Free Ride

Introduction

So many people comment on my stories and like my writing, some even send tips. My friends and Vocal audience support me incredibly and I am extremely grateful for that.

I feel that I am getting a free ride (hence the inclusion of the Edgar Winter song for this piece), lots of people reading my stories and effectively dropping money into my Vocal wallet and I feel I do nowhere near enough in return.

I do try and reciprocate but when I get ten comments on a piece fairly quickly I know there is no way I can quickly reciprocate.

So What Do I Do Now?

The thing is I have written over fifteen hundred Vocal stories, but have liked over nine thousand. That means for every story I have published I have hearted and commented on around six more, so although I feel I am not interacting and reciprocating, the figures state that, actually, I am doing a lot.

Judey Kalchik published this excellent piece on reciprocity

and I have published a couple of pieces as well here

So stepping back, I think I can keep doing what I am doing. Some people have more time to read and interact with other creators, but I have no intention of retiring for another ten years unless some of my books start selling.

I see a few people saying they want more reads. In the past, I have told them that reciprocity is the key, but they have never engaged with anyone. As an admin in Vocal Social Society. I have access to these figures so I can see who interacts and who just drops their stories, expecting people to read.

I could do the same for other groups, but don't want to step on people's toes.

If I Seem To Ignore You

Give me a shout or prod. We are all here to support each other. I know I write and publish a lot but that does not entitle me to preferential treatment or extra attention.

I have had to write this piece because there are a few who almost always comment on mine and then I feel lazy because I know they have published stories that I have not yet read.

I will add them to the list on "Our Shining Beacons Of Reciprocity On Vocal" rather than in here because that list can just grow and grow. and everyone on that list is worth your time. Also, check out the Creationati (yes I made that word up) on my profile.

We Only Have So Much Time

Some of us have a lot of free time, but others have families, jobs, and other commitments that take priority over our creations and interactions on Vocal.

Remember, they are your priorities, Vocal is not life, but is a very engaging hobby. Since joining Vocal, my Facebook friend list has doubled. Part of that is because I do like to know what my Vocal friends are up to that they share on Social media, but I seldom ask people, especially women, to be Facebook friends, but I usually accept Facebook friend requests.

Conclusion

I feel much better after writing this. I feel on the right path. I do engage as much as I can, and am always open to helping and advising people. After looking at my recorded figures, I have seen that I do engage and reciprocate as much as is practicable for me.

I will leave with a poem I wrote that lists my favourite Vocal Facebook groups, and without them, I would certainly not be as successful as I have.