Follow Me if You Want to Live, Laugh, Love

What is a “follower” anyway? There are three kinds.

About This Follower Thing

On Medium there’s this thing called “followers.”

You probably already knew that.

But do you remember making your account as wide-eyed as a freshman on your first day of high school? Who should I follow? Who might follow me?

Do you remember the feeling of getting that first follower?

But here’s a question — what does it all mean?

Not All Followers Are Created Equal

At the time of this writing I follow 482 writers. I have 905 followers.

But does this mean every time I hit publish I get 905 comments? Or at least 905 people clapping 1–50 times?

No?

Well, at least I get 905 reads right?

What?

Surely I get AT LEAST 905 views, right?

Right?

…

Clearly, followers don’t follow your every move. And if I’m honest, I can’t read every article of every person I follow either. So again, what does it all mean?

What’s the point?

Three Kinds of Followers

Here’s how I think of it — there are three kinds of followers.

There are follow-for-followers.

There are fans.

And there are friends.

Follow-for-Followers

Follow-for-followers follow you because they want to get something out of you. They want to put themselves on your radar. And hey, nothing wrong with that, especially if you’re just starting out. You have to start somewhere.

But these people aren’t going to read your stuff. Not often at least.

Sure they make you look popular which looks good on your profile but your stats will tell a much different story.

At the end of the day your relationship is transactional.

Fans

Fans are different. They follow you because something about you tickled their fancy. You wrote an article that they really enjoyed. Maybe you write about a topic they’re interested in. They aren’t going to consume everything you produce but want to be informed of your activity.

This is good.

But there’s something better.

Friends

Some people you meet here will be friends. They will only show up as one number on your profile, just as any random person would, but they’ll show up in your (Medium) life so much more. They’ll provide insight with their comments. They’ll pick you up when you’re down. And you’ll enjoy their stuff, too.

Friendship is mutual.

Friendship is beneficial.

Friendship isn’t just when they like one article you wrote or a topic you chose, but you.

They like you — your style, your voice, you.

This is what makes Medium great.

Stay for the Friends

Followers will come and go. And I understand this. If you follow me, I can’t promise to make you live, laugh and love every time. Some of my articles flop because they aren’t that good, frankly. And Theo Rose isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

But I’ve met a few people here that I genuinely enjoy getting to know.

I read your writing as much as I can and it helps me — it moves me. Sometimes it pushes me to live better. Other times it makes me laugh. And I always love seeing your names in my notifications.

So —

Don’t worry about your total number of followers.

Write what’s in your heart and your people will find you.

Maybe you came for the chance to make money or to practice your writing skills or to build your personal brand.

Stay for the friends.

Thanks for Reading!