Don’t Bother, and Keep It Moving Elsewhere
There have been several times I’ve written and self-published stories on Medium. On those occasions, a reader, a troll, or a bot has decided, “Hey, let’s leave one clap on this story.”
Most of the time, I don’t care. However, it’s beyond infuriating when the one clap occurs minutes after publishing a fresh story.
Don’t do this, readers.
You’re wrongfully signaling to others that a new story isn’t worth someone else’s read.
I recently reviewed the profile of a member providing a one-clap slap. That person had less than 10 followers and less than 10 stories written and posted.
Really?! Yet you’re the self-appointed expert deciding that no one else should spend time reading my work.
I promptly blocked that person, or troll, or bot, whoever they were, and under whatever false presumption or identity they needed to assume.
My reading stories on Medium is a simple matter. If I read a story I don’t like, I don’t leave a clap. I think of the person who took the time to write and post, recognizing that at least they published their work for consideration.
I proceed to read the next interesting story.
If I like a story, I clap.
I don’t have to agree with an author’s point of view. I don’t even have to understand the subject matter if I’m unfamiliar with it. In my humble opinion, if the story is free of typos and grammatical errors, and remains interesting, it deserves the recognition of applause.
I realize that by writing and posting this story, several people, critics, or bots will decide to leave one clap on purpose, to be obnoxious.
However, I’m optimistic enough to realize that many people who have received the one clap slap will admit it reeks.
They’ll clap, comment, or move on to the next interesting story.
