Navigating the Hidden Challenges of Medium Publications
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Chapter 1: The Reality of Medium Publications
Greetings, everyone! I hope this message finds you well and that the algorithm brings this piece to your attention. Today, I want to delve into a pressing topic that many writers on Medium encounter.
Before diving in, I must acknowledge my appreciation for publications. I am affiliated with a few myself, and they've significantly contributed to my modest success. However, like everything in life, there are pros and cons, and we will explore both today.
Problem #1: Ambiguous Joining Guidelines
The first issue that stands out is the lack of clarity regarding how to join these publications. Since publications are managed by writers, they hold the power to decide when to accept new contributors, editors, and the criteria for submissions.
In theory, this seems beneficial, but in reality, it can be quite confusing. Unless you come across a "Write for us" section, you might have to dig deep into their pages or conduct extensive research to discover opportunities for joining, which only reinforces the challenge.
Problem #2: You're Just a Small Player in a Vast Arena
After you finally locate a publication and familiarize yourself with their submission guidelines, the waiting begins. Your article may linger in limbo for a day or two before you receive any feedback, if at all.
Unfortunately, some publications might accept or reject your work without truly engaging with it, simply because there are countless other submissions vying for attention. This can be disheartening and can hinder your development as a writer, especially when you’re not receiving the support or critiques you need.
Problem #3: Minimal Interaction with Your Work
I briefly mentioned this in the previous section, but it deserves its own spotlight. To illustrate how significant this issue is, out of the eight publications I contribute to (excluding my own), only four have provided any feedback on my submissions.
Of those, only one offered constructive insights, while the others merely addressed submission criteria. Even basic spelling and grammatical errors went uncorrected, and I’m no grammar expert myself. While I appreciate adherence to guidelines, the ultimate goal of this platform should be to enhance our writing skills, not to constrain them further.
Problem #4: Absence of Medium Regulation
This issue is prevalent across the entire Medium platform. Many writers find the process of getting curated both perplexing and challenging. Medium has championed its model, believing it fosters authenticity in what gets promoted to readers.
However, curation is what distinguishes you from the multitude of writers present on the platform. For those of us who have not yet reached curation status, publications serve as the next best alternative for gaining visibility. But since these are led by fellow writers, bias can seep in. Implementing some regulations from Medium employees—such as setting limits on publication size and editor requirements—could help mitigate many of these challenges.
Conclusion
I hope these insights will be beneficial on your journey with Medium. While my tone may seem critical, I wholeheartedly encourage you to engage with publications. They truly offer one of the best routes for growth outside of curation.
Thank you for sticking with me through this discussion. Until next time, take care!
Chapter 2: Understanding the Shift in Medium Publications
In the video titled "Why Are So Many Medium Publications Leaving??", the creator explores the ongoing changes and challenges faced by Medium publications, highlighting the reasons behind their decline.
In the second video, "If You Can't Speak is it Even a Weekend Update?", the discussion revolves around communication gaps within the Medium community and how they impact writers.