Reflecting on a Year of Blogging: Insights and Lessons Learned
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Chapter 1: A Journey Begins
I embarked on my blogging adventure with grand aspirations, a hopeful outlook, and a meticulous plan to make my mark in the writing realm. However, it wasn't long before I found myself feeling defeated and contemplating giving up on writing altogether. Then, in April, I discovered Medium.com, a platform that reignited my passion for writing, feeling like the sanctuary I had always sought.
Now, as I reflect on a year spent on Medium, it seems fitting to share my experiences—the positive aspects, the challenges, and, as Clint Eastwood would put it, the less appealing sides. Additionally, I’ll offer some advice on what I would do differently if I were to start fresh tomorrow.
The Bright Side
Medium truly feels like a utopia for writers. The user interface is exceptional, the audience is discerning, and its algorithm outshines that of most other social media platforms I've encountered. Tools like a 'reading list' and 'highlights' enhance the experience, allowing me to save numerous articles to revisit later. The finest pieces find their way into my collection of 'all-time great stories.'
It's rare for me to say this, but Medium stands out as a platform where I can envision every reader willing to pay for access. Even those without aspirations to write can appreciate the remarkable stories that populate their feeds daily. In contrast to the attention-grabbing content flooding social media, the pristine, uncluttered pages of Medium feel increasingly inviting.
The Challenges
After reflecting deeply, I realized that my critiques of Medium are minimal—not because I’m an unwavering fan (though I certainly am), but because there's little to genuinely lament. Having spent 18 months on Twitter, witnessing its decline, Medium feels like a refreshing change. Nevertheless, a few concerns deserve attention:
AI Influence
In the words of a wise character, "Life isn't all sunshine and rainbows, kid." The recent surge of AI presents a unique challenge to the writing landscape—one we've never faced before. While tools like ChatGPT have limitations in clarity and coherence, the rapid advancement of AI is concerning. The writing future appears uncertain as automated content continues to saturate the internet.
My prediction is straightforward: AI will dominate most online spaces, except for those that truly matter. Creativity, curiosity, and human ingenuity will ultimately prevail. However, platforms like Medium must navigate the technological advancements of the next decade, and I admit I lack a clear solution. Focusing on our human essence seems like a promising starting point.
Automated Comments
As if AI-generated articles weren't enough, we now contend with automated comments that clutter our discussions. Fortunately, these comments are easily identifiable and highlight the shortcomings of AI comprehension. For those unfamiliar, automated comments often summarize articles without adding any value, undermining the credibility of the accounts that utilize them.
The Gradual Monetization
One final concern regarding Medium is the gradual monetization process. While I have no objection to individuals pursuing their financial goals, I do take issue when profit becomes the primary focus. This slippery slope has transformed platforms like YouTube into a battleground for clicks, where only those willing to pay for premium access find value.
I appreciate Medium's approach to compensating writers based on reader engagement. The first time I saw a respectable month's earnings, it felt like I had glimpsed a light at the end of the tunnel. However, this model can attract users solely interested in monetization, which can detract from the quality of content.
The Struggles
This section is challenging, as I can't pinpoint any glaring issues. Although I've seen problematic aspects on platforms like Twitter, Medium has managed to maintain a level of transparency. The primary struggle for all platforms today is managing free speech amidst blurred boundaries. I certainly wouldn’t want to be in charge of navigating this complexity.
The internet acts as a magnifying glass, showcasing both the finest and most troubling aspects of humanity. Balancing these extremes is a formidable task for Medium and others in the industry. The future remains uncertain.
Moving Forward
If I were to restart my journey on Medium tomorrow, here’s what I would focus on:
- Write about topics that genuinely interest you.
- Commit to writing and reading daily.
- Aim to publish at least one hundred articles.
These three strategies will distinguish you from 95% of the other writers on the platform. Ironically, the challenges I mentioned create opportunities for dedicated writers to shine. Often, it’s the simple, consistent efforts over years that elevate individuals to the top.
Making your mark on Medium mirrors any life endeavor: show up regularly, produce quality content, and prioritize connections. Those seeking quick financial gain will vanish faster than their earnings can accumulate.
Thank you for indulging my reflections. Here’s to another incredible year of writing on Medium.com!
