Shouting Out Makes Winners of Us All
In response to Coffee Challenge; Why I am pro-shoutout movement
Today a new writer commented on one of my stories. As I often do, I moseyed on over to check out her work. She had one follower, one story and 10 claps. Well, that just wouldn’t do! I followed, read, clapped and made a comment.
That got me thinking about my first days on Medium and there have been so many great “firsts” since joining the platform. Firsts mean a lot to writers. We’re all putting ourselves out there and trying to get our words read for one reason or another.
I remember the bubbles of excitement when people first started interacting with my stories, so it felt good to return the favour to Sabrina Love. I must qualify though, I wouldn’t have commented if it wasn’t a genuine comment that sprang to mind. We need to be genuine. When we’re not, it shows. This is the story:
The first story that mentioned me (exclusive of a list associated with a publication or follower thanks) was from the amazing Katie Michaelson. If you get the chance to write for The Daily Cuppa, you’re going to win in so many ways.
That was the first, and there have been more. You know what? It never gets old. Every time it’s lovely and validating and exciting and makes me smile.
What’s in it for the shouter?
- Reciprocity brings its own rewards
- A sense of community
- Interaction
- Exposure to new ideas
- You’ll probably get a shout or two yourself
Reciprocity
I strongly believe that reciprocity brings its own rewards. If you give back every time you receive, the circle seems to turn of its own accord. Every time I feel like I get something from Medium, I make an effort to give back.
I give back by reading, clapping, tweeting and shouting out. I don’t do this expecting exactly the same response. I do it in the hope that I will give a moment of joy to other writers and I trust that I will keep getting the joy that made me do it in the first place.
Reciprocity feels good and I’ve loved that notion ever since I read Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass.
Community
Medium is spruiked as a relational platform, but the fact of the matter is that it isn’t unless we make it one. We are the cogs that turn the machine. If you want community, you’ve got to give community.
Community isn’t just about you wanting it and receiving it. And there we go with reciprocity again!
Interaction
Writing is all about interaction. Interacting with ideas, interacting with readers are the starting points. What really informs our writing and makes us better is interacting with other writers and letting their words interact with ours.
Searching for a story that is a relevant shoutout and enhances your story makes you think about what you’ve really written. It makes you search for a perfect fit. Sure there are token shoutouts. We know. We’ve seen them! They stand out like sore thumbs!
A proper shoutout is a way to make the writing process more meaningful and to help you make sure that you’re saying what you want to say.
Exposure to new ideas
None of these points truly stand-alone and this one closely links to “interaction”. By searching for that perfect shoutout you’re either going to expose yourself to stories that you wouldn’t have otherwise seen (Note: does anyone else find Medium’s search engine very frustrating!?) OR you’re going to ruminate on a story that inspired your story or revealed a point that inspired your story.
Thinking is good for writers. Our brains are our greatest tool and must be kept fit!
Return of the shout-out
Last and yes, least, you might just get a shoutout in return. I am surprised at how often this happens! Medium, in general, seems to host a community that really wants to reciprocate (there it is again!) or at least the circles I move in do.
This has given me the pleasure of that wonderful notification: “X mentioned you in a story”. That notification always makes me smile. It’s nice to be included and there’s that community point again!
The Ultimate Shoutout
The ultimate shoutout is of course, reviewing someone else’s story. Have you seen Writers Review Writers, a wonderful publication from Mary? I love this pub! Read all about it here:
Final Thoughts
The story that inspired me to write this is this one from Winston.
I don’t think I’m eligible to win as I haven’t yet published in Coffee Times… the right story just hasn’t happened yet. I try to be purposeful when I submit to publications. I don’t really care about winning. (Edited to add: I have now published two stories in Coffee Times after browsing the publication.)
I care about supporting something and someone and a publication that improves the Medium experience. Shoutouts, Winston and Coffee Times all do that!
Don’t include a shoutout because you have to. Include it because it strengthens our community and gives you the joy of giving back. ’Tis the season after all!
Here’s the editing team for the Coffee Times movement:
The amazing Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles who personifies giving to community.
The insightful Yana Bostongirl who is one of my favourite writers.
The delightfully named Sharing Randomly whose words are equally delightful.
Those I have yet to investigate in depth: Drashti Shroff, Marrisa W., Dr. Preeti Singh, Coffee Times
