Chapter 1: The Metrics of Medium

When it comes to Medium, various metrics can spark debate. Are views, reads, fans, claps, or replies the most significant? The answer often varies depending on who you ask.

Everyone perceives things through their own lens. While some may dismiss these statistics as mere vanity metrics, they hold value in tracking the engagement of your articles.

When I embarked on my writing journey on Medium in August, I didn't receive much attention at first. It was amusing, though, because I was elated that two individuals had read my piece. I penned two articles that month, earning a staggering $0.22. It may seem trivial, but I was genuinely thrilled. The expression "as happy as a lark" comes to mind, referencing the beautiful song of the lark that delights human ears.

In September, my earnings slightly increased to $0.24, and again, I was over the moon. This joy stems from my passion for writing, rather than from a large audience. The readers of my Medium articles were strangers, individuals who engaged with my work without any preexisting connection. In contrast, my colleagues read my writings because it's part of my job, and often, they are featured in my pieces, which include personality profiles, news articles, and various workplace-related notes.

Over the course of several Medium articles, I've shared my writing journey—what an adventure it has been! Yet, this particular experience feels distinct.

There’s something gratifying about creating content and receiving payment for it. While we don't directly exchange money for articles on Medium, the acknowledgment and appreciation from readers serve as a form of reward. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but I wonder how many writers share this sentiment. Regardless, the central question remains—what metric on Medium holds the most weight?

Fans are another metric that some consider to be vanity-based. I cherish my fans and often find joy in having more fans than views. However, unless they convert into subscribers, fans don’t significantly impact my earnings. It's essential to cultivate an organic audience that genuinely enjoys reading your work.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Claps and Replies

Claps play a role in the platform's algorithms. When I first joined Medium, I would give a single clap for everything I read. Then I encountered an article by an author who expressed frustration over this. Subsequently, Jan Sebastian informed me that I could express my appreciation with up to 50 claps per article. Since then, I've adhered to this practice. However, it remains unclear how claps influence article distribution. Ideally, readers would embrace this approach and clap generously for every piece they enjoy.

Replies, however, are my favorite metric. They allow readers to engage directly with me, sharing their thoughts on what resonated or fell flat in my writing. This interaction fosters meaningful conversations and has led to lasting connections with many readers.

In conclusion, I’ve outlined my perspective on these metrics and their significance to my writing experience. You may have a different viewpoint, and that’s perfectly okay. I hope this article has been both informative and enjoyable. I welcome your engagement through any metric you prefer.

About the Author

Julius Evans holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and another Master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and Journalism from City University and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from Central Texas College. Additionally, he graduated from the Defense Information School (DINFOS) in Print and Electronic Journalism and Advanced Public Affairs in 1985.

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