Should I Write About My Personal Life for Clicks and Claps?

Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash

It seems to work for other people. If I’m being honest, I’ve clicked on stories a time or two because the headline was juicy or promised to offer a glimpse into someone else’s personal life that most don’t offer. I’m nosy. While we’re accused of living in an age where oversharing is rampant, most people don’t, at least not in writing, and if they do, they do it carefully. Or strategically. Writing about your personal life for money can actually be both. Whether you’re spinning a narrative or know what will bring in the money, I’d like to think people know exactly what they’re doing when they write about themselves for the world to read.

The problem is when the person doesn’t and in that case it’s exploitative, but this is a platform where people are literally free to publish whatever they want.

I’m not saying that everyone who writes about their personal life does so for clicks and claps, as if that’s the only reason. Some writers do it to help themselves by expressing their feelings or coming to grips with what’s happened in their lives. Others do it to help others. I’ve definitely been inspired or moved by other’s personal stories.

I just don’t think it’s something I could do, even though I can think of a few articles off the top of my head that could possibly generate revenue.