Summary

Justiss Goode announces a trial separation from Medium due to burnout and dissatisfaction with the platform's unpredictability.

Abstract

Justiss Goode, a seasoned online writer, has declared a legal separation from Medium, expressing fatigue and frustration with the platform's instability. Despite previous enthusiasm for Medium, which once brought joy and a sense of community, Goode now feels beyond burnout, citing a lack of genuine support and issues with the platform's unpredictability. The decision comes after a period of contemplation and a realization that the relationship with Medium has shifted from a fairy tale to a source of stress. Goode plans to take a step back to reassess personal goals and the desire to continue writing without the associated negativity. This separation involves limiting engagement on the platform and accepting the potential impact on followers, stats, and earnings.

Opinions

Goode feels that Medium's relationship with writers is unstable, with constant changes and shiny features that fail to address underlying issues.
The author expresses a sense of disillusionment with the writing and publishing process on Medium, including the belief that an increasing number of followers does not equate to loyal readers.
There is a clear frustration with the all-consuming nature of the platform, which Goode feels has taken over life in a negative way.
Goode is contemplative about the future, considering the possibility of a complete divorce from Medium, but is currently opting for a trial separation to explore other aspects of life and writing.
The author acknowledges the emotional toll of the decision, recognizing the potential drop in stats and earnings but ultimately prioritizing personal well-being and the quality of engagement with the platform.
Goode remains committed to their followers and fans, ensuring that previously scheduled content will continue to be published and that they will remain available, albeit less frequently.
The writer bids farewell to fair-weather followers, anticipating their departure, while expressing hope that loyal readers will continue to engage with the extensive catalog of stories already published.
Despite the separation, Goode emphasizes an ongoing dedication to the writing community, promising to remain a supportive presence for fellow writers.

Figuratively Speaking — I’m Declaring a Legal Separation from Medium!

Why am I getting tired of this unstable relationship?

Today I woke up without that same sense of joy I normally get on Sunday mornings, when I settle down for a couple of hours of reading time on Medium.

As I thought about my weekly publication feature called “What I Read this Week”, I suddenly had no desire to start crafting a related story so I could share the list of 28 stories I read.

That’s when I knew that this was it! The day I’d had to make a serious decision.

So I made up my mind that it was time for a separation. The time is way overdue, and I’ve seen it coming for a while. In fact, my upcoming story about not taking your freedom for granted may have subconsciously been about Medium.

I don’t know about the rest of you writers on Medium, who spend their days consumed with what to write, but I’m getting tired of this unstable relationship!

I call it unstable because, honestly, you never know what to expect. Just when you think you’re ready to turn around and walk away, you’re offered some shiny little trinket that manages to give you one more ray of hope (like maybe the new “Listen” feature that you see above).

But new features aside, I’ve come to a point with Medium, where I sincerely have to step back and allow for a separation of some kind, just until I figure out what I really want, going forward.

It’s not that I’m ready for a DIVORCE just yet, although I’m not sure whether that’s off the table in the future.

All I know is, right now, I’m not in a good place. I think this time, I’m beyond burnout, and I see it manifested in the way I’ve begun to react to the platform.

I now see the reality of things, instead of the fairy tale I once believed.

Once upon a time, I happily went to bed and got up every morning, with thoughts of my next Medium story, because I thought a sincere audience would offer genuine support.
Once upon a time, I enthusiastically scrolled through the headlines on the homepage, and I devoured the stories in my feed.
Once upon a time, I viewed my stats with excitement, and determination; believing that if continued producing, my earnings would continue increasing.
Once upon a time, I did everything in my power, to read and respond to all the comments left on my stories, in hopes of establishing a genuine rapport.
Once upon a time, I was gullible enough to believe that my increasing number of followers would eventually equate to a large number of loyal readers.

A trial separation before the divorce

I’ve decided that the best thing would be a trial separation, before calling it quits completely. I’m not even sure what divorce from Medium would actually look like.

I know we don’t split the content, so I get to walk away with all my stories, but so what?

To take them where? I’ve been an online writer for more than two decades, and I’m completely burnt out on “trying to make it” on some other platform, regardless of the site or the method.

I’ve had my fill of writing for websites that pack up overnight and disappear, owing you money. No more riding the KDP ebook and self publishing train for me — I did that for years and I have more than a dozen undiscovered titles to show for it.

I’ve already shared stories about the various money making sites I’ve stuck around and dealt with over the years. I’m 64 (in May) and I couldn’t even begin to muster up the amount of enthusiasm and motivation needed, to get back in the online writing game.

No — Medium is the last stop for me, and after this, I’m done. Now, my only question is, just how soon that will be.

I think it’s only fitting that I make a legitimate effort at trying to figure out a workable solution.

My goal is to continue writing but not get caught up in all the issues and negativity, that go along with trying to keep everyone happy (I think this was on my mind in my latest story about people pleasing)

For me, that means limiting my time on the website. Not reading all day or night and spending hours engaging and remarking on stories. Not spending every moment either writing, researching, or thinking about a story that I want to publish.

You guys probably don’t get it, but this website has taken over my life, and lately, it’s not in a good way. I admit that I love it, but what’s love got to do with it, especially when you’re cheating yourself out of life?

I WANT TO LIVE, and there’s a whole big world out there for me, outside of Medium.

Final Thoughts

Just like with any separation or divorce, adjustments have to be made, and everyone involved will be affected.

That’s why I have a message to the “kids” (my followers and fans):

Mommy and daddy are not happy together right now, so some things are about to change:

It won’t happen all at once, because I still have some stories already written and scheduled to be published, so you may not notice me missing right away.
You’ll still see me, because I’ll be around, at least two weekend out of a month, and I can read all your stories and comment on them then.
I’m always available whenever you want me, because I have 690 stories published for you to read and find advice, get help, or simply be entertained when you need it.

Although I’ve tried to take a light tone and use the example of a couple breaking up, I’m really very bothered about my decision.

I realize I can expect to see a drastic drop in my stats and ultimately my Medium earnings, but that’s okay. I don’t mean “that’s okay” as in that’s cool with me, because it’s not, but it is EXPECTED.

There’s no denying that not every follower is as loyal a reader as we would like them to be.

Sad to say, some are simply hanger-oners, and they only stick around for as long as the believe you can benefit them.

To those people, I bid a fond farewell, because you’ll no doubt, be the first to go. As for the rest — I hope at least some of you will continue making your way through the huge catalogue of stories I’ve already published.

You shouldn’t have any problem still finding something of mine, worthwhile to read.

By the way, I’ll ALWAYS be the person that my faithful followers have come to know me to be; the creative black chick that will continue making time to read, comment, promote, and help lift my fellow writers up.

Justiss Goode LISTS = Hundreds of diverse story topics, categorized for your convenience

Daily Justiss publication = 690 published stories, posted from latest to oldest

Not a Medium Member yet but you want to read more stories? Join now with my referral link: https://justissgoode.medium.com/membership and I’ll earn a few bucks when you do. 😄