Illumination — Wherefore Art Thou?

The Mysterious Disappearance of a Thriving Publication

I thought perhaps, a few words borrowed from Shakespeare might give this plea a little cachet. A little more warmth and intensity that will be noticed by Medium.

Where did Illumination go?

By now you have probably seen and read the articles put out by other Illumination writers asking — Where did Illumination go? And more to the point why was this publication allowed to be taken down on the word of one or two people? That is, compared to the thousands who follow this publication, support this publication and have been personally aided in their writing pursuits by its existence and the supportive efforts of the person who brought it to us — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz.

I believe in the integrity of Illumination. I believe in its purpose — not simply written as an attractive intro at the top of the page, but as a sincere effort to enable writers to do what they dream of, and that’s simply — to Write.

And since Medium is all about writing and writers — well, it would seem to me that every effort should be made by the platform to keep this publication and others like it, active and nurturing the dreams of its members.

I have very little detailed information about why our site was pulled. That is a major part of our collective upset and concern. I have “heard” rumors of discrimination. I have “heard” reports of spamming and can only say this in regards to these phantom reports.

I have been in daily communication, as a writer and editor, with hundreds of people on Illumination. Every single reader and writer that I have come in contact with over the past 30+ days have been excited, interested and engaged and not once, did I read any request to stop or change what we were doing or receive any negative comments. That is with one exception. And now, I seriously wonder about that exception and where it has taken us.

I trust in due process; in the ultimate ability for all of us to think it through. I am hoping that this is exactly what takes place within Medium and that Illumination is allowed back up and running very soon.

I ask that anyone who reads this article or any of the others that have been posted, exercise their right as members of Medium, and request that the publication be returned to its proper place and that its members be allowed to do what they are here to do — Write and be heard.