The lurker theory is very real. I often have to remind myself.
In talk radio, we were always coached to do the show for the listener, not callers. Because less than 1% of the audience calls in. Use the calls strategically to make the show better. Don't just roll through them mindlessly. There are definitely some parallels with writing.
Hi Cork, thanks so much for mentioning my Note. I was surprised how much attention it has gotten, but not surprised about the resonance among writers who are starting out here on Substack. I remember your note about the "lurkers" and really appreciated it. I'm glad you wrote a whole essay about this. Lurkers are similar to readers of newspapers (particularly, physical newspapers). When I was a newspaper and magazine reporter in my youth, I would have no idea who and how many read my articles. Of course, I was paid to do my job so the numbers/comments (which didn't really exist back then) didn't matter so much. But I think if we can borrow that perspective and know that readers are out there reading and getting inspired by what we write, it can help motivate us to keep going.
Indeed. Took me a whole year to begin figuring this out. Like so many other newbie writers, I was obsessed with how many new subscribers each week brought. At that time I was was writing 3-5 pieces a week. It was rolling along well for about 5 months. Then, not only did I begin burning out (I am retired by the way and this pace felt too much like I was still in my 7-whenever job), but the quality of pieces began to wane and consequently, #s of new subs.
So, I wrote this piece to encourage new writers not to just write/publish but to engage. We will attract our Kindred Spirits.
And thank you for the inspiration your post gave me and for interacting. Onward and upward at a sustainable pace (which is different for each of us).
Thank you for sharing your hard-earned wisdom! I, too, love the engagement made possible on this platform. And taking my focus off the numbers and metrics really helped restore my sanity.
There's so much in this article that spoke to me. Almost all of my readers were lurkers until recently when a few of them started interacting more and it gave me a nice spiritual boost.
I also liked what you said about us being our own ideal reader. That's how I've been approaching it. I figure at least I'll get something out of it no matter what!
The lurker theory is very real. I often have to remind myself.
In talk radio, we were always coached to do the show for the listener, not callers. Because less than 1% of the audience calls in. Use the calls strategically to make the show better. Don't just roll through them mindlessly. There are definitely some parallels with writing.
Heck, I lurk frequently!
Thanks for the kind words, Cork. I'll see if I can dig up an old copy of that ebook so you can share it with folks.
Thank you, Jeff. I know I saved it, but for the life of me, I can't find it now.
Shoot me an email. I'll send you something.
Done. DM’d you with email. Appreciate it.
Hi Cork, thanks so much for mentioning my Note. I was surprised how much attention it has gotten, but not surprised about the resonance among writers who are starting out here on Substack. I remember your note about the "lurkers" and really appreciated it. I'm glad you wrote a whole essay about this. Lurkers are similar to readers of newspapers (particularly, physical newspapers). When I was a newspaper and magazine reporter in my youth, I would have no idea who and how many read my articles. Of course, I was paid to do my job so the numbers/comments (which didn't really exist back then) didn't matter so much. But I think if we can borrow that perspective and know that readers are out there reading and getting inspired by what we write, it can help motivate us to keep going.
Indeed. Took me a whole year to begin figuring this out. Like so many other newbie writers, I was obsessed with how many new subscribers each week brought. At that time I was was writing 3-5 pieces a week. It was rolling along well for about 5 months. Then, not only did I begin burning out (I am retired by the way and this pace felt too much like I was still in my 7-whenever job), but the quality of pieces began to wane and consequently, #s of new subs.
So, I wrote this piece to encourage new writers not to just write/publish but to engage. We will attract our Kindred Spirits.
And thank you for the inspiration your post gave me and for interacting. Onward and upward at a sustainable pace (which is different for each of us).
Thank you for sharing your hard-earned wisdom! I, too, love the engagement made possible on this platform. And taking my focus off the numbers and metrics really helped restore my sanity.
Your interaction with me is a great example of what you are advising
O am so glad I 'met' you.
There's so much in this article that spoke to me. Almost all of my readers were lurkers until recently when a few of them started interacting more and it gave me a nice spiritual boost.
I also liked what you said about us being our own ideal reader. That's how I've been approaching it. I figure at least I'll get something out of it no matter what!
Yes, I believe if we write to ourselves, we will attract others of like mind. You and I are proof of this. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for the mention Cork!