Summary

Scarlet Ibis James reflects on the impact of Medium's "Friend of Medium" (FoM) program, considering the benefits and drawbacks of the additional investment to support writers and the platform's sustainability.

Abstract

Scarlet Ibis James, a Friend of Medium (FoM), discusses the implications of Medium's new membership level. James expresses enthusiasm for contributing to Medium's business sustainability and the ability to share articles beyond the platform. However, James also questions the tangible impact of their investment, seeking clarity on how FoM contributions specifically enhance writer earnings and readership. The article delves into the desire for transparency regarding the effectiveness of shared Friend Links and the overall return on investment for both the FoM members and the writers they support. Despite these concerns, James acknowledges the value received from Medium and considers the FoM fee as a combination of a membership fee and an anonymous donation to the writers.

Opinions

James values the opportunity to support Medium's sustainability and engage with the platform through the FoM program.
There is a concern about the lack of detailed analytics on the impact of shared stories via the FoM program.
James desires to ensure that the writers they appreciate receive a fair increase in earnings proportional to the FoM membership cost.
The author contemplates whether the additional cost of being a FoM is justified and whether it leads to a significant increase in earnings for writers.
James considers the possibility that their contribution might be seen as an act of kindness, regardless of the direct financial impact on writers.
The article suggests that the FoM program could provide more transparency to members about the distribution of additional dollars to writers.
James reflects on the personal value derived from Medium, weighing it against the cost of participation in the FoM program.
The author cites Aesop, emphasizing that no act of kindness is wasted, which may imply a philosophical acceptance of the current state of the FoM program.

Inquiring Minds Want To Know The Impact of FoM

Exercising my thoughts about the give, take and accounting of Medium’s new membership level.

So, I’m a Friend of Medium (FoM)

The author created this image with Midjourney. S.I. James owns copyright and provenance, per Midjourney ToS.

“The benefit of being a FOM is that you can help other writers with increased views and reads of their stories and increased earnings.” Grace Mary Power

I joined the Medium Friends program as soon as it was available. I felt enthusiastic about engaging with it, as it allows me to share articles I sincerely appreciate with my network beyond the platform. Furthermore, contributing to Medium’s sustainability as a business is something I value. I love this platform and am eager to contribute to its continued growth and success.

If someone shares one of your stories via a Friend Link, you won’t know who it was or where it was shared. All you will know is the number of Friend Links shared via yourself or a “Friend of Medium” on your story Stats page. — Grace Mary Power

But what about the stats on the stories I shared via the FoM program? Will I know what impact my sharing has made for the writers I love?

Who Benefits From The Return on My Investment?

How can I know that the additional cost of being a FOM benefits the writers I love equally or at a higher dollar level? Or, where can I see an accounting of how many folks joined Medium because I shared a fantastic article with them?

I want more than the yellow badge. I wish to know my return on investment.

How can I ensure the writers whose stories I share earn at least $10 more each month (my cost for being in the program beyond my membership fee)?

Is this bad that I want to know?

Should I toss the additional $100 a year to Medium? Or should I feel satisfied knowing Medium is distributing some additional dollars (or cents) to writers based on my direction?

Or.

Should I feel like Dr Mehmet Yildiz that “the thought of solely paying $5 a month felt insufficient, considering the immense value I received”?

Hmm. Maybe.

Yes, I do get more than I spend.

So, perhaps I can think of it as a membership fee wrapped with an anonymous donation. That’s all.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

That’s enough.

FoM, what have you done for me lately?

Medium Stories That Wow’d Me This Year!

Medium Stories I Love & Think You Should Read Too!

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scarletibisjames.medium.com

About the Medium FoM Program

What Are Friends of Medium?

New “Friend of Medium” membership means paywalled stories can be shared for free and writers that Friends read earn…

medium.com

I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium (FoM) Yesterday.

Here is why in a humorous tone.

medium.com

How Friends of Medium Can Amplify Important Stories Via Customized Social Media Sites

An interview with Dr Mehmet Yildiz introducing customized platforms to share valuable content via FoM links with a broader audience.

medium.com

P.S. If I share a FoM link to another writer’s story (like the ones above) on my article, does the writer benefit 4x when someone clicks on and reads it?