avatarDaniel T.

Summary

The article advises against using "clap jumpers" on Medium, a manipulative tactic to gain attention from new writers, which can lead to being hated and blocked.

Abstract

The author warns about a practice on Medium known as "clap jumpers," where individuals excessively applaud a writer's work to attract attention to their own content. This tactic is seen as a way to manipulate new writers into reading their stories, potentially harming the newcomer's read ratio. The article suggests that beginners should block such users to maintain a healthy read ratio, while experienced writers with a larger audience may be less affected by this practice. The author also provides links to additional resources and invites readers to follow their newsletter and Medium account for more insights.

Opinions

  • The author views "clap jumpers" as a negative and deceptive practice that can lead to new writers being misled and their metrics being skewed.
  • It is implied that the primary motive of "clap jumpers" is to selfishly promote their own content without genuinely engaging with others' work.
  • The article suggests that the impact of "clap jumpers" is more detrimental to inexperienced writers, who may not recognize the manipulation.
  • Blocking "clap jumpers" is recommended as a protective measure for new writers to prevent the dilution of their genuine engagement metrics.
  • The author believes that experienced writers are less susceptible to the negative effects of "clap jumpers" due to their established audience.

Don’t do This. Or You Will Be Hated On Medium.

At least I’m trying to warn you….

Photo by Elijah Hiett on Unsplash

Being hated on Medium is simpler than you think it is!

I read a story about engagement on Medium and the writer was recommending to do a “this thing” that may work to get some readers but will attract hate.

People can even block you for that…

What am I talking about?

Clap jumpers:

If you are not familiar with this term, here is an explanation :

Screenshot from Author

These are people who are clapping all of your stories to get your attention.

You may say :

Did he just read all of your stories?

No.

On average my stories are 2–3 minutes long. To read six 2 minutes stories he needs 12 minutes. But he claped everything in the same minute.

So we know they need your attention.

What for?

They are trying to attract you to their profile to make you read their stories.

And the worst part of it — is that they are targeting new writers mostly because new writers don’t have a lot of experience in this.

So they fall for it not knowing that along with giving them useless hope they kill the newbie read ratio…

How to deal with clap jumpers?

If you are a beginner you should just block them. They won’t be able to open your stories → clap → low your read ratio

Block, and never read their stories because it’s encouraging them to clap and jump…

If you are an experienced writer, with a big audience, you can do it too but you have less need in that.

1 clap jumper can’t affect you badly…

How can I help you?

  • Follow my Newsletter (To get exclusive content — I will start writing on 100 followers)
  • Follow my Medium Account (To get valuable information)
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