Summary

The author humorously questions the practice of giving only one clap to an article on Medium, expressing a desire for more support for writers.

Abstract

The article, written with humor in mind, explores the author's confusion and slight disappointment when receiving only one clap on their Medium articles. The author describes the process of writing, editing, and publishing an article, expressing the vulnerability and anticipation that comes with sharing one's work. They then question the practice of giving only one clap, wondering if the reader did not enjoy the article or if there is another reason behind the single clap. The author emphasizes the effort that goes into writing and expresses their appreciation for other writers by imagining themselves giving 50 claps to each article they read.

Opinions

The author believes that giving only one clap to an article may not adequately express support for the writer.
The author suggests that readers may not fully appreciate the effort and vulnerability that goes into writing and publishing an article.
The author humorously questions the reasons behind giving only one clap, suggesting that it may be due to a sore finger, a faulty mouse, or stinginess.
The author expresses a desire for more support and encouragement for writers on Medium.
The author emphasizes the importance of clapping for articles as a way of showing appreciation and acknowledging the time and effort spent on writing.
The author imagines themselves giving 50 claps to each article they read, expressing their appreciation for other writers.
The author invites readers who typically give only one clap to share their reasons for doing so.

Humor | Writer’s Life | Medium Writing

Why Do You Only Clap One Time for an Article?

Clue us in, cause I really would like to understand

Disclaimer: This article was written with humor in mind, don’t take it too seriously, whether one or 50 claps, I am grateful for your time.

One clap, two claps, three claps, more…?

You could be shooting the breeze, but not you.

You invest that time writing your article.

You take a break, read, tweak, then rest again.

You make a final read, edit then with your finger trembling slightly and your heart in your throat, you hit publish and send it out into the stratosphere.

You are just a bit nervous before you publish each story.

But you take a chance and hit publish anyway.

You go about reading and periodically your mind wonders if anyone is reading what you wrote. You click to check on it.

Did anyone read it?

Then with pleasure, you receive a notification that so and so has highlighted or clapped.

You feel a bit more relaxed; someone has read your words.

You click on it excitedly and you deflate slightly.

One single clap!

Here you go — I give you one clap!

Was it that bad?!

Who doles out a single clap?

Why would someone simply clap one time?

One clap seems such a meager thing to do when there are fifty claps available for each story.

Are they saving one clap for every story they read that day? But there is an endless number of claps yet unused.

How about some support for a struggling writer?

But no — one single clap — why?

Just … why…?

Final thoughts

Sometimes while reading an article someone else wrote, I see one clap.

It baffles me as to why. Was it a case of a sore finger? Was it their mouse?

The price of claps?

Is this a stingy clapper?

Did the article not meet your expectation?

Why did you think that it deserved just one clap?

When I read your stories, picture me clapping 50 times, each and every time.

I know what it takes to write. I appreciate you and I applaud your words and your storyline.

I begin by clapping slowly, then it builds to a crescendo, sometimes with that same fierce look on my face.

At the end of the 50 claps, my hands are stinging, and my lips burn from biting it, but I do it each time …🙌.

50 claps for each of you.

I know the time and effort spent.

So, I give 50 claps to you, and you and you…

For all the single clappers out there, do tell the rest of us.

We won’t tell anyone else…. why one single clap?

Pene Hodge is a mom, a nurse, and a writer. She writes because she must. She loves people and is committed to sharing and gleaning knowledge for the betterment of all.