Summary

Sherry McGuinn advises writers on Medium to engage with their audience by appreciating and acknowledging their readers, emphasizing that this connection is more valuable than financial success on the platform.

Abstract

In her article, Sherry McGuinn, a seasoned writer on Medium, shares her perspective on the importance of building genuine connections with readers and fellow writers. She argues that while her financial gains from the platform are modest, the friendships she has formed are invaluable. McGuinn encourages writers to actively engage with their audience by showing appreciation, as this practice enriches both the writer's and the readers' experiences. She also criticizes writers who fail to acknowledge their readers, suggesting that such behavior indicates a lack of empathy and a sense of entitlement. McGuinn's advice is to invest time in responding to readers, as this effort fosters a supportive community and can ultimately contribute to a writer's success.

Opinions

McGuinn values personal connections over monetary success on Medium.
She believes that engaging with readers by thanking them for their support is crucial.
Writers who do not reciprocate reader engagement are viewed as lacking gratitude and potentially having a sense of entitlement.
McGuinn has ceased reading and supporting a writer who did not acknowledge her thoughtful comments.
She points out that a popular writer known for a "doom" brand and for not engaging with readers has still managed to become successful on the platform, which she finds baffling.
McGuinn emphasizes that while engaging with readers takes time, it is a commitment that can positively impact a writer's reputation and success.
She shares her own experience of being removed from LinkedIn, suggesting that her level of engagement was deemed inappropriate on that platform.
McGuinn encourages both new and experienced writers to genuinely care about their audience and to show it through their interactions.

Writers, Here’s the Best Piece of Advice You’ll Ever Get

And, it has nothing to do with making money

As a rule, I don’t write about how one can attain success on Medium, as I’m not one to talk, so to speak. In the four-plus years that I’ve been sharing my ramblings here, my monthly payout barely covers a week’s supply of groceries. But, I’ve made some amazing connections. No. I’ll call them what they are: Friends.

And it’s these friends, who keep me here because, without them, I would no longer see the point in spending time on a platform that clearly does not appreciate my efforts. It’s these friends who enrich my life and make me strive to do and be, better.

Would you like to know how I’ve achieved these close connections? By engaging with writers and readers alike.

Because I appreciate them, and I take the time to tell them so.

There you go. “Engage,” people. That’s my advice in a nutshell. And it beats the shit out of “5 Side Hustles That Will Let You Retire at 30.”

Recently, I’ve been trying to catch up on my reading, mostly stories from writers I already know and admire. Since they do me the great favor of reading what I share here, I always check out their articles, first.

But, I’m also interested in expanding my reading horizons with some of the newer scribes, on Medium. It doesn’t take me long to determine who has the stuff and who doesn’t. For those that do, I’m happy to follow and read. But there’s a caveat: If you, meaning someone who I regularly read, clap for, and comment on, choose to ignore me, I’m going to dump you in a New York minute and never look back.

It’s not that I’m oversensitive, but I have feelings folks. And, when you can’t be bothered to take five or ten seconds to say “Thanks, I appreciate the read,” well then, I have to determine that you suck as a human being, and also, have entitlement issues.

There’s one writer in particular who I’ve been reading, regularly. Their particular niche is near and dear to my heart and their prose strong, and heartfelt. A couple of their stories have moved me to tears, as the writer holds nothing back. And, I can relate as I, too, let it bleed.

I’ve taken the time to leave thoughtful comments on their stories and the most I’ve received in return, are a few claps. So, I have ceased reading this individual.

This is baffling to me. I’ve no idea why it’s so difficult to acknowledge appreciation from a fellow writer. Do you have a clue? If so, please enlighten me.

Is it selfishness? Ignorance? Or, do they just not give a shit? Perhaps, it’s a combination of all three.

There’s a wildly popular writer here who has thousands upon thousands of followers who gush over every story they publish. This writer’s brand is “doom,” and, from what I understand, they rarely reply to comments, with one exception: They berate any reader who disagrees with their “facts.” And then, the writer blocks the offender.

And somehow, they’ve risen to the top of this platform like rotten eggs in a pan of water. (That’s how you know they’ve gone off, folks. Just a side note.)

Yes, engaging with your readers takes time. I understand that this is a commitment and we all have other crap that needs doing. But, if you think it’s okay to “dump and run,” you will eventually pay the price. Or, you should. Life isn’t fair, though, so who the hell knows? I’m someone who was kicked off of LinkedIn for fuck’s sake.

I guess I engaged a bit too much, there.

That’s it. My nugget of advice for you writers both new and seasoned, that you can either take to heart or with a grain of salt is:

Give a shit.

If you can handle it, read every one of my stories and those of other fab Medium writers. I’ll get a couple of shekels and you’ll have full access to this whole joint! https://sherrymcguinn.medium.com/membership Or, fuck it.

And if this story gave you goosies, please check out the ones I’ve conveniently linked to, as well as my newsletter, Sherry Raw.

Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. She is currently pitching her newest screenplay, “The Month We Fell Apart,” a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story, as well as “DEAD TIRED,” a female-driven, ass-kicking thriller.

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