Summary

The author urges writers to avoid "bulk tagging" in their articles on Medium, as it is considered spammy, dishonest, and detrimental to the reading experience.

Abstract

The article titled "Dear Writers, Stop Doing This — I’m Begging" addresses the increasing trend of "bulk tagging" on Medium, where authors tag numerous individuals at the end of their articles in an attempt to increase readership. The author, Susie F Pinon, expresses that this practice is not only ineffective but also leaves a bad impression on those tagged, as it often leads to irrelevant notifications and a sense of being used for personal gain. Pinon suggests that tagging should be meaningful and relevant, reserved for instances where the tagged individual's work is being quoted, referenced, or when there is a genuine connection or appreciation. The author emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in networking and believes that quality content should be the focus for writers seeking to grow their audience organically.

Opinions

Bulk tagging is seen as a spammy and dishonest tactic to drive traffic to articles.
Tagging should be relevant and meaningful, not used for personal gain.
The author feels that bulk tagging undermines the reader's experience and the integrity of the platform.
Irrelevant tagging can leave a bad taste and may result in the tagged individuals ignoring future content.
The author advocates for responsible use of tagging to connect and network genuinely.
Bulk tagging at the end of an article is compared to intrusive YouTube ads, disrupting the reader's engagement.
The author believes that writing with passion and authenticity will naturally attract readers and followers.
Pinon encourages readers to support Medium by becoming members, offering a link for sign-up that provides her with a small commission.
The author promotes her new blog, "Live Life Now," and offers direct communication and advice through a tiered membership system.

Dear Writers, Stop Doing This — I’m Begging

Learn how to properly tag to maximize read time.

Over the past six months, I have noticed it is slowly becoming the ‘Medium norm’ to practice bulk tagging at the bottom of an article.

Honestly, it’s getting out of hand and it’s making Medium feel very spammy.

If you are doing this, you are likely trying to drive traffic to your post by tagging a bunch of folks in it.

Then, when they receive a notification and click on it, they will realize the article was never about them at all (if they end up reading it.)

And you tagged them for no other reason but personal gain.

This may very well leave a bad taste in their mouth.

I get tagged in articles frequently, and I always read them when I am tagged.

But here is a secret.

I’m not sure how, but I always have this feeling when someone is ‘bulk tagging’ me.

I just know it somehow before I even read it.

So to check, I open their article in an incognito tab for an initial skim.

Because I do not appreciate spamming and do not want my monthly membership to support this in any way, shape, or form.

Call me mean or bitchy or whatever. That’s okay. I believe in honesty and integrity.

There are a couple of writers who routinely tag me via this bulk method.

In an article that has absolutely nothing to do with me.

Now, I ignore these tags because I know it is using this method to simply boost reads.

Frankly, it’s spam.

If you tag someone, it should be relevant and meaningful.

Not spam.

It’s just a dishonest practice that is self-serving in nature.

It’s not playing fair.

So How Should You Tag?

Tagging people in your article is a great way to connect and network. And tagging should be utilized responsibly and only when relevant.

I tag people all the time, but it’s relevant, and certainly not overkill.

Tag people when

you like their work
are quoting them or referencing them
got an idea from them
are embedding their article
share a commonality with them
recently learned something new from them
want to publicly thank them
wish to welcome them to something
and so on.

You get the idea.

Make it count and keep it honest.

And I’m not sure if I’m the only one who cares but…

When I see bulk tagging at the bottom of someone’s piece, I am less inclined to read more by them.

I just want to read.

Learn, feel inspired, be moved, educated.

Seeing the bulk tag at the bottom is like seeing a Youtube ad at the end of the video.

It snaps you right out of the mood of the whole thing.

Maybe that’s just me, but I’d figured I’d share my two cents on it.

I get that you want to grow. Just keep writing stuff you care about it.

The reads will come, the followers will find you. And so will the hefty paycheck.

How do you feel about this bulk tagging tactic? Am I crazy or what? 🤪

Best,

🆂🆄🆉🍊

Are you a member yet? Consider signing up for just 5 bucks a month to get access to millions of fantastic stories. Get yourself a DIY-degree in just about anything by reading from talented writers on Medium. Please use my link at no additional cost to you. I will earn a small commission. Thank you!

Tap into positivity at Live Life Now, my new blog✨

Have questions? Sign up for a tier to get 1on1 access with me.
or leave a tip ❤️