avatarClive Wilson

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Abstract

/p><p id="abd6">One foot after another, deep breath in and out, sometimes it can be difficult and sometimes it can be easy. You can’t question whether you are doing it right or wrong, you just have to keep going. The same is true with writing; you need to type one word after the other for the ideas to flow.</p><p id="042d"><b>3.“A problem with a piece of writing often clarifies itself if you go for a long walk.”<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Dunmore"></a></b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Dunmore">Helen Dunmore</a></p><p id="d2e9">Stepping away from your copy helps you find new connections to ideas, to structure a thought differently and tighten sentences. As you are out running your mind is busy at work forming connections you might have missed as you were writing. Running acts as the catalyst to the ideas that were marinating in your mind.</p><p id="66dd"><b>4.“In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.”― Haruki Murakami, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2475030">What I Talk About When I Talk About Running</a></b></p><p id="fa36">There is only one person you need to compete with: yourself. You need to compete with the version of you that showed up yesterday, to tweak the process and learn new ways of getting better. Each day is an opportunity to better yourself.</p><p id="86b1"><b>5</b>.<b>“The twin activities of running and writing keep the writer reasonably sane and with the hope, however illusory and temporary, of control.</b>” <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joyce_Carol_Oates">Joyce Carol Oates</a></p><p id="78b1">Life can be unpredictable, messy and dark. Your best-laid plans might flop in ways you had not foreseen. But in between the stimuli and your response you get the choice to control your reaction. And therein lies your power. In writing and running you get to step away from the heat of the moment; to find solutions to the problems you are facing.</p><p id="f5a5"><b>6</b>.<b>“If you don’t acquire the discipline to push through a personal low point, you will miss the reward that comes with persevering. Running taught me the discipline I need as a writer”.</b> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wrecked-Broken-World-Slams-Co

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mfortable/dp/0802404928">Jeff Goins</a></p><p id="a41c">The challenges we face can feel insurmountable and we might be tempted to give up. But in pushing past the pain and discomfort, we are building resilience and patience. Through running, writers deepen their ability to focus on a single, consuming task and enter a new state of mind entirely. The deliberate act of moving forward each day reminds you that everything will work out in the end.</p><p id="9554"><b>7.“For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor. Running day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar, and by clearing each level I elevate myself. At least that’s why I’ve put in the effort day after day: to raise my level…The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday.</b>”<a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Talk-About-When-Running/dp/0307389839">Haruki Murakami</a></p><p id="3fc7">Word by word, mile by mile. All you can do is trust the process and put in the work despite your doubts, excuses, and fears. Once you start the fear begins to dissipate. You realize that the only way to<b> <i>finish</i> </b>an article or a race is to start. Just take one step and keep at it.</p><p id="5e50"><b>Creation, self-awareness and freedom. </b>Running offers writers escape with purpose.</p><p id="c042">You start with a blank page or a blank trail and end up with a creation of your own.</p><p id="6b50">You might also like:</p><div id="9b5a" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/building-a-writing-habit-for-beginners-by-a-beginner-e50a88508099"> <div> <div> <h2>How To Build A Writing Habit For Beginners, By A Beginner</h2> <div><h3>The world is still hungry for more great work</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*IzL6kfk468UzxQeqT3OO_g.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><p id="64b4">As always thanks for reading. Keep the comments and corrections coming.</p><p id="6a86">Stay in the loop. <a href="https://rb.gy/0bfahg">Join my newsletter for more articles.</a></p></article></body>

DATA PROTECTION

How Many Medium Writers Are Breaking The Law?

The most successful people on Medium build big email lists, but is what they’re doing legal?

Image courtesy of Dooffy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

NOTE: This article refers mainly to data protection and the GDPR in the UK and Europe, whilst certain aspects apply to the US and beyond.

Managing your personal data and understanding data protection laws are crucial, whether you’re a business owner or a consumer.

Contrary to the belief that using established platforms like Mailchimp or Substack automatically makes your data handling practices legal, there are myriad ways you could be unintentionally breaking the law. The law doesn’t just apply to businesses but also to individuals collecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which is any piece of data that could potentially identify a person.

Key Questions to Consider:

  • Have you ever exported your mailing list for any reason?
  • Do you leave your computer unlocked when stepping away, especially when sensitive data is displayed?
  • Is your privacy policy GDPR-compliant, informing subscribers how their data will be handled?
  • Are you aware of the data-sharing implications if using a U.S.-based service while in the EU?
  • Is the process of unsubscribing from your list fully automated?
  • Could you satisfactorily explain your data protection measures if challenged by a subscriber?

Even if you think you’re doing everything right, the concept of ‘unconscious incompetence’ comes into play — many people mishandle personal data without even realising it. Ignorance of the law does not exempt you from it, much like other legal obligations in daily life.

The legal landscape has evolved with regulations like the GDPR in the EU and UK, aimed at protecting an individual’s personal data. The problem is, most people are uninformed about these laws, and their complexities make them difficult for small businesses to implement. Businesses of all sizes must understand their responsibilities concerning PII.

Understanding PII is also essential. Pre-GDPR, not all personal data was considered PII. Now, any single piece of information that could potentially identify a person is categorised as PII. This includes your email address, phone number, and more.

Why should you care? Well, consider that when you buy something online, you’re not just sharing your data with the company but also with various third parties involved in the transaction process. Are you sure they are handling your data securely?

In conclusion, data protection is a shared responsibility. Ignorance is not an excuse for mishandling personal data, and understanding your obligations can help protect not only yourself but also those whose data you handle.

The above is a summary of the article, How Many Medium Writers Are Breaking The Law?, the full version of which is available to read at The Marketing Alliance: https://themarketingalliance.co.uk

About the author: Clive Wilson

Data Protection
Data Management
Gdpr
Gdpr Compliance
Business
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