DrPuffinPhDMorgan: "What the heck?!? DrPuffin, you've just hit 1,000 followers here on Pixiv!"
DrPuffinPhD: "I know! I'm chuffed to bits!
Morgan: "Chuffed? Um, is that good?"
DrPuffinPhD: "Yes, it means I'm very pleased."
Morgan: "Well, I should hope so! Man, when you started posting, I didn't think you'd even get 100 followers, let alone 1,000."
DrPuffinPhD: "Gee, thanks."
Morgan: "Sorry! But, you know what I mean, right?"
DrPuffinPhD: "Oh, absolutely. Whenever you put your creations out into the world, you never know if the world will like them as much as you do. So, posting these images felt like a big risk, and it feels wonderful to think that so many people like them."
Morgan: "But, um, is 1,000 followers a lot? Like, compared to other creators, I mean?"
DrPuffinPhD: "Well, uh, to be honest, I don't really know. But, in a sense, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that I'm having fun and creating images that I can feel good about, and that some people out there feel good about them too. I'm not trying to become the PewdiePie of Pixiv, I'm just telling stories in images and sharing those stories. Um, why are you laughing?"
Morgan: "Ha ha! Sorry, just the idea of you as PewdiePie... hahahaha!"
DrPuffinPhD: "Yes, well, what I mean is, I know I'm never going to be hugely popular, and that's okay. In fact, even this milestone of 1,000 followers has to be put into perspective. How many people saw a couple of my posts, hit the "Follow" button, and then forgot all about me? Some of my followers are following hundreds or even thousands of other creators, you know, so it's not like I'm special or anything."
Morgan: "Geez, DrPuffin, way to enjoy the moment! Sheesh!"
DrPuffinPhD: "I'm just trying not to get carried away, that's all. You know what makes me really happy, though? When my followers leave comments and engage with me and tell me what they like about my images. That just makes my day! There's only a handful of them who comment and interact with me regularly, but they mean the world to me."
Morgan: "Yeah, I've seen you check your notifications -- scrolling past the bookmarks and the likes to see if anyone posted a comment. It's kinda cute, actually."
DrPuffinPhD: "Um, thanks... I think."
Morgan: "Heehee, so, what's next? A Patreon page?"
DrPuffinPhD: "Oh! Um, well, I admit... it's tempting, but... that feels like a really big step. Don't you think I should get a little better at this before I start asking for money?"
Morgan: "Relax, I'm just teasing you! Don't worry about the future right now -- just enjoy the moment! I'm really proud of you, DrPuffin!"
DrPuffinPhD: "Thanks, Morgan. And thanks to everyone who's been supporting me."
Morgan: "Uh, you don't actually think anybody has read this far, do you?"
DrPuffinPhD: "Ummm...."
2024-11-11 17:39:37 +0000