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Apr 22, 2022
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Linda Caroll's avatar

That's the thing, right? So much really awful writing and they think followers is the issue. Nope. Not.

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Denise Shelton's avatar

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.

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Apr 22, 2022
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Linda Caroll's avatar

lmao. right? that, too.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

I find the same, Denise.

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Dakota Duncan's avatar

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.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

That's a good point, Dakota. I have a cautionary tale about those FB groups to add to the draft I'm working on that touches on exactly what you said.

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William Evans's avatar

There have to be easier ways to make a living, all I can say.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

LMAO. Right? God, I would rather clean tables.

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Henya Drescher's avatar

WHAT? Buy followers? Who would do that?

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Linda Caroll's avatar

Lol. Apparently people do. I had NO idea. lol

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Apr 22, 2022
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Linda Caroll's avatar

lol. Oh for sure. I was surprised how many there is. They jumped on the first 100 followers thing pretty fast.

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Robin Klammer's avatar

I have other ways to "waste" $$. Buying followers isn't one of them. Lmao 🤣🤣.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

lol. Right?

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Margie Peterson's avatar

Engagement means a conversation. That’s how relationships are made.

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Sara K.'s avatar

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.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

Yup -- exactly, Sara. That was the point I was driving at. Doesn't much matter where they come from if they aren't interested in reading.

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Kathryn A. LeRoy's avatar

Sad commentary on the state of ethics and integrity.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

Right? And talk about focusing on the wrong metric. It was never about followers, just about read rates.

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Kristi's avatar

Except when Medium MADE it about followers. Dumbest move ever, among other dumb moves they've made.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

Yup. For sure.

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Katie's Confessions's avatar

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.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

Yup, I hear you! I have a hunger to have my writing read -- but followers and readers are not the same thing. I wonder why so many people don't understand that. You know?

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Jenine Baines's avatar

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

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Linda Caroll's avatar

No, no, love. If you want to cuss in French, you need to scream TABERNAC!! (lol) You are absolutely right, though. Followers and readers aren't the same thing.

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M.K. Carpenter's avatar

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. :)

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Linda Caroll's avatar

Yup, you are so right. It's not that hard if people just interact and add something to the conversations. That's what has worked for me, too.

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Katie's Confessions's avatar

Some of us want to garden and some want to chop down trees.. Have a great weekend.

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Linda Caroll's avatar

Wow. Right? What a great way to put it.

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Katie's Confessions's avatar

I sat up for three nights trying to think that up. Hahaha

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Linda Caroll's avatar

lmao. Are we related?

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Katie's Confessions's avatar

LOL Think of me as your sweet elderly aunt.

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