Summary

A Medium user discusses the idea of introducing advertisements on the platform to ensure its sustainability, proposes a tiered pricing model, and reflects on being blocked by a Top Writer after engaging in a debate on the topic.

Abstract

The author of the content shares their experience of engaging with an article suggesting the introduction of advertisements on Medium. The author values the platform's current ad-free environment and proposes an alternative solution involving a tiered membership fee structure based on users' earnings from the platform. The proposal suggests $5 for readers and writers earning less than$ 20 per month, $10 for those earning between$ 20 and $100, and$ 15 for those earning over $100. Despite the author's genuine interest in the Top Writer's feedback on their idea, the Top Writer chose to block them, leading the author to reflect on whether their proposal was flawed or if they had inadvertently provoked the Top Writer.

Opinions

The author prefers Medium's ad-free experience and is against the introduction of advertisements.
They suggest a tiered pricing model to maintain the platform's sustainability without ads, taking into account the financial diversity of Medium users.
The author believes that the complexity of systems, including Medium's, makes it challenging to predict all outcomes, even with thorough planning.
They express disappointment and confusion over being blocked by the Top Writer, questioning whether their idea was dismissed as unworthy or if their approach was too confrontational.
The author is open to feedback, both positive and negative, and is willing to engage in discussions that could potentially improve the Medium platform.
They highlight the value of Medium membership, emphasizing the ability to read unlimited content and earn through writing articles.

A Top Writer Blocked Me

… and I care

Would you rather prefer to have Medium littered with advertisements?

Just now I read an article proposing to allow advertisements on the Medium platform. I found the topic quite interesting. The writer proposed this as a remedy for Medium to survive as a readers and writer platform.

I myself joined Medium, because I found it exceptional to not be irritated by banners, pop ups and whatever glory colourful distractions.

“Why not rather pay a bit more and keep the zen like feeling of the platform?”

“For those earning an income from Medium, I would not mind to let them pay $10. For those who did not see a penny yet, we keep the well accepted $5.” I responded.

“How much would it be for the readers only then.” I got as a reply.

“You choose you are the expert here” was my slightly disrespectful answer.

“Well I made my proposal, you obviously did not think completely through yours” the Top Writer replied.

“Well systems are too complex, it does not make sense to always think them through to the very end. The Medium owners might have spend a lot of time to think and refine their changes, only to see that the system still reacts not as intended.“ was my a little provoking response.

And I added a new try about how to charge Medium members in future. Actually non of my business, but as I had an idea. Why not?

$5 – for readers only, partnership members earning < $20/mth

$10 – partnership members earning between $20 – $100/mth

$15 – partnership members earning > $100/mth

I was sincerely interested about what the “Top Writer” had to say to my revised idea.

No chance, the Top Writer blocked me instead.

Did I do something wrong? I felt guilty. Naturally I was trying to find the issue with myself. Did I get him on his nerves. Was my proposal just too stupid? He could have told me. I am used to deal with feedback, I can take good ones as well as bad ones.

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