Summary

A writer expresses their disappointment and sense of loss after the sudden disappearance of the Illumination publication on Medium, where they found a supportive community and mentorship, and reflects on the impact of this loss on their writing and connection with other writers.

Abstract

The author, an active writer on Medium, shares their personal journey of finding a sense of belonging and success within the Illumination publication. They highlight the importance of the community and mentorship provided by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, the publication's owner, which significantly contributed to their growth and visibility as a writer. The writer expresses dismay upon discovering that Illumination had vanished from Medium without any prior notice, leaving their articles without a home and disconnecting them from a diverse and supportive network of writers. The author questions Medium's handling of the situation, including the lack of communication and guidance regarding the status of their articles and the ability to submit to other publications. Despite the setback, the writer remains determined to continue writing, inspired by the encouragement from Dr. Yildiz to persist and seek curation on Medium. The piece conveys a strong sense of community and the value of diverse voices in the writing world, as well as the author's desire for Medium to address the issues without disbanding the Illumination family.

Opinions

The author values the sense of community and mentorship provided by Illumination, which has been crucial for their writing journey.
They feel that Medium's actions have left them and other writers in a state of limbo, unsure of how to proceed with their work.
The writer is critical of Medium's lack of transparency and communication regarding the removal of

Illumination of an Orphaned Child

I’m not the only one

Just when I was about to give up on Medium, I found Illumination. I found a home. I’ve been writing for Medium almost a year. I’ve had one article that paid well, over $700 so far. It’s certainly not my best article, but by far, my most popular.

As our monthly report shows, most writers make pennies on each article monthly. We also know that the payment has significantly decreased since COVID-19. We write anyway. Our passion will not release us from the pen. Still, I have to admit that the commitment to write without recognition can be a downer.

I write as a healing tool. I know that my writing is inspirational to others as well. During social distancing and imposed shelter-at-home, I am surviving the isolation by writing.

I was added as a writer in the Illumination publication. Interests in my work grew fast and strong. I was interacting with people, not just sending my writing into an electronic ecosphere. I found a community during a time of isolation. People were supporting one another, no competition. This is what the writing life is about!

Dr Mehmet Yildiz, the owner of the publication, tags me in stories so that I can connect with other members. Tagging fostered enthusiasm within the community and visibility of my articles. It’s radical, and I love it. I feel seen through my writing. That is my goal. I am honored to have Dr M. as a mentor. Unfortunately, Medium took my mentor and the publication away from me.

On April 23, 2020, I went to check on my community, and it was gone, vanished into thin air. It’s like it never existed. All of my Illumination articles are now just Medium articles. Medium has not curated them. So they will sit in outer space like an abandoned child left on a stranger’s doorstep.

Medium did not inform me of any change of status for my articles. That was a bit disappointing. I have been given no guidance as to whether I can submit them to another publication or not. I would hope that Medium would curate them to offset the inability for them to reach my established community.

I feel like Medium is punishing me for something I did wrong. Am I wrong for wanting a mentor and a community? I surely can’t be wrong for wanting success as a writer. Am I wrong for expecting Medium to be responsive to all of its writers in considering how to address a member accused of misconduct?

Oddly enough, I will tell you who has offered guidance. When I reached out to Dr Mehmet Yildiz, he simply told me to continue writing great articles and trying to get them curated on Medium. “Do not stop your work.” He has assured me that he wants me to succeed, no matter what happens to the publication. He is committed to all of us that he took under his wing. For that, I am grateful.

The problem is that I don’t have the Medium bandwidth that Doc has. I only became familiar with a few of the 4000 members with which I shared a common goal. We agreed to write well, support one another, and be a positive force in the universe. I want those people back in my life. I want the publication to keep me connected to those people.

We write from different parts of the world and different walks of life. As an African American female writer, I have questioned the diversity of some of Medium’s major publications, particularly the ones that pay for articles. At Illumination, I know everyone is accepted. I have become quite attached to my diverse family.

I hope that Medium can find a reasonable way to address any concerns about Dr Mehmet Yildiz and the publication without destroying a family. Because today was the saddest day I’ve had on Medium since I joined Illumination. Writing is a tool for me. This piece is my chisel.

I’m not the only one:

Caught in a Blackout

An Open Letter To All Writers Editors And Followers On Illumination

Our Light May Have Flickered Out But Our Resolve Still Shines

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Illumination — Wherefore Art Thou?

The Mysterious Disappearance of a Thriving Publication

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz Has Not Blocked or Removed Anyone.

Kindly bear with us as allegations from one Medium member are being investigated.

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Reinstate Illumination

A request from a member of illumination

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Stronger

To Illumination Family 💕

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Illumination: Our Tribe

Doesn’t matter the adversity, one shouldn’t back away from fighting for his tribe. It’s not about the honor, it’s about…

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When a Person with Autism Loses Illumination

Publications ∙ Illumimation, by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

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Destructive Online Behaviour Endangers Honest Authors And Publications

Internet trolls are not only available on Facebook and Twitter. Here, at Medium, they also do their mischief. Mostly…

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Dear Medium, Give Back Illumination

Please restore Dr Mehmet Yildiz’s account thank you

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One Voice and One Heart

Image by Corrine Kutz on Unsplash

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To: Medium, From: Illumination Family, With Love and Curiosity

An open letter

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Illumination has been very fair and generous with its writers, giving equal opportunities to…

I miss Illumination. It must come back… and even more strongly this time around! The creativity of so many writers has…

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