Webupon

Naturally, it is our strong desire as content developers to have our works admired and to generate some form of compensation for the time that we’ve invested in producing them.

Now, I’ve seen dozens of articles on “how to promote your content”, “how to improve readership”, or “how to make a bazillion bucks on your submissions”. The answer is always the same: Produce and promote, promote, promote!

Unfortunately, I see a growing trend wherein users are crossing the delicate threshold between promotion and outright spam. Spamming could be defined as the mass dissemination of unsolicited promotions or advertisements.

Most normal humans are highly irritated by unrequested advertisement, and just because they may be friends, does not necessarily mean that they’re quivering with anticipation of reading your every poem or article.

Do unto others

If it annoys you to have your mailbox or every web page that you visit clogged with spam, then make sure that you’re not part of the growing trend of spam.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

When you promote, don’t be greedy. Be selective and try to target individuals that you feel will specifically benefit from or find interest in your content. At the end of the road your friends will be appreciative and your audience will be more satisfied and eager to see future submissions.

That includes “read my stuff” posts in forums.