Mr. Gaju,

It may look as though I'm someone "important" or have some strong "influence" to help you, but I'm not.

I'm just one reader from millions here on this platform.

I began with just over 100 followers last year, not even realizing there was a partner program. I was not a writer and wanted to learn to be one.

I knew no one and never sent out any private messages. I never joined any FB group and never agreed to the follow-to-follow strategy.

I read.

Engaged with stories that resonated with me, if I found value in what I read.

I followed - if what the writer chose to write about presented value and wrote in a way that captivated my attention.

And sure, I did follow some writers in appreciation that they followed me. In the long run, we don't read each other often.

Transactional processes are short-term.

So, I've corrected my strategy. I will read just about anyone. I will reciprocate a read 99% of the time (and I'm being accurate).

However, it takes months for me to be a full-time supporter of a writer.

1. Time and effort were placed to build a relationship with the writer.

2. I connected with them in a way that I wanted to know them more.

3. I naturally want to read everything they write and it's not work to engage with their work and clap it - it's what I wish to do.

Time is not only limited but our most precious asset. I cannot read all those I admire all the time. I don't wish to either.

The latest analysis I've done about how Medium pays tells me: that those who spend their entire days reading perhaps 20-50 articles in a day are not contributing much "monetarily" to a writer. Sure, they are hopefully gathering knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration - but be aware there's not a huge financial gain when writers read many writers for hours day after day.

And let's be honest. Who has time to sit and read for hours at a time? Very few.

Medium has made it clear: you cannot earn a living writing on Medium. Yes, I am aware your earnings can go very far outside of the US: however, know this...

You are rewarded after you put in the effort long term. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.

I visited your profile.

If you feel you are open to feedback, here's what stands out for me:

Your name doesn't sound or look authentic or professional. I can't tell who you are and for a reader like myself, I'm not going to invest in writers who are using AI or keep themselves hidden. It's just not for me.

If all the articles written are advice columns, I am also going to probably shy away. There's only so much self-help I can digest and I'll be honest, I can stomach maybe one or two articles in a month that offer self-help or advice.

Lastly, I kindly suggest: don't send out direct messages asking others to help you.

Here's what you can do:

If you enjoy writing, then write!

Place your name and photo, be yourself and start writing!

If people like it, they will read it. If they don't, they won't. It's as simple as it sounds.

If readers don't read your articles, change how you write or what you write about.

Learn the art!

Practice it.

Embrace it.

Read and learn from the platform what is garnishing attention and engagement.

Ask yourself the hard questions: how did they write this?

Look at how writers are writing.

Decide if you want to participate in this journey and learn how to write better.

Then walk the journey. It can be lonely. It can be long. But if your goal is to learn to be a better writer, you can achieve this...

...with or without the support of those on this platform.

You are the one who ultimately decides what your path looks like and where it concludes. Peace.