Stingy Clappers
“Beware of those who are stingy, for they would rather sting you than give you anything.” Suzy Kassem, Rise Up and Salute the Sun: The Writings of Suzy Kassem
Mira visited her friend who had a small gathering at her quilt store. Mira was showing the beautiful quilts she had sown with other friends from another quilt store. She was elated about that day and to share her craft with others including friends.
The day finally appeared. Mira decorated the store and also along the pathway to her small garden where the event would take place.
As the time drew near Mira was very anxious wondering if anyone would like her quilts, and hoping she would get a contract to make some. She also hoped someone would buy even one of her quilts. If none was sold, she would be disappointed, but the reviews and comments would be so much more encouraging.
Mira laid out the quilts in lines along the pathway going into the garden, attached to the garden wall, some thrown over a ladder her brother made for her. She made a makeshift bed and had one on the bed.
I am a writer on the Medium platform. I love to write, and I enjoy reading. When I post my articles or stories on Medium, I am grateful when it is read in their entirety. I am not forcing or begging people to read and comment, but I think it is fair that if you are reading the work, engage so that the writer knows you are really reading their article or story.
When you just glance over it and put in one clap or a 3 clap, it is a big injustice. For me, if you aren’t interested in reading, please do not give me a single clap. Do not pretend you are reading because you want that person to read yours and give you the maximum clap of 50. Do not clap for me if you did not spend the time reading my story.
Like the visitor to the quilt store, if you come without good intentions, stay away. Writers spend time writing, like Mira in the quilt store. It takes time to prepare the materials with care and patience to sew the pieces together. It takes time. When a writer sits to write a story or an article, they spend time preparing what they are writing about.
Be honest and read the person’s writing. I read yours. I put aside time to read your article. Many of these articles and stories speak to me. Many I can relate to, and still so much that speaks to about the journey I am on. Some appear to have happened on the path I am walking on, and yet, many have encouraged me to not give up but to stay the course.
To those of you who are so stingy and afraid to give claps as if it’s costing you, lighten up. Just as you want others to read and give you 50 claps, return the same attitude to other writers. You beg to stay on your page so you can get coffee, I am not begging for coffee. I still work but it’s the principle about it. Do not be stingy.
If you do not read my story, do not clap. I do not want you one clap and nothing more. I have gone over my story and seen many people leaving one clap and no comments. It tells me that you aren’t interested in what I write. Yet you leave with the intention that we will read yours and give you fifty claps. Ok, a clap for a clap. You leave me one clap and do not read my story, I will not bother to waste my time and read your story. If I do not read your story or only glance at the top I will not leave a clap. I believe that is disrespectful.
Thanks for reading my story. Enjoy and savor other writers below.
