Hi, Regina, thank you for your message.
I completely understand what you mean about how you have to write, and you do it for yourself, and with passion, and also with the intention of sharing what you have to say.
It's the same for me. I've often said writing is more important than air or food.
When I said I write what I want etc., I was referring specifically to the fact that I don't pay any attention to stats or claps etc. - not mine, not anyone else's. I'm not concerned with how many I reach. I'm just grateful to be here, to have found this beautiful home for my words and a place where I can connect with like-minded souls and help and support where I can, and feel a sense of community and kinship.
What I meant by my comments about just showing up and writing/reading what I want and not bothering with stats etc. was really just to say that I believe it's more important to show up and write and engage and do my "22" thing than to worry about or think about the outcome. I trust that by doing what I'm meant to do, and being myself and not being attached to what happens as a result, my words will reach the people who are meant to see them.
Definitely boosts make a difference with reach. I notice by how many comments pour in (and of course, the money is extra nice). I hear they're harder to get now. I haven't had personal experience with that (yet) as I haven't written anything other than newsletters for a while.
Yes, I did go and look at your publication, although I wasn't sure why you wanted me to see it. If you enjoyed it and you were getting more responses, perhaps you might like to go back to that?
I do enjoy my publications, but they do take a fair bit of time. One isn't very active but the other two are getting busier. It leaves me little time to read now because I'm also writing novels and doing other off-Medium projects.
It sure sucks about the AI and bot miseries, doesn't it??! I don't know how Medium can keep up! I don't envy the powers that be in keeping things going here.
If there's something I can do to support you or assist in some way, please do let me know, Regina. We're trying to do the same things for the same reasons so I'm only too happy to assist if I can.
