Responses for Roz
I came across this prompt from Roz Warren, Writing Coach and thought it was a good plan. As she said — it allows me to put off writing the piece I was supposed to write that just isn’t bubbling up to the surface. Yet.
So, here goes!
1. How long have you been on Medium?
I started writing on Medium back in the summer of 2017. Those were the days BEFORE the Partnership program. I remember the day my followers hit 500. I couldn’t believe that 500 strangers actually thought what I wrote was worth reading. I was having dinner — tacos & tequila — with a good friend when I got notified that my audience had grown to that benchmark. I sat in awe, nearly in tears, because I knew I didn’t have 500 friends and/or family who would follow me. I remain in this state, grateful for every single one of you who follows me.
2. How long were you on the platform before you figured out that you could clap more than once for a story?
Back when I started — there weren’t claps. I forget exactly how we could show our appreciation for a piece, but I do remember when whatever it was (likes perhaps?) changed to claps. I knew before there were claps, that I could hold that button down & express my enjoyment of a piece with more than one like/clap.
3. How long were you on the platform before you figured out that nobody understands the Medium algorithm?
In truth, when I started writing, I was writing for myself. I never dreamed I’d have followers or that I’d find a community of supportive & like-minded individuals here. I started on Medium to write down moments of my life for The Magical Creatures. So that later, when I’m gone, they could still have this piece of me. Medium & their algorithm had zero impact on my writing. And still does.
4. How many of your Medium stories earned a penny yesterday?
Three of them. But then, I’m here for the company these days, not the money.
