Happy Friday, Did you know you can buy Medium followers? Once Medium brought in the 100 followers rule and changed the partner program to stipulate that writers don’t get paid until they have 100 followers, it was inevitable. There’s a lot of sites selling Medium followers.
I wouldn’t pay for followers. I’ve found that the fastest way to get followers is to read and make thoughtful comments on a lot of different writers’ stories. I’ve only published one story this month but I keep adding followers due to them liking or agreeing with my comments.
Interesting questions. I wouldn't really call the FB groups "ethical" either, but yes, I guess because money isn't changing hands that process feels better. The participants are clear about what is happening. When people pay money for something they really are not getting - a "real" follower - they are being taken advantage of. Both parties aren't clear on the deal. Yes, maybe the buyer should know better, but it still feels wrong unless both sides understand what is really happening.
Aside from the ethical questions... I don't understand what the point of buying followers is. To qualify for the partner program? If someone doesn't have a hundred people who want to read your work badly enough to follow you on Medium, you're not going to make more than pennies anyway.
Okay, I think I do see a point: telling yourself that it's all about getting followers, whether by paying cash or joining one of those FB groups, allows you to avoid the tougher question of how to get people sincerely interested in your writing.
I've never understood the hunger many have. Following to get followers seems like a game. Groups to get followers turns my tummy and purchasing seems a higher level of cheating. I may be poor but I don't have the kind of hunger that drives such choices. Great article.
Well, pardon my French - but I long along stopped giving a sh-t about how many followers I have. What matters is the quality -- decency, openness, kindness, artistry etc -- of the follower. Because I read those who follow me. They become 'energetic' friends who I one day hope to meet in person
I'd find it a waste of money. 100 isn't that difficult to reach if you participate in conversations—*not* to promote yourself, but to contribute something meaningful to the discussion. It's a matter of being active and reading other people's work.
Shortcuts work short term. But if anyone wants lasting success, they need to push their energy outward instead of trying to draw everyone else inward. :)
I wouldn’t pay for followers. I’ve found that the fastest way to get followers is to read and make thoughtful comments on a lot of different writers’ stories. I’ve only published one story this month but I keep adding followers due to them liking or agreeing with my comments.
Interesting questions. I wouldn't really call the FB groups "ethical" either, but yes, I guess because money isn't changing hands that process feels better. The participants are clear about what is happening. When people pay money for something they really are not getting - a "real" follower - they are being taken advantage of. Both parties aren't clear on the deal. Yes, maybe the buyer should know better, but it still feels wrong unless both sides understand what is really happening.
There have to be easier ways to make a living, all I can say.
WHAT? Buy followers? Who would do that?
Engagement means a conversation. That’s how relationships are made.
Aside from the ethical questions... I don't understand what the point of buying followers is. To qualify for the partner program? If someone doesn't have a hundred people who want to read your work badly enough to follow you on Medium, you're not going to make more than pennies anyway.
Okay, I think I do see a point: telling yourself that it's all about getting followers, whether by paying cash or joining one of those FB groups, allows you to avoid the tougher question of how to get people sincerely interested in your writing.
Sad commentary on the state of ethics and integrity.
I've never understood the hunger many have. Following to get followers seems like a game. Groups to get followers turns my tummy and purchasing seems a higher level of cheating. I may be poor but I don't have the kind of hunger that drives such choices. Great article.
Well, pardon my French - but I long along stopped giving a sh-t about how many followers I have. What matters is the quality -- decency, openness, kindness, artistry etc -- of the follower. Because I read those who follow me. They become 'energetic' friends who I one day hope to meet in person
I'd find it a waste of money. 100 isn't that difficult to reach if you participate in conversations—*not* to promote yourself, but to contribute something meaningful to the discussion. It's a matter of being active and reading other people's work.
Shortcuts work short term. But if anyone wants lasting success, they need to push their energy outward instead of trying to draw everyone else inward. :)
Some of us want to garden and some want to chop down trees.. Have a great weekend.
I sat up for three nights trying to think that up. Hahaha
LOL Think of me as your sweet elderly aunt.