A writing buddy of mine
is always asking her readers
for ‘favors.’
She needs cash for an emergency.
Could readers buy more of her books?
She is trying to make
a bestselling list.
Could readers buy a specific book?
She is feeling down.
Could readers leave a great review
to make her feel better?
The first time she asked,
she got a huge response.
Everyone,
including myself,
did what she requested.
She made her goal.
Did she thank us
by doing a favor in return?
No.
She asked another favor.
Now, I ignore ALL of her posts.
They aren’t favors.
They won’t be reciprocated.
And they aren’t rare.
They’re asks
and they happen regularly.
“Smashing the piggybank
You can only break it open once.
Organizations (and political candidates)
that forget this and
treat their biggest supporters
like bottomless ATMs
learn the piggybank rule
at great cost.”
You can only ask
for special treatment once.
Think before
you use that gift.