Summary

A journalist initially skeptical about writing for Medium publications for exposure has come to appreciate the platform's potential for income and exposure after a rocky start.

Abstract

The author, a seasoned journalist accustomed to substantial payments from traditional publishers, initially balked at the idea of writing for Medium, where the payout for articles seemed paltry. The concept of working for 'exposure' felt like exploitation, especially when the first month's earnings amounted to a mere $1.04. However, as the pandemic disrupted regular work, the author reconsidered and began to explore Medium's potential. After a slow start, the author's earnings increased significantly, leading to a change of heart. The platform provided an outlet for diverse content and a new revenue stream through the Medium Partner Program. The author now embraces Medium, aiming to become a top earner and acknowledging the benefits of the exposure gained from publishing within various Medium publications.

Opinions

The author initially viewed Medium's compensation model as exploitative, given the low pay compared to traditional publishing standards.
The idea of writing for exposure was initially met with skepticism and apprehension.
The pandemic's impact on the author's regular writing assignments prompted a reevaluation of Medium as a publishing platform.
The author experienced frustration with the initial silence from Medium publications when offering to write for free.
Despite early disappointments, including minimal earnings and being ignored by publication editors, the author persisted.
The author's perspective shifted upon seeing a tenfold increase in earnings and gaining acceptance from several Medium publications.
The author now values the opportunity to publish a wide range of content and the exposure that comes with it, recognizing it as a path to earning through Medium's Partner Program.
The author is optimistic about future success on Medium and aims to be among the top earners on the platform.

I Thought Medium Publications Were a Con!

Writing for ‘exposure’ sounded like exploitation! I’ve changed my mind.

When I first heard of Medium, it was through a twitter friend who’d published three pieces on Medium. They announced, “I’ve made $3.21 from my Medium articles!” A couple of his pieces had been published in Medium publications.

“You’ve earnt $3 for three articles?” I checked I’d understood him correctly. He was pleased. I was appalled. I didn’t understand Medium publications at all.

Working for exposure

I work for BBC magazines and other big publishers. I expect to be paid at least $100 when they publish my work. This working for ‘exposure’ thing didn’t sit comfortably with me. It felt like exploitation.

I had to remind myself that Medium is a blogging platform, not a best-selling magazine in a grocery store. However, it soon became clear that some people are making A LOT of money blogging about whatever’s on their mind and publishing through Medium publications — for the benefit of the extra reach and exposure.

The money to be made interested me. It was clear that expecting a flat fee wasn’t going to get me very far on Medium. But I was still interested in this novel concept.

When the pandemic struck, a lot of my magazine clients stopped commissioning, leaving me with gaps in my work schedule. I used the time to focus on photography, self-publish books, and I spent far too much time on Twitter! I’ve been open to other suggestions for some time now.

A different approach

There’s something quite attractive about being able to publish whatever’s on your mind and get paid for it. Medium provides another outlet for my work, where I can re-publish previous articles I’ve written, and write about my deepest thoughts and ponderings — things that the mainstream media aren’t usually interested in!

Frankly, it beats spending all day pitching ideas to editors who mostly ignore you, hoping that one day, one of them will feel sorry for you and send you some crumbs. Freelance writing has felt like that lately.

Applying to publications

So I thought I’d publish some articles on Medium, and see if I could make a few dollars. I applied to become a contributor in some Medium publications.

The sheer number of publications seemed a bit overwhelming. It took ages to trawl through the lists, find out which were still active, and apply to be accepted as a writer. I applied to a lot of publications and waited. Nothing happened.

I was now offering to write for free, and was still receiving that familiar deafening silence. To say it was frustrating was an understatement. I thought they’d leap at the chance to have a pro journalist offer them free material. But no.

Being ignored when the editor usually pays you, is one thing. Being ignored when you’re offering to toil for free is demoralising!

Waiting impatiently

After four days of waiting, thinking no one wanted my articles, Illumination accepted my application and published a piece. Two weeks later, a history publication finally adopted one of my WWII stories. Things were starting to happen.

Then my first month’s earnings came in: $1.04.

I decided it was a waste of time. I pitched a few ideas to paying editors and continued my work as a freelance writer in the traditional press, while keeping my time on Medium to a minimum.

But it played on my mind. Was I giving up too soon on a good opportunity?

Trying again

When work for the traditional press dried up, I decided to have another go. By this time, my earnings had increased tenfold and I felt a little more positive. A few publications had added me to their ranks, and I had a glut of articles from my freelance writing career that I could update and use for some quick wins.

Some of my stories have done well, and I’ve had work accepted by big publications. I don’t mind offering my work in return for exposure, because that helps me earn through the Medium Partner Program! After a few false starts, I seem to be more successful at getting into publications now.

I’m pleased that Medium has challenged my preconceptions. I want to be one of the next top earners. Stick around and you might see me fly!