avatarRobert Ralph

Summary

The website content describes a Medium user's distress and contemplation of leaving the platform due to being bullied and publicly criticized by another writer, despite their efforts to create a supportive community for new writers.

Abstract

The author of the content expresses deep distress following an article that targeted them with derogatory language and negative comments from a fellow Medium writer and a follower. This incident has led the author to consider closing their publication and leaving Medium, a platform where they have tried to foster a supportive environment for new writers, especially those facing challenges like dyslexia. The author, who identifies as uneducated and dyslexic, has been using tools like Grammarly to improve their writing and has been actively helping others through their publication "New Writers Welcome." Despite the bullying, the author remains committed to fulfilling a promise of a September competition and seeks honest feedback from the community. They also address the bully directly, expressing disappointment over the lack of direct communication and the choice to publicly criticize rather than offer constructive feedback. The author emphasizes their intention to write honestly and transparently, highlighting the inclusion of an "affiliate disclosure" in all their articles after being informed of its importance.

Opinions

  • The author feels victimized and bullied by the actions of another Medium writer, Terry L. Cooper, and is hurt by the lack of direct communication.
  • The author believes that the bullying is unwarranted and morally wrong, especially targeting a new writer who is dyslexic and trying to improve their writing skills.
  • The author is concerned about the impact of such negative behavior on individuals with mental health issues and suggests that such comments could push someone over the edge.
  • The author points out the hypocrisy in being criticized for using Ko-fi, a platform many Medium writers use to earn support, and challenges the critic to be consistent in their judgments.
  • The author questions the aggression and choice of

I Feel Like Walking Away From Medium — I Am Being Bullied

Are you loyal?

Photo by Mantas Hesthaven on Unsplash

I am devastated by an article written about me by someone who considers themself an established writer. I am debating on what to do next at this stage. I feel like closing this publication and walking away from Medium completely.

The article was written by a lady who thought it was appropriate to call me "A Twat” (“Twat” HAS NOW BEEN EDITED OUT — AN APOLOGY WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER) I will link her article below if you want to read it and pay her money for the privilege.

I am horrified to find a member who follows me, writes for this publication also jumping on the bandwagon with nasty comments.

I try to support people from all walks of life, which is why I started the publication" "New Writers Welcome" I have a help section full of content to help writers improve.

I failed my English exam and are Dyslexic, and this is why I turn to Grammarly for help. Is it wrong to try later on in life to try and re-educate yourself and attempt to write?

I have tried to grow a supportive community; many of you know my hashtag #Strongertogether. Well, at this moment in time, I feel very alone, sad and upset.

I don't want to be here anymore.

I have promised a September competition, and I will not let people down; that will go regardless.

Can I ask for your honest and genuine feedback on myself and the publication I run? I will seriously consider your responses.

I am NOT asking for you to slag off “Terry”(she has decided to block me, rather than be an adult and talk about it, I am sure she is a lovely lady and wish her every success in the future.)

Terry is entitled to her opinions, and I do not want anyone getting into a war of words.

I do not want to put anyone in an awkward situation. However, I find it hard to understand her unprovoked attack on me.

What I would like is for people to support each other and get along. That is what I would like above everything else. There is far too much hate in the world as it is.

This was my response

I feel very sorry that you feel the need to "bully" and "call out" people (myself) and not even have the decency to speak to me directly. I am an uneducated, dyslexic and humble person.

I do not have the intelligence of many people who write on this platform, and I wanted to join a community that supported people like myself as I got inspired to write. So, I decided to start a new publication to help new writers like myself through my frustration.

I am well aware that my grammar is not perfect; this is why I turned to a program like Grammarly to help me. I recognise I have floors, so rather than try to wing it, I looked to try and improve my writing skills.

I have not intentionally broken any rules; however, I will always be open to suggestions. I have met some great people along the way who have supported me and my publication.

I cannot understand why you would "bully" and "call out" a new writer attempting to try writing for the first time. I think this is morally wrong, and if you were a member of my family, I would be ashamed of your actions.

One of the reasons I joined Medium was to try and earn some extra money to support my family, and I am not sure what you think is so wrong about this; there are thousands of people who have a Ko-fi page on Medium.

If you think this is immoral, please get in touch with the owner of Ko=fi and let him know your thoughts; please can you also "call out" the thousands of other people who use it. I am asking you to be fair and consistent, and I know that you will do this as an honest person.

Why are you referencing "Sherif Saad"? You know who you are victimising me, Robert Ralph. Why are you so aggressive with your words, calling me a "twat” that is not very ladylike?

You know nothing about me, suffering from mental health, you could send someone over the edge, so I hope you feel good about your comments and can sleep well at night.

I was not aware of the "affiliate disclosure" thank you for pointing that out. I have gone through every article and have added that to each of them. So why would you think I was trying to do something underhand? everyone has the same opportunity.

Terry L. Cooper, I feel victimised and bullied by your comments. I feel sorry you did not have the decency to come to me directly with your concerns. It is a pity that you have a few sheep followers and decided to kick me when I am down.

I understand a professional like you, who has over 60 books on Amazon and has 1.1k followers since May 2020 (17 months), feel frustrated. I would, too, if I were you.

I am not worthy and have no right to be on Medium, with no education, dyslexic that depend on help to write articles.

I joined Medium on 22nd July with a small following of just 970 followers in two and a half months.

My progress is slow, and I am not asking you to read any of my articles. I am not asking you to like me. It seems there is jealously on the horizon, although I am not sure why, as you are a high profile person on Medium.

I have a few people that have supported my work, one of which are a Medium member of five years with over 35K following.

If you would like to continue your bullying, then please feel free to continue the beating. However, if you would like to support and help, feel free to contact me directly. My email address is [email protected].

Show me the sort of character you are.

Did I respond correctly? What are your thoughts?

If anyone would like to email me directly, they can. My email address is [email protected]

Love
Support
Freelancing
Writing
Publication
Recommended from ReadMedium