Chapter 1: The Value of Smaller Voices

You might wonder why I advocate for lesser-known writers. Many people gravitate towards popular authors with vast followings, assuming they must be the best. After all, isn’t it natural to want to follow those who are deemed successful?

Recently, I encountered a burgeoning “superstar” author who remarked about nearing the follower count of another well-known writer. To me, it felt disheartening to witness follower counts treated as a measure of worth. This perspective implies that if you lack a large audience, your insights may not hold value.

This mindset appears to stem from the pervasive “look at me” culture promoted by platforms like Instagram. Isn’t it the quality of the work that truly counts, rather than the multitude of people who follow every post?

Consequently, I make a conscious effort to engage with authors who have smaller audiences. The established stars already receive ample recognition and admiration. Gaining one additional follower or reader is unlikely to significantly impact their journey.

On the other hand, for emerging writers, that single follow or a kind word could make all the difference. Observing a new author experience early success and offering encouragement can be incredibly fulfilling. I prefer to support individuals for whom this recognition truly matters, potentially aiding them in their writing endeavors. Sometimes, you may even become their very first follower, or the initial person to applaud or comment on their work. While their writing may be less refined, it often carries a unique and genuine flair.

Moreover, it’s common to notice that more prominent authors are less inclined to engage with their audience. They often treat their platforms as mere broadcasting channels. Conversely, authors with smaller followings are much more likely to respond to comments, fostering meaningful dialogue—a significant advantage.

A crucial life lesson is that success often breeds more success, while failure can lead to further setbacks. This dynamic can create substantial hurdles for newcomers in any field, be it music, sports, or writing, especially without the right connections or opportunities. Established figures often enjoy significant advantages, meaning a celebrity can release a book—sometimes entirely ghostwritten—and it will become a bestseller simply due to their fame.

Chapter 2: Thoughtful Support and Its Impact

Another aspect I ponder is where my $5 monthly subscription actually goes—not the portion that Medium retains, but what gets distributed among authors. I hope it reaches those who truly deserve encouragement and whose work could benefit from this support.

In many aspects of life, we’re often led to believe that bigger is better, that fame and notoriety are paramount, and that existence is a cutthroat race. I advocate for a different approach, one where we can all thrive together. Therefore, I encourage mindful following and commenting, embracing the notion that smaller can indeed be beautiful.

For further contemplation:

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

Let's unite to uplift smaller voices together.

Small Is Still Beautiful

Doughnut economics, degrowth, and the magnificent bribe.

As always, I appreciate your readership. Join the new Facebook group “Medium Matters,” where writers can support one another and share their work.