The Art Of Getting Read On Vocal
And Dealing With Being Ignored And Rejected
Introduction
Someone once told me that my work on Vocal was not successful because I was not a good writer (certainly not as good as the serial Top Story collectors) but if that were true then people would not read my work, for instance, you would not be reading this.
The Art Of Getting Read On Vocal
When I started on Vocal and shared my work on Facebook only one of my friends actually read my work, then I found some Vocal Facebook groups and got to know other creators, read their work and they read mine. We used Facebook Groups to let each other know what we thought of each other's work and used Vocal Subscriptions to follow our favourite Creators.
When Vocal introduced Comments we could let people know that we had read their work and what we thought about it and that often led to immediate reciprocation.
I find it a little odd that so many of the Top Stories are given to creators that I know, less so with Challenges although again there are serial placers and winners there. Given that there are so many Vocal members, I would expect that Top Stories by Creators I know would not be a common event, but seventeen of the last twenty are people I know, which implies that Vocal must have a list of favoured Creators. I used to be on that list and must have annoyed lots of people with the number of Top Stories that I got, now if I get one it is a shock.
The thing is, we often read stories when we see something by a Creator we know, and a lot of people know me so that results in a lot of reads. People will only read my work because they have liked something else that they have read. Part of this comes from reciprocal reading, but the more you interact with others then the likelihood is that they will interact with you.
The other thing is that eye-catching titles and images will draw people in, but your work has to leave an impression on the reader, and then your name will become very important when they see that you have published something.
From the comments I get on Vocal and Facebook, I know that my work is loved and appreciated by others, and I get enough reads to cover my monthly subscription (which is about 1,700 reads a month or 60 reads a day) so I am successful on Vocal. I also share my work in non-Vocal groups and they boost my reads a lot, and I am thankful that Vocal pay for non-Vocal reads, they have no Paywall.
Conclusion
I hope that this piece has given you some insights and ideas, and shown you how I see things.
The music "Look At Me Now" by the Electic Light Orchestra because you know damned well that I love attention.
About the Creator
Mike Singleton š Mikeydred
A Weaver of Tales and Poetry
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Call Me Les ā„ Gina ā„ Heather ā„ Caroline ā„
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Comments (14)
That's awesome!
I think that there is also something to be said about the regularity with which you post. I donāt post on any sort of schedule, and Iāve noticed that my interaction is relatively low, despite everyone who does interact with my stories seeming to really enjoy them. Thank you for the tips and your thorough insight as always.
Agree, agree!! Great story, Mike!
Agree that you need an audience inside and outside of Vocal. Vocal groups are a lovely source of support as well as readers. And then find an audience outside. My film blogs are posted on classic movie groups on Facebook, and thatās where most of my reads come from. And donāt write to get a Top Story. Thereās no way of knowing what will catch Vocalās eye. Just write well and consistently. Great advice as always Mike.
As a relative newbie to Vocal, I agree that interaction is key. After all, Vocal and Medium are communities, and part of being in a community is to interact. There are so many stories that come out every day that it is not possible to read them all and write some of your own at the same time. I always learn something from your advice Mike.
I think the reason Top Stories are mostly people that we know is because Vocal favours people who are active on Vocal, that read other's works as well
You always have great advice, Mike - another well-written article. <3
Well done Mike. Your articles always make me think. Some great advice in here.
That last line made me snort my coffee out my nose! Good job Mike! š āļø
It is neat that Vocal pays for non-Vocal reads. I can only assume that this is to encourage authors to continue sharing outside of Vocal and ultimately bringing in new readers (and, ideally, new customers for Vocal).
I notice and enjoy how you break your articles down with subheadings. It makes them easy to follow and creates a sticking point for the main ideas. What I like most about your work though is the strong voice you use. Your own personality is on every piece.
I just think that every writer has a unique voice that deserves to be heard...and yours is one of them. Good call, Mike.
I love how you broke this down, again you have given insight too how to get more reads and getting to know others! ššš
Totally agree with you Mike on this. I have read many, many articles from my many, many subscribers that load my notifications sometimes as many as 50 at time. I read the articles and comment. Great work on this article.