7 years ago, I had a Medium "rolodex." I wrote down ALL the names of people who commented on my articles in a Google Document. Then, weekly, I'd click into their profile and see if they wrote any new blog posts. If they did, I'd read it and leave a comment.
Yes Tom, great post and I love the challenge! I so appreciated the comment you made on my post as I am a mere fledgling here in this space and to receive recognition and support from someone really does mean a lot. So it's quite a service, in a way, to uplift others. It could really make their day and encouraging creative expression is what it's really about. It can also be viewed as a writing exercise in it's own right, just getting used to spitting out quick ideas to share with people. Thanks for what you do.
The best thing about this newsletter that I came across randomly is the practicality. Thank you for sharing this and I'm going to definitely use them..
Tom I appreciate this content. I too, started on Medium and was aware of how to get followers, but you expanded in a way that resonates with me. You can like anyone and everyone to get a following, but your way, builds relationships! When God first asked me to write about him, I felt it should be free, now I'm rethinking it. Anyway... thanks, and once I get back to work in April, I'll be happy to become a paid subscriber. Good luck and God bless!🙂
Engaging on others posts is always a good way to become known. I think it’s more valuable if you comment early in the post’s life too. As readers come in and see the comments they will generally see early commenters first.
Tom this is the post I’ve been searching for. Honest and genuine. A strategy grounded in building true community. Thanks for pulling back the curtain and outlining a playbook that is rooted in caring about what people have to say. Take a bow sir.
Seeing your kind and thoughtful comment on my post about Kauai today threw me off. No one comments with that kind of thoughtfulness and kindness. I thought it was spam. I had to check out your profile, saw that it was real, then became a free subscriber. So your method absolutely works. I can see how thoughtful comments as a regular practice would help me become better at interacting with others, which is tricky for me. You’ve got me sold. Even though I’m overcommitted this month and don’t have 1.5 hours to spare, I’m joining your community so I can grow mine with the grace you demonstrate.
I've also had a viral note bring in over 50 subs in a matter of a couple days. You NEVER know what's going to hit with people...reason #1 to stay engaged with other humans on the platform!
I like the idea, Tom! One thing I appreciate is that you are calling this a "sprint". I offered my first challenge to people, in, I don't know, 2016/2017 and led monthly challenges for a company for 3-ish years? But I think "sprint" is a nicer way of describing a similar concept.
If you wanted to make this more accessible to people, you could perhaps also offer the possibility of a "half sprint"? So, writers who know that 10 comments are day are too much for them but would like to participate in this could commit to a half-sprint instead where they comment on 5 posts a day.
Tom, you are truly a gem: humble, sincere, consistent, human. I enjoy your posts very much. I am slowly getting subscribers. My (terrifying) next step soon will be to very gently ask for some paid subscribers or even tips via Ko-Fi (have to nudge myself to feel I am of value.) I always reach out sincerely to people and make a positive comment as I feel guided. I know people are starving for simple acknowledgement, that "I see you, I value your life." In our rowdy and ribald and sometimes mean world, running roughshod over sensitive souls like me, it is daunting to step out a bit, despite my "blunt" persona in my Substack. However, I take a deep breath, listen to Holy Spirit's guidance on who to reach out to and move even one step forward. Thank you again, Tom, for keeping on. You are an inspiration, even to us who feel invisible.
Yes Tom, great post and I love the challenge! I so appreciated the comment you made on my post as I am a mere fledgling here in this space and to receive recognition and support from someone really does mean a lot. So it's quite a service, in a way, to uplift others. It could really make their day and encouraging creative expression is what it's really about. It can also be viewed as a writing exercise in it's own right, just getting used to spitting out quick ideas to share with people. Thanks for what you do.
The best thing about this newsletter that I came across randomly is the practicality. Thank you for sharing this and I'm going to definitely use them..
Tom I appreciate this content. I too, started on Medium and was aware of how to get followers, but you expanded in a way that resonates with me. You can like anyone and everyone to get a following, but your way, builds relationships! When God first asked me to write about him, I felt it should be free, now I'm rethinking it. Anyway... thanks, and once I get back to work in April, I'll be happy to become a paid subscriber. Good luck and God bless!🙂
Engaging on others posts is always a good way to become known. I think it’s more valuable if you comment early in the post’s life too. As readers come in and see the comments they will generally see early commenters first.
This is a great idea, Tom. I'm on Medium and it's true about building relationships.
Tom this is the post I’ve been searching for. Honest and genuine. A strategy grounded in building true community. Thanks for pulling back the curtain and outlining a playbook that is rooted in caring about what people have to say. Take a bow sir.
This is a great practical guide to early Substack growth. Can't wait to use the tips in this article!
Seeing your kind and thoughtful comment on my post about Kauai today threw me off. No one comments with that kind of thoughtfulness and kindness. I thought it was spam. I had to check out your profile, saw that it was real, then became a free subscriber. So your method absolutely works. I can see how thoughtful comments as a regular practice would help me become better at interacting with others, which is tricky for me. You’ve got me sold. Even though I’m overcommitted this month and don’t have 1.5 hours to spare, I’m joining your community so I can grow mine with the grace you demonstrate.
GREAT POST!
I've also had a viral note bring in over 50 subs in a matter of a couple days. You NEVER know what's going to hit with people...reason #1 to stay engaged with other humans on the platform!
I like the idea, Tom! One thing I appreciate is that you are calling this a "sprint". I offered my first challenge to people, in, I don't know, 2016/2017 and led monthly challenges for a company for 3-ish years? But I think "sprint" is a nicer way of describing a similar concept.
If you wanted to make this more accessible to people, you could perhaps also offer the possibility of a "half sprint"? So, writers who know that 10 comments are day are too much for them but would like to participate in this could commit to a half-sprint instead where they comment on 5 posts a day.
The challenge sounds great, interested in participating in this myself!
Haha the Lion witch wardrobe analogy is so true 😂
Tom, you are truly a gem: humble, sincere, consistent, human. I enjoy your posts very much. I am slowly getting subscribers. My (terrifying) next step soon will be to very gently ask for some paid subscribers or even tips via Ko-Fi (have to nudge myself to feel I am of value.) I always reach out sincerely to people and make a positive comment as I feel guided. I know people are starving for simple acknowledgement, that "I see you, I value your life." In our rowdy and ribald and sometimes mean world, running roughshod over sensitive souls like me, it is daunting to step out a bit, despite my "blunt" persona in my Substack. However, I take a deep breath, listen to Holy Spirit's guidance on who to reach out to and move even one step forward. Thank you again, Tom, for keeping on. You are an inspiration, even to us who feel invisible.
The best thing about this newsletter that I came across randomly is the practicality. Thank you for sharing this and I'm going to definitely use them.
Great article, Tom!
It's easy to fall into a mania of one-way creativity online:
i.e posting but not interacting.
But as you highlight, social media is a conversation, and a conversation is two-way.
For many people, the pain point is time.
They have to choose between developing the gift of their writing or being present on social media.
The paradox is that "good writing" isn't enough because good writing needs an audience.
And building an audience is, in itself, a discipline.
Many writers have an artist's sensibility and scoff at the (often dreadful) realisation that social media is a game.
We resist it, but it is part of the job.
What you point out is not just the game and its tactics but the importance of opening one's artistic heart to the conversation itself.
Chapeau.
Opening up to that two-way interplay can energise creatively and help build your community - important because a writer's path can be lonely!
And upwind online is - whether we like it or not - motivating.
The reality is that the age of the "discovered" writer may be over.
As artists, we have to emerge from the fog, not just accepting the "game" but finding meaning within it.
That may require resetting our feelings about social media and taking it on as a discipline in itself.
The challenge is not to allow it to eat away at the development of the discipline of writing itself.
That is itself an art form and something we must carefully manage.
Thank you for your inspiring post - I found you through your "reintroduction to Substack note". I will pay tribute by pinching the format!
Have a good day, and greetings from a Scot in Berlin,
Jim