Chapter 1: Understanding Medium's Shifting Guidelines

I'll openly admit that I struggle with technology, yet I can learn effectively if someone is willing to explain concepts in a way I can grasp, without presuming I know terms like UGC, SEO, CTA, or CTR.

Previously, we received compensation for bringing new members to Medium, but that seems to have been discontinued. As a result, we no longer have to include a pitch at the end of our articles, inviting readers to pay a small fee ($5) for access to countless amazing stories like mine. I also haven't seen any requests for coffee contributions lately.

Another aspect that confuses me is my participation in the Partner Program, which I believe places me behind a "payment wall" (does Medium offer a glossary for these terms?). After gathering 1,000 "followers," I am eligible for some monetary compensation for my writings. However, the mechanics of this system elude me. Initially, I thought earnings were based on the number of "reads" a story received. Yet, two of my most viewed pieces, "Wedding Shower" and "My Aging Body," yielded significantly different earnings: the former garnered 1.4K "views," 1.2K "reads," and only $0.24, while the latter received 3.6K "views," 1.8K "reads," and earned $287.01—the highest I’ve seen. Although "Shower" is a one-minute read and "Body" takes four minutes, the disparity is perplexing.

A term that sparked concern when I first joined Medium was "algorithm," and it continues to be a source of anxiety. I concluded that algorithms lack empathy and are indifferent to human emotions. I don't dwell on how they might be influencing my experience, but I do find the term "member only" next to a story title puzzling. Does that imply only members can access it, and what impact does that have besides limiting access for non-members? Do I only receive payment when members read my work, or does it count for non-members as well?

Recently, Medium introduced the Friends of Medium program, inviting those interested to pay $15 a month instead of the typical $5 membership fee—$180 a year compared to $60. As @Jay Squires insightfully pointed out, this is significantly more than the subscription costs for premium magazines like Harper's or Vanity Fair, which offer both digital and print versions. However, being a Friend of Medium supposedly brings various advantages, such as earning four times the usual compensation for stories, provided fellow Friends engage with my work through claps, highlights, and comments. Despite my hopes, I still receive very few comments, though I appreciate the personal notes from those writers who take the time to read my stories. So far, I haven’t noticed any benefits from being a charter member of FoM, nor am I earning four times more. I understand that the stories I engage with will receive that extra compensation, but am I missing something?

Another point of confusion arises when I highlight text—why do I only see "you highlighted?" Others seem to receive "top highlight" or their names displayed, indicating their contributions. I’ve searched for explanations for these discrepancies but haven't found any.

Due to my day job and various commitments, I can't dedicate unlimited time to explore new publications or read unfamiliar authors daily. While I strive to do so, I often fall short. I remain a dedicated reader of those whose writing resonates with me and some who have become friends, such as @Melinda Blau, @Helen Cassidy Page, @Linda Caroll, @Jay Squires, @Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, @Janet Meisel, @Carol Lennox, @Beth Bruno, @Rodrigo S-C, @Rebecca Romanelli, and my original mentor @Kristina God, along with @Nancy Peckenham and the wonderful team at "Crow's Feet."

I also find it puzzling that I have 1,500 followers and 45 subscribers, while some writers boast 500K followers and 1.9K subscribers. While it's clear that having more followers and subscribers is beneficial, it can feel overwhelming, as if I might need to interact with so many people and respond to numerous messages.

I attempt to review Medium's guidelines periodically, even though they seem to change frequently. Am I mistaken?

Currently, I'm navigating this landscape, primarily writing about my experiences, interests, and opinions. I'm pleased that I can now end a sentence with a preposition (as confirmed by NPR: Feb 27, 2024 — Merriam-Webster now allows it). Despite my challenges with technology and the flattening of my learning curve as I age, my reason for writing on Medium remains unchanged. As E.M. Forster said: "Just connect." I am profoundly grateful to Medium for the connections and rewarding relationships I have formed.

The first video, "Heavy-Light-Medium Confusion!", delves into the misunderstandings surrounding weight classifications and how they affect our perceptions in everyday situations.

The second video, "Medium Seeks Control In Life of Chaos and Confusion," explores how Medium's systems impact writers amidst the unpredictability of content creation.