SATIRE

5 Common Medium Responses and What They Really Mean

You can laugh, you can cry, but you cannot avoid.

Medium, the social network for intellectuals.

Whether you’re a writer or a reader, we all look forward to a story that sparks a lively debate. Responses provide perspectives, context, alternatives, or all-out rant wars.

But don't let that response icon fool you! It may show you 100 responses, but the important point here is what these responses really mean?

Is there any meaningful interaction?

You are in luck today. After extensive research, spending hours diving into the nuances of responses, and avoiding terrible English, I cracked the code. What I discovered will change the way you look at replies forever.

Let’s dive in.

1) Thanks for sharing

What it really means: Your story is dull and I am better off doing the laundry. Civility compels me to thank you.

How lovely. A polite reader who gave thanks for your work. NOT!

Trust me on this. When you receive this response, it is akin to having someone making a dash for the exit. There is nothing relatable that is worth a mention.

Think about the last time a boring salesperson pitched relentlessly to you. Your response? “Thanks for sharing.”

But the consolation here is at least you have polite readers. Do not take that for granted.

2) Interesting article.

What it really means: I can’t be bothered to think of a word so interesting fits all. What is your article about again?

Interesting. The one word to rule them all. Anything, everything can be interesting. So it is the default word to use when unsure.

You heartless human!

Context matters. Do you know how I came to know about such nefarious deception?

I expressed my longing and despair over the loss of my parents in a story. And there in the grand hall of responses.

“Interesting article.”

It was as if the gods conspired to inflict the most heinous of torments on me. I stood up, gave a loud howl, and nearly had to shop for a new computer.

3) Thought provoking.

What it really means: I absolutely have no idea what your story is about, and I do not want to lie. I had to scratch my head so much just to understand the first sentence. Thought provoking indeed.

Some of you, I know, are serious writers with a wealth of knowledge to share. Make sure, however, that your readers can follow and comprehend what you’re saying.

If you want to talk about humanity, by all means. But don’t make it into a United Nations annual report.

So if you get the famed “thought provoking” often, time to read the one million articles on Medium about writing.

4) Left you 50 claps.

What it really means: Look. I made the effort to hold that left mouse button for 50 claps. The least you could do is to head over to my stories and do the same.

Claps are good. It is a form of recognition. So much so that some writers spend their time pleading for applause rather than honing their skills. Their deepest desire is to transform from a writer to a professional clap receiver.

When you see this response, you have only one choice.

Be a kind soul and bestow that sacred 50 claps. May God look favorably upon you.

5) I disagree. Let’s leave it at that.

What it really means: I regret reading your story. My eyes are bleeding. I am totally against what you are saying, but I can’t be bothered to engage you with debate. Why? Because I am out of your league. Where is that mute option?

Tread lightly when you see this response. Because all eyes will be on you to craft a reply.

If you ignore it, everyone will think you are a wuss.

If you reply to it, you risk embarrassing yourself further.

If you start a rant war, you better make sure there is enough popcorn to go around.

Such a dilemma right?

By the name of the gods of writing, what have you done to deserve this?

You write excellent arguments and have even won the Facebook 2020 Mudslinging errmm I mean Debate Championship.

I disagree. Let’s leave it at that.

I hope you had as much fun reading as I did writing for you.

Life can be stressful at times, and a little laughter can help.

If you can’t get enough of this ground-breaking content, read this:

Or leave a response and I will reveal the true meaning behind it. (You know you need it!)

Disclaimer: All done in the name of fun and love. No disrespect meant to anyone.

I write full-time for you as it gives me purpose in life. Your support helps me to worry less about putting food on the table. Find out why.