Summary

The web content provides an unofficial guide to tipping on Medium, addressing the complexities and personal considerations involved in the practice of tipping fellow writers on the platform.

Abstract

The article "An Unofficial Guide to Tipping on Medium" discusses the recent introduction of a tipping feature for writers on the platform. It acknowledges the range of reactions from gratitude to confusion as the community adjusts to this new dynamic. The guide emphasizes the importance of reflecting on personal motivations for using Medium, whether for profit or artistic expression, and the need to consider the diverse financial situations and expectations of writers within the community. It offers practical advice for different types of Medium users, from top writers to amateur hobbyists, on how to approach tipping. The author encourages readers to think deeply about their reasons for tipping, the frequency, and the amount, suggesting that the act of tipping should be a personal and meaningful expression of gratitude and support rather than a mandatory obligation.

Opinions

The author suggests that a one-size-fits-all tipping expectation would be inappropriate and that each individual should determine their own approach based on personal circumstances and beliefs.
The article playfully criticizes the proliferation of funding platforms for creators and the potential for misunderstanding the social norms around tipping.
It is implied that tipping should not be expected as a norm but rather seen as an optional way to show appreciation for a writer's work.
The author posits that the new tipping feature may lead to a shift in the Medium community's behavior and financial interactions, requiring time to establish new norms.
There is a gentle mockery of the influencer culture, suggesting that influencers should take time to recognize and support good writing beyond self-promotion.
The guide advises aspiring professional writers to start tipping small amounts and increase as their financial situation improves, while amateur hobbyists are encouraged to share a portion of their earnings as a gesture of gratitude.
The author discourages the idea of a "Tip for Tip" club, stating it would be against Medium's rules and could lead to financial loss.
The conclusion of the article invites discussion and feedback on the topic of tipping norms, acknowledging that the author does not have all the answers.

An Unofficial Guide to Tipping on Medium

A practical guide we can all disagree with.

Made by Author on Canva Pro. Original image by Catlane

“Tip unto others as thou hath tippeth unto you”

-3rd Hesitations 14:71, Newest New King James Bible.*

Medium added a tipping feature to stories.

Thank you to Robert Ralph for sharing news of this capability with the bulk of the Mediverse. I imagine writers everywhere are hastily trying to make sure our accounts are up to date at Patreon ©, Ko-fi©, Buy Me a Coffee©, OnlyFans©, No Seriously Buy Me a Coffee©, I Really Really Need You to Buy Me a Coffee Or I Can’t Feed My Family©, and Help Little Timmy Get Braces That Aren’t Made of Wood©.

Breaking News — You Can Now Gain Tips On Medium

When Did This Start?

medium.com

What happens next

People react in different ways whenever the dynamics of behavior and finance change. We should expect a combination of gratitude and support mixed with confusion and misunderstanding. Why? Because confusion happens when a new technology or policy affects the norms of a community. Disruptions cause us to say, “What is the right, moral, good, and kind behavior in this situation?” It takes more time than we predict for the community to agree on the answers to the new norms.

If you think I’m exaggerating the potential for misunderstanding, consider this example from the restaurant industry.

We get terrible service at a sit-down restaurant.

What should we tip our server? Nothing? 10%? 15%? 18%?

Answer

Leaving a small tip because of poor service does not communicate your intended feedback to the employee. They will interpret it as “you are a deadbeat.”

Why I wrote this guide

There will be no shortage of advice telling you whether Patreon or Ko-fi is better, the default rate you should charge on receiving tips, how to maximize subscription income from the new feature, and so on. I have no business writing one of those articles.

Instead, I want us to consider the deeply personal nature of money, art, and expectations. We are all on this platform for various reasons and have very different belief systems about spending money. My prediction is that the most significant source of misunderstanding with this new feature is whether or not writers should feel obligated to tip other writers.

A one-size-fits-all tipping expectation would be a disaster. My goal is not to tell you the exact dollar figure that is the “correct” answer but to prompt your reflection and find a solution that works for you.

Before reading the guide, ask yourself

Why I am on Medium?

Is my primary motivation profit or art?

What has the Medium community given me?

What is my financial situation?

Do I rely on Medium for a living or is it bonus cash?

Am I thankful for what I earn or feel ripped off and disrespected by the algorithm?

Reflecting on these questions will help you answer the more specific questions of who, how much, and how often we should tip.

Unofficial Guide to Tipping on Medium

I am a writer on Medium.

Should I tip other writers?

Answer

Yes.

Well, that was easy. I’m tempted to be a smart@$$ and stop here. But I promised a practical guide.

I am a 41X Top Tippity Top Writer.

I spend my holidays with Ev Williams fox hunting in Wales using Kentucky Derby thoroughbred horses. New Medium CEO Tony Stubblebine invited me to Medium’s private island retreat. What should I do?

Answer

First, go to Medium Island with Tony. That sounds awesome! When you get back, what if you gifted 20% of your Medium earnings to creative writers with less than 100 followers? Island parties get old after a while, and you don’t need another horse.

I am an influencer.

I am mesmerized by my reflection in a glassy pool. What? Were you talking? I know I did not get all these followers by myself in the eleven minutes I spend offline daily. How should I approach tipping?

Answer

You will notice some of your followers are great writers when you take a moment to pause from self-promotion. What if you tipped a writer once a week? I’m sure there is a Chrome extension or app that can automate it for you. Was I too harsh with the influencers? Maybe I’m jealous because I suck at Twitter.

Let’s Suck at Twitter Together

#Calling_on_Everyone_Who_is_Inept in_the _Twitterverse

medium.com

I am an aspiring professional writer.

I’m trying to make a living from my writing career, but times are hard, and I have bills to pay. I need to save every penny I can. Can I afford to tip?

Answer

Yes, but let us start very, very small. What if you tipped the minimum Ko-Fi to one writer who helped or inspired you once a year? As your career grows or your finances stabilize, update the frequency every three months. Then monthly.

I am an amateur hobbyist.

Medium is awesome! I make enough money to pay for my Medium subscription and a little more. Hobbies typically cost money, not earn money. What should I do with my eight dollars a month?

Answer

Medium is awesome! I am grateful that Medium is a place where someone other than my wife will read something I wrote. What if you shared 10% of your Medium earnings above $5.00 a month with struggling writers trying to help make ends meet?

I am a free spirit.

I make my own way, journey, and path. Your advice on tipping frequency does not feel very Zen.

Answer

That’s more of a statement than a question, but I will answer anyway. What if you set aside an amount of money and tipped people until that ran out? It does not matter how much it is. What matters is that you know it’s there and can use it freely.

I got 50 claps for an article, but no tip.

Should I be offended?

Answer

Absolutely! If you want to be miserable. Remember that tips and gratuities originated as ways to show gratitude and thankfulness. Only in recent history have they morphed into a way for an employer to pass on the cost of paying employees directly to the customer.

Please forgive the oversimplification, but the mindset “I earned this” brings joy and pride in our work, and “I deserve this” can be a road to unhappiness and disappointment.

I want to start a Tip for Tip club (T4T).**

Is this a good idea? Like Follow (F4F) but with MONEY!!!

Answer

No. You will lose money and violate Medium rules.

There are so many great writers on Medium.

I wish I could tip them all. How do I decide who I tip and who I don’t?

Answer

We should all respect the personal decisions around tipping. One of my favorite quotes is from leadership expert Andy Stanley.

“Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.”

He reminds us that we can be easily paralyzed because of how many people need our help. So my advice? Start with one.

Conclusion

I don’t have all the answers, but I hope I asked the right questions. If you have ideas on tipping norms for the Medium community or want to tell me I’m naive and misguided, leave a comment. Cheers!

Footnotes

*Not an actual Bible verse.

**When I read this out loud, it sounds dirtier than I intended.

Join Medium here, and I get some extra pennies. Click the new tip button, and I get 200 more of those copper Abe Lincolns.