The Ghost of Virality’s Past

Summary

The author reflects on their recent absence from Medium, attributing it to a period of mental dissociation following the unexpected virality of their articles, and commits to re-engaging with their audience.

Abstract

The article titled "The Ghost of Virality’s Past" is a personal reflection by the author on their return to writing after a two-week hiatus. The author acknowledges their disappearance from the platform after their article went viral, which led to a significant increase in followers. Instead of capitalizing on the momentum, the author experienced a heightened state of dissociation, which they had previously mentioned in a prior article. The piece serves as a means for the author to re-energize their writing and address their lapse in communication, expressing regret for ghosting their readers and a commitment to consistency and accountability moving forward. The author also extends a gentle nudge to readers to support their work by becoming Medium members, offering a referral link for sign-ups.

Opinions

The author views their period of inactivity as a missed opportunity to engage with their newfound audience and to build on their viral success.
There is a sense of self-criticism for not living up to the expectations of maximizing the potential of their viral content.
The author expresses a fear of sabotaging their own success due to a scarcity mindset, as previously discussed in their viral article.
Despite the absence, the author values the connection with their readers and acknowledges the importance of reciprocating the empathy and compassion received from the audience.
The author uses humor and self-deprecation to downplay their significance on the platform while also holding themselves accountable for their content's consistency.
There is an underlying tone of gratitude towards readers for their followship and understanding, and a promise to do better in maintaining a dialogue through their writing.
The author indirectly suggests that reader support, through Medium memberships, is a way to foster a sustainable writing career and to ensure content continues to be produced.

from February 4th, 2022.

Yikes.

Most of you are probably aware of my

ranting article > gone viral success > turned fearful dissociation

as this little run was the bearer of, well…the majority of you actually. My latest and greatest in followers. (Hello all!)

The last you will have heard from me was my declaration of a mental disconnect when tasting a tad of virality from the platter of this platform (see article above).

And since then?

To run jump cables from one metaphorical trucker’s vehicle to mine own.

*zap*

I had attempted a few other article ideas this past week; multiple fresh tabs laid bare as they awaited adornment of my thoughts.

But, to continue on without acknowledging my somewhat lengthy disappearance —

felt almost irresponsible.

Readers graced me with their follow. Empaths soothed me with their compassion.

And what did I do?

The Ghost of Virality’s Past

My resurface after a mentally dissociated vacay.

One moment whilst I just check when I last published on Medi—

This article:

My Article’s Going Viral and It’s Making Me Dissociate

The fears of a scarcity mindset.

from February 4th, 2022.

I dissociated even more.

Now don’t worry,

To jolt some life back into my writer’s flat battery.

To run jump cables from one metaphorical trucker’s vehicle to mine own.

I ghosted them.

And I owe a consistency of the content they came here for.

I’m sorry.

For ghosting you.

Join Medium with my referral link — I am not Hermione

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