Do We Medium Writers Want Genuine Dialogue?

Thoughts on what I’ve observed lately

Every once in a while, I’ll be a thorn in some Medium author’s side. I’ll click on a title that clearly communicates a message I disagree with. I’ll read the article. And I’ll state my opposing case in the comment section.

I do this not to troll, but to foster healthy, robust discussion.

But apparently, not all Medium authors have the same desire.

What’s happened to me lately

On at least four occasions in the last six months, I’ve submitted a comment opposing the author’s point of view. Each of these comments was respectful, well-thought-out, and even evidence-based.

Not once did I get a response.

In one instance, I responded three weeks after the piece was published. So, I can understand that lack of response.

In another instance, however, the author DID respond to a complimentary comment I paid him on the same day to another one of his posts. I’m sure they saw my challenge — and dodged it.

Of the other two:

• They were both in response to articles with under 5 comments — meaning the authors were able to respond to me.
• On one of them, the author responded to all commenters — all positive — except me.

What this communicates to me

When I hear crickets in response to my opposing point of view, what I really “hear” is this:

The author doesn’t want to bother with me.

That may not always be the case. Often we’re just too busy and mentally exhausted to try and craft a thoughtful response to a tough question.

Still, when you ghost those tough questions or comments, you send one of these messages:

• You’re insecure in your stated position.
• You only want to “preach to the choir.”
• You certainly don’t want to bother with me.

You are telling the Medium-verse that…

You are not interested in genuine dialogue.

What should we as authors do?

The first thing we MUST do is to differentiate between “opposing” comments from outright “negative” or even “rude” comments.

Some just want to vent, use invective, and get into a “food fight.” I typically avoid these like the plague.

But what if you get an honest challenge — and you don’t have time or energy to respond?

What I normally do is this: I don’t respond immediately. Instead, I’ll take a day or two to craft a thoughtful response — and then send it.

You could also respond immediately with something like:

“Hey, thanks for the thoughtful response!” And then — if you want — you can follow up by promising to get back to them.

Final words

I’ve seen posts that have generated 50 or more comments. I know of authors who get that response on every post they publish. In such instances, it’s unreasonable to expect an answer to every comment.

But please, when you encounter someone in your audience who brings you a challenge — or asks you a tough question, please do your very best to answer them.

When you do, you tell that person — and your audience — that you care.

You communicate your integrity.

And best of all…

You affirm your commitment to good, honest dialogue.

Thanks for reading!

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