For me, absolutely nothing is working on Medium. I used to average close to ten Boosted stories a month. Now it's zero, I was last Boosted on July 17th and I don't think it's me that changed. I appreciate your efforts to inform writers of your opinion as to what works. I think it isn't so much the titles but the subject matter. Medium should say themselves what they're looking for. I wouldn't be surprised to discover that I'm on a list of those that have publicly criticized Medium for its lack of transparency. My earnings are dropping almost 50% each month, only recently has my production there decreased because I'm beating my head against a wall. I'm moving on to the other places I write with Medium soon to be an afterthought.
I have alternating periods where I get really frustrated, and then I seem to find the thread again. Also, I think the election is exerting a chaotic influence. I used to do 20-30 articles a month on Medium, and last month it was only 12. For me, the only articles that are getting boosted are the first person narrative style ones. An article that gets boosted is still a consistent money earner, but these days it takes a lot of work. I have the best luck when I work with somebody on an article in Google docs before scheduling it for publication. If you want to do something like that once a month (just to keep the Medium account active), I'd love to work with you. Even with all that work, there'd only be a 50/50 chance of getting the article Boosted. I suspect that the platform will feel different after the election is over. Meanwhile, I'll continue to support your work and promote your substack!
There must be something seriously wrong at Medium. What I read from you here on Substack is first-class, and I would read it anywhere. I am a member there but haven't had any time to devote to finding my way on that platform, and what I hear from so many people about happenings there is simply confusing.
Thank you Kevin! I appreciate Medium because the Boost program is still the best way I know of to get great earnings on a single article. You submit to publications that have an editorial team, and sometimes it can be demanding just to get an article accepted. My writing has certainly improved because I've attempted to reach a higher standard. However, if an article isn't Boosted, it doesn't earn all that well. These days I usually try for the Boost first, and if it isn't taken, I post the article on Substack to see how it does there. The more platforms that offer earning potential, the better it is for writers. Thanks again!
I see that the personal narrative has worked for me in terms of having my articles boosted. You have assisted me greatly with the revision of several of them! But I do sometimes question whether I am being exploitative of my students (who I write about frequently, as you know) or my young niece (who tragically died), the addicted and unhoused people I see on my way to work or even myself - and the struggles I have had with loss, depression and anxiety. These are the stories that have resonated and garnered my boosts. Readers obviously find connection to them and that is good. After all, that is the best part of reading anything. But then I find myself thinking of more stories like that to share just to get a boost (but also because I am a writer and just naturally share those things) ...and I question my integrity. Does that make sense?
But in response to a writer like William Spivey or Allison Wiltz who writes such in depth, informative, enriching pieces - these defy that personal narrative boost theory - because they are solid, moving, historical or social commentaries that educate and inform, and have thousands of followers and readers - there is obviously an audience craving that, too. I am assuming the bulk of those articles get boosted?
Thanks for the thoughtful comment Rae. I never consider it exploitation to tell the truth about somebody's life. These are stories that our souls long to hear and share. I think it's the ultimate show of respect to share insight into the human experience. But it must be done with respect for the people you're discussing.
I've worked with both William and Allison to get stories Boosted. Sometimes I disagree with the curators, but I think the writing on Medium has improved overall by establishing a standard of quality.
The platform is going through a lot of changes lately, and I think the election has everything out of order. I used to use it as a place to get some value out of the stories I couldn’t place elsewhere.
For me, absolutely nothing is working on Medium. I used to average close to ten Boosted stories a month. Now it's zero, I was last Boosted on July 17th and I don't think it's me that changed. I appreciate your efforts to inform writers of your opinion as to what works. I think it isn't so much the titles but the subject matter. Medium should say themselves what they're looking for. I wouldn't be surprised to discover that I'm on a list of those that have publicly criticized Medium for its lack of transparency. My earnings are dropping almost 50% each month, only recently has my production there decreased because I'm beating my head against a wall. I'm moving on to the other places I write with Medium soon to be an afterthought.
I have alternating periods where I get really frustrated, and then I seem to find the thread again. Also, I think the election is exerting a chaotic influence. I used to do 20-30 articles a month on Medium, and last month it was only 12. For me, the only articles that are getting boosted are the first person narrative style ones. An article that gets boosted is still a consistent money earner, but these days it takes a lot of work. I have the best luck when I work with somebody on an article in Google docs before scheduling it for publication. If you want to do something like that once a month (just to keep the Medium account active), I'd love to work with you. Even with all that work, there'd only be a 50/50 chance of getting the article Boosted. I suspect that the platform will feel different after the election is over. Meanwhile, I'll continue to support your work and promote your substack!
There must be something seriously wrong at Medium. What I read from you here on Substack is first-class, and I would read it anywhere. I am a member there but haven't had any time to devote to finding my way on that platform, and what I hear from so many people about happenings there is simply confusing.
Thank you Kevin! I appreciate Medium because the Boost program is still the best way I know of to get great earnings on a single article. You submit to publications that have an editorial team, and sometimes it can be demanding just to get an article accepted. My writing has certainly improved because I've attempted to reach a higher standard. However, if an article isn't Boosted, it doesn't earn all that well. These days I usually try for the Boost first, and if it isn't taken, I post the article on Substack to see how it does there. The more platforms that offer earning potential, the better it is for writers. Thanks again!
I see that the personal narrative has worked for me in terms of having my articles boosted. You have assisted me greatly with the revision of several of them! But I do sometimes question whether I am being exploitative of my students (who I write about frequently, as you know) or my young niece (who tragically died), the addicted and unhoused people I see on my way to work or even myself - and the struggles I have had with loss, depression and anxiety. These are the stories that have resonated and garnered my boosts. Readers obviously find connection to them and that is good. After all, that is the best part of reading anything. But then I find myself thinking of more stories like that to share just to get a boost (but also because I am a writer and just naturally share those things) ...and I question my integrity. Does that make sense?
But in response to a writer like William Spivey or Allison Wiltz who writes such in depth, informative, enriching pieces - these defy that personal narrative boost theory - because they are solid, moving, historical or social commentaries that educate and inform, and have thousands of followers and readers - there is obviously an audience craving that, too. I am assuming the bulk of those articles get boosted?
Thanks for the thoughtful comment Rae. I never consider it exploitation to tell the truth about somebody's life. These are stories that our souls long to hear and share. I think it's the ultimate show of respect to share insight into the human experience. But it must be done with respect for the people you're discussing.
I've worked with both William and Allison to get stories Boosted. Sometimes I disagree with the curators, but I think the writing on Medium has improved overall by establishing a standard of quality.
I’m just about to give up on Medium. I got boosted 7 times in my first 6 months, not once I the 6 since. Barely breaking even.
The platform is going through a lot of changes lately, and I think the election has everything out of order. I used to use it as a place to get some value out of the stories I couldn’t place elsewhere.
Love your zebra unicorn stories .. can’t wait until the next publication ..
Thank you! I’m itching to get back to them :)