Understanding Medium: Is It Really a Pyramid Scheme?
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Chapter 1: A Conversation on Medium
In his 1994 hit "Represent," the artist NAS once noted, "Somehow the rap game reminds me of the crack game." This thought resonated with me as I began to navigate the Medium platform. New to this space, I found myself explaining it to a friend.
Me- "Hey! I took a break from writing about my dad and started using this platform called Medium. It’s amazing! Think of it as YouTube for writers."
Friend- "Oh, that sounds cool! Tell me more!"
Me- "It's a community for people like me; I spend a lot of time reading others' works. It validates my feelings, knowing that others share similar experiences. This morning, I came across an article discussing how visual art complements writing. Are you still sketching?"
Friend- "Funny you mention that! I’m actually looking for an easel for my room. How did you find out about Medium?"
Friend- "Hmm! Sounds like a pyramid scheme to me!"
At that moment, my excitement faded with her remark. Instinctively, I felt the need to defend Medium against such claims. I was determined to highlight its merits, portraying it as a refuge for writers—a supportive community where one can thrive.
Me- "Medium is nothing like a pyramid scheme!" I replied, slightly offended. "It's a space where I can express my interests through writing." I recounted a story I read about someone's experience caring for their father, noting the parallels to my own life. There was also a piece about dreams that resonated with me deeply.
With gestures and animated expressions, I passionately explained my connection to the work I read.
Me- "The way the author crafted his narrative filled me with inspiration; it was incredible. I even encountered a story about someone grappling with alcohol, and I thought, 'I can relate to that!'"
Feedback and Followers
Friend- "But it sounds pretty pyramid-like to me. Sure, members don’t pay each other directly, but they pay Medium, and as they read your posts, you earn money. Technically, it may not be a pyramid scheme, but it sure feels like one!"
Her perspective challenged me, and while I had a vague understanding of pyramid and Ponzi schemes, I lacked the solid arguments to counter her assertions.
Me- "Relax, if it were illegal, there wouldn’t be over 260 million members writing on the platform worldwide."
That was my best defense at the moment. I craved honest feedback from followers, yet I still hid most of my stories behind a paywall.
Pyramid vs. Ponzi Schemes: What’s the Difference?
A pyramid scheme involves recruiting individuals who must invest money, pay fees, or purchase products regularly. In contrast, a Ponzi scheme requires only one investment, promising high returns later. In both cases, profits flow to those at the top.
Typically, I encounter articles with titles like "How to Make Money on Medium" and "Five Lessons I've Learned from Writing Online." Whether out of curiosity or urgency, I often find myself opening these articles. I compare my modest fifty-five followers with those who have many more and wonder what they’re doing differently. I keep my thoughts to myself, focusing only on the positives of Medium. I avoid mentioning my compulsive habit of checking notifications and follower counts at least thirty-six times a day. I don’t share my relentless ambition to get published in reputable outlets. If I did, I might reveal that my writing has shifted from pure expression to a quest for validation and payment. I need readers to invest their time in my work, believing it will enrich their lives. I want my followers to engage with others to bring more attention to my stories, increasing my reach and revenue. I aim to harness the expertise of SEO to promote my content. While I might not be in the drug trade, I understand the principles of supply and demand. I express myself fully through my writing, and the ultimate measure of appreciation is reflected in the monetary rewards my readers gain from my work.
Friend- "Alright, if you say so. It just seems like a really, really big pyramid scheme to me!"
Me- "Ugh… I can’t deal with you right now…"
Chapter 2: The Value of Community
The first video, "Pimp", Book (REVIEW) - YouTube, explores the complexities of the writing community and its parallels with other industries.
The second video, "Pimp My Gameboy Advance SP - Spiderman Edition - YouTube," showcases creativity in content creation, highlighting the importance of engaging storytelling.