self-expression
Does Following Others Even Mean Anything?
Newbie writers need support too
First thing is first…Happy New Year and a magnanimous thank you to my followers and readers. Being a virtual unknown in the sphere, I didn’t expect a bandwagon of followers, so I am extremely grateful for my sixty-two. Your support has given a level of confidence that I lacked.
Joining Medium gave me a judgment-free space to explore my writer’s voice, to follow other writers whose writing style intrigued me, to learn from more experienced writers, and to offer my support. I am okay with this; there is no rush on my part to be a superstar writer because I am still in the learning process.
Article after article on Medium encourage newbies like myself to follow others and interact with writers as a way to gain followers, claps and recognition; and, that is what I have been doing. However, recently while browsing an article written by someone on Medium, I was taken aback by what I saw. For a fleeting moment, I thought I was looking at an Instagram account. This particular profile started on Medium around the same time I did and had over 3K followers. Astonishing! But, what was even more shocking was that the profile showed they were not following any other writers. Yes, that is correct — following ZERO profiles. How is this possible on Medium? Is there some secret formula that I am not privy to? If there is something I am missing, please pray tell.
The idea of such a thing really bothered me, hence why I am writing about it. At one point, the disappointment that washed over me was overwhelming; it felt like a blow to my psyche. Despite this, I will continue to publish on Medium for my own personal satisfaction. I do not expect a follow back for a follow like Instagram, but I expect that writers take the time to at least follow their favourites. Therefore, in my mind, the question begs to be asked, does following others even mean anything?
Amanda Edwin is an adult education instructor and paralegal in Kitchener, ON Canada. In her spare time, she pursues her writing, serves on the Executive Board of a local non-profit organization that serves the Caribbean community, and is currently working on developing her website amandaedwin.com where she seeks to empower parents and educators in a quest to support student success.
You can explore some of her other articles below, share your thoughts, sign up for emails notifications or follow for new articles.
Redefining How I See Myself in a World Shrouded in Racism
Rebuilding My Self-Confidence After Being Crushed By Disappointment
