The Impact of Claps: What Really Matters for Your Writing
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Understanding Claps and Their True Significance
When you hear the term "claps," you might picture a simple act of appreciation. However, the reality is far more complex.
For those familiar with the platform, you might recognize this giraffe. Searching for 'huh' on Unsplash leads to this image, which echoes the perplexity surrounding the title. This won't be a typical motivational piece about the insignificance of claps; that will come later.
So, what does it mean when I say claps aren't vital? Aren't they one of the key metrics for earnings on Medium?
The answer is yes, but it's more nuanced. On Medium, writers accumulate earnings based on various metrics, including:
- Claps
- Comments
- Reads
- Follows
For a more comprehensive understanding, you can check out another post featuring the giraffe.
Now, if I assert that claps don't hold much weight, would that hold true? In a sense, yes.
Consider this scenario: Bin Jiang consistently gives 49 claps to every post, while others may only provide a few. If Bin claps 49 times for a post, and another individual claps just once, that single clap carries equal significance to Bin's 49 if it’s consistently the same.
"Every paying member has a certain amount of credit to distribute. If you clap only once for a piece of content, it receives all the credit. If you clap twice for one piece and once for three others, the piece you clapped for twice gets 40% of the credit, while each of the others gets 20%." — Mark Shead
If this is indeed accurate, it suggests that claps themselves are not the focal point. So, what should we really care about?
The Answer: Your Audience
Wait a moment—I'm not referring to something else. The people who clap for your articles are what truly matter. Their engagement contributes to your earnings, and the quantity of claps isn't the main issue. It's crucial to cultivate a relationship with these individuals, as they represent your audience.
I hope this perspective resonates with you. While we may not have complete clarity on this matter, it certainly makes sense.
Thanks for reading!
Exploring the nuances of clapping in writing can be further understood through the video "Clapping To The Beat: 1 & 3 vs. 2 & 4." Here, we delve into the significance of rhythm and engagement in the creative process.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Audience Engagement
In the video "The Acolyte Showrunner Says 'Review Bombing' Doesn't Matter. Media Seal Claps," we discuss how audience feedback shapes the creative landscape and why the individuals behind the claps truly matter.
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Until next time,
Carl.