Great piece! I have noticed that my most successful stories are the ones which are written with vulnerability and authentic. That has always been my writing style, though I admit I've given into the "write more often to develop fans" mentality I've received from some of the articles I've read on here. As a result, the more generic writing has been less successful. Thank you for this reminder about what really matters. If I enjoy an article I always leave a heartfelt comment because it does give me that connection you are referring to, and every time I receive one I feel connected to my audience....especially as a new writer it has been far and few between without a large following yet, but the few I get mean the world to me as I get to know my reader.