I do exactly the same thing and it works like a charm! I think honesty is also very important though. I give everyone an equal chance but I don't clap for pieces that I don't agree with that has a big impact on society, for example, a piece about it's okay not to wear a mask when we go out (I'm a firm believer that it makes an important difference). Reciprocity definitely works! And may I just quickly point out, you write great pieces, which is why I think you get a lot of followings and reads. Thank you for sharing and inspiring, Terry!

PS. You kinda look like Bill Gates in your Medium profile picture...