Fake, Flake, Flatter, and Follow

Summary

Harry Hogg reflects on the dynamics of engagement and authenticity on Medium, emphasizing the value of genuine connections over follower count.

Abstract

Harry Hogg discusses the phenomenon of "fake reading" and the transient nature of follows on Medium, noting that many followers may not be genuinely interested in his work. Despite having a low follower count for the time he's been active on the platform, Hogg values quality writing and prefers a smaller circle of engaged readers. He appreciates the meaningful interactions with his readers, even if it's just an emoji response, and acknowledges the importance of writing for oneself rather than chasing a niche or popularity. Hogg's approach to writing on Medium is personal and eclectic, and he finds wealth in the genuine connections he makes, regardless of the number of followers.

Opinions

Hogg believes that the number of followers is not a true measure of a writer's impact or quality, as many follows are not backed by genuine interest in the writer's work.
He does not engage in reciprocal following and is critical of the practice of following just to be followed back, which he sees as insincere.
Hogg values the depth and quality of his writing over adhering to a specific niche or writing about popular topics solely for the purpose of gaining followers.
He is grateful for the engagement he receives from his readers, especially those who consistently interact with his work, and he strives to respond to them despite his busy schedule.
Hogg is aware that his eclectic writing style and topics may limit his popularity but is content with reaching a smaller audience that appreciates his authentic voice.
He does not understand the concept of "fake reading" and believes that if readers do not engage with his content, it is a reflection of his writing not meeting their interest or quality expectations.
Hogg's priority is to write about what he loves and to connect with readers on a personal level, rather than to maximize his follower count or earnings on Medium.

What does it all mean? The 4 Fs.

Image: Author Electrified

I don’t boast about how many followers I have, it’s not very good, especially for the amount of time I’ve been on Medium, it is exceptionally low. One reason for this is that I don’t auto-follow people who follow me. Lately, I’m receiving lots of follows, but when I look to see if that writer’s work is of interest to me, I find that person hasn’t written anything.

I check it to look back at some point. After a few days most of these same people have dropped me. From this act alone I know my writing is of no interest to them. So why do it?

I just read an interesting article on this subject:

I assume there are writers who do not wish to write on Medium until they, too, have an opportunity to earn from it. (100 followers)

My intention is not to go over what Carmelita has written, which is substantiative, and enlightening to me, personally.

The people who know me, who are gracious enough to respond, know only too well the amount of writing I place here. Many have become online faces that I love to hear from. Most praise, why write a negative response, no point in my eyes. I have friends here who blow smoke up my ass, but that is a nice warm feeling.

I don’t expect other writers to spend their valuable time writing to me. I get how important writing time is, and time isn’t always readily available. Life has to be lived away from the desk.

A few friends leave an emoji to tell me they dropped in. I respect their time. That is perfect. I see that emoji and my heart does a little flutter of thanks, and I carry on feeling very grateful.

I’m poor at responding to every response, but I do try as doing so is important to me. There are also writers that I simply must read every day. Their works make me happy, sad, reflective, pissed off, and always feel encouraged that such writing voices come alive from the screen to inspire me in this world.

I don’t have a niche. This might be another reason my following is poor. But the main reason is the quality. It is always the quality. This is exactly as it should be. I’m always trying to improve. Actually, come to think of it, maybe not. Sometimes I just like to get something out there without thought to quality, just unwrapped and sour, like me.

When people look up Harry Hogg, I’m excited when they tell me they never know what to expect. I could become a top author if I followed a pattern: Aerodynamics: Conservation: Music Industry: all of which I have a great knowledge of, and absolutely no interest in writing about here. Trust me, in my lifetime I’m written flat on these subjects.

Medium is about me, my likes, loves, dislikes, humor (which is sad and disgusting) and drinking. True, I have done it a lot, but not tired of writing about it.

Give me 50 friends, and to hell with 10,000 followers. 50 friends here and I’m the richest and most thankful writer on Medium. I save up the money I earn till Christmas, and last Christmas I was able to buy Jenny new oven gloves!

My wife is my fall guy, as you know, and you know, too, that Jenny is the whole sum of my life. She is the ocean, and her tides fill up every crevice of me.

I don’t really understand the fake reading thing. If it happens to me, it’s MY fault. If I didn’t write something good enough, interesting enough, funny enough, why would any reader, let alone a fake reader, keep reading. This post will be opened by a hundred followers and read by twelve.

I get lifted twelve times a day. That’s wealth.

I just love writing, I love Medium (It’s not a money idea for me, otherwise I’d hate Medium) It’s about reading beautiful, funny, sensitive works, by people I’ve been privileged to read and to feel their hearts beating on the screen.