avatarRoz Warren, Writing Coach

Summary

A Medium writer reflects on the impact of Medium's changing payment algorithm on their income and expresses apprehension about future algorithm adjustments.

Abstract

The author, a humorist/essayist on Medium, recounts their journey from starting to write on the platform in February 2019 to achieving their goal of making $100 per week. They detail the setback caused by Medium's shift from a clap-based payment system to one focused on read time, which significantly reduced their earnings due to the short length of their content. Despite the challenge, the author persisted and eventually regained their previous income level. However, they anticipate another disruptive change in Medium's payment algorithm, fearing it will negatively affect their earnings once more. The author humorously considers adopting the title of "Medium Sisyphus" if their earnings drop again after a change in the payment metric. They also identify as an unofficial Medium Sherpa, offering guidance to new writers, and critique some of Medium's notification features.

Opinions

  • The author is skeptical and wary of Medium's tendency to change its payment algorithm, believing it will negatively impact their income.
  • They express a sense of injustice about the previous algorithm change that penalized short-form content creators like themselves.
  • Despite the financial ups and downs, the author maintains a sense of humor and dedication to writing on Medium.
  • The author is prepared to adapt to future changes, as evidenced by their self-appointed role as a "Medium Sherpa" to assist new writers.
  • There is a hint of frustration with Medium's notification system, particularly regarding highlighting previously highlighted sentences.
  • The author values the community aspect of Medium, as indicated by their reference to helping new writers and their use of humor to engage with other Medium creators.

It’s Just About Time For the Medium Payment Algorithm to Change Again

How Do I Know?

Photo by Madeline on Unsplash

I started writing on Medium in February 2019. My goal was to make $100/week. It took me 10 months, during which I basically lived on Medium, reading and writing for hours a day — but I finally reached that goal!

In November 2019, I made $425.

Happiness! Success! Triumph!

Upon which, Medium promptly changed the Payment Algorithm. Writers would now be paid based on how much time people spent reading our work (Read Time) instead of how much they enjoyed it. (Claps).

I am a humorist/essayist. My work rarely takes more than a minute or two to read. As a result? My monthly Medium paycheck went right into the toilet.

Did I leave Medium in a huff, never to return?

Nope. I was having too much fun.

Instead, I kept writing. And writing. And writing.

Now, finally, I have clawed my way back to where I was seven months ago.

In July 2020, I made $425.

Which means?

It’s time for Medium to change the rules again.

How exactly will Medium yank the financial rug out from under my feet this time? What nefarious tweak to the Payment Algorithm will our Medium Overlords employ to make my earnings plummet again?

Will they punish humorists like me by deciding to pay writers on the basis of how serious our work is? Will they pay writers according to how much research goes into our work?(In my case? None whatsoever.) Or perhaps on the basis of how many times we use certain words like “bitcoin” and “blockchain?”

Now that I’ve scored this Medium touchdown, exactly how will Medium decide to move the the goalposts?

Because it’s going to happen. I feel it in my bones.

It’s only a matter of time.

I recently dubbed myself an unofficial Medium Sherpa.

The moment the payment metric changes and my earnings go into the toilet (again)? I’m also going to claim the title of Medium Sisyphus.

( Medium Sherpa and Writing Coach Roz Warren writes for everyone from the Funny Times to the New York Times and is the author of Our Bodies, Our Shelves: Library Humor.)

Writing On Medium
Humor
This Happened To Me
Money
Medium Sherpa
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