The Magic Started With One Good Old Shout-Out!

In Response to Cofee Challenge; Why I am a pro (or anti) shoutout movement. "

Sometimes, we need that magical start when we rise in the mornings. Everything else then seems to fits in perfectly throughout the day.

Here's how my magic began this morning — @Sam Finlayson's article — "The Art of Crafting Communities" led me to @Maria Rattray's — "What Happens When You are A Medium Nobody."

Before long, I was on a writer's profile named @James Frank Sanders.

James' profile stood out. He is 95 yrs old and started writing on Medium in July 2021. I read two of James's inspiring articles; I began to follow him and even subscribed to his email — I’m sure to be alerted whenever he publishes.

James put the well-needed magic in my day. He reminds me, I am fully in control of how I live my life until the day I die. With this in mind, everything fell into place throughout my day.

How would I have met James if it wasn't for Sams' and Marias' Shout out?

Let's face it, writing on Medium is like swimming in a big vast ocean. You'll likely swim around here for a long time without being recognized or getting noticed.

Many of us heartfelt writers become discouraged from time to time about our writing journey. As a result, we sometimes lose hope in our abilities to get the recognition we sought or become the writer we aspire to be.

Many of us cannot keep pace with the famous writers on Medium. We soon eventually give up.

We all want recognition.

“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated” — William James

Just knowing someone is looking out for you makes you feel special.

It is a great feeling when another writer brings you into their fold and introduces you to their writing buddies.

It feels great to be recognized by others in general but being recognized on Medium feels extra special.

A shoutout! is a great way to recognize another writer here on Medium.

Just the way Winston promotes and makes shoutouts mandatory in his Publication — Coffee Times.

The movement has become a trendsetter among publications on Medium in recent times.

It's the new hang-out hot spot to relax with a good old cup of coffee and enjoy some good reading on diverse topics.

For many writers, shouting out another writer has become a habit.

Writers know the value of shouting out to each other. It's not only a kind gesture but says a lot about the shouter too.

Shouting out to each other says, Hey, man, I see you — I have your back. That's what communities do; we uplift and build up each other.

As we Jamaicans like to say it in our local dialect—

“Big up, yu self!!” (Grammarly have fun with some patios )

“Big up! The team at Coffee Times for implementing the Shout Out! on Medium”.

Every time another writer gives me a Shout Out !, it makes me feel special.

A shoutout is an excellent way to spreads love and build communities here on Medium.

I know every time you get a shoutout! It makes you feel special too.

That's why I am pro-shout-out and support @Winston making it mandatory for his publication.