Yes, you are an online writer. Whether you’ve published one piece or 1000’s your goal in doing so is to have people read you. So you write, promote, and keep your fingers crossed that someone somewhere will read you.
No? Well, you write. And you promote. And whether you cross your fingers or not–I’ve found that part to be quite counter-productive toward the whole writing part of your endeavor. But I still wish to be read.
In the beginning (a whole 60 days or so ago) I didn’t care who read me. I just wanted people to view my articles and if they were liking my stuff, to keep reading. I still want this. But I’ve discovered that there are 4 very different types of readers and no matter what I do (besides producing quality content) all of them matter but only one of these types will really benefit me in the long run.
So first, let me share with you the 4 different types of readers; give you time to think about what kind of reader you are; and then I’ll share with you what kind of reader I am. Remember: all your readers are important–giving you motivation to keep doing what you do–but only one type of reader will really benefit you as an online writer.
4 Types of Readers:
The Family Member/Friend Reader:
This reader has been there from the beginning. You know, when you first decided you wanted to write online and you needed someone/anyone to read you and tell you what they thought. Depending upon your relationship with this reader, he or she may still be reading you and that’s a good thing. If you’re fortunate this reader will give you honest feedback which will enable you to become a better writer without hurting your feelings or your relationship. I honestly haven’t promoted my work to my family and friends as much as I could have because I don’t wish to make anyone read me. But I am discovering that some of them like to read my stuff and this is a lovely feeling for sure.
The Reluctant Reader:
This reader is probably a close friend or family member as well and while he or she knows you are trying to have a career as an online writer, he or she is also reluctant to read you–for whatever reason. Don’t take this personally (as I did at first) and don’t push the reader either. My view on this is simple. If, for whatever reason, the reader is feeling obligated to read your material then neither of you benefit and (in my humble opinion) it’s a waste of time for both.
The “I’ll read you if you read me” Reader:
Really? You are promising me that if I read (and comment, of course) your material that you will pop over and spend time enjoying my stuff? Well that sounds wonderful. And many times might even be true. But there is a catch. What if you (as a reader) just cannot get into whatever the other writer is penning? What if there aren’t enough minutes in the day to read 100 people because you promised and with high hopes expect that they have this kind of time too?
I’m being honest when I say that those who ask me specifically to read them–and they’ll read me–is a complete turn-off for me. Especially if I don’t know them. I have been lucky enough to find some brilliant authors in my time here online and I read them because I like their style, we’ve become friends, or someone else recommended their brilliance to me. I am not an editor, I am a writer–as are you–and I wish I had time to sift through millions of articles in the hopes that others will do the same for me; but I don’t. Please don’t be offended. If you think about it, we all read stuff we like and leave the other stuff for other people; it is what makes us all unique.
The Reader Who Reads You Because They Like Your Style:
I’m sorry–I try to keep an open mind with most things but I have to be honest and say that this is my favorite type of reader. This reader is reading me for no other reason than he or she likes the way I put pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) and because of this I only have to do one thing. Continue writing quality content. And the best part is that I don’t have to beg this reader to read me, share me, read me some more, or offer any other favors. This reader simply enjoys what I’m writing and he or she is why I’m here anyway. To share my views, make a difference, motivate, move, and inspire the reader–maybe not all at once but hey, one can hope, right?
And now you may wish to know what type of reader I am. Or you’ve found this incredibly mundane and you’ve moved on. Good for you, find what you’re searching for; life’s too short to waste time here if here is not where you wish to be.
I, my reader friends, am a good combination of 3 of the 4 above. I simply cannot get into the “read me and I’ll read you” arena. But I will read friends, sometimes reluctantly, and often times I am so inspired that I share their brilliance and will (of course) read subsequent articles for the simple enjoyment I get from their style–no matter what they write.
It really does boil down to just one thing. As a writer my purpose is to write. I wish to write and be understood and give my audience exactly what they are searching for–about any given thing. As a reader my purpose is to read. I wish to read to learn new things, discover a different perspective, and walk away happier/smarter/better for having read an article.
Please Note: My intention here is not to offend anyone. The opinions contained within are my own and please have no fear–as a writer or a reader. We all must do (in life) what makes us happy–otherwise what’s the point? Now go on, get back to writing (and reading)…and someday soon I may just (happily) be reading you! Cheers!
If you’ve enjoyed the preceding please feel free to check out my other Triond helps here. You may also enjoy my style at AC. And if you are really digging me be sure to visit AskSan’s Blog where you will find all my latest updates, publications, pictures and more! Enjoy!
And last but certainly not least: THANK YOU to all my readers. I honestly would not be here if not for you and for this I am sincerely grateful!!
