What I Learned From Medium

So, I’m not a success yet with this thing called writing. I’m one of the 90% that makes less than $1,000 a month doing this. It can get discouraging, but you know that, as well as I do. I’ve written some stories that were curated, some that were ignored and some that paid off. What was the secret sauce of the ones that paid off? They weren’t better, they just resonated with readers that needed what thoughts they offered at that moment. So, here’s a totally non-scientific look at what I learned. Hope it helps a little.

Don’t Be Aloof

People go to Medium to learn, to be motivated, to be entertained. They don’t go to be lectured or for a good talking to. They want to be around people they trust, that think they might just care a little bit about them. I had a writing “expert” tell me never to talk about yourself because people don’t give a shit about you. They want to know how you’re going to help them. Yes, people do want to know they’ll be helped, but as corny as it may sound, Medium is a community that wants to care. I follow writers and get motivated by their journey, their struggles, and what they conquered. We’re not best friends, but I do want to understand them. If you’re aloof, or lecturing, you may get read, but gaining a following? Not a chance.

Help One