# No More "Hollow-Follow" Practices on Medium!
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Chapter 1: The Flaws of Superficial Following
It's time to put an end to the "hollow-follow" mentality that seems to pervade Medium! The notion that I should follow someone simply to expect a return favor is misguided at best.
Just today, I encountered a Medium writer who implored me to engage with their post as a form of quid pro quo. It felt like the pervasive grip of manipulation at play, undermining the authenticity of the platform.
Recently, I came across an article by a prominent Medium author that offered advice on expanding one's audience. Surprisingly, one of the first tips was to follow 50 new accounts daily, only to unfollow those who didn't reciprocate.
Is it just me, or does this approach devalue the entire process of building an audience? I am acutely aware that only a small fraction of my followers—perhaps around 5%—actually engage with my work. Genuine followers are rare, and there’s no replacement for delivering high-quality content that resonates with my audience.
How I Approach Engagement
When I prepare to write, I prioritize reading posts from other Medium authors. As I engage with each piece, I make it a point to highlight or comment on any insights that resonate with me. At the very least, I’ll applaud a post that I genuinely appreciate.
I also make a point to respond to all comments I receive, which is manageable given my current follower count. Additionally, I explore the profiles of those who engage with my content. If I find their material aligns with my interests, I’ll gladly follow them.
Is this a slower, more deliberate method of audience building? Perhaps. However, I am continually striving to enhance my approach—both through superior content and more thoughtful engagement.
Inviting You to Join My Medium Journey
That said, I encourage you to follow me if you wish! Your reasons don't matter; you are welcome in my "Medium community." My hope is to engage and inspire you through my writing.
But please, don't expect a follow in return without justification. Give me a reason, and I’ll be happy to reciprocate. When I do follow you, I’ll make an effort to engage with your content as often as possible.
I share insights from my own writing journey, along with personal motivation and some cultural commentary. Check out my work! I am always open to your claps, comments, and follows!
Chapter 2: Understanding Your Audience
The second video titled "Is My Bread Ready? How to Tell When Bread is Fully Baked" provides invaluable insights into ensuring your baked goods are perfect every time.