Why Does Medium Keep Recommending One-Way Writers?

Seems like there’s a dual-class structure on Medium

“What’s A One-Way Writer?” You Ask

That’s easy: it’s someone who only appears interested in publishing their own work.

• They’re not here to encourage new writers by interacting with them.
• You certainly won’t find them clapping or commenting on anyone’s articles.

No, my friends. We are here to serve their needs. And Medium wants us to fall in line.

How Can You Spot A One-Way Writer?

Since I admit I totally made up this term, let me also make up a definition:

A one-way writer is someone who follows at least 100 times fewer people than follow them.

That seems pretty egregious to me, but I guess you still need some convincing.

Give us some examples, James

Without naming names, let me show you what I’m talking about. I’ll use just five examples, although I have many more.

Each of these comes from the recommendations Medium offers me under Who to follow. If you look yourself you will see them everywhere.

Honorable Mention #5: this author put in some effort at some point, and followed 1.4K writers. But still.

Honorable Mention #4: this author did a little less work on their road to stardom.

Champions Circle #3: here’s where you really get a sense of what I’m talking about.

Champions Circle #2: do you not admire the brazen approach?

Champions Circle #1: for sheer chutzpah, this writer is my all-time favorite so far. Who do you suppose is the anointed one, the single individual they follow?

Medium, Please Cut It Out

Medium recommends primarily one-way writers to me. I don’t know why. Maybe they think I have a hard time finding popular authors? Or maybe they are in thrall to sociopaths themselves.

What has your experience been?

• Have you noticed something similar in your recommendations?
• Do you care about writers’ behavior on Medium?

Or is it enough for you that they’ve got a bunch of followers?

Be well.