Some of you only give out — 1 clap!
Do you know why? I’m not sure, what do you think?
You never run out of claps.
It’s a way to appreciate other writers.
When I first started on Medium, I think I was rationing my claps. I did not understand the system. I would read, like it and give a clap or two. Then I felt more comfortable and started being more generous — 10 or more.
I really don’t know why I didn’t clap more. But after starting to write myself, I did not want a writer to feel — “just one clap — huh?” It’s almost a “what did I do wrong?” feeling. I am curious what other think about this.
What really changed me, was one article I read, where someone said they either gave one clap or 50 claps. I don’t agree with just the one clap. It is almost like going to a restaurant and leaving one penny or just some loose change for a tip. You know the server should get more, but you are pissed off.
Hey, if you don’t like what was written — then don’t clap.
But if you do like it — hold that finger on the clap button and watch it go to 50! I promise you it does stop. When I do that, I actually imagine myself giving the author a few high-five and saying “great job”. It is a way to motivate each other, and it does not cost you anything.
Leaving a comment for them is the icing on the cake!
If the article does not speak to you, don’t clap. This is like answering the phone and realizing you are now speaking to a telemarketer. If you don’t want to speak with them, be polite. “Sorry I am busy right now, and I am not interested. Thank you, please take me off the list.”
I worked in financial sales for many years. You get avoided, hung up on and learn to develop a thick skin. Some years later I worked some telemarketing jobs where rejection was just part of the job.
I think that in the Medium writing business, having some zero views in some of my early articles is very similar. Those who saw it, just hung up before even reading it. Zero views and no claps, just means you are getting yourself together and it is part of the learning process. It doesn’t feel good.
In the long run, it is all good. Learn, research, write, publish, and do it again. The hard part, and what I have not figured out yet, is how all these “stats” work — and I’m just going to keep writing and not worry about it.
But that is not important. I am here to write, learn, publish and have fun.
As a newbie myself, right now I have graduated from making pennies to making dollars. Yay! Yes, I am learning to walk, but I am still crawling around and figuring things out.
I am looking forward to be running with the more seasoned writers.
This will happen when the time is right. It is a process you cannot rush. Great, if it is tomorrow, but I am realistic — still working out at the Medium gym training room…
If anyone has any other theories or explanations I would love to hear your comments. We are in this together. Enjoy your reading and writing experiences.