Letter to My Readers

What’s been happening and what’s ahead

At the risk of appearing normal, I’m writing a year-end review. Mostly, I’m reaching out to my followers, most of whom started following me in 2023.

First off, thanks for following and reading my work. I especially appreciate those of you who read my articles in depth, clap for them, and respond to them. I write to try to make the world a better place, and it is good to know that my efforts mean something to people.

2023 In Review

Last May I decided to go all-in on Medium, publishing a story a day to see what would happen. It was an interesting exercise that helped me gain a new perspective on writing. It also gained me new readers, which is the best outcome.

This was my top article published in May, which is also the top article for 2023.

Since May, I’ve been publishing about three articles a week. That’s all I’ve had time to do, not being able to (yet) quit my day job. Here is the top article since May in reads and claps. And the next most-read article.

In August, Medium introduced its new compensation formula that moves the platform away from some forms of clickbait. I was one of the big beneficiaries of the new policy, as my reads and earnings increased dramatically. I also gained over 4,000 new followers since the change.

Unfortunately, Medium’s dreadful feed algorithm still means that the vast majority of people don’t see articles from the authors they are following. I especially appreciate the extra work it probably took you to get to read this. You, dear readers, are the rare people who go searching beyond what is thrust in front of you. The only way to be sure you get to see my articles, or anyone else’s articles, is to subscribe to receive e-mail notifications of new articles. Or, bookmark my author page in your browser. Otherwise, you will be lucky to be shown anything I have published.

On my author page, you’ll see in the right-hand column my lists of past articles arranged by subject matter. Many good Medium authors create these lists on their author pages because the algorithms essentially disappear from view an article as soon as five days after it is published. Please, scroll through the lists on authors’ pages to find quality content the Medium feed wont show you. And please clap for and respond to articles — that’s how authors get paid.

Medium has taken positive steps toward encouraging higher-quality content. They have clamped down on the worst of the vapid lists and clickbait that filled Medium. Still, they have some way to go, as indicated by their dismissal of philosophy articles as “poor quality” and their recent “top stories” list — the subject matter of the articles on the list showing that Medium’s staff still prefer fluff over serious content.

2024 — The Year Ahead

I will continue to write about philosophy and how inserting philosophy into current events helps us clarify what’s going on and why. Medium is definitely the best platform currently available for serious content, despite the staff being unenthused about many serious topics. Readers tell me again and again that they want serious writing about serious issues. I will do my best to supply it.

We’re building an ecosystem of meaningful writing and communication among readers. It’s a meaning oasis amidst the desert of meaninglessness on the Internet. Please continue to be involved; your voice and ideas are valuable.

There will be a new publication soon on Medium dedicated to articles on history and politics. I am working out the details with a colleague and don’t yet have a launch date. The idea is to give authors and readers a place to discuss history and politics free from partisan diatribes and empty sensationalism. I’ll make an announcement when we know more. Meanwhile, don’t forget my current publication, Original Philosophy.

I won’t be writing as much in the next few weeks. I will be busy working on my next book. This one will explain political ideologies. I published a sample chapter here.

And please let me know if there are any subjects you would like me to address in future articles. Some of my best articles have come from ideas that readers gave me and topics readers suggested. I enjoy hearing what you all think and what you consider to be important. I’m serious when I say that philosophy is the attempt to build a better world.

Thanks again for everything. Good night and good luck.

Other top articles in 2023

This article is over two years old but still gets dozens of daily views from outside of Medium. People frequently link to it on social media.