How To Be A “Medium Mensch.”

For starters, cut the crap.

Okay. Deep breath, Sherry.

How do I begin this piece? Should I be forthright? Sensitive? Kind? A mix of all three?

As my style is to just go for it — here goes.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk in the forums and in Medium stories, alike, about being “respectful” and “supportive” of our fellow writers.

I am on board with the above, one hundred percent. And, I have been the grateful recipient of both respect and support. I also return it. That said, there are people on this platform who just aren’t getting it. Who think that “being supportive” is open to broad interpretation.

Let me tell you something: It isn’t.

Kids, take it from someone who is older, and yeah, a little wiser than you. There’s a huge difference between celebrating your success and shoving it down people’s throats.

If you are being curated three times daily — bravo!

If your stories are Pulitzer-Prize worthy — bravo!

If your fans and claps runneth over — bravo!

Just shut up about it, for a while, okay? Or, even better, figure out a way to share your good fortune without making the reader want to vomit on his or her shoes. Because, when you continually write in a fashion that suggests it’s all about you, that we’re all here to support you — that’s not cool. We’re here to support one another.

Did you notice the operative word in the above graph? “Write.” That is what we’re here for. At least, that’s my impression. If others like what I have to say, all the better. That, to me, is the essence of success.

Do I want to be adored by the curators? Hell, yeah. Do I want claps and fans and the opportunity to make a few bucks while doing what I love? Hell, to the yeah. But, if it happens, I want to share my success in a way that inspires, not repels.

Also, Medium is awash with stories about “how to be curated.” Listicles, galore. So, when you cough up, like a hairball, yet another story containing banal “tips” we already know about — please think twice before submitting it.

Now, I know you think I’m being a crank with a mouthful of sour grapes. I’m not. This is my attempt at being supportive of you, because frankly, you’re making yourself look like an ass.

I speak from broad experience. I’ve opened my mouth, without thinking. Written stuff, without thinking. So, I know whereof I speak. Don’t repeat my mistakes, of which I’ve made too many to recount here.

That’s why I wasn’t sure if I should write this. But, I know for a fact, I’m not the only person who feels this way. Trust me: You’ll receive support of a genuine kind if you rein yourself in, a bit.

Enthusiasm is good. Braggadocio, (look it up), not so good.

Since “tips” seem to be the way you roll, here are mine, for becoming a Medium Mensch. I’ll speak from my perspective, only.

First, hone your craft. Instead of continually bloviating about your success on this platform — read. Check out some of the truly great writers, here. There are many, and you will learn much, because you need to. Honest.

Don’t tell me to polish my stories when yours are rife with typos and improper grammar.

Refrain from trumpeting every curation, every clap, every fart. Again, not cool. And, who doesn’t want to be cool, right? In fact, I want you to be cool! How’s that for supportive?

If you’re going to include tips in your stories, make them worth something. Don’t regurgitate material from other pieces. In other words, make sure you have at least one “Aha!” moment.

Don’t write a headline documenting the amount of money you made in a single week. In the body of your story, is fine. But, right up top there? Blech.

Please don’t assume I’m “with you” on your journey. I’m on MY journey. Period. The end. I support everyone else’s journey and hope there are nothing but rainbows and unicorns along the way, but I have my hands full with my own.

That’s all. With all sincerity, I say please take this in the spirit of which it is intended. To help and support you. Not to tear you down. I hope you believe me.

A “mensch” by the way, is Yiddish for “a person of integrity and honor.” I know you have it in you.

Best of luck to us all.

Sherry McGuinn is a longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.

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