Hello Medium, Anyone Home?

Summary

The author reflects on the temporary disappearance of their Medium statistics, contemplating the reasons and implications, and ultimately finding value in the writing process and community beyond the numbers.

Abstract

The article titled "Hello Medium, Anyone Home?" discusses the author's initial concern over the absence of their Medium statistics, which they checked before publishing an article. The author muses over various potential causes for the missing stats, ranging from technical glitches to significant changes at Medium. They ponder the significance of these statistics, acknowledging that while they can be engaging to monitor, the true essence of writing on Medium lies in the love of writing and the connections formed within the community. The author concludes that the absence of stats can offer a refreshing perspective on writing, emphasizing creativity and engagement without the pressure of metrics.

Opinions

The author initially attributes the missing stats to various external factors, including Medium's growing pains, hacking, or a software bug.
They recognize a dependency on viewing the stats, likening it to the predictable rhythm of the tides.
The author admits that the stats are not truly their own but rather Medium's tracking of their content, suggesting a somewhat passive relationship with the platform.
A sense of impatience is expressed about not being able to see the stats immediately, juxtaposed with a philosophical acceptance of time and circumstance influenced by their remote location.
The author questions their motivation for writing on Medium, considering love, money, and community as possible drivers.
There is a contemplation about the potential failure of their old laptop due to environmental conditions affecting its performance.
The author imagines the possibility of writing without the influence of stats, suggesting it could be liberating and mysterious.
They express gratitude for the Medium community and the rich experience of writing on the platform, regardless of the visibility of statistics.

What Happened?

Maybe it’s more Medium growing pains? Perhaps phantom hackers have struck at the heart of Medium’s computer system? Maybe it’s just a computer software bug and the infamous algorithm is in the trash bin along with all our numbers! I’m sure that by the time I complete this little ditty they will magically reappear and I can’t just delete this rambling? It does make one curious as to what’s happening behind the curtain.

First Mistake

My first mistake is that they’re literally not my stats. They’re Medium’s stats tracking my offerings. And while they are kind of fun to watch it’s not much different that watching the tide come in and go out day after day. Some days they are higher and some days they are lower. The more I write the higher everything goes. So what?

Second Thought

I’m in the remotest location on planet Earth with 2,500 miles of ocean between our island and the nearest continent. We’re the last to find out what happened the day before. So one learns to be patient and let time and circumstance just float softly into existence on our trade winds, when it’s ready. Yet, I’d really like to see my stats, now!

Another Possibility

A third thought presents a more serious question. Why am I writing for Medium? Is it for love or money or something else? While it’s not for the money yet, it might be for the love of writing. It might also be for the love of connecting with others that have something meaningful or creative to express. I enjoy the lively and personal connections with our small yet growing communities at The Daily Cuppa, Coffee Times (now including KTHT), and The Writer’s Blokke. It’s a fun and friendly way to learn, earn, and practice the craft of writing.

What If It has Nothing to Do with Medium?

And finally, perhaps it’s just my old laptop finally yielding to the humidity of living off grid in our tropical paradise? Strange things happen to computers that run off of solar energy during the day and generators during stormy nights along with very tiny creatures that like to bathe in the warmth of the circuit boards. Who knows? Time will tell!

The almost full moon rising was brilliantly surrounded by towering rosy red thunderheads billowing higher on the fading heat and light of the day. People gathered in the seaside park and quietly took in nature’s splendor. And I headed home to see if my article had been accepted and published.

It has been six hours since I last checked for stats. Nope, there’s still nothing there but a faded flat line; kind of like the stat icon was erased by some misbehaving genie.

What If There Were No Stats?

What would it be like writing without stats? You’d still get a check, maybe. You could still see who’s clapping and commenting. It might seem like you were writing in the dark without headlights to see where you were going but that might be fun too? Perhaps it would be a bit mysterious and wild?

I’m sure the trade winds will reveal everything by the first sip of my chai in the morning. Medium, thank you for turning off the stats!

It’s truly not the numbers that make writing on this platform such an inviting experience. It’s my fellow readers, writers, editors and publishers that make this collective experience so rich.

Thank you and happy holidays to all!