New Readers as Stocking Stuffers

Summary

I. Trudie Palmer reflects on her Medium statistics, humorously wishing for increased readership from Santa Claus instead of coal, and acknowledges the intrinsic joy of writing despite low engagement metrics.

Abstract

In a recent article by Patrick M. Ohana, I. Trudie Palmer found inspiration to examine her own Medium readership statistics, which she describes as "dismal." Despite this, she maintains a light-hearted attitude, joking about the annual coal from Santa and expressing a desire for more readers. Palmer candidly questions her motivations for writing, given the lack of financial reward or fame. She concludes that the act of writing itself, for the pleasure of expressing her thoughts, is its own reward. This realization leads her to a place of contentment, where writing keeps her occupied and out of trouble. She extends her gratitude to her dedicated readers and email subscribers, and with holiday cheer, she wishes for new readers as stocking stuffers from Santa.

Opinions

Palmer views her current readership statistics with a sense of humor, comparing them to receiving coal from Santa.
She openly questions the purpose of her writing, considering her small audience and lack of monetary gain.
Writing is seen as a source of personal enjoyment and a way to stay out of trouble, suggesting it serves as a form of therapy or leisure.
Despite the low read ratio, Palmer finds value in the act of writing and sharing her work.
She expresses sincere appreciation for her existing audience, including those who read her poems and stories and her email subscribers.
The author is hopeful and optimistic, wishing for an increase in readership as a holiday gift.
Palmer's tone is one of self-reflection, gratitude, and continued aspiration for broader readership.

My wish to Sandy Clause

Image by author- town square in Charlestown, Nevis W.I.

I read a story by Patrick M. Ohana in Unpopular Opinion that encouraged me to look at my own Medium stats.

And they are a dismal affair!

Maybe I should just ask Sandy Clause for an improvement in my read ratio instead of the regular lump of coal I get every year. I do not complain — more fire for the BBQ grill.

Looking at the numbers caused me to ask myself, really, who are you writing for, is it for the ten faithful who read most of your pieces? It is not for the money since you do not make any, nor is it the fame, so what is in the game?

But you know, I understand why I continue to write and share. It is for the sheer pleasure of putting my thoughts on paper — well on whatever you call it these days, perhaps I should say on the screen? It keeps me busy and out of trouble. Trouble loves company and many times have seen me as a worthy ally.

So for now, I will write for me and maybe, just maybe, Sandy C. will bring me a new reader or ten.

I want to take this opportunity to send a shoutout to all of those readers and fellow writers who take the time to read my poems and stories and especially to my email subscribers, thank you!

From my screen to yours, happy holidays!

New Readers as Stocking Stuffers?

My wish to Sandy Clause