A Personal Account of Earnings

Let me share my experience. Over the past few months, I was earning between $2,000 and $3,500 monthly from Medium.com. Living in Australia, that's a significant amount. While it wasn't enough to sustain a living entirely, it was a valuable supplementary income.

However, the narrative has taken a downturn. As of August 20th, my earnings for the month have barely reached $300. Yes, you read that correctly. Despite having consistent reading statistics and a growing follower base, my earnings have plummeted by nearly 90%. What on earth is happening?

My frustration is not just a minor annoyance; it's a profound disappointment. Conversations with fellow writers reveal a shared sense of betrayal. We are all bewildered, questioning what the leadership at Medium.com was thinking.

It's as if they've turned their backs on us—the very creators who contributed to the platform's success. Did they wish to distance themselves from us? Have they forgotten who built the content and attracted the readership? The abruptness of this change, without any acknowledgment of our contributions, feels not just disappointing but insulting.

Analyzing the New Earning Metrics

Let's examine this newly introduced "improved" earnings calculation and the complex situation Medium's management has created for us writers.

Reading time: This aspect remains unchanged and has previously functioned well, so at least there's some consistency here.

Engagement: This is where things get complicated. The introduction of new metrics such as claps, responses, and text highlights suggests a shift in focus. Honestly, I'm skeptical. Is Medium attempting to compete with social media giants like Twitter and Facebook? Is it now all about sensationalism and generating clickbait?

Is this truly the direction Medium wishes to pursue? A platform prioritizing noise over depth? If that's the case, I am not sure I want to be a part of it anymore. If they are leaning towards becoming just another source of online chaos, what's the point?

Medium seems to be losing sight of what made it special—a haven for thoughtful writing and meaningful reader engagement. The focus on likes and shares threatens the very essence of the platform.

If this is the new face of Medium, perhaps it is not the right place for writers like me. I never intended to participate in a popularity contest; I sought a community that values authentic and thoughtful writing. If that community is fading, then maybe it's time for me to consider other avenues.

The Dedication of Writers

I've invested significant time, effort, and passion into building my follower base on Medium. I genuinely love writing; it's a deep passion of mine. What truly frustrates me is the apparent disregard for the writers who have contributed so much to this platform. We've poured our heart and soul into our work, dedicating countless hours to craft meaningful content that elevates readers' experiences. Yet, this is the gratitude we receive?

Nevertheless, I am not ready to give up just yet. Perhaps I am an optimist or simply stubborn, but I hold onto hope that Medium's leadership will take this message to heart. I hope they recognize the misstep they have made and will reconsider the changes to the Partner Program, treating creative writers with the respect and compensation we deserve.

I want to believe that Medium can restore its former glory—a space where writers and readers connect meaningfully. I hope they will acknowledge the value of those who have helped shape Medium into what it is today and take the necessary steps to make amends.

However, if they continue down this path, they risk losing something invaluable: the trust and loyalty of writers like me who have supported them through challenges. Such a loss is not easily recoverable.

So, let’s remain hopeful that Medium recognizes what is at stake. Here’s to hoping they will come to terms with their missteps and take action to right the ship. For the sake of all the writers who have poured their hearts into this platform, I hope they will choose wisely. If not, we may all have to chart new paths that do not include Medium.