avatarAslynn Roe 🐈

Summary

The website content discusses the author's journey and perspective on the responsibilities and benefits of being a "Friend of Medium," including the impact of the new subscription plan on their earnings and community engagement.

Abstract

The author reflects on the significance of friendship within the Medium platform, emphasizing the shift from skepticism to embracing the new "Friend of Medium" subscription plan. Initially doubtful about the financial viability, the author, influenced by the analyses of Carolyn F. Chryst, Ph.D., and Robin Wilding, and after discussions with Kris Downey, decided to invest in the program. The article highlights the importance of supporting fellow writers through engagement and financial support, which has led to a sense of community and shared success. The author notes a personal best in earnings and expresses satisfaction with the intrinsic rewards of the program, despite the ongoing assessment of its long-term financial benefits.

Opinions

  • The author initially viewed the new subscription plan with cynicism due to modest earnings on the platform.
  • After research and discussions with peers, the author recognized the value of investing in the "Friend of Medium" plan.
  • The author believes that being a friend on Medium involves active participation in the community, such as reading and commenting on others' work.
  • There is a sense of pride and responsibility in being able to financially support and promote emerging writers.
  • The author experienced the best monthly earnings since joining the program, indicating its potential financial benefits.
  • Despite the monetary aspect, the intrinsic rewards of community engagement and support are highlighted as significant gains.
  • The author encourages readers to subscribe and support their work, suggesting a personal commitment to the ethos of the "Friend of Medium" program.

VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP

Friends of Medium, You’re Responsible Now!

One is silver and the other gold!

Image created by author in Canva

Being a friend always comes with responsibilities. You are no longer an acquaintance, an uninvolved observer of someone. Being a friend means you become part of someone’s life.

In good times and bad times, as they say, friends stick around.

When Medium announced the new Friend of Medium subscription plan I was cynical. I was barely making a profit each month and was struggling to capture readers. Some months I made a few bucks over my initial investment of $5.00, but the pennies were not turning into dollars.

After being suspicious of the additional monthly cost, I started doing a bit of background research on the program. Thanks to Carolyn F. Chryst, Ph.D. for running the numbers and Robin Wilding 💎 for performing her unscientific data analysis. I considered the investment in my work.

Kris Downey and I spent the better part of a weekend analyzing the benefit and rewards of the new subscription. We agreed, paying it forward for other writers is important on Medium. Both of us decided it was in our best interest to up the ante and join.

I spent several days enjoying my new clout. I was a Friend of Medium. I could now sprinkle more pennies on other deserving writers. Everyone would be interested in my views. Who would I deem worthy? How could I make a writer’s day just by having my presence on their story?

My ego was soon slapped down by the true meaning of being a friend. It comes with being supportive. It means putting in the time to read other writers, commenting on their work. It means finding those writers who have been struggling to get their footing and push them forward.

Being a Friend of Medium is about paying it forward after all. Being a Friend here is engaging in the community of creativity we are blessed with!

It’s been fun taking on these responsibilities. I have found several writers who are very good, but may need a boost. I am happy to pay it forward for them in my own little way.

I’d like to highlight writers Paul Smales, John Egelkrout, Bill Petro,Vadim Dambreville, Dr. Preeti Singh and Semra kurt

Fellow Trekkers John E. Price, Michael Perera, John Ege, and Andrew McCaffrey who contribute great Star Trek pieces.

Fellow movie reviewers Barnaby Page, Simon Dillon, and Chris Thompson.

I am glad to say I had my best month ever in December, with a $53.00. It closed out my year on a high note. I am still on the fence as to whether this will “pay off” financially in the long run, but I can say, intrinsically, it has already!

Oh, and there’s always this fabulous new bag!

Photo by author. Bear not included in FOM program.

© January 2024 A. Roe

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