Summary

The author reflects on their experience writing 188 articles on Medium, with a 95% curation rate but no Top Writer status, questioning their standing on the platform and the value of their work.

Abstract

The author has published a substantial number of articles on Medium, with the majority being curated, yet they have not achieved the Top Writer status. Despite this, they have received some recognition in the form of views, though not always for their preferred articles. The author acknowledges the challenges of content creation, comparing the effort of writing to the impossibility of preparing three meals a day. They emphasize the importance of thorough research and personal voice in their writing, even if it includes colloquial language. The pursuit of writing excellence is likened to a puzzle with missing pieces, prompting the author to dedicate time to understanding platform guidelines. The desire for recognition, such as being a Top Writer, is a driving factor, though the author humorously settles for hypothetical titles like "Top lousy psychologist" or "Top rotten mother," drawing from their professional background and personal life. The financial aspect of writing is also considered, with the author reflecting on the modest earnings from writing compared to their previous career as a therapist. Despite the self-deprecating humor, the author is proud of their effort and suggests a new category, "The Just OK writer," as a more fitting recognition for their consistent work.

Opinions

The author feels that their writing efforts have not been adequately recognized on Medium, despite a high curation rate.
They express skepticism about the feasibility of writing multiple articles daily, drawing a parallel to the challenge of preparing three meals a day.
The author values quality writing, which includes original research and a genuine voice, and is critical of superficial or recycled content.
They admit to occasionally using informal language in their writing but stand by the content's integrity after revisions.
The author experiences self-doubt about their writing skills and strategies, leading to the establishment of "Rule Day" to better understand Medium's guidelines.
There is a humorous acceptance of not being a Top Writer, with the author suggesting tongue-in-cheek alternatives that reflect their profession and role as a mother.
The author reflects on the financial trade-off of writing, acknowledging that their articles have not been as lucrative as their previous profession.
Despite the challenges and modest rewards, the author takes pride in their consistent writing efforts and proposes a new category for writers like themselves who are "Just OK."
The author endorses an AI service as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4), suggesting it could be beneficial for readers interested in similar writing assistance.

I’ve published 188 articles, 95% curated and not a single Top Writer

Am I a Medium Bottom Feeder?

Full disclosure

First of all, I haven’t exactly set the platform on fire with my views. I hang out in the 100s with the occasional magic K, which is never the article which I would have chosen.

I read articles about how people write 3 posts a day. I can’t make 3 meals a day. I don’t know how it’s possible.

Some posts have everything that needs saying in the title and subtitle. Otherwise, you have to do the research, and not the crappy blurbs where the research has been bastardized five times already. (I’m veering into Top Bitcher…sorry)

I like my writing, but I confess to slipping into 4 and 5 letter words occasionally…OK, a lot. But when I go in for cleanup, I can’t find anything better.

I focus a lot on my writing and it feels like a few puzzle pieces are missing and somehow I have skipped rules or guidelines along the way. I have designated Thursday as Rule Day.

Why do I care?

Because “Top Anything” sounds really good. I’d be happy with “Top Deadbeat.”

I’m a psychologist and I write about mental health.

I’d take “Top lousy psychologist.”

I write a lot about motherhood

How about “Top rotten mother?” On the right day, I’m sure my daughter would endorse it.

My mother told me I could make more money babysitting, no small point since I have appropriated a number of “family stories” that have pissed a lot of people off and paid me enough to go down only one aisle in The Dollar Store.

When I stopped crying, I reflected on my therapist days when I would make in one hour, the equivalent of several months of steady writing.

I deserve an A for effort. “Top Effort, Still Sucks?”

Perhaps we could start a whole new designation — “The Just OK writer.”

I’d take it.