avatarNjide Mkparu

Summary

The article discusses the evolution of a Medium writer's approach from initially following the "Follow for a follow, clap for a clap" mantra to focusing on meaningful engagement and content quality.

Abstract

The article reflects on the initial stages of writers on Medium who are often advised to engage in reciprocal following and clapping to increase their visibility and success. The author admits to using this strategy in the past but emphasizes that maturity and experience have led to a realization that such practices are not beneficial in the long run. The true essence of writing on Medium, according to the author, is to produce quality content for readers, not just for other writers. The article advocates for following writers because of the value they provide, not out of obligation, and for writers to focus on crafting good stories consistently, which naturally attracts genuine followers and claps. The author also points out the impracticality of reading every story in exchange for reciprocal engagement and suggests that writers should pursue more substantial aspects of the platform, such as using tools to refine their articles and engaging with content that truly resonates with them.

Opinions

  • The "Follow for a follow, clap for a clap" strategy is seen as a beginner's approach that does not contribute to true success on Medium.
  • Claps are considered less valuable than actual reads, as they do not significantly impact a writer's statistics.
  • Writers should focus on their target audience and produce content that aligns with their interests rather than seeking indiscriminate follows and claps.
  • Engagement on Medium should be genuine and based on the value of the content, not on reciprocity.
  • It is unrealistic for writers to commit to reading all stories in exchange for follows or claps, especially when involved in multiple writing communities.
  • The article suggests that writers should prioritize writing quality content and being consistent, which will naturally lead to organic growth in followers and engagement.
  • The author believes that writers have a responsibility to improve their craft and engage with content that helps them grow, rather than participating in shallow engagement tactics.

‘Follow For a Follow, Clap For a Clap’ — Writers’ Slogan

Leave this slogan. Let’s discuss the weightier matters in writing

Photo by Inbal marilli Unsplash

It’s not our fault. We are doing what we have been told to do in order to be successful in Medium. We were bombarded with information on how to hit it big on Medium when we joined newly.

Our eyes were on curation when we joined newly and making a hundred bucks at the end of the month. We heard that part of getting the attention of the readers on our stories is by following other writers so that they too can follow back.

We were also told to clap on their stories so that they can clap back on ours. So, we invented a slogan; “Follow for a follow; clap for a clap”.

But those who taught us this slogan have grown. They no longer use it. They have passed it on to the newbies.

Once upon a time; I used the slogan.

But I have learned that what we give much ado for are not beneficial. Clap for a clap does not matter. It doesn’t add to our success on Medium.

Ten thousand claps mean nothing to your stats but ten reads mean life to our stats. We have forgotten that we are here to write for readers, readers who are not mainly writers.

Although, we write for ourselves sometimes to improve our passions. But if I look out for fellow writers alone who in turn are looking out for me, what are we here for then?

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

I follow whom I want to follow.

The weightier matter about following and followers on Medium is to follow because there is something to gain from the writers and their writings. It is not following out of compulsion or following to reciprocate following favor.

I no longer solicit to be followed because not everyone should follow me. Do you know why?

I cannot write for everyone at the same time.

If I write about how to kill fishes. There are fishes and fish admirers on Medium. These groups can never follow me. If I force them to follow me, they will be offended by my stories.

The weightier matter on Medium is to write good stories and to be consistent. Clappers will clap; followers will follow, unsolicited.

"Follow for a follow, clap for a clap"; the language we spoke as newcomers. The language we spoke when we joined newly, but now, I have known better.

Maturity comes with experience. I no longer say drop your story link here I will read them all when I know I can't read them.

How can I read them all?

I belong to more than 5 Medium Writers’ Facebook pages. If I drop my story in all of them in one day, how do I read all the stories under them?

Once upon a time, old writers used this slogan; “Follow for a follow, clap for a clap”. But we are all grown now, pursing the weightier matters here.

Writing
Writing Tips
Writers On Writing
Advice
Reality
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarJessica Stillman
Jeff Bezos Says the 1-Hour Rule Makes Him Smarter. New Neuroscience Says He’s Right

Jeff Bezos’s morning routine has long included the one-hour rule. New neuroscience says yours probably should too.

4 min read
avatarDevon Price
Laziness Does Not Exist

Psychological research is clear: when people procrastinate, there's usually a good reason

11 min read
avatarAlexander Nguyen
I Wrote On LinkedIn for 100 Days. Now I Never Worry About Finding a Job.

Everyone is hiring.

6 min read
avatarMark Manson
40 Life Lessons I Know at 40 (That I Wish I Knew at 20)

Today is my 40th birthday.

9 min read
avatarKarolina Kozmana
Common side effects of not drinking

By rejecting alcohol, you reject something very human, an extra limb that we have collectively grown to deal with reality and with each…

10 min read
avatarSingh Bhai
How to Read Someone’s Personality in 10 Seconds (Backed by Psychology)

The Subtle Signs That Reveal Who Someone Really Is.

4 min read