Readers Are the Heart of Medium: Their Role in Writing Success
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The Central Role of Readers
There’s no doubt that readers hold the most significant position on Medium.com. The platform’s sustainability hinges entirely on their engagement.
In a previous piece, I explored the question of whether readers or followers hold more importance. It has now become abundantly clear that readers are paramount. From my perspective, readers outweigh writers in significance.
Every writer depends on readers; without them, writing becomes an impossible endeavor. Ultimately, every author aspires to reach as many readers as possible. While gaining followers is beneficial, the true value lies in the readers who consume the content.
This article is penned with the hope of attracting a wide readership. When readers also choose to follow a writer, it creates a rewarding dynamic for both parties. A follower’s support after reading an article greatly benefits the writer.
One of the biggest hurdles for authors is transforming viewers into readers, and subsequently, readers into followers. I’ve noticed a concerning trend where many well-crafted stories struggle to achieve a satisfactory read ratio.
What does this signify? It suggests that the writer has failed to convert viewers into engaged readers. The journey begins with a viewer who can become a reader and eventually a follower.
The most gratifying scenario for a writer occurs when a viewer transitions first into a reader and then into a follower. The cycle of success starts with the viewer and culminates with the reader.
Readers are so vital to the writing ecosystem that without them, neither writers nor the system itself can thrive. The entire landscape of online writing revolves around readers, much like the solar system revolves around the sun.
Just as life on Earth depends on the sun, the writing community cannot exist without readers. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize and appreciate the value of readers.
As a writer, discovering readers is akin to striking gold. These readers have the potential to propel your success. Conversely, those who fail to attract readers often find themselves facing setbacks.
Thus, we can conclude that a writer’s success is inextricably linked to their ability to connect with readers. If a writer can cultivate an audience, they will thrive; if not, they will falter.
This fact underscores why readers are the most essential asset across all online writing platforms, including Medium.com.
The Interconnection of Reading and Writing
Moreover, a proficient writer is typically an enthusiastic reader. Writing without engaging with literature is nearly impossible. Reading is a fundamental component of becoming a skilled writer.
In this regard, the significance of reading is emphasized once again. As a writer, I often find myself juggling dual responsibilities. While I take pride in being a writer, I predominantly view myself as a reader.
On Medium.com, I dedicate a considerable amount of time to reading, understanding that it is crucial for effective writing. I delve into the works of successful authors to uncover their secrets.
Thus far, the most important revelation is that they invest more time in reading than I do. Their commitment to reading has undoubtedly contributed to their success as writers.
In addition to seeking an audience, striving to become an excellent reader is equally important. By a “good reader,” I refer to someone who engages deeply with the material, highlighting their favorite sections and providing generous applause and encouraging comments.
When you embrace the role of a good reader, you often find your own content gaining traction among readers. Medium.com operates on a principle of reciprocity; what you give is often returned to you in kind, both on the platform and in life.
In essence, the motto is: “Do good, and you will reap good!”
Thank you for your time, and I warmly welcome your feedback!
Regards,
Moosa Jutt