Protecting Medium's Integrity: A Call for Change
Written on
Understanding the Current State of Medium
As someone who has developed a strong affinity for Medium, I feel compelled to express my concerns about the platform and its content. While I may not be a celebrated writer, my love for Medium drives me to speak candidly about its shortcomings.
1. The Race for Followers: Quantity Over Quality
Many articles focus on strategies to quickly amass followers, such as "How to Boost Your Followers from 5,000 to 10,000." While I recognize that reaching a minimum of 100 followers is essential for joining the Medium Partners Program, the obsession with follower counts can be overwhelming. It’s disheartening to see writers racing to accumulate numbers without considering if their audience genuinely engages with their work.
Real engagement takes time. Rushing to gain followers does not necessarily translate to increased readership.
2. New Writers and the Art of Genuine Writing
Writing is a popular topic, and many are eager to share their secrets for success. However, the plethora of articles offering superficial advice on writing can be frustrating. Instead of replicating others' formulas, writers should strive to provide fresh insights.
It’s essential to conduct thorough research and only share original content that adds value to the community.
3. The Obsession with Earnings: Clickbait Culture
Curiosity about how much others earn from their articles often leads to clickbait titles that disappoint. If a piece is well-crafted, it will naturally attract readership and potential earnings. However, many articles today prioritize sensationalism over substance, leaving readers unsatisfied.
We must resist the allure of such tactics and focus on writing that truly benefits our audience. Quality will always outweigh gimmicks in the long run.
4. The Myth of Writing Daily for Algorithm Gains
The belief that writing daily will yield immediate financial rewards can be misleading. While practice is vital for improvement, the emphasis should be on crafting valuable content rather than merely meeting a daily quota. Readers deserve better than hastily produced articles that lack depth.
A writer’s reputation can suffer from poorly executed clickbait articles, leading to disillusioned readers who may choose to mute their content.
Recommendations for Medium
I propose several changes to enhance the platform:
- Implement a rule prohibiting earnings from articles solely about writing or earnings.
- Notify writers when they have been muted by readers (with anonymity preserved).
- Introduce a thumbs-down feature for articles that miss the mark.
I want to clarify that my intention is not to spread negativity but to advocate for a more enriching writing environment. I appreciate the guidance from both seasoned and emerging writers, but I oppose content that lacks meaningful substance and resorts to clickbait.
For those who disagree with my perspective, I welcome your feedback. Ultimately, I am not a top writer or high earner; I am simply a passionate advocate for Medium and its potential for greatness.
Let us strive for authenticity in our writing, and the rewards will follow.
Cheers!
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