FOLLOWERS AND THE FOLLOWED

BEWARE OF NUMBERS

I’d like to say I’ve not been influenced by the number of Followers I have, but not so. When I reached 100 I felt like King of the Hill. Since then, on my way to the 626 at last report, I’ve come across many with 10s of thousands of followers, at least one with over 200K. With only about 14000 members in Medium, I’m wondering where they all come from. Difference does it make? None.

I now feel a bit foolish. It is the relationship of each pair of followed and follower that has meaning, not the number. To focus on numbers misses the point. RELATIONSHIP, sharing is the meaning of it all. One new friend as follower is the important thing, even if the number stops at one.

Numbers of followers quickly can become just another ego trip. This site, offering us all a doorway to new relationships, new friends who may never physically meet, is a blessing to each of us, something I’ve not found elsewhere. I don’t even remember how I found, or was lead to, Medium, but it has become an important part of my retired life.

As a title, with a little ego behind it, I can call myself a “writer”. Even though I don’t make a living writing, I write anyway, something I’ve always wanted to do.

I have been infamous in my family for being a talker, to the point of being a bore. The subjects I talk about are those about which I write. Not everyone, understandably, is interested. On medium, we have a choice to express interest or not. My family is greatly relieved that I sit at this machine “talking”, and bore them less. So, Medium is a blessing for my loved ones as it is for me.

I don’t make money and don’t care. No, I’m not financially well off, but I am now much richer in relationships, and that is one of the most important things about our lives on this third rock from the sun.

Thank you for welcoming me, as I welcome you.