Jonas Polsky

by Jonas Polsky

I’m not that popular on Twitter. I know that, and that’s fine. That being said, if I get 9+ stars for a tweet, it’s a big deal. I’m not a personality, I don’t share anything about my life. I’m in it purely to get laughs. Each star represents a laugh. If I post a tweet that gets two stars, then four people that did not star tell me they loved it, I’m annoyed.

Reading my jokes doesn’t cost money, and aside from infrequently asking for votes in a contest, nothing is required of my readers. That being said, if you’re reading a comedian on twitter, and withholding stars, you don’t have a voice.

I’ve discussed this before, but comics want to get laughter. If you approach someone after they bombed at a comedy show and tell them you were holding back your laughter, they are going to shove you down a flight of stairs.

That’s the give and take between a performer and an audience. That’s why performers take the risk of going onstage, to receive feedback.

If you’ve never given me a star, you have to fall into two categories.

1. You hate everything I write.

2. You love reading my tweets, but don’t want to let me know.

Now, if you hate what you’re reading, unfollow me. Don’t waste another second. I’ll be fine with it. But if you love what I’m writing, and don’t provide feedback, I don’t need you as a follower. You don’t deserve to read anything I post.

Understandably, most people don’t spend hours on twitter each day like comedians. You don’t read every tweet in your feed. That’s okay. You’re not that engaged. But if you read my tweets, respond to me about how funny they are, and don’t star it, it’s as good as not following at all.

My feed is not popular. I am not popular. I’m okay with that. But not giving stars makes that situation even worse. Here’s how starring a tweet that you already like can help whoever you’re reading.

1. “Activity” - People that follow you can see what tweets you’ve starred. If you star something funny, they can see it and star it as well, or possibly follow.

2. Favstar - In situations where I have nearly enough stars to be featured on Favstar, the “missing” stars are preventing my tweet from being seen.

3. Encouragement - On days when I get one star, or three stars, it’s frustrating. It makes twitter feel like a waste of time. If enough comedians feel like their time is being wasted and quit, there will be nothing funny to read.

Don’t get me wrong. Don’t star something if you don’t like it. You don’t have to star every tweet, but get involved. Think of all the laughter you get each day for no money. Leave some feedback so people now, and in my case, possibly rise out of the humiliating gutter of obscurity.

Thank you.

If you are unaware of Favstar, or “stars” is an unfamiliar concept, read this:

http://jonaspolsky.tumblr.com/post/10245038750/what-is-favstar-exactly