avatarMichael Neve

Summary

The article "FOM - So Much for Inclusivity" expresses concerns about Medium's potential shift towards exclusivity, questioning the value of its Friend of Medium program and its impact on inclusivity and community engagement.

Abstract

The author of the article, who spends a significant amount of time on Medium, expresses a deep fondness for the platform and its community. However, they raise concerns about Medium's inclusivity, particularly with the introduction of the Friend of Medium program. The author fears that this could create a divide between different user types—partner program members, nonmembers, and Friends of Medium—potentially leading to preferential treatment and a culture of exclusivity. This move seems to contradict Medium's stated ethos of inclusivity. The author, who has joined the Friends of Medium program out of necessity, questions whether regular members' stories will be overlooked and whether there will be a significant disparity in revenue and readership between the different tiers of membership. The article invites readers to engage in a discussion about these concerns and the future of the Medium community.

Opinions

  • The author is apprehensive about Medium's culture potentially evolving from inclusive to exclusive due to the introduction of the Friend of Medium program.
  • There is a worry that Friends of Medium might prefer to engage with each other rather than with regular partner program members or nonmembers.
  • The author points out an apparent contradiction between Medium's preached values of inclusivity and the exclusivity that may result from the new program.
  • The author feels compelled to join the Friend of Medium program, suggesting a sense of pressure to remain relevant and visible on the platform.
  • Concern is raised about the fairness of the revenue distribution model, which could disproportionately favor Friends of Medium over regular members.
  • The author values the Medium community and is concerned that the new program might undermine the sense of unity and mutual support among users.
  • An invitation is extended to the readers to share their thoughts and engage in a broader discussion about the implications of Medium's new Friend of Medium program.

FOM - So Much for Inclusivity

I am one, not that I had much choice also, is $13.99 a bit steep

Photo by Linus Nilsson on Unsplash

Let’s get one thing right

I spend more hours daily on Medium than on anything else! I love this place, but more so the people in it. However, I’m worried, not so much for myself, more for the person using Medium, enjoying it as much as I do, as much as we all do, but…

Here’s the Rub

Up to this week, there were two types of people on Medium: partner program members and nonmembers. As you know, there’s a third type: the rather exclusive Friend of Medium.

My concern is this

Just as program members stayed clear of nonmembers, are friends of Medium going to avoid average partner program members not to mention nonmembers?

Without realising…

Medium fostered a culture of exclusivity, the opposite of what they preach.

I’ve joined the Friends of Medium program only out of what I feel is sheer necessity; I mean, who will read a regular member’s story (apparently giving four times more revenue, knowing that when said member reciprocated, it’s for four times less?

What you reckon

I’d love to know your thoughts; let’s even get a discussion going.

Until then, happy writing!

Writing
Self
Money
Recommended from ReadMedium