Summary

The article outlines the reasons why a reader might not engage with a story on Medium for more than thirty seconds, emphasizing the importance of a compelling introduction, grammatical accuracy, readable formatting, and relevant topics.

Abstract

The author of the article emphasizes the significance of engaging storytelling on Medium by highlighting several key factors that can cause a reader to quickly disengage. A captivating introduction is crucial, as it sets the tone for the entire piece and can immediately draw in or repel a reader. Grammatical errors and a lack of basic punctuation are seen as unprofessional and can undermine the writer's credibility. The presentation style of the content is also important; a scholarly approach is discouraged in favor of a more reader-friendly format that includes ample white space and shorter sentences. Additionally, the author warns against choosing abstract topics that may not resonate with a broader audience, advocating for content that is both accessible and engaging. The article concludes by inviting writers to contribute concise, insightful pieces to the Condensed Community.

Opinions

A compelling introduction is vital for reader engagement and can determine whether a reader continues with an article.
Grammatical accuracy and proper punctuation are non-negotiable for a professional writer, with tools like Grammarly available to help avoid such mistakes.
Academic-style writing should be avoided on Medium as it can alienate readers seeking a more engaging and less formal reading experience.
The use of white space and shorter sentences is encouraged for better online readability.
Topics that are too abstract may not retain readers, suggesting that writers should aim for content that is both relatable and interesting.
The author values the reader's experience and suggests that writers should also prioritize it for mutual benefit.
Writers are encouraged to submit short, insightful stories to the Condensed Community for broader exposure and engagement.

I Won’t Stay On Your Story for 30 Seconds Because of These…

If you want your stories read, you have to make them readable

A good writer reads passionately — there are no excuses; if such a writer happens to be part of the Medium community, interacting with other writers on the platform is also non-negotiable.

I try to do both — daily and for the latter, I always spend several minutes (not seconds) so that the writer I’m reading will be compensated as per the Medium rules.

It’s also one of the reasons why I moved my subscription type to Friends of Medium, making sure the writers I read, earn more for my time on their works.

However, on rare occasions, I don’t stay up to thirty seconds, meaning the writers get NOTHING from my visit…

…this is why.

1. A Boring Intro

A super boring intro negates the major reason I (and other good writers) decided to venture into the multi-niche reality: good, old variety.

Take the following non-existing examples for instance:

Going to school, when we were young, there was no transport or buses. We needed to use our feet — and trek the distance. Sometimes, it was snowing and we were very uncomfortable.

Now, compare the above to this:

Have you ever tried going out on a cold January morning when the weather rings in the ‘subs’ without any special clothing and snow threatening your very existence? Well, that was me, less than ten, during the school months in an age before school buses and private car heaters…

If these articles both heralded different stories (and you were asked to read only one) which would you pick?

Enough said.

2. Typos/Rules of Grammar

Only AI with its love of the grand tapestry of life and today’s digital age makes no mistakes.

However, some mistakes not only make you look amateurish, they also paint you as an unserious writer.

Sentences missing full stops, questions that are afraid of the question mark, tenses that constantly fight amongst themselves, mess up of subject-verb agreements, and importantly, a passionate hatred of punctuation…

With awesome and free tools such as Grammarly (the good sort of AI in a writer’s world), such excuses are now CAPITAL offenses in the writing world.

3. Academic Style Presentation

Despite what writers say about money, you’ll find almost all stories behind a paywall here.

…it’s the same reality with school — even for those who profess to love it.

The truth? THEY DON’T. WE DON’T. I DON’T.

School is a necessary evil and our love profession of it is simply a coping mechanism…please, your stories should not remind anyone of college essays!

4. Hatred of White Space

Reading online is serious, but this business can be made easier with white space and shorter sentences.

Lots of them.

If you must obey your middle school grammar teacher and insist that an idea must fit into a paragraph, good luck.

But, I value my sanity — and my eyes are still of use to me…

…I’ll be clicking away.

Apologies.

5. A Completely Abstract Topic

Going nicheless is fun — and in my opinion, nothing beats it.

Going abstract?

There's not a chance you’re going to retain me for even a second!

Or, what in the world do you expect me to do with a topic as ‘angelic’ as this?

Exploring Quantum Information Dynamics in Emergent Gravity Theories: Bridging the Gap between Holography and Entanglement.

See?

Are You (Also) Forgetting These Very Important Things Most Writers Miss?

Success as a writer is much more than playing with words — it is holistic and many writers miss the mark

medium.com

Wrap Up

A badly chosen photo, poor formatting, and a flat headline with an EMV value of zero will still attract and keep some readers, including me.

Messing up the 5 above?

That is where we say our goodbyes — at least, on that story.

Have an insightful, bite-sized story of 500 words or less? Consider sharing it with the Condensed Community.