Thank you for such a thoughtful helpful comment. It takes time to find what works and for me, it's looking at the more positive aspects of groups, as there often is genuine engagement and I've enjoyed reading many other's stories in groups. I always genuinely engage even if it's something I know little about. But problems arise when it becomes forced and some writers demand reads, claps, etc, and also being in a situation where you are obligated to read a story you just have no interest in and don't like. Sometimes the story has been AI written and I won't engage, and also if someone is rude and unpleasant. I think there is a way to get to a more positive place on Medium and you rightfully suggest trusting your work so that you will get reads. This is something I want also, as there are other ways (publications, repurposing stories, etc) that can get you noticed. If using groups, the key is being as selective as possible, trying to maintain some choice over your reading, while at the same time "hope" for reads. I would never try to force anyone to read my story, I would hope they would as a matter of reciprocity and genuine interest, not force.