This site hit a milestone yesterday and I wanted to share it here. The Editor Unleashed forum just topped 1,000 members.
That 1,000 number is significant to me because that’s the number I decided I needed to reach to continue pumping my time and energy into Editor Unleashed.
I made a deal with myself when I launched this site last October: Hit 1,000 members on the forum before the one year anniversary and I could keep going (aka not get a real job). In my mind anyway, 1,000 meant I was building something worthwhile.
Why 1,000? That number got stuck in my head after reading this post by Kevin Kelly: 1,000 true fans
A creator, such as an artist, musician, photographer, craftsperson, performer, animator, designer, videomaker, or author—in other words, anyone producing works of art—needs to acquire only 1,000 True Fans to make a living.
Now I’m not foolish enough to think that just because 1,000+ people have signed up for the Editor Unleashed forum, that I have 1,000 true fans. But it does tell me that maybe I’ve been building something that others are connecting with.
So here’s a big thanks to all of the members of the Editor Unleashed forum, especially the community pillars (you know who you are) that help make it such a great online home for writers.
What are the milestones you’re reaching for right now? How close are you to achieving them? I’d love to hear about it.
-Maria Schneider
Flickr photo by crystalflickr
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Hard Copy Publication!
Our “this is really going to work” goal is 2000 subscribers. We don’t think it’s too unreasonable, but we definitely picked a bad time to start. Some of our more promising numbers:
* 11,500 submissions in just under 3 years.
* 7200 users
* 1200 on our mailing list
a whole page of numbers.
Brainstorming how to build and cultivate “true fans” :)
This is good news for several reasons. It’s good news because it means the community is growing. It’s good news because a bigger community means access to more knowledge and experience from many sources. And it’s really good news because it means Maria and Editor Unleashed will be sticking around. That’s my favourite reason.
Congratulations, Maria!
Jai
Congrats, Maria. Now let’s go for 2000!
Congrats! And hmm, my milestone right now is to finish manuscript #2. After that, land an agent, get a deal, and see my name on shelves! ;)
How exciting, Maria! Congrats! My milestone is much the same as Kristan’s. Actually, any continued publication makes me happy :)
Congratulations Maria – Well-deserved. This is undoubtedly the coolest writer’s hangout on the wide, wonderful web. Thank you.
My milestone continues to be produce and publish. Keep on writing and finding homes for my poems, shorts, and even my novels. It’s long-range – it has to be – but persistency is key. Author Elizabeth Kelly (APOLOGIZE, APOLOGIZE!) dropped me a line the other day and mentioned it took her 7 manuscripts and 18 years to get her debut published. She reminded me often it is the journey that is the destination. My goal is to stay on the road – and so far, so good.
Peace, Linda
E.U. is on fire and I think this contest has been an invitation for a number of people to come and see what the place is all about. Like any open house, some will be impressed, some will decline and hopefully a goodly number decide to call it an online home.
–John
Maria, you deserve the full cup of congratulations. Your hard work shows in the breadth of your postings, the practical and the personal worth of the information provided here, and the genial spirit in which all is offered. Thank you.
Me, I’m trying to keep sending out the queries, cut down on moron TV, write stuff with some soul, and realize that some days are diamonds (and that I should pay attention).
“A creator, such as an artist, musician, photographer, craftsperson, performer, animator, designer, videomaker, or author—in other words, anyone producing works of art—needs to acquire only 1,000 True Fans to make a living.”
I am going to remember this quote, what a great perspective.
But more importantly: CONGRATS!!!!
And definitely well-deserved. You are an ongoing inspiration.
Right now, my current version of a goal line to reach: 25,000 word thesis (I get to write it on Dexter and Hannibal Lecter so this is going to be fun times!), and half of the novel finished and given the thumbs up by both agent and University.
That’s fantastic! I’m sure you have far more than that who read your blog regularly (like me) who haven’t registered for the forums, though.
What was your secret to promoting so well for the first year?
Thanks all! And @Beej, no secret really: Solid content and a welcoming atmosphere work wonders. Twitter helps too.
Well Maria …
You may most certainly count me as a *True Fan* . . . for you’ve brought intellect and grace to Writers’Worlds and given them a place to come home to, time after time to tiempo again. (amen) (couldn’t resist that last benediction … blessings flow when one is on a roll)
Here’s to the easy-quantum of 3,000 – sidestep the 2′grand and go for gusto. You and your mighty crew have all the right reasons to soar well there.
My goal-quest dream-theme is already setting sail ~ HARBINGER*33: 33 Stellar Authors whose works will be read more and more and more is under high creation and ongoing sensation pace … said humble promoter-publisher, Absolutely*Kate.