You read my mind on this. I have been considering publishing my old stories on my Patreon and Ko-Fi, as well as on Wattpad and Inkitt, to see if I can get new audiences, as well as to start writing new material I had planned for Inkshares. But there never seems to be enough time...
I haven't published much at either. The important thing is that I'm lucky to own the copyrights on my stories and characters and can decide what to with them. I just let Medium and Substack and the others rent them.
Lots of rich thought here, Walter! Yes, the lines on Medium are certainly shifting. Your one-name poet with lowercase everything, case in point... "Discovered" on Medium? And pushed to the top?
I'm having to get back to focusing on writing itself--I feel as if I'm in recovery somewhat :) And writing calms that. As does reading a few good books.
I was stuck last week, writing about Thanksgiving (Canadian!) And a trip to the library did the trick.
I know what you mean. This morning I wrote something that I had no intention of writing. It turned into a nice little article. Sometimes I overthink what I'm doing, or get too caught up in trying to chase a Boost. There is a certain peace that comes with simply sitting down and letting the words flow! I've been meaning to create something for one of your publications too... but everything will be topsy-turvy until the election is over. Just 3 more weeks! Gosh, I remember my conversations with you the last time there was an election in the US, you're a source of great comfort for me!
I appreciate how our words—all written!—become “conversations!” Good. Yes, hard to believe about the election. I get anxious just thinking about it. All the more reason to let words flow and enjoy this process!!
Today it is Canadian Thanksgiving! I had to write a piece about libraries! Of course.
Fab piece! I’d wondered about the Trending on Medium too, noticing the same. I momentarily fell into an ADHD-driven pit of comparison, questioning my skills as a writer (is my self-awareness actually low & I’m terrible?) and wondering what’s off with my work on there/what are my opps to improve to better my chances to Trend or be nominated to be Boosted. Which then led me to reread some pieces, make some tweaks, & carry on with my day. I’m still experimenting here & have yet to “crack the algo code” for gaining any sort of reach whatsoever. That being said, I owe you a massive thanks as the subscribers I have gotten through the app are because of your recommendation. Thank you! 😊
I'm glad to hear that. Am I following you on Medium as well? I see there are several accounts with your name. The next time you have a draft, please send me a draft link (here on Substack) and I'll give you some feedback.
I don’t believe you are: https://medium.com/@itsjennifergeorge Oh wow that’s really generous of you, thank you so much! Throwing it out there, I’m more than willing to compensate you for your time of course.
Your articles look pretty good. You don’t need to compensate me, but if you find my advice useful you could subscribe to my newsletter. But all the information is free so it’s up to you. Here’s an article about format. It’s important to get the title, subtitle, and featured image right: https://walterrhein.substack.com/p/why-your-articles-fail-on-medium
Thanks so much! I make a point to go back and re-read them a few weeks later to see where I can make improvements. It’s about understanding where it’s ok to be unconventional with my writing to stay true to myself/my voice versus where I need to not do that lol. I’m already subscribed! You’re one of the first people I subscribed to upon joining Substack 🤗
I am a free subscriber of yours. I am glad to see that what I read last week or earlier in the week is you playing with your message. I had unsubscribed due to that message. Fortunately another message came a day or two later and I rethought my subscription. Now I know what you're doing and will give you more leeway. The thing is, I used to read medium a lot but it seems to have gone the way of MySpace. Blame it on our obsession with new? I just saw the quality of what I was reading became pretty much clickbait. I have high hopes for substack. In the past 2 months I have bought my first paid subscription. After November 5th, I will be adding to it. I'm a free subscriber of you because you are on my list of people for consideration. Heather Cox Richardson and Robert Reich are also in contention. You have one thing over them in my opinion... That is that both of them are already doing well with subscriptions. They deserve to be paid but my pocketbook is slim. I would like to use my bit to subscribe to those who have important things to share and do their homework by sharing truth.I use substack as my personal newspaper. I share far and wide hoping that people see the message and that people with maybe more money to share than I have, will also subscribe. I understanding is that writer's here keep ownership rights. Hopefully they are making some money as well. I highly support writers to my pocketbooks ability.
That's nice of you, thanks for considering me. I think it's very important to challenge boundaries. In doing that, I write things that sometimes make people feel uncomfortable. There have been other readers who have unsubscribed from me and come back, and some that have unsubscribed and gone elsewhere. What we have to recognize is that the things we've tried in the past aren't working. We have to look for solutions within the realm of concepts that seem to be unquestionable or sacred. Galileo was sentenced to house arrest for saying the sun was the center of the solar system. There are other truths that our society has yet to embrace. MLK spoke of the positive tension that is a consequence of the pursuit of justice. I prefer not to offend readers and have them unsubscribe, but the idea that I might retain readers at the expense of pursuing justice scares me. So, I expect, I will continue to say things that make people uncomfortable, but I can promise it's always in pursuit of easing the discomfort of the marginalized.
I understand that. And I respect truth, even in feelings. A few other people I follow have been a bit more assertive with their language these days. It makes it hard for me to share, but I have to think about my own responses. Although I tone them down before I speak them write them, it isn't quite honest of me as I actually feel the same as they are stating. Hmmm. There you go making me think again! My problem isn't deciding what goes too far? If I am using strong language, I think that can be overlooked in this day and age. If I am calling people names, making accusations, perhaps it's better not to do that even when it's done to me!? Hard to decide. I'm going to keep you on my list for November.
Ah, I think I know what you're referring to. Yes, I pushed the boundaries on an article a few weeks ago and I determined that I prefer not to write that way. We learn through experimentation. That being said, there are some instances where you aren't engaging in name calling, you're simply stating a fact, but the line gets blurred and it's important to learn from the courteous objections we receive.
Medium is a very valuable platform and I'm grateful for all the opportunities it has given me. I think with any platform, writers get frustrated and leave. Then they express their frustrations in other places. Substack is populated with writers who have grown frustrated with Medium, so what you see on Substack doesn't really represent the consensus opinion regarding Medium. I find that there are many writers who can't get traction on Medium but it's because their work doesn't quite conform to the guidelines the platform is looking for. That's further complicated by the fact that those guidelines evolve over time. If you look at an article I wrote 6 months ago, it's very different from what I write today. I often offer to work with writers to give them a better idea what Medium is looking for. At the same time, not everything I write succeeds on Medium (though I suspect my success rate is above average). All of this is just part of the writing life. Medium is a great resource for any working writer.
That explains it, the "wraparound story" has been exactly my jam on medium but my latest one that I was sure would get boosted didn't. It's been a slow two months. But I just keep going and trying, like you, I've definitely had some good times and months on medium so it's still worth it for me.
Okay, well you can tell that to your 6 subscribers, and I'll keep sharing my words with my 3,700! You're awesome John! May the lord bless you! Have a successful day!
You read my mind on this. I have been considering publishing my old stories on my Patreon and Ko-Fi, as well as on Wattpad and Inkitt, to see if I can get new audiences, as well as to start writing new material I had planned for Inkshares. But there never seems to be enough time...
I think that's a good idea. I don't know what Wattpad and Inkitt are like. I'd be interested in hearing about the success you have from them.
I haven't published much at either. The important thing is that I'm lucky to own the copyrights on my stories and characters and can decide what to with them. I just let Medium and Substack and the others rent them.
Lots of rich thought here, Walter! Yes, the lines on Medium are certainly shifting. Your one-name poet with lowercase everything, case in point... "Discovered" on Medium? And pushed to the top?
I'm having to get back to focusing on writing itself--I feel as if I'm in recovery somewhat :) And writing calms that. As does reading a few good books.
I was stuck last week, writing about Thanksgiving (Canadian!) And a trip to the library did the trick.
Thank you for sharing your path/s!
I know what you mean. This morning I wrote something that I had no intention of writing. It turned into a nice little article. Sometimes I overthink what I'm doing, or get too caught up in trying to chase a Boost. There is a certain peace that comes with simply sitting down and letting the words flow! I've been meaning to create something for one of your publications too... but everything will be topsy-turvy until the election is over. Just 3 more weeks! Gosh, I remember my conversations with you the last time there was an election in the US, you're a source of great comfort for me!
I appreciate how our words—all written!—become “conversations!” Good. Yes, hard to believe about the election. I get anxious just thinking about it. All the more reason to let words flow and enjoy this process!!
Today it is Canadian Thanksgiving! I had to write a piece about libraries! Of course.
Peace!
Happy Thanksgiving! That's the best holiday there is!
Fab piece! I’d wondered about the Trending on Medium too, noticing the same. I momentarily fell into an ADHD-driven pit of comparison, questioning my skills as a writer (is my self-awareness actually low & I’m terrible?) and wondering what’s off with my work on there/what are my opps to improve to better my chances to Trend or be nominated to be Boosted. Which then led me to reread some pieces, make some tweaks, & carry on with my day. I’m still experimenting here & have yet to “crack the algo code” for gaining any sort of reach whatsoever. That being said, I owe you a massive thanks as the subscribers I have gotten through the app are because of your recommendation. Thank you! 😊
I'm glad to hear that. Am I following you on Medium as well? I see there are several accounts with your name. The next time you have a draft, please send me a draft link (here on Substack) and I'll give you some feedback.
I don’t believe you are: https://medium.com/@itsjennifergeorge Oh wow that’s really generous of you, thank you so much! Throwing it out there, I’m more than willing to compensate you for your time of course.
Your articles look pretty good. You don’t need to compensate me, but if you find my advice useful you could subscribe to my newsletter. But all the information is free so it’s up to you. Here’s an article about format. It’s important to get the title, subtitle, and featured image right: https://walterrhein.substack.com/p/why-your-articles-fail-on-medium
Thanks so much! I make a point to go back and re-read them a few weeks later to see where I can make improvements. It’s about understanding where it’s ok to be unconventional with my writing to stay true to myself/my voice versus where I need to not do that lol. I’m already subscribed! You’re one of the first people I subscribed to upon joining Substack 🤗
I am a free subscriber of yours. I am glad to see that what I read last week or earlier in the week is you playing with your message. I had unsubscribed due to that message. Fortunately another message came a day or two later and I rethought my subscription. Now I know what you're doing and will give you more leeway. The thing is, I used to read medium a lot but it seems to have gone the way of MySpace. Blame it on our obsession with new? I just saw the quality of what I was reading became pretty much clickbait. I have high hopes for substack. In the past 2 months I have bought my first paid subscription. After November 5th, I will be adding to it. I'm a free subscriber of you because you are on my list of people for consideration. Heather Cox Richardson and Robert Reich are also in contention. You have one thing over them in my opinion... That is that both of them are already doing well with subscriptions. They deserve to be paid but my pocketbook is slim. I would like to use my bit to subscribe to those who have important things to share and do their homework by sharing truth.I use substack as my personal newspaper. I share far and wide hoping that people see the message and that people with maybe more money to share than I have, will also subscribe. I understanding is that writer's here keep ownership rights. Hopefully they are making some money as well. I highly support writers to my pocketbooks ability.
That's nice of you, thanks for considering me. I think it's very important to challenge boundaries. In doing that, I write things that sometimes make people feel uncomfortable. There have been other readers who have unsubscribed from me and come back, and some that have unsubscribed and gone elsewhere. What we have to recognize is that the things we've tried in the past aren't working. We have to look for solutions within the realm of concepts that seem to be unquestionable or sacred. Galileo was sentenced to house arrest for saying the sun was the center of the solar system. There are other truths that our society has yet to embrace. MLK spoke of the positive tension that is a consequence of the pursuit of justice. I prefer not to offend readers and have them unsubscribe, but the idea that I might retain readers at the expense of pursuing justice scares me. So, I expect, I will continue to say things that make people uncomfortable, but I can promise it's always in pursuit of easing the discomfort of the marginalized.
I understand that. And I respect truth, even in feelings. A few other people I follow have been a bit more assertive with their language these days. It makes it hard for me to share, but I have to think about my own responses. Although I tone them down before I speak them write them, it isn't quite honest of me as I actually feel the same as they are stating. Hmmm. There you go making me think again! My problem isn't deciding what goes too far? If I am using strong language, I think that can be overlooked in this day and age. If I am calling people names, making accusations, perhaps it's better not to do that even when it's done to me!? Hard to decide. I'm going to keep you on my list for November.
Ah, I think I know what you're referring to. Yes, I pushed the boundaries on an article a few weeks ago and I determined that I prefer not to write that way. We learn through experimentation. That being said, there are some instances where you aren't engaging in name calling, you're simply stating a fact, but the line gets blurred and it's important to learn from the courteous objections we receive.
As a lay reader and active commenter, why do so many writers hate Medium?
Medium is a very valuable platform and I'm grateful for all the opportunities it has given me. I think with any platform, writers get frustrated and leave. Then they express their frustrations in other places. Substack is populated with writers who have grown frustrated with Medium, so what you see on Substack doesn't really represent the consensus opinion regarding Medium. I find that there are many writers who can't get traction on Medium but it's because their work doesn't quite conform to the guidelines the platform is looking for. That's further complicated by the fact that those guidelines evolve over time. If you look at an article I wrote 6 months ago, it's very different from what I write today. I often offer to work with writers to give them a better idea what Medium is looking for. At the same time, not everything I write succeeds on Medium (though I suspect my success rate is above average). All of this is just part of the writing life. Medium is a great resource for any working writer.
That explains it, the "wraparound story" has been exactly my jam on medium but my latest one that I was sure would get boosted didn't. It's been a slow two months. But I just keep going and trying, like you, I've definitely had some good times and months on medium so it's still worth it for me.
Who really cares?
I see you only have 6 subscribers John J Hennigan. Maybe it's because of your attitude?
Fuck you, little walter. Maybe you’re the one lacking aptitude.
Okay, well you can tell that to your 6 subscribers, and I'll keep sharing my words with my 3,700! You're awesome John! May the lord bless you! Have a successful day!
Wasting words in this way is, well, a waste. BTW, was "aptitude" an attempt at sly humor or a typo?
Every time he comments it counts as engagement and that helps my profile, so I don't mind.
Aha! Attitude AND aptitude.