A Life Sentence in Curation Jail

Summary

The article discusses the author's perspective on the challenges of getting curated on Medium and offers tongue-in-cheek advice on how to avoid being curated.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses a resigned acceptance of never being curated on Medium, despite being a writer on the platform. The piece humorously advises other writers on how to avoid curation, suggesting unconventional writing practices such as challenging popular beliefs, avoiding large Medium publications, and taking satirical jabs at the platform itself. The author emphasizes the importance of authenticity and humor in writing, even if it means not conforming to Medium's curation standards. The article concludes with a quote from Oscar Wilde, reinforcing the theme of individuality in creative work.

Opinions

The author believes that writing content that challenges societal norms and stereotypes is likely to prevent curation.
There is an opinion that writing in big Medium publications is detrimental to avoiding curation jail.
The author suggests that showcasing alternative ways to engage on Medium can lead to a lack of curation.
Regular satirical commentary on Medium is seen as a method to stay out of the curation process, provided it is not mean-spirited.
Mentioning Medium's co-founder, Ev Williams, arbitrarily in a story is humorously proposed as a way to avoid curation.
The author endorses Oscar Wilde's famous quote about individuality, implying that uniqueness is more valuable than seeking approval through curation.

Don’t write the line, if you can’t do the time

I’m not the kind of writer to take satirical swipes at Medium. I know which side my bread is buttered.

I’ve never been curated and I’m willing to wager my overdraft that I never will be. I’m not claiming to know how to get out of curation jail. Nor am I aware of any escape committee for those that fly in the face of Medium convention. But if you make sure to not follow the following steps, you will avoid curation jail. It may be too late for me, but save yourself.

Step 1. Write stories that actually challenge popular beliefs and social stereotypes.

Step 2. Avoid writing in big publications, particularly Medium pubs.

Step 3. Take regular satirical swipes at Medium. But don’t be mean. No joke.

Step 2. Mention Ev Williams in a story, for no good reason.

So, what have I learnt from all of the above? Curation, Schmuration!

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken”―Oscar Wilde

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