avatarChristina Piccoli

Summary

Christina, the author, discusses her ambivalent feelings towards using Medium publications, citing potential delays, varying rules, restrictions on affiliate links and the use of emojis/gifs, and the impact on personal expression.

Abstract

The article titled "I’m Not (Always) a Fan of Using Publications" by Christina reflects on her experience with publishing on Medium through both personal posts and curated publications. While acknowledging the benefits of publications, such as the recent curation of one of her articles, she expresses reservations about their consistent use. Christina points out that publications can introduce delays in the publishing process, have specific rules that are easy to forget, and often restrict the use of affiliate links and expressive elements like emojis and gifs. She notes that her most popular article was published independently, suggesting that publications may not always be the best avenue for reach and engagement. Christina values the freedom to express herself and maintain a consistent publishing schedule, which she feels can be compromised by the constraints of publications.

Opinions

  • Publications can cause delays in the publishing process, which hinders consistent daily posting.
  • The diverse and often forgotten rules of various publications can lead to further delays in getting articles published.
  • Some publications' restrictions on affiliate links are a concern, even though the author doesn't use them frequently.
  • The author enjoys using emojis and gifs for self-expression, which is sometimes at odds with the professional standards of certain publications.
  • Christina prioritizes fun and personal expression in her writing over maintaining a strictly professional tone, as she is not aiming for prestigious awards like the Pulitzer Prize.
  • Despite her criticisms, Christina recognizes that publications have their place and she will continue to use them selectively, particularly when the content aligns well with a publication's theme.
  • The author does not position her insights as advice but rather shares her personal strategy and experiences as a "small-time account" on Medium.

I’m Not (Always) a Fan of Using Publications

Don’t come for me.

Image created by the author.

Publications are great.

In fact, I got my first article curated by one yesterday! The question is…will that boost views, readership, or followers in any way?

Only time will tell.

However, my most popular article at the time of this writing isn’t in a publication.

There are certain publications that make sense to use. For instance, when I want to post a short article about side hustles (which I write about a lot), it makes sense to publish in Minimalist Side Hustles.

I hesitate to use publications at other times, and here’s why:

1. There’s usually a delay.

Right now I’m on a mission to publish an article every day. When you submit to a publication, it could take days for them to read it and respond to you. I don’t generally mind waiting, but it makes publishing consistently a little tougher.

2. I forget the rules.

Maybe this one is just me, but there are tons of publications and they all have their own set of rules. Which I always forget. 🤦‍♀️ That can delay things even further as you fix the errors. (Note to self: It’s a good idea to read the rules before submitting as a refresher!)

3. Some of them don’t like affiliate links.

I don’t use a ton of affiliate links in my Medium articles, but it’s nice to be free to use them. Some publications don’t mind them as long as you tag them. Some publications don’t allow them at all. Which ones? I forget! 😬

4. Some of them don’t like the use of emojis and gifs.

I know they’re not professional, but I express myself in emojis and gifs. (I guess I’m a visual person.) I want to easily show people how I feel. 🤨

Sometimes I try to be more professional with my writing, but honestly, I prefer to have fun over being professional. I’m not trying to win a Pulitzer Prize. I’m trying to write, express myself, find like-minded people, and make some side income.

Final Thoughts

As I search around Medium, I see a fair amount of people who both use and don’t use publications. I would love to hear your thoughts. Have they helped you grow? Do you always use them? Do you use them only sometimes?

Publications have their place, and I will certainly continue to use them. But not when I really need to express myself. 🤘

P.S. Don’t take this as advice. I’m a small-time account, and I may stay that way with this strategy.

About the Author

Hey! I’m Christina, an introverted book nerd on the outside, and a raging metalhead on the inside. 🤘 I’m a married mom to two teenagers (and 3 cats and a dog). I love Vegas 🎰, the band Chevelle 🎸, and murder mysteries 📖.

I also love creating short lists of simple income ideas and resources for busy people. 👈 Click that astonishingly long link to sign up for free.

Medium
Publications On Medium
Writing
Writing Life
Side Hustle
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