Summary

The author discusses the impact of Medium's algorithm changes on readership and writer earnings, emphasizing the importance of writing quality content and engaging with the community to succeed on the platform.

Abstract

The article titled "Dear Algorithm Overlord Bots, Brav-F*cking-0!!" addresses the common concerns among writers about the changes in Medium's algorithm and its effect on their earnings and visibility. The author reassures new writers that there is ample opportunity for success, comparing the potential for earnings to a pie that everyone can share. Despite not yet earning enough to dine at high-end restaurants, the author encourages writers to continue honing their craft, suggesting that by April, they could be enjoying the metaphorical equivalent of a meal at SubliMotion. The piece offers writing advice, such as using Grammarly and avoiding "puff pastry" content, and it criticizes platforms like Newsbreak for their ad-heavy, less community-focused approach. The author argues that Medium's algorithm is effectively curating content, as evidenced by their personalized recommendations, which are enjoyable and relevant. The article concludes by urging writers to interact with their audience and stay true to their interests, suggesting that this approach will lead to greater success and satisfaction on Medium.

Opinions

The author believes that Medium's algorithm changes have not diminished the overall readership but rather redistributed it more effectively.
They express skepticism about the value of productivity-focused content, indicating reader fatigue on the topic.
The author has a positive view of Medium's community and reading experience compared to other platforms like Newsbreak.
They suggest that the algorithm's recommendations are improving and becoming more tailored to individual reader preferences.
The author emphasizes the importance of writer-reader interactions and community engagement for success on Medium.
They advocate for authentic writing that aligns with personal interests, suggesting that this will lead to a more fulfilling experience and better financial returns.

Dear Algorithm Overlord Bots, Brav-F*cking-0!!

Readership hasn’t dropped. It’s better allocated.

New writers, there’s enough pie for all of us. Let me tell you, I’ve tasted it, and it’s fucking delicious. Don’t misunderstand. I’m not yet paying $1,700 to eat a meal from the Michelin-starred chef Paco Rancerofor at the SubliMotion in Ibiza, Spain (who wants an edible ticket anyhow?) I’m eating at McDonald’s. It ain’t healthy, but it’s delicious.

Join me at the table. By April, we can split the bill at SubliMotion. Until then, we’ve got some work to do. (Speaking of restaurant-themed writing advice, don’t skimp and use a puff pastry in your writing.)

The Algorithm has Changed; It is Working

Here is some more randomly-placed yet equally impressive and extremely helpful writing advice: use Grammarly. I don’t know how to spell algorithm; I’m lazy. Learn from Ryan; use Grammarly.

When I was a wee-writing lad and began writing on Medium WAY back in the harsh winter of December of 2020, I had missed the money bus. Or, so I was told. Writers with hundreds-of-thousands of followers were saying their earnings plummeted and their readership was cut in half.

The readers didn’t stop reading. We just got tired of reading about productivity.

Some of those writers went over to Newsbreak. Newsbreak is an advertisement-fueled shitshow. Tell me honestly, do you, as a reader, enjoy your time on Newsbreak? No.

The community and reading experience is much better here on Medium. (Damnit, I’ve now mentioned Medium two times — no, now three times — so that blows my chances at curation/distribution. Oh well, I hope you still find this article, and it helps or entertains you. Or both.)

The Algorithm has Changed; It is Working

No, there’s no glitch in the Matrix; I used the same subheading twice in a row. I’ll use it again below. Yes, I still don’t know how to spell Algorithm.

As a reader, I’m getting the stories I enjoy. And I’ve thoroughly tried to screw with the minds of the programming overlords and their algorithmic bot minions. I purposefully ignored their suggestions, digging into obscure tags, and digesting the newest and unknown articles.

Check it out:

Yet, despite my disparate and desperate attempts, I’m getting recommendations like these (which I enjoy reading):

I don’t think (us mere mortals will never truly know) that any of these articles were curated or chosen for further distribution. Yet, somehow, through magical algorithmic prowess, they appear on the top of my plate. Yummy!

Contrast that to what is trending:

I probably should read some of these. They look helpful. But honestly, I don’t know if some of those articles are in English. They’re WAY above my non-Ph.D, non-programmer head.

The Algorithm has Changed; It is Working

Copy and paste, baby!

Here’s my point: the crap I write will find its audience. The artistic and fantastic stuff you write will find its audience.

Let’s help the bot overlords by being more relational. The more we interact with our peeps, the more we’ll be fed what we like to read, and the more #CASH we’ll make as writers. We’ll feel validated, too.

Speaking of peeps, to everyone waiting on a response from me — I’M SORRY! Here are my notifications over the last 24 hours:

Sure, I publish a good number of articles, but that’s 4% of my published “stories.” I read other stories (your stories) and comment on them often. Know this: even if I don’t always respond, I appreciate you. Thanks for being my friend here. I’m looking forward to our new year together.

Keep writing the things you would like to read. Stay true to your own interests. We’ll all be eating pie.

Thanks for reading! I write about being unproductive, breaking habits, and getting lots of sleep, AND still getting things done.

Follow me on Twitter at @LifeisPresence.