11 Comments
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Linda Caroll's avatar

I find this super interesting because it works the opposite way for me. At least on Medium. For me, it's personal essays that bring most followers. They pay the best, too. Maybe it's because when I do write about writing or making money I don't tell people it's easy. Because it's not. Maybe if I said it's so easy to make money, you can do it too, I might get different results. What a world.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Yes, Medium is an exception. To my enduring regret, most social platforms are not like Medium! I think the line has blurred between marketing and writing. Wouldn't it be nice to only focus on the writing! Having said that, I do sincerely appreciate the writers who offer useful advice on how to be good marketers.

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Child + Line by Sasha Kahn's avatar

Well said - funny, I was just thinking that.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you!

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Kenny Alami's avatar

Getting people through the door is a big old problem. But, you also need to offer something to them once they are in.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Yup! I just think it's interesting how getting people through a door is a more lucrative business than showing them anything once you have them there. It seems out of balance, but that's the way it is.

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Kenny Alami's avatar

I do think it’s a better problem to have (too many people and not enough “fulfillment” capacity) than quality writing and no one sees it.

With that being said, I believe you need to bring some value eventually otherwise it won’t be a good long term relationship.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Yup! That's absolutely true!

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David Perlmutter's avatar

"Producer" is a title best applied to people who make movies, television programs, Broadway plays and audio recordings. Calling yourself a "writer" is more accurate to me, and boasting about your "productivity" means nothing if it's not decent work. I would rather be known as a writer who does quality work, so I haven't succumbed to any of the Internet productivity cultists. That I learned to write with skill and on deadline before the Internet even existed helps.

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Rat's avatar

*giggles in ratspeak*

One positive aspect of the productive producing of articles about productivity is that it transcends party lines. Meta-meta is so detached from outdoor reality that it lets anyone – Trumptards, Putinists, Clintonazis, you name it – join hands in one happy kumbaya.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

That's a very good point. It really is a lucrative entry point all on its own, and it requires a lot of knowledge and creativity. Thanks for the thoughtful comment!

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