Claps, Likes, and Golden Trophies
Clicking the clap or like button should not feel like handing out a golden statue at an award ceremony. For most artists, it feels much harder to get a like than an award. To be clear, I’m using the term “artist” to refer to anyone who creates. They might be an actual artist, a writer, an illustrator, a musician, a singer, a mathematician, a cook, a YouTuber, or anyone putting their work out into the public.
Likes and Hearts are Free
Likes and hearts are free to give, but they seem harder to win than an Oscar or a Grammy. Who are the nominees for the likes, and what are the categories? Who knows? It appears to be one of life’s grand mysteries. I’m sad to see all the talent at these award shows, but only one nominee will take home the trophy. There were many more deserving artists that did not even get nominated. For those of us who create for a living, we often identify more with the artists who did not even get a nomination or invite to the show. If likes and hearts do not cost anything to give, why do so few people give them?
Award Season Buzz and the Mighty Algorithm
One of the things that the award seasons do is remind the public of creative works they should check out. There is a buzz around the list of nominees. We can help creatives generate their own buzz for free. Clapping and liking help the algorithm see creative work, and then it is more likely to be shared with others. If you really like the work, then share it with others so that they might help amplify the buzz for the creative.
Support Artists
As I have mentioned, hearting, clapping, and liking an artist’s work can really help. In the case of Medium, the artist might even make a couple of pennies as a result. Sharing their work with others will help the artist gain exposure to new people and a larger audience.
If you can contribute to artists without hurting your finances, that is even more amazing. Many artists have virtual tip jars, recurring support through memberships or subscriptions, and products you can purchase. If you cannot help financially, just hit the like button. It is free, but it really helps.
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