Photo courtesy of Kyra Preston/Unsplash
I’ve been struggling over whether to discontinue the “to my readers” request for feedback at the end of each post.
A few of you regularly respond and it causes me happy feelings to know I’ve evoked an emotional or funny response from you.
Others have told me they like the question because it makes them think, but they can’t find the time to respond. And still others have confided they’re not comfortable in their writing skills. So some people end up feeling guilty for “not writing back.”
Gosh, I never intended for anyone to feel badly about not responding. The whole idea of my writing is to bring a spark of joy or insight or a fresh way of looking at something into people’s lives.
I myself feel quite uncomfortable when others try to guilt me into doing something.
Have you noticed this type of behavior on Facebook? Here are some examples:
- Sadly, less than 2% of you will be brave enough to like and share this story.
- Angels are real! Type YES if you agree and SHARE this video if it’s true.
- Let’s see how many of my “friends” will repost this story.
Are you aware that this type of mass shout-out for a response is called “like-farming”? According to Fox Tech news “Like-farming is when scammers post an attention-grabbing story on Facebook for the express purpose of cultivating likes and shares. Based on the way Facebook works, the more likes and shares a post has, the more likely it is to show up in people’s News Feeds.” You can search online for “like-farming” to read more, such as this one from Consumer Affairs: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/like-farming-facebook-scams-look-before-you-like-042215.html
So when you LIKE or type YES or AMEN to items ORIGINALLY posted by someone you don’t know, you may be inadvertently playing into marketing hands. I know, I know…you may feel really bad about not giving a LIKE to a heart-warming story about a child or kitten or not typing an AMEN to the story of an underdog who ended up on top. But that’s what “they” are counting on.
Guess what? Writing is therapeutic and has provided my answer. I don’t want anyone to feel even a smidgen of guilt about not responding. As of today, I’ll no longer pose an ending question or comment. You’re off the hook!
But of course, should you want to comment on any post, at the end is a section that says LEAVE A REPLY. Or you can comment on Lifted Up’s Facebook page. Move there via the FB icon in the extreme upper right corner of the screen. You can also LIKE me on Facebook!
Yes and Amen!
I always have that guilt from “like farming” but almost never LIKE or SHARE or type AMEN or YES for that very reason. I think I’ll post that link!
Kathy, thanks. “They” sure know how to manipulate us, don’t they? I have to scroll through FB in a mindful frame of mind, so I can hit LIKE to a photo of a former co-worker’s adorable children and ignore the “Type AMEN if you have a beautiful daughter” (I do, but I don’t type anything.) Hey, daughter, if you’re reading this, I think you’re beautiful inside and out.
I have no guilt about “like farming” because I abhor Facebook. I dropped it years ago & I’m a happier person, having done so. ?
Yes, I recall the week you gave it up. I do enjoy seeing photos from faraway family members and friends. If everyone would JUST behave and be nice!
I never heard of “like farming”, I have never done facebook, and I don’t pass along mass emails to anyone. Just keep writing, Norma, and keep bringing that spark of joy or insight into people’s lives.
Really, there was so much more I could have shared on this subject, and how easily we can get fooled and pulled into something we never intended. I am disappointed that there are those out there who use their intelligence for (Gosh what word should I use here? “Mean” doesn’t even come close.) purposes. But I’ve surely hit a nerve based on the number of responses. Thanks for being a faithful reader.
I’m guilty!
I have liked, shared, and put my Amen on post from my recognized friends, but i didn’t think of the farming or fishing that was done to them first and then i just bite– hook, line and sinker. Thanks for this heads-up. Don’t really care for Mark Zuckerberg, I’ll have to check out who is running Instagram. Another billion dollar business. I wonder if i called someone on the telephone would they answer? Or heaven forbid, that i drop by for a chat. Ahhhhhhh I remember those days so well.
Well, don’t call me on my home phone since we don’t have one. But as long as I hear my cell ringing, and it’s you, I promise to always answer! And, just like your beautiful and inviting home, mine is always open for a drop by visit.
Hi Norma, I am a friend of Linda Solich. We live in the same condo building on Pine Island Florida.
Our home is in Natrona Heights, PA. Linda helped me get signed up to receive “Lifted Up” when we were together in Florida this past Winter. I thoroughly enjoy each article and am amazed at how lovely you tell and write each article. I receive much joy from reading and thinking about your articles. I would respond if I would feel so moved but haven’t yet. Please don’t feel concerned about asking for a response. Thank you for sharing all you thoughts.
My name is Ruth Becker.
Ruth, how lovely of you to reply. I enjoy hearing from “strangers” because then I know they have moved from being someone unknown to me and are instead included in one of the circles of my life. Linda was my best friend in high school, and after many years of “Christmas cards only” we have reconnected and usually meet up with a group of friends once a year. Life is beautiful. Thanks again for reaching out.
Sorry, my dear sister-in-law, but I want nothing to do with any of the “Social Media” sites. I signed on with Facebook, when it first was offered, and got some of the most disgusting/vulgar propositions from people I did not even know existed on the face of this earth, and happily can say that I have never met them!!!! I still like and enjoy the sound of my family and friends’ voices over the telephone. I can learn so much more, hearing their voice, than any other form of technological communication.
A first time responder! Thanks, Bill,