commenting on their work, following at least three new people, and writing something that promotes community engagement. The article suggests that these actions are key to building a supportive network and achieving life success through meaningful connections rather than superficial metrics.

Opinions

The author believes that PR on Medium is not just a technical task but a means to build genuine relationships.
Reading and commenting on others' work is considered essential for both personal and professional development.
The article downplays the importance of follower counts and instead emphasizes the value of compassion and trust in relationships.
The author humorously dismisses the idea of using PR to manipulate or create a cult-like following.
They suggest that community support during both difficult and prosperous times is more valuable than statistical achievements.
The challenge issued by the author is inspired by other Medium contributors and is aimed at fostering a sense of community and mutual support among writers.

A place to write or a place to people?

Is PR important to your blossoming writing career? Or is Public Relations more than an impersonal plea to attract like-minded sweaty serfs – I mean, followers – to your work and cause?

For me the PR piece is critical. But I don’t mean PR in the traditional sense.

Public relations (PR) is the practice of deliberately managing the release and spread of information between an individual or an organization (such as a business, government agency, or a nonprofit organization) and the public in order to affect the public perception. Wikipedia

Yes, my PR is deliberate. But it’s not a technical or annoying task I undertake with sighs and kegs by my side for alcoholic reinforcement. It certainly doesn’t involve some underlying plot — especially not one intended to manipulate everyone into waving cultish flags as we bow to Satan’s pink Pradas. Though they are sexier than my worn-in Birkenstocks.

For me, reading and commenting on others’ writing is relational and helps me both as a writer and, more importantly, as a human.

The PR piece to me is essential because it is the space in which I learn, grow, authentically share, and relationship. Yes, I just used relationship as a verb. Sue me. My Poetic Licence Lawyer is on retainer, is extremely knowledgeable, and has a competitive streak hungrier than Serena Williams.

Besides, if you’re hoping to get more than stale Cheerios from the floorboards of the van I’m still paying for, Bonne Chance. Oh, wait: there is my jar of American coins with about sixty-three jam-covered cents chilling in the base. Can you still buy a chocolate bar in the back alleys of Jonesborough, Tennessee with that amount? Or am I aging myself?

Back to relationships being key to life success. Not relationships for the sake of statistical sovereignty. Not relationships so you can hold up the friendship trophy, shower your inner circle with locker room Coors, and shriek “Boo-yah!”.

Relationships because you grow, give, establish trust, and display a little something lacking in our modern world called compassion.

Community in good times and bad – through both the floods and the lottery wins. Embracing health issues and bankruptcy and celebrating baby showers and paycheck increases.

Sometime over the next 168 hours (that’s half a fortnight for you fans of Old English):

Challenge: Go Ahead And Prove The Importance Of Relational Interactions On Medium

A place to write or a place to people?

1) Read and comment on a minimum of 3 authors new to you.

2) Follow at least 3 new people

3) Bonus

Strumming my Uke for Redemption

The homes I didn’t know I needed

Let’s Get Relational!

Do unto others … you know how it goes :-)

Here’s the Plan to Help Each Other Build an Online Community

I’m committing to helping you once a week. Can you do the same?