Summary

The web content discusses the issue of "clap and run" spammers on Medium, who clap for articles without genuinely reading them, skewing engagement metrics and misleading authors.

Abstract

The article titled "Clap and Run: Spammers on Medium" addresses a common issue faced by writers on the platform. It highlights the discrepancy between the number of claps an article receives and the actual views and reads it gets. The author points out that some users engage in a "clap and run" strategy, where they quickly clap for an article without reading it to appear in the author's notifications, hoping for reciprocal engagement. This behavior leads to inflated clap counts but low view and read statistics, as evidenced by the author's personal story statistics. The article also references other writers who have experienced similar frustrations and calls for an end to this practice, emphasizing the desire for genuine reader engagement rather than empty claps.

Opinions

The author believes that engaging with the Medium community is important but criticizes the extreme behavior of spammers who exploit this advice.
The article suggests that the "clap and run" tactic is a form of spamming that undermines the integrity of engagement metrics on Medium.
The author expresses disappointment and frustration with the prevalence of "clap and run" spammers, who leave generic comments and single claps on multiple stories.
There is a suspicion that Medium's metrics may not be accurately recording views and reads, contributing to the problem.
The author emphasizes the importance of having real readers who engage with the content, as opposed to receiving empty claps for the sake of appearance.
The article encourages a dialogue on the issue, inviting other writers to share their experiences with "clap and run" spammers.

Clap and Run: Spammers on Medium

Getting Claps but no Views and Reads on Medium?

Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

I experience it and I’m sure that you do, too.

The question is, why and how does it happen?

Many writers on Medium teach in their “How to Be Successful on Medium” guides that engaging with the articles and people on the platform is crucial to getting more exposure.

It’s a good piece of advice. It helps you connect with other content creators and become a part of a community.

However, some users take it to the extreme.

Who’s a clap and runner?

Any person that claps and spends less than 30 seconds on viewing your story.

Spammers don’t take their time to read your story. Their goal is to pop up in your notifications in hopes you’ll visit their profile and read their content in exchange.

What I noticed

I like to analyze my stats on Medium sometimes.

I’ve noticed some time ago that the amount of views or reads is way lower than the amount of clappers.

Most of my views come from Medium.

Let’s take a look at some of the stats:

A story with 8 clappers:

Since there are 8 people clapping on this story, you’d expect there to be at least 8 views, right?

Unfortunately, there are 2 views and 2 reads.

Where are the other 6 views? Is Medium not counting them?

Or the clap and run gang left the claps so fast it didn’t even count as a view?

A story with 10 clappers:

Similar situation, only 5 views with 10 clappers.

A story with 11 clappers:

I checked who clapped on my stories.

It’s the same accounts each time, repeatedly leaving just 1 clap.

When I’m reading other people’s stories and commenting on them, I see the exact same spammers leaving claps, as well as generic comments there.

It’s disappointing to see.

It makes writers think that someone enjoyed reading their work, while it was just empty claps.

I searched for answers

When I first noticed the inconsistency between the views, reads and claps, I thought something wasn’t adding up. I found and read a few stories about it, which confirmed my suspicions. I decided to keep an eye on this.

Recently, I started noticing more and more cases of clap and run.

I once again searched for stories describing similar experience to mine; among them: Don’t Clap Me and Run by Dr. Christine Chuckle Medium members who clap for your story but don’t read it. Please STOP. by Isabel Abril

Other writers have the same issue, and are as upset as I am.

Conclusion

Either Medium doesn’t record the views and reads, or we have a big problem with clap and run scammers.

Or maybe it’s both of those at the same time?

Either way, receiving empty claps, but no views and reads is frustrating. Every writer hopes for real readers to engage with their stories.

Please, don’t clap and run.

Have you experienced it as well? Let me know in the comments.

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