Mutual Support is the Fuel that Keeps Medium Thriving
It’s Not Just Great Stories That Keep Us Coming Back — It’s Great People Too
I’ve been known to air my grievances with this platform publicly once or twice — so in fairness when I have something pleasant or positive to say about it, I feel it’s only right I publish it. Because I don’t write those pieces for claps or views, I write them because I truly love Medium and want nothing more than to see it succeed. I’m of the belief my own success as a writer depends on it actually. To wish anything but the best for it, would be the literary equivalent of hoping the ship I’m traveling on across the deep seas, sinks.
I read as much as I can, which is a fair amount. I try to stay up on the latest stories from my favorite writers here, as well as those who consistently support and read my work. I feel it’s the least I can do, people did it and still do it for me. In fact, to not, is only to work against ourselves and sell this whole community short. Yes, I said community, because that’s very much what it is.
I pay my $5 membership fee even if it’s the last five I have in the bank, not because I couldn’t live without the stories from writers here — but because I see it as an investment in both myself in them. I want to support my favorite writers here, as people who consider me to be one of their favorites (which I’m absolutely honored by) do for me. It all comes full circle.
I’ve said this before and I could be wrong — but I’m of the belief Medium itself is less inclined to promote or feature your work, if you’re not a member.
They’re less motivated and less likely to make your work visible to the alleged 65 million viewers and readers here if you don’t value your own work and this platform enough to spend $5 a month on it. That’s two fewer cups of bad coffee a month and boom — you’re in. You’re a part of something exclusive.
And forgive me for saying so but to lock your own stories yet not buy into membership is simply self-centered and self-absorbed. Why in the world should anyone here help contribute to your financial success here, if you’re not willing to do the same for a single Medium writer?
Followers, readers, and writers of my publication Journal of Journeys tend to clap for and presumably read even the stories I publish outside the pub, most likely because I try and do the same for them. Again, it’s about support.
Not to say I don’t enjoy their stories or I’m not lucky enough to have come across some extremely talented writers for JOJ, I very much do and have. Above all else though, what matters to me is supporting them and helping them find success here. I want us all to succeed. There’s room for everyone.
A large part of me feels like I’ve gotten to know so many of my favorites here, personally. Both my favorite readers and writers. I’m not going to do a roll call where I tag them all because lately I just feel like it screams out for attention and that’s not why I wrote this. Plus I’m sure I’d forget more than I’d remember.
You should all know who you are by now anyhow and just know your support as well as your work means the world to me. From those who seem to publish the exact articles I need to read at the exact time I need to read them, to those who consistently, read, share and tweet my work — I truly can’t thank you enough. This place has become more than just a platform for me, it’s become my priority and purpose. Let’s keep supporting one another and making this the greatest place for both readers and writers alike.
