Do You Have Fans?
Maybe not “Taylor Swift Stadium-Screaming” Fans, but you have the start of a fan club:
Maybe they’re not lining up to buy your merch or fainting at your every word, but there’s probably a loyal crew out there, eagerly awaiting your latest post, story, or even—yes—a mildly interesting life update.
And hey, in my (very generous) estimation, I might just have as many fans as Taylor Swift herself. Yes, that Taylor Swift. Let me lay out my case.
Step 1: The Email List Litmus Test
Fan club credentials start here: the mighty email list. If you’ve got a few loyal subscribers, congratulations—you’re officially in serious territory.
Picture each subscriber as someone who once thought, “I need to know what this person thinks… about everything.”
Sure, Taylor has millions, but if you’re like me and can count a few thousand email list subscribers, well, you’re basically playing in the same big leagues.
These aren’t your average social media “scroll-bys.” These are people who chose to hear from you—no meddling algorithms.
Think of your email list as a little velvet-rope VIP area. There may be no presales or exclusive meet-and-greets, but they’re there because they want more you.
Step 2: Digital Applause, Right?
Social media can be a fickle friend, but views are like little digital nods of approval. Take my Quora story that drew in a casual quarter of a million views. Yes, you read that right: 250,000 people voluntarily scrolled through my musings. That’s a packed Taylor Swift concert right there (minus the friendship bracelets and glitter).
Maybe a few were scrolling aimlessly, but views, my friends, are the modern-day standing ovation. If even a fraction of those people were genuinely captivated, that’s still a mini-stadium of admiration. Go on, take a bow.
Step 3: Where Real Fans Shine (or Debate)
Now, let’s talk about comments. When folks start jumping into the conversation—whether they’re offering a virtual high-five or passionately debating your post—you know they’re invested.
Taylor’s got her Swifties belting out lyrics in unison, while we have our own little fan choir, tossing in “Amens!” or the occasional “Exactly!”
They’re not just spectators; they’re the dedicated fans, the ones willing to type out an entire paragraph just to agree (or disagree). And you know what? If they’re taking the time, that’s basically the digital equivalent of holding up a lighter at your concert.
Step 4: Social Proof—Dropping the Big Stats
Here’s where the magic happens. Mention “quarter of a million views” in casual conversation, and watch the eyebrows rise.
It’s social proof, my friend, and it’s almost as powerful as a Taylor Swift concert ticket. People see those numbers, and suddenly, you’re not just a person with opinions—you’re practically a cultural icon.
Throw in some humblebrag stats—views, likes, maybe even a retweet or two—and you’re well on your way to small-scale fandom.
Okay, Taylor might have a few more zeros in her stats, but let’s not nitpick.
6. What Does a Million Fans Really Mean?
A million fans could mean a whole lot of love, or it could mean someone shelled out for an email list that evaporates faster than cotton candy in a rainstorm.
Taylor Swift’s fan empire, Taylor Nation, is carefully curated, but we know that sometimes, behind those big numbers, there’s just a shrewd marketer and a bucket of bot accounts.
In my case, I’ll take my steady email list, my enthusiastic commenters, and my modest crowd of views. Stadium tours may be a ways off, but watch out, Taylor. There’s a new icon in town, and I’ve got email subscribers to prove it.
Want More Proof?
If you’re curious, here’s a Quora story of mine that pulled in over 50,000 views—because what’s a little extra proof between friends? https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-animals-who-have-the-intelligence-to-know-when-a-person-is-helping-them-and-so-does-not-try-to-attack/answer/Jaron-Summers)
About this time you may be wondering what I’m up to. Decades ago I started the digital world of publishing. Stop laughing. Read this: https://jaronsummers.com/wp-content/uploads/Jaron-Summers-The-First-Auther-to-Publish-His-Novel-on-Internet.pdf
I’ll show you how you can take a short story or novel and turn it into a motion picture or a TV series. Here’s my 25th novel, written with my partner in crime. Watch Markus and me turn it into a movie.
Not that it matters but the novel is based on a true story.