Summary

The author discusses the impact of Medium's new payment system on writers, emphasizing the importance of clapping (Medium's version of likes) for distribution and earnings, and shares their personal commitment to continue clapping 50 times for stories they read.

Abstract

The article titled "I Still Give Out 50 Claps Under the New MPP" addresses the recent changes in Medium's Partner Program and how it has affected writers' earnings and reader engagement. The author notes that while some writers have seen an increase in earnings, others have experienced a significant decrease or no change at all. A notable trend is the reduction in claps from readers, which can influence a story's distribution and, consequently, a writer's income. Despite a decrease in claps on their own work, possibly due to various reasons including the nature of their content, the author maintains a positive outlook and a consistent clapping strategy. They assert the importance of clapping as a form of support for fellow writers, especially since Medium uses claps to determine story distribution. The author, who writes full-time and supports a family, emphasizes that they will continue to clap generously for others, regardless of reciprocity, as a means of fostering a supportive writing community on Medium.

Opinions

The author acknowledges that the new Medium Payment Program (MPP) has had varied impacts on writers, with some experiencing growth, others facing cuts, and some noticing no change.
There is a perception that readers are clapping less since the introduction of the new earnings system, which could negatively affect a writer's visibility and income.
The author admits to receiving criticism for their choice of topics, which might contribute to the decrease in claps they've observed.
Despite the challenges, the author remains committed to clapping 50 times for stories they read, unless the content is

I Still Give Out 50 Claps Under the New MPP

Yes, clapping on Medium still matters.

From what I can gather, the payment change which began at the end of October has impacted writers in different ways. Some report that earnings have grown while others say their money has been dramatically cut. There are also folks who report no discernable change.

I think it’s safe to say that the switch over to reading time means different things for each writer. But what about clapping?

A lot of us are finding that readers now clap less than ever before.

I hope that’s not the case for you. I hope you’re seeing an increase in fans and claps, but if not, you should know you’re not alone.

I’d be a liar if I said my claps were not down. They are lower than they’ve been in six months. I understand that there can be many reasons for that. Personally, I get a good deal of irritated comments from folks who don’t like it that I:

Write about writing
Write about Medium
Write about sex
Write about “too personal” stories
Write about money
Write full-time for a living
Am still here

Honestly, the list goes on and on, so there’s a distinct possibility that people are clapping less because they don’t like me or my work. Who knows.

However, since I’m not the only one who’s seen a dip in claps and fans since the new earnings system kicked in, I thought it might be a good time to address my current clapping strategy.

I still clap on Medium, and yes, I still clap 50 times.

Let’s be honest. It is still a bummer for Medium writers when readers don’t clap because Medium is now using the claps system to distribute stories.

Less claps can mean less distribution. Less distribution, of course, often means less money. And that can be a pretty big deal for any indie writer.

That’s why, if I take the time to read your story, I am going to clap 50 times for it. A rare exception will occur if you’re spreading misinformation.

I’m not going to punish you if you don’t do the same for me.

I write on Medium to make a living. I’m here because it allows me to support my daughter while working from home as a single mom.

I love writing. My hope is to keep writing and growing, but I am also aware that writing is a tough gig. Success and growth is not all linear. I’m willing to brave the ups and downs.

What that means is that although I have casually noticed that fans and claps are down, and that it stinks because they could only help my distribution, I’m not clicking through my stories to see who gave 1, 2, or 6 claps.

Or, who didn’t clap at all.

I’m also not going to withhold claps from anyone. Life is too short for that kind of stress. The only thing I definitely won't do is do the whole clapping thread thing on Facebook. I am too busy writing and would prefer to read stories more organically.

Frankly, I’m not going to sweat it.

I have been writing exclusively on Medium for nearly a year now. My entire Medium journey began on April 25, 2018, but I quit my “real job” last December.

Sometimes, I get the sense that people don’t know that I a.) have to keep writing, b.) must keep marketing, and c.) need to continue being read and clapped for so that I can keep supporting my daughter. Medium doesn’t drop money into my bank account for simply breathing, and every single mother must keep on hustling.

Like any other writer, I still have bad months. It’s all relative. We are all on separate paths. But as a result, I do understand how much reading and clapping still matters. I will continue to clap 50 times for writers who move me whether they are “big” or “small.”

Most writers aren’t going to outgrow their need for Medium support. I know I haven't.

What’s your clapping protocol?

I choose to clap just like I used to under the old earnings system. What you choose is up to you.

Likewise, I choose to keep plugging away and writing. Yeah, I’m hoping to branch out and do other non- Medium things. But Medium remains my bread and butter for a reason. They make it reasonably easy to write whatever I want and get paid for it.

I just have to deal with the ever changing nature of the platform, like every other writer here.

Join my email list to keep in touch and I’ll send you my 12 tips to crush it as a blogger. Or, check me out on Write Already for a behind-the-scenes look at two female writers who are making it work.