avatarLee Serpa Azevado

Summary

The article humorously critiques the quality and relevance of marketing stories found on Medium, while also poking fun at the platform's tendency for clickbait and the self-promotional nature of some content.

Abstract

The author expresses a preference for authentic and insightful stories on Medium that provide genuine value, rather than those that are self-promotional or filled with clichés. They criticize certain marketing stories for being patronizing and unchallenging, and they satirize the often tenuous connection between the content of these stories and the products they are meant to advertise. The article also playfully suggests that Medium marketers could be more effective at tasks like changing a light bulb than at providing meaningful content.

Opinions

  • The author appreciates Mdum stories that are gritty, authentic, and inspiring, and dislikes clickbait.
  • They value stories from entrepreneurs that offer fresh perspectives without aggressive self-promotion.
  • The author finds some marketing advice on Medium to be condescending and overly simplistic.
  • They are skeptical of the relevance and practicality of certain marketing trends touted by influencers, such as incorporating chromosomes in advertising.
  • The article mocks the idea that reading high-level content should make one feel grateful rather than inferior, implying it's an excuse for poorly communicated ideas.
  • It is suggested that some writers exaggerate their success or connections, such as claiming a relationship with General Motors after purchasing a car

How Many Social Media Marketers Does It Take to Change a Light Bulb?

The answer will light up your life

Photo by Stefan Steinbauer on Unsplash

I’m always on the lookout for M*d*um stories that make me laugh, challenge me and teach me something new. I like my stories gritty, authentic and insightful. I actively seek out stories that inspire me. I pay my monthly sub to M*d*um. I love this platform. But I decide what stories I read. I mean, come on, how many clickbait stories do we need on M*d*um?

The following story details my moving out from M*d*um. You too could change your life forever. Click to find out how:

The other day I was reading a marketing story. It was written by an introverted entrepreneur in the coal industry. I liked the story because he wasn’t telling me shit I already know. And he wasn’t pushing his product or brand in my face. Good for him for mining his own business. Although the story did go off tangent. The writer claimed coffins are going to be the next big thing in the undertaking business. That remains to be seen.

I find some of these marketing stories patronising and unchallenging. I read one the other day that said “when someone explains something of higher intellect, don’t feel inferior, feel grateful. It means more than you know.” To be honest, I didn’t get it.

Another marketing story gave me some advice on how not to say the wrong thing and avoid getting into fights. Actually it was good advice. Who wants some? The writer claimed he was some kind of bigshot who had just signed a 2 year deal with General Motors. To be honest, I think he’d just bought a new car.

A couple of months ago, I was reading one of those social media influencer stories. Apart from other invaluably pointless advice, they said we should start putting chromosomes in our advertising, because sex cells. I messaged the writer and told them that whatever it was they were attempting to influence me to do, I would never do it. The writer messaged me back, offering to have sex with me. In exchange, they told me to advertise some kind of service on my M*d*um profile. Of course, I declined because of my values and strong willpower. Which is just as strong as Ambrosia’s blood. It’s an amazing product that will make you look 50 years younger or no money back.

So, how many M*d*um marketers does it take to change a light bulb? One to write about how to use and apply the light bulb to your everyday life. One to disregard the lightbulb and promote something completely different. And one to ask you to subscribe to the lightbulb’s email list.

How can you tell if someone is a marketer?

Don’t worry, M*d*um will tell you.

Satire
Humor
Medium
Social Media Marketing
Life Lessons
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