Clap, Comment, or Follow?

Some “Rules” of Etiquette When Interacting with Medium Writers

Before reading on, please scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page (even past the suggested articles at the bottom) in order for this to be counted as a “read” in Medium’s statistics and then come back up to read the article. For a more detailed explanation of why you should do this, please read my article Views vs. Reads on Medium:

If someone presented you with a gift, would you say anything? Of course you would. You would say phrases like “Thank you” or “You shouldn’t have” or “I love it!”

Giving the Gift of Words 🎁

Writers give the gifts of their words — their stories, poems, expressions of thoughts and emotions. I’m always grateful when someone shows their appreciation for my work — whether it be by voice, in a personal message, posting a comment, reblogging, leaving a review of my book, or simply clicking the clap button. They are simple acts, but they are significant to the recipient.

Many writers (myself included) don’t make a lot of income with their writing. I would love to earn money by doing what I love, but it is a struggle to arrive at that point. I am really working at it right now by publishing content that is high-quality, beneficial in some way, and/or leaves the reader feeling some kind of emotion. As I write this, I was just recently accepted into the Partnership Program and have not yet received any monetary compensation for my writing; therefore, whatever I post truly is a gift because I am not getting paid for it.

Clapping 👏

When I first began blogging, it was on WordPress, and the way to let writers know that you enjoy their content is by clicking the “Like” button. Then, of course, there is also the option of submitting a comment. When I started on Medium, I saw the “Clap” button and simply equated that with a “Like.” This is true, but on Medium, you are allowed to click the clap button as many as 50 times. This, I did not know, because this was not an option with the Like button on WordPress.

There are many bloggers on Medium who are actually offended if they receive a minimal amount of claps for their post. I can see their point IF the “clapper” is intentionally withholding their applause because they were only mildly entertained, slightly offended, or disagreed with what they read, but still wanted the writer to receive an acknowledgment of their effort.

When I was a server at a restaurant, some of us would receive a tip on the table of mere pocket change, even when our service was good (it didn’t happen often). This, to me, felt intentionally offensive. Some writers see a clap or two as pocket change. I can see, however, that there may be others — like I was — who do not know the etiquette of clapping on this platform.

According to Medium’s Help Page:

When ranking stories, our system will evaluate claps users give out on an individual basis, assessing their applause for a particular post relative to the number of claps they typically give. — Medium Help Center

I, personally, don’t use the Clap button arbitrarily. If I like your post, the clapping is genuine. So, if you are a new reader or blogger on Medium, please take note that you are allowed to clap for an article or comment as many as 50 times if you really like that particular post. I suppose you can always clap the amount of times that you feel equals the level of your enjoyment. For example, you enjoyed the article, but it could’ve been edited a little bit better = 25 claps (you can use your own system and judgment for this). However many claps you choose to use, it will show the author that you are a fan.

Fans = Number of unique readers who clapped for this story

Commenting 💬

I always invite readers to comment on my posts. Even if the comment is a critique, of sorts, I still welcome it. I am part of a writers group that meets in person every week. We present/read what we’re working on and receive feedback from the other members. I like to receive criticism because I believe it makes me a better writer. If they were to tell me “Your story is perfect!” that, to me, is not helpful. I don’t believe anything is perfect and that there is always room for improvement.

That is not to say that I don’t like to receive positive feedback as well, because I certainly do. It probably makes anyone feel good to have their work praised and complimented. Another aspect of commenting that I believe is important is saying something specific about what you read. Instead of just, “I like this” (because you can indicate that with your claps), say what you liked about it or why. This means a lot and is usually helpful for the author.

No matter what the comment, I always try to respond to it. The only time I will delete a comment is if it is hateful or self-promoting. There have been times when another blogger has left a comment, simply leaving a link to his own blog. I don’t mind getting a link if it’s something related to what I wrote; I’ve done that myself. Personally, I think that’s okay if you’re trying to relate or create a common bond. Some just send a message asking to be followed back. I’ll get into that next.

Following ➕️

I have posted my feelings about this particular subject in a previous post, but I will say again that I am not a fan of the “Follow for Follow” strategy. I started to buy into it at first because it sounded good. I understand the concept of wanting to gain followers in a very short amount of time in order to quickly qualify for the Partnership Program. I don’t like using money as a motivator, but we’ve all got bills to pay!

These F4Fers, however, are not doing so because you have quality articles (though you may have) and they are not following because they are being educated or entertained by your content. Some of them may end up looking at your posts and they may stick around, but it is not likely that they will continue to interact with you or what you post for the long haul.

If I follow you, then I have found content you have written to be entertaining, beneficial in some way, or have made some sort of personal or professional connection with you. There have been times when someone has followed me and then said, “I would appreciate a follow-back.” Do you follow someone simply because they follow you, even if you don’t necessarily like the content of their posts? During holidays, you might get a gift from someone that you weren’t expecting. Do you then feel obligated to go out and buy a gift in return?

Does anyone remember Christmas cards (it seems to be a forgotten sentiment)? I have heard people say “[So-and-so] sent me a card. I guess I’ll have to send them one now.” The recipient may never know the intention, genuineness, or lack thereof, so what’s the harm, right? If you are the receiver, would you still want the gift, knowing that it was given begrudgingly?

Follow Me Because You Want To

I have some entertaining short stories, deep and emotional poems, informative articles, and entertaining reviews. I know there are enough people who enjoy my content that I don’t need to “make deals” for followers. I am very grateful for the followers that I have here on Medium and I have read a lot of great content. I am currently following around 130 blogs (a combination of individuals and publications) and have 173 followers.

I have received comments from some bloggers asking for a follow and I go to their page and see that their number of followers greatly outnumbers the amount of people that they are following. This tells me that they are more focused on receiving than giving.

I have also received a comment or two from individuals asking to be followed, but when I go to their page, they have no Bio and not even any posts written! So what, exactly, am I supposed to be following?

Conclusion

If you are new to Medium or are not quite sure what the etiquette is for interacting with other bloggers, I hope I have provided some insight into these methods of showing support for fellow writers. Basically, if you like a post, Read (the entire article, all the way to the bottom of the page), Clap (a LOT), Comment (on something specific), and if you like the type of content they produce, Follow and sign up to receive notification emails. Not only will you be supporting fellow writers, but you will, in return, reap similar benefits on this platform.

Thank you for reading! If you found this article helpful at all, please click the clap button 50 times and leave a comment as well. Follow me and sign up for emails if you would like to be notified of new posts whenever they are published.