My Vocal "Jealousy"

Introduction

I don't do "jealousy" or "stress" but I do like things to be right and fair, not just for me but for everyone. Part of the reasons for this is addressed in this piece of mine, which ironically got a Top Story from "Vocal".

the music I have chosen is Queen's "Now I'm Here" from "Sheer Heart Attack" which I remember getting as a Christmas present from my parents.

It's appropriate because once I decided that Vocal was right for me I knew I was staying, almost whatever happens, and the words ring true for me in many instances.

My Vocal "Jealousy"

I am successful on Vocal, and I know I am loved and respected by many in the platform.

I love seeing my friends get accolades such as Top Stories and the latest Challenge announcement in which many of my close friends deservedly featured:

I love that Vocal give a reason for why the stories were chosen, which makes you want to go in and read the ones that you have not already read. This is a big improvement from Vocal showing that they are taking an interest in the stories that they have chosen.

I also like it when new creators appear on these lists and in Top Stories.

So why am I jealous?

Well I am not actually jealous but when I see a lot of creators I know, and respect and am friends with, in these groups, I am happy for them, but because I am not there, I feel left out. It's like when you are not picked for a team at school, or someone doesn't want to be your friend or go out with you.

I know others feel the same, and I feel hurt when I drop into a story by another creator which is excellent but I am the only one who has left a comment.

I sometimes feel that Vocal have a preferred list, but seriously I don't want to know how Vocal chooses their Top Stories and Challenge winners, if we did then that would not be a good thing. They give us guides but I don't know how much they are followed and I think choices have to be both subjective AND objective.

I only read things that interest me although sometimes the author gets an automatic read from me because I know their work is excellent, but then I will see others flooding with stories (usually poetry or microfiction) and they get ignored by me. Sometimes I might drop in and then get a little sad, not because the story is not good, but because, once again, I am the only one who has been there.

I am sure that Vocal moderators must work on a similar functional model.

I suppose I just want attention, and when I don't get it, then it makes me a little sad, but I know damned well I don't give enough attention to others, so I shouldn't complain when I don't get it.

So Am I Still A Jealous Guy?

I don't allow that green-eyed monster into my life. If I see big houses and cars that I would like, I know given the opportunity I would have them, but I do have a good life, and I am more successful than most on Vocal, and that is no mean feat.

Vocal has given me the opportunity to improve my writing, and I am close to my thousandth poem published on the platform. That is something that I never expected.

I probably have hundreds of Top Stories and two Challenge Placements so I am doing fine.

Thank you for this attempt to grab your attention, and if you like my latest anthology is a free Kindle download til the end of tomorrow.

Thank my Vocal Friends and Creators, and Vocal.