WHAT IS A TRUE FAN AND HOW DO I RECOGNIZE ONE?
65HOW MANY HUBPAGES FANS ARE REALLY FANS?
WHAT IS A TRUE FAN AND HOW DO I RECOGNIZE ONE?
I hit the number 400 this week in published hubs. A week or so ago I also hit the $100 mark in google earning revenue, meaning I will most likely receive my first check from google in August. I have hit the 100 hubscore more than once, in fact at this point I've lost count of how many times it has happened. I've never made it to the number one hubber position, but once I was number four on the list out of about 165,000 hubbers. Why am I feeling that I am wasting my time?
FANS
According to my numbers I have close to 300 fans. I've never tried to collect fans, because I want only fans who are sincerely drawn to my writing. I had no fans at all for two or three months, and now according to the numbers posted on my site, I have close to 300. So why do I feel I have no real fans?
Don't get me wrong. I have many friends on hubpages. These friends attempt to encourage me by leaving comments on my hubs, and many seldom miss doing so. I appreciate hubpages friends who care about my feelings and leave comments on my sites, but are they actually fans?
WHAT IS A FAN?
The only way I know to answer this question is with some examples. I am a John Grisham fan. John is not a member of my fan club. He has never read any of my writing. I read his writing because I like it. The same is true of Pat Conroy and Rosemary Daniels. While I met Rosemary once at a writing conference, it is debatable whether or not she has ever read any of my writing. I was instrumental in getting her to join Facebook, so she has read and responded to my email.
WHAT IS NOT A FAN?
First of all, true fans probably don't read everything I write, or more importantly, try to make me think they do. Some are only interested in my Anti Cancer writing. Others only read my cat profile hubs, dog profile hubs, or flower garden hubs. Some are interested in my creative writing, and read my song lyrics, or parts of my novel. I honestly don't know that one single person actually read my entire novel, though many read much more of it than others. It is not necessary to read everything I write in order to be my fan. I would prefer that you read only what you find interesting.
WORK OR PLAY?
I would prefer that it be play when you read my hubs, if you ever do. Please do not read my hubs to be nice. If the title or subject matter is not of interest to you, don't bother reading it. If something about the title does interest you, do read it. I would just as soon have no comments at all as have comments that do not cause me to seriously believe you actually read the writing. This is especially true of my novels, which assuredly will not be of interest to everybody.
I have written one complete novel, and am now working on its sequel. I am anxious to have readers, as I feel most of us are, but I do not want mercy comments from people who are only trying to be nice. Those are friends, but not true fans. If you have no interest in drug abuse or recovery, you probably will have no interest in my first novel, Undercover. I am aware this novel is not for everybody. Some of my most consistent readers only read cat profile hubs, and have never left one single comment on any of my creative writing sites. I assume these people only prefer to read factual information, and that is okay. They are only fans of my cat profile hubs.
My second novel, Coming Out With Christopher, again assuredly is not going to be for all readers. If you consider all gay men "faggots" or "queers," you will not want to read this story. If you are not interested in child sexual abuse issues, involving both female main characters in this story, you will not care to read it, because much of their behavior is typical of females who have experienced child sexual abuse. It is not necessary that you read my writing if the subject matter is not interesting to you.
While I hope everybody can find some of my writing worth reading, I prefer that you read only what you find rewarding reading, and not be a mercy reader. At this point, I seldom read writing I find dull; however, most of you write something at one time or another with a title I find compelling. When a title catches my eye, I want to read the hub, and I do. I am so fond of some or your writing, that I read almost everything you write. Some of you differ from me politically, and I avoid your political hubs, but find some of your other writing interesting and rewarding to read. This is what being a true fan is about, reading some-body's writing because you almost can't control yourself, and at times find it difficult to put down.
In the case of my novels, I'd prefer you bookmark the thing, if you are actually interested, and read a chapter a month, to leaving comments on five or six hubs in a single setting, with no indication you have actually read any of it. I want to discuss characters and subject matter with my novel readers. Comments such as "great hub" only tell me you are trying to be nice. Comments that have absolutely nothing to do with what you just read also tell me you read one or two sentences and then scrolled down to the comments section. You also can't read five chapters in ten minutes. Give me credit for having at least enough sense to come in out of the rain. Please know you are not expected to sit through countless dull hubs I've written to keep from hurting my feelings. I'm not that fragile, and I know my writing is not for everybody, especially particular pieces of it.
MOTIVATION
Recently a friend on hubpages told me he reads every hub some writers write, because they also read all of his. If that works for him, great, but I only want people reading my hubs who find them interesting. Please don't do your obligatory homework here. You won't get an At, and it won't insure I will read your hubs to even the score. If you want me to read your hubs, write hubs that interest me, with a title that tells me I will want to read it. Obviously, I'm not the only reader out here, and others will be interested in some titles I pass by. In fact, some readers will hate the very thing I would read, and love those I'd pass up. The point made here is that you should write because you have something to say, and those who are interested in hearing it will find you.
HUBS I DON'T READ
Just for the record, here are a few hub types I don't read. If you write one of these, know that it is not personal. I may love you as a person and loyal hubpages buddy, still I only have a limited amount of time to read hubs, and choose to read only those I find to be of interest. I have also noted that many of you pass up some of my favorite writings. That is your right.
HUBS OBVIOUSLY WRITTEN TO MAKE MONEY
I do not read many hubs at all that are obviously written for the sole purpose of trying to sell a product. Writing a hub simply to have people click on ads to make google dollars is okay, but unless I am specifically interested in the product, or trying to be nice, which I seldom am these days, I most likely will not read it. People who are not writers but need the product will unknowingly key the ad words into their computer that will find your hub. They will also click ads, which is what you want and need. I'm not going to click any ad, or read a dull article unless I happen to be in the market for the product advertised. Chances are I won't be.
FAR RIGHT POLITICAL HUBS
I usually already know what these hubs are going to say from the title. I support the president, and understand many of you do not feel the same. While I support your right to say whatever you wish, I probably will not read the hub. Sometimes I do read hubs that are of a conservative slant if the topic is one of which I am unsure of my stand, or written by a hubber I particularly like or trust. During the recent presidential election, I watched every news channel from Fox to MSNBC in order to get all sides of the news. I will do it again next time, so if I read such a hub, consider it rare, or an extremely interesting one.
COOKING HUBS
Very seldom do I read cooking hubs, though I have written a few on anti cancer foods. Nothing personal, but it is easier to use a cookbook, and chances are I won't have my computer in front of me when I get ready to prepare a meal. Again, if such a hub has a particularly interesting title, I may read it. I've done it before.
HUBS ABOUT HOW TO MAKE MONEY ON HUBPAGES
These annoy me, because I don't believe anyone makes enough money on hubpages to justify the time we spend on here. If I were writing for google dollars, I would have lost interest long ago. If you think you're making money on hubpages, perhaps your definition of money is different from mine.
FAR LEFT HUBS
I am not interested in reading derogatory comments about Sarah Palin or anybody else in the republican party. Hate speech goes both directions, and I choose not to read it. I am quite capable of making up my own mind using the media available.
HUBS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO ME
I love and write animal profiles, true stories and fiction about animals. If it is about an animal, especially a pet animal, I am likely to read it. I am a Master's level counselor by profession, and though I am not presently working within my chosen field, I chose it for a reason. I am interested in social topics concerning human behavior. I am especially interested in articles and hubs about substance abuse, sexual abuse, sexual behavior, gender issues, civil rights, and mental disorders of any kind. Basically, I like the same kinds of hubs I write. I also am interested in fitness and health, though I do not always read these hubs since there is only so much you can learn, and I have already read a great deal. Other topics sometimes interest me, but they are too varied to mention here.
CONCLUSION
So my suggestion is that you become a fan of those writers whose hubs you tend to enjoy, and scan your FAVORITES DAILY, OR WHENEVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO SO. Do not join my fan-club in hopes I will also join yours. I probably won't. Don't read my stuff to get me to read yours; chances are I won't. If you write frequently about any of my favorite topics, you might let me know it through a comment on this hub, and I will most likely check your hubs out. For that matter, you can email me directly about a hub you think I might enjoy. If it appeals to me, I'll read it. What I will do for you is only read the hubs I want to read, and leave comments that actually discuss your subject matter. After all, that is what I want you to do for me.
CommentsLoading...
Thanks zzron. As I wrote, it isn't necessary to read everything I write, and few actually will. You seem to actually take an interest in my writing, so this hub wasn't about you, or anyone in particular. I know I often turn out a lot, and there is no time limit on how long it can take to read a novel or any writing for that matter. Perhaps I'm just having an insecure day. I wonder if anyone really likes my writing or if they are only being nice. I guess I take my writing very seriously, and want to be good. I also want serious readers, but I know we have to kiss many toads to find one prince. Thanks again for being a good person, and one who obviously reads what he comments on. you certainly read this one, but if someone writes "nice hub" under this one, I'll definitely know they didn't read it. LOL. (:v
That's right sometimes I tell my wife, If I don't laugh, I'll cry. LOL. There's an old classic rock song by Wet Willie called "Keep On Smilin" Good advice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NWa4PZm7gA
Thanks for coming back. I guess trying to make an impact is often discouraging. It just seems so impossible at times, but I can't stop doing it. I hope this hub doesn't come across as too harsh. I just want to write well enough to really attract readers, and I'm a perfectionist who is never satisfied with anything I do.
also, zzron, I related to the part about "sitting in a honky tonk cafe, nobody's hearing what you play, they're too busy drinking anyway." Guess that's how I feel. (:v
I'm kind of the same way in many ways and I think I am too hard on myself about certain things and that's why I think all any of us can do is just do the best we can, say a prayer and hope it all works out, You are doing a fine job. This link plays better. Night night, Keep On Smilin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg0BNTebcbY
Thanks again, zzron. hubpages friends are nice. Yep. Them is good lyrics. (:v
Ok thought this might cheer you up. Talk to you later :) http://hubpages.com/_1jlnpyoil2g4b/hub/The-Univers
Great hub. I agree with a lot that is said. I try to friend those who friend me. Sometimes I've had to wait for something more than drivel really. Money here? I have no idea how that happens. This is another capitalistic venture as so many others. You give a lot - I take a lot. The "hub-folks" in charge should set this up so that people don't lose out because of how a "game" is played. My score goes down the more I publish? Unless I leave one of the new hubs unpublished for a while. Silly.
"I am quite capable of making up my own mind using the media available." In my opinion this is impossible. You can sort out the news they give you and you can make decisions based on your information. However- all of the media but for the very small independents are going to give us the businessman's view. There are no Democrats after election. They all become Republicans. Clinton was the best Republican we've had in office until now. I think Obama is doing a fine job for Republicans. Of course he won't get credit because America loves being a t war- even if it's with itself.
I love your honesty in this hub! I agree on many of your points about fans and the money made by writing. I too will continue to write because it is important to me to let those creative juices flow. Thanks for sharing your heart!
Thanks zzron, micky dee, and paulak. zzron, you are a true friend. Thanks for being this concerned about me. micky dee, it is nice to friend people who friend you, but is that why you write? I write to impact society and the world, and to entertain. I'm not sure anyone on hubpages really has time to do serious reading, or to focus on what they are reading. I don't read as many hubs on hubpages as many do, but what i read, I read because I am especially interested in reading it. If I'm not, I don't read it, though I may still consider myself your friend.
The political thing, I may not make the right decisions, but hate speech or talk will certianly not help me along, and i've heard it from both sides. The point of this hub was that i want to be read for the same reason John Grisham is read, Stephen king, Pat Conroy, or Rosemary Daniels. I don't want people sifting through dull writing with any motive other than the joy of reading. I'm not sure you got my point, though it is obvious you did read the hub. Thanks for your comment.
paulak, thanks. I have never been one to back away from honesty, but this one was difficult to write, because I feared offending people I have come to like. Sooner or later; however, we have to come to grips with honesty. As long as i write here, the possibility does exist that someone who matters will see and like my writing, but I am seeking a particulr kind of audiance, not people who are merely using me to promote themselves, which is mostly what we do here on hubpages. I stopped doing it, when I began to be bothered by others doing the same. I still read hubs that make me want to read them. Thanks for your comments. (:v
Note;I'm a fan of your creative writing and think that you might find it interesting that I did not find your Undercover series salacious but a bit humorus at times because of the highly identifiable content and the comedy of errors my early drug life was with myself and friends...keep 'em coming and take keen intrest in your "Coming Out"series.
Take care Valerie,from a True Fan,Bryan!;)
Mentalist, you were definitely a fan of undercover in every sense of the word. You made comments and asked about characters in a way that demonstrated you were not only reading, but were inolved in the content. There is humor in Undercover, and entertainment is a major reason for reading a novel, so that is fine with me. Did you ever figure out what happened to the Indian Princess? I was never quite sure if you found the correct chapters or not, but I didn't want to ruin it by simply telliing you. Thanks for your support. In your case, and in the case of jim, a friend and fan, there was never any doubt. You guys read many chapters, if not all, and left comments on each that said more than "nice hub." A good comment on a novel will say something to imply the writing has been read or will discuss the content. I don't expect a book review, but comments like your comment about Brandy not being liberated, are good. They show you are reading the material, because she definitely is not liberated. She is inhibited, and stiff. Marsha is also inhibited in a different way. She is avoiding relationship and hiding behind sexual behavior, more commen in men, usually, perhaps harder to identify. Both have trust issues common in child sexual abuse survivors. (:v
Valerie you certainly tell it like it is and I certainly admire that in you. That is what your righting is all about - you write from experience you write from your heart and you write to enlighten - that is perfectly clear. I hear what you are saying about people with their banal comments and I discussed that with a friend on here yesterday - clearly haven't read what was written. When ever I make a comment it is a reflection of what I read. As you know I enjoy your work and have struggled to keep up as with zzron - and I am glad you wrote what you wrote as I am behind - though I read the ending of course (cheating I guess) but have 7 more to go and you have a ton more since.
I would call a fan someone who follows you to appreciate your work - like the word implies - music fan , sports fan whatever - I am a fan because of what you write is well written and interesting and secondly I am so impressed by what you have done with your life after what you have been through. That takes courage and are qualities worth following. Plus I have every faith that you will do well and what to say I remember Valerie back on HubPages. Anyway thats my two cents worth. Best of luck in what ever you choose to do - hopefully it is more writing.
billyaustin, you are another person who has appeared to be genuinely interested in my writing. I don't think I CAN give up writing as it is in my blood. From time to time I do have to communicate with readers about what I want from them, which is only to read for entertainment, not for any other reason, except maybe to learn, in some cases. When I pick up a book, the author usually doesn't even know I'm reading it. My only motive is my interest in the book. Since I'm not selling books by the millions, I do like to read comments about my writing, but the readers motive needs to be the same. If someone forces his or her way through boring writing in order to get me to also read writing I find dull, what have either of us accomplished? That is my point. (:v
I assume The Indian Princess got straitened out after going to rehab';)
Yo Valerie. Nope. I wrote to myself thousands of years ago as the earth was still cooling. I've organized bike rides and I was the only one who showed up. I'll keep riding and writing when hubpages is dead. I adhere to the only nail I drive home- the Golden Rule. I only try to "do unto others as they do unto me". I certainly don't give one damn about what anybody thinks of me when the last shoe drops. I'm an open book although the cover is scarred and marred. Nobody on the hubs has been falsely imprisoned on chain gang for having grains of Marijuana in their Prince Albert tobacco. I know without any doubt that the people on whom one can depend are almost nil. Nobody comes to see me on the chain gang or locked away on a mental ward. So, I can cop an attitude harsher than the reality I have. I choose to reach. If I were to write for people to lie me- maybe I'd write instruction manuals. Maybe I'd write for Democrats. Maybe for Republicans. Maybe for the blessed "middle of the roaders". I have only one message beside my clowning around. I love the truth. I hate dogma. I hate the fake politics and false religions. The Golden Rule is THE law. And that is my only adherence.
Micy Dee, I've picked up that much from reading your writing. I like your golden rule theme, and agree with it. I wrote only for the pleasure of writng for many years, and that is still one reason I write; however, I do want to be read. Thanks for coming back. I generally enjoy your hubs.
Mentalist, I tried to send you the chapters, but apparantly you did not get them. If I placed them on this site in the comment section, would you come back and read them. Two chapters will make the story of the Indian Princess complete. (:v
Mentalist Acer, here is the first chapter I offered to find for you about the Indian princess.
Mentalist Acer, here is the second chapter that ties up the story of the Indian princess.
Got you Valerie - good points about reading a book. I hope my stuff isn't too boring for you. I think constructive criticism is invaluable.
No, Billy, this is personal problem stuff, but Fluffy the white cat walked across my laptop, and caused some of the keys to come out. I had to order a new keyboard, which is on the way, but comments are very hard to do since the A key hurts to press it. I am not reading as many hubs until the new keyboard comes, and have to use the desktop, which is in the living room, a room I close off to keep the other part of the house cool. It is slowing down some of what I do on my computer. (:v
I always read a Hub all the way through before I comment. Unfortunately as a manager my job demands much of me and my time is limited. So I must pick and choose. This was a heartfelt Hub, Valerie. You make some valid points here.
Suziecat, I think we all must pick and choose. All hubs are not for everybody. Thanks for picking and choosing this one. (:v
Also, suziecat, as a manager, i respect your ability to write or read hubs at all. When i was in management, i found it hard to do more than work and sleep. you are a wonder woman. Stay strong! (:v
I agree with the Golden Rule. It is what it is... There are "Fans" for all the right reasons and "fans" for all the wrong reasons. As a fan for different "hubbers," I chose each one to follow for unique and different reasons. Some of our fans mean well, although their articulation seems at odds with the "real truth," the hub was drivel and written for hidden agendas. Life is like that. You take the good from life's cafeteria table and leave the bad....
Very true, dallas, you have to just grin and bare it, but for those who care, I'm letting them know they only have to read what they want to read of my sites. (:v
Hi Val, interesting Hub. I'm new to the hub and don't know much I'll admit. I only have 58 followers, but I've been told that I'm growing pretty fast for a rookie. I'm a very competitive and goal drive by nature. Until this writing thing came up, I'd pretty much bagged most of my goals, and the one's I hadn't I finally realized I wasn't smart enough, or needed more arms and legs than I had to reach them. I have some goals here. I'll build this the same way I built my business. Give me a year.
I realize that you can't follow everything all your followers write, but I have five or six followers that have supported me from the begining, and I will support them and read everything they write. I was very unsure of myself my first few Hubs, and that support kept me going. Loyality is everything to me. You have been with me from the begining, and as time goes on, I'll catch up on everything you've written. Even if I don't have a lot of interest in a subject, I'll read ... because each time I read, I get to know that authur a little better. I think knowing you has made me a beter writer Val.
There's no right or wrong here, it's just how I roll.
Thanks for responding to my site, Jim. No. There is certainly no right or wrong, or morality issue here, it just depends on why you'd have others read your own material, more than why you'd read their's. I'll admit i've read hubs I barely made it through in order to be loyal, but then I had to ask myself if I actually wanted people reading mine for the same reason. In a way this is kind of like Micky Dee's golden rule mentality. When I look at my hub numbers, I like to think that more happened than that someone clicked on the page, left a comment to make me feel they read the writing, and then left without actually focusing on what was said. I value friendship and loyalty, but I'd like to go beyond either with my reader population. I'm new to writing too, as compared to many out there, so i don't know how far I'll be able to go, but already I've had many readers I have never met personally, in fact most, including you are in that catagory. I think I've also read most of what you've written, but I'm usually also interested in the subject matter. Thanks for commenting on my site. (:v
Actually, folks, I guess there are as many opinions about how to respond to writing as there are tastes in writing style. If dealing with mass markets has taught me anything at all, it is that you're never going to get consensus on anything. In the huge massive world, there are probably very few people who would be my true fans, that is who would read my writing simply because they wanted to do so, whether I knew anything about it or not. I guess we market our writing in order to hit that 1% of 1% of the people who would do so. They are the ones who would buy our books, and actually pay money out to read our stuff when there was nothing in it for them other than the enjoyment and desire of doing so. In my mind, I separate friends and fans, but apparantly many of you do not see any difference. Still, I doubt Pat Conroy would see me as his friend, while I am definitely his fan. Guess I've got to write better, or get more attention to qualify for that level of fanship. (:v
That's a pretty handy reference guide there Val. Based on your interest, I must steer you to one of my hubs that should be right in line with your interest and I would like your opinion on it too. It's been out there a while and fallen into a dusty corner. The title is "Gin House Blues". Check it out! WB
First, just let me say I saw the title of this hub some where, and I made a mental note to myself that I wanted to read it. I imagined it would be easy enough to do, but you are so busy and have written so many things that finding one particular hub when you can't remember what it was about proved truly challenging. LOL
Obviously I persevered and found the hub that initially caught my attention. I have thoughts on fans that I want to write, but have not done so yet. I found this hub very useful and the discussion of fans an interesting topic.
It was worth the time spent searching for this particular hub, so thanks for making it worth my while.
Dar ;-)
I'll do that, Wayne. Its easy for them to fall into dusty corners after a while if nobody sees them, even when they were very popular when people did read them. I tend to write too much at once, and people then miss some of my best ones.
Jen, If you spent that long looking for one hub, you are obviously doing the same thing I'm doing. This is not my favorite of mine, because I worry that it might offend some people, but I do feel that many people read writing they don't enjoy, or join fan clubs to accumulate more notches on their own belts, and those are not true fans of one's work. This hub may keep my hubscore low, but if that is actually how many people truly like my writing, so be it. At least I'll know. (:v
zzron Level 6 Commenter 18 months ago
Wow Valerie this was a mouth full. LOL. I know what you mean. I have a hand full of fans that read and comment on my hubs pretty regularly and you are one of them and I enjoy looking at yours as well but you keep popping out hubs like a rabbit so fast I can't keep up with them LOL.
I am glad you like to check out my stuff and I do enjoy looking at yours. I have a little over 300 fans and I figure I know who the ones are who must really get a kick out of my hubs are the same one who comment a lot.
I'm on here because my sister-in-law told me about it and I just find it to be a creative way to express myself with my thoughts and opinions with pictures and videos for anyone who might find it interesting.
You are really a talented writer and I want to encourage you to never give up and always do what you love to do no matter what it is or what anyone else thinks :)