Summary

The author describes their practice of reading and generously clapping fifty times for every Medium article they appreciate, turning the act of clapping into a unit of time for multitasking various personal tasks.

Abstract

The writer admits to spending excessive time reading on Medium, often getting lost in the content despite being urged to write more and read less. They've adopted a unique approach to showing appreciation for articles by clapping fifty times, a response to other writers' complaints about receiving minimal claps. This ritual, which the author equates to a spiritual duty, has led them to use the time it takes to reach fifty claps as a measure to complete other activities, such as drinking coffee, cooking, and even hosting a dinner party. The writer has become so adept at this that they now quantify tasks in terms of 'claps' rather than minutes or hours.

Opinions

The author believes that clapping fifty times for an article is a sign of respect and acknowledgment for the writer's effort, despite the time it consumes.
They suggest that clapping for articles is not merely a passive act but can be an opportunity for productive multitasking.
The writer implies that the common advice to "stop reading, start writing" is somewhat dismissive and personally challenging.
There is a hint of humor and self-awareness in the author's admission of using Medium claps as a new form of time measurement for personal tasks.
The author seems to enjoy the challenge of maximizing productivity during the time it takes to clap, indicating a playful yet disciplined approach to daily activities.

Things I Do While Clapping on Medium

If you don’t do this you’re lazy.

I spend a lot of time reading articles on Medium. More than I should, according to many writers saying “stop reading, start writing”.

I know they mean me. Personally. Ouch.

It’s just too easy to lose track of time when I’m so engrossed in an endless stream of high quality writing.

Here’s the thing. I’m a Medium Saint who claps for every article I read. And not just one clap. Not just five claps.

Fifty. I clap fifty times. Saint.

I do so because other writers put up a fuss about only clapping once or whatever. And I get it. If I only get one clap, or three, I wonder why my writing didn’t warrant fifty claps. After all, it doesn’t cost the reader anything.

Or does it?

In my estimation, it takes about six to seven seconds to reach max clap. That’s a long time to press the clap button. And if you read and clap as much as I do, it adds up and ends up costing a lot of time.

The problem is, I get bored while clapping. It’s like watching a pot of water on the stove. Or watching the microwave count down. If you watch the thing, it don’t do its thing.

One day, while pressing the clap button, I took a sip of coffee. That’s when I realized I could easily be a bit more proactive and multitask while I clap. Get some personal stuff done.

I started small, like just taking a sip of coffee while building up to fifty claps. Gradually, my multitasking skills increased. In a few days, I was able to finish the whole cup and run into the kitchen refill it, all while waiting for the clap button to arrive at capacity.

I kept clapping and practicing my multitasking. I’ve now reached the point where I’m a highly skilled Holy Being on Medium who gives all the high quality posts the 50 claps they deserve, while at the same time taking care of my own needs.

I can unload the dishwasher in 50 claps. I can cook breakfast in 50 claps. I can do my skin care and work out routine in 50 claps each.

The other night, with a bit of strategy and pre planning, I was able to cook and host a dinner party for 8 guests in 50 claps.

I’ve reached a point where I no longer use the measure of time for anything. I now use Medium claps as the standard for everything I do.

Help my friend move to her new condo across town? 130 claps.

Wait for my car to get out of the garage? 300 claps.

Wait for my partner to finish describing his dream? 6,499 claps.

And I’ll be honest. My workout routine only takes 8 claps, max.