It’s Not The Algorithm, It’s You

Summary

The author emphasizes the importance of readers and their role in the success of writers, asserting that the Medium Partner Program is a valuable platform for both writers and readers despite the challenges discussed in various stories.

Abstract

The article "It’s Not The Algorithm, It’s You" by Imabong Faminu reflects on the significance of readers in the writing ecosystem, particularly on Medium. The author experienced an epiphany while making breakfast, realizing that the true driving force behind a writer's success is not the platform's algorithm, but the audience that values and engages with their work. Drawing parallels to traditional book sales and promotions, the author highlights that loyal readers have always been the backbone of an author's reach and influence. On Medium, these readers are referred to as 'fans,' and they play a crucial role in the platform's community by fostering collaboration, learning, and even real-life connections. Despite the Medium Partner Program's criticisms regarding earnings and curation, the author appreciates Medium for its diverse content, synergy between writers and readers, learning opportunities, and positive environment. The article concludes by expressing gratitude to both the writers for their excellent stories and the readers for their support, hoping for continued growth and mutual appreciation within the Medium community.

Opinions

The author believes that the Medium algorithm, claps, views, and reads are secondary to the actual readers who genuinely enjoy and support a writer's work.
Readers are seen as the most important factor in a writer's success, driving sales and promotions, and their role has remained consistent even with the advent of the internet and social media.
The author has a positive view of Medium, considering it a great platform that provides a niche space for diverse content, synergy between writers and readers, and opportunities for learning and growth.
Medium is appreciated for being a largely non-toxic environment where writers can share their work without fear of abuse and where humor and satire also have a place.
The Medium Partner Program is defended against criticisms, with the author suggesting that the platform's benefits outweigh its drawbacks.
The author expresses a sense of community and camaraderie among Medium writers, noting their willingness to share information and opportunities with each other.

An Aha! Moment

image by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

I was making breakfast this morning when a sudden thought occurred to me — an Aha! moment of sorts. I just realized that the Medium algorithm is not the issue nor the claps, views or reads (not that those things aren’t important) — the most important factor is *drumroll* YOU. Yes you — the fans, the readers, the ones who value and enjoy writers' work and expect so much from them.

IT’S NOT THE ALGORITHM, IT’S YOU

I thought about my favorite authors like Jeffrey Archer, John Grisham, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Francine Rivers — I and hundreds (maybe even thousands) around the world enjoy reading their work. That’s a huge readership. Why do we invest time and effort to buy a hardcopy or download an e-book? Because we genuinely love their work, the stories they tell, the worlds they take us to and the imaginations they evoke in our minds. This is why readers read and will continue to seek out and read new work from their favorite authors.

In the days before the internet and social media, loyal readers drove book sales and promotions for authors' works. They were the first at book signings, they attended book tours, bought the first copies, and discussed and promoted new books at their book clubs. Fast forward to the internet and social media age and consider sites like Goodreads — a massive book cataloging site with thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands)of books where you can browse titles from any author, glimpse the first few pages, give reviews, take part in interactive discussions and get suggestions on where to make a purchase.

I might have digressed a little bit but stay with me. I guess what I am trying to say is it’s the readers that matter most. Ok, Medium calls them fans and though I tend to shy away from that word, (football fan hooliganism and violence spoilt the word for me) the fact remains that everyone who enjoys reading a particular writer’s work is a fan. Medium is just the platform that brings us together and makes so many other things possible. We can collaborate on and off-world (I borrowed that from the Thor movie) that is within and outside Medium, we can make friends, we can learn from each other, heck we may even get to meet in person.

I hope I am not blathering or boring you to death. You see, it’s just been a little over 2 months since I joined the MPP (Medium Partner Program) and I read a lot of stories about low earnings, no curation, and the pros and cons of the MPP. However, I find that Medium IS a great platform and I say that for several reasons:

Medium provides a platform for great content in one place — a one-stop-shop if you will. The internet is an immensely vast sea of content and provides a niche space

Medium provides synergy — it’s a great place that brings together writers and readers and offers so much diversity. You can find anything on any topic technical or otherwise on Medium. There is something for everyone — fiction, non-fiction, poetry, academic essays, opinion pieces, self-improvement, spirituality, love, medicine, scientific research, and so many others

Medium offers endless learning and growth opportunities — I have learned and am still learning so much about Medium itself and about writing in general. Medium writers are so giving. They don’t hoard information or their knowledge of available opportunities

Medium is a fun space — it’s largely devoid of toxicity. Yes, as writers we will write passionately about things that cause us angst, but by and large, Medium is a safe space devoid of abuse. Also, there are lots of writers writing satire, fun pieces and things that make you laugh

In summary, I’d rather have Medium around than not

So, this goes out to the great writers of excellent stories and the fans and readers who power our sails.

I say Salute! You are all greatly appreciated. May we continue to grow together

Imabong

Imabong Faminu is a Content writer, Creative writer, and Poet. Connect with her on Twitter @IFaminu and on LinkedIn. You can find more of her work on Instagram @wordsrwine or on her blog possibiblog.wordpress.com