Curated Collection and Daily Updates
Look What Aiden Found Today — Episode #113
Favorite stories I read plus community-nominated pieces tailored for avid readers of ILLUMINATION Publications on Medium
Non-members can read this story via our friend link.
Dear avid readers and prolific writers! Happy Weekend! Welcome to episode #113, covering my favorite stories and the nominated ones from our editors and great readers like you. Today’s episode is shorter, but I added a variety to cater to a broad audience.
I wrote an exciting short story about a man who lives in a wheelchair due to a swimming accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He can now play a computer game with his mind. You heard it right. Yep, Mr. Elon Musk is the man behind this achievement.
I compiled recently boosted stories, adding 20 new exceptional stories that I wanted to share with our discerning readers. I will create a new collection tomorrow as we had more boosted stories.
If you are interested in the boost of your stories, the attached story by Dr. Yildiz is a must-read definitely answering frequently asked questions clearly and passionately.
Thank you for your feedback on the previous collections. I believe you will find some fresh and valuable pieces in this collection. There is something for everyone, as I cover many topics when selecting the nominations.
Recently, I couldn’t believe my eyes again, as something unusual happens every day. Someone literally sells claps and highlights on Fiverr! We wrote an important bulletin about it to ask our new writers not to believe them. Medium might suspend any account using such illegal services. Apparently, 300+ people are selling them, and we only caught one.
Recently Dr Yildiz posted our monthly newsletter from his secondary account Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Tech). We also added more new writers. I introduce them at the end of this post.
Now ILLUMINATION is 4 year old. Unfortunately, I couldn’t write about it and couldn’t create a video as I used to do due to my hectic work schedule with adding new writers, publishing, curation, and boost nomination activities. But our hardworking editor Mike Broadly, DHSc wrote a humorous story in an Aussie accent. I believe you will love it.
Yesterday, we added 200+ new writers today and welcomed them in a pack. We also added more writers today and posted a new onboarding pack.
Update on Restored Accounts
It is great to see Medium restore the account of 🥰Lanu Pitan🥰. If you missed his story, you can read how beautifully he wrote it, giving us a background of our beloved ILLUMINATION too. I also heard that Amir Bibi (Ameer) one of the inspiring writers is back. I am very happy for Amir, too.
Recently, our great writer Ammara Hassan was back. Please welcome her as she had some stressful times like Lanu. Hello Everyone! I am Back
Scarlet Ibis James 🦩 informed us in a new story that Toni The Talker is also back. Scarlet wrote a beautiful piece like Dr Yildiz. Both Scarlet and Toni are my favorite writers and readers engaging meaningfully with stories of other writers therefore I wanted to share this valuable piece showing community support.
I hope more authentic writers return.
Gamers have asked me on Discord and Slack questions about how boosting works for ILLUMINATION-Gaming. To answer their questions, I created a short video on YouTube and added it to a story with transcripts for those who can’t watch videos. I hope this piece answers the fundamental questions about boosting.
Recently, I wrote a piece about my predictions for the 2024 Academy Awards. I finally wrote a new piece about the winners. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to your comments.
As this bulk account suspension is an important matter for the community, our chief editor, Dr Yildiz, wrote a story about it. You may share your thoughts on it as he showed empathy to victims but also highlighted the challenges of Medium.
Our editor, Mike, also wrote about it from a different angle.
I will give a few quick updates for new readers.
You can read the writer’s interviews from this collection.
Like me, Mike Broadly, DHSc loves reading these interviews and he recently compiled the ones he read. Here is the link to his beautiful collection.
You may check out (avid reader and our senior curator) Mike’s captivating collections as an avid reader and a proud FoM contributing to the earnings of our writers.
Mike also compiled boosted stories he read. I Read 100+ Boosted Stories and Here’s What I Learned.
Another hardworking editor The Sturg started curated collections. Please take a look at his excellent collection. The Sturg’s Illumination Editorial Picks: Third Edition.
Recently, I updated this piece which aims to inspire writers to post their bios as our readers love them as they keep asking me more personal stories like in this collection. I look forward to reading and promoting your writer biographies. Meet ILLUMINATION Writers from Their Personally Penned Biographies
ILLUMINATION-Curators create a new collection for our Reading Club. It is full of engaging stories. ILLUMINATION Reading Club #8
As a boost nominator, I introduce stories of frequently boosted writers. So far, I did four and will post more as they can be helpful to new writers.
For those who missed the heartfelt and inspiring open letter by Dr Yildiz inviting many non-members to become members, I suggest you engage and share it on your socials. I hope his story reaches a broad audience so we bring more readers as our views significantly drop.
Invitation to Upgrade for Friends of Medium
I hope many more avid readers upgrade their subscriptions. These avid readers have good reasons like me. If you are an avid reader and can afford to consider upgrading your subscription by taking the plunge like many early adopters whom I introduced you to in this story.
I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium (FoM) Yesterday.
Why I Became a Friend of Medium
ILLUMINATION editors interviewed Dr Yildiz on how Friends of Medium can share links on out tailored social media platforms. I tried them, and sharing these stories took only 10 minutes. I hope they bring many new readers to Medium. We all need to attract more readers to make this platform more vibrant and sustainable.
How Friends of Medium Can Amplify Important Stories Via Customized Social Media Sites
Our editors and curators also explained how we promote non-boosted stories, which are more than 99%, so I take a significant role in this process to create visibility for such stories. Thanks, everyone, for the support that keeps me trucking on this fabulous journey.
Daily List for Sharing — Volume 113
I volunteered to create a list of this collection. So you can easily share this collection on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Reddit, or Quora. You can find all our sharing platforms from this story link by Dr Yildiz.
Here are our wonderful and nominated stories today! I believe you will find something that will satisfy your reading needs.
Chosen Stories from ILLUMINATION Writers Today
From Toxicity to Tolerance: Understanding the Causes of Hate Comments on NewsBreak vs Supportive… Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Nuances of Serotonin Syndrome: Caution Needed for Elevated Serotonin Levels Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Her Son Saw Her in the Shower, and The Sky Was Falling Down Mike Broadly, DHSc
Here’s How I Improved My VO2max After My 60s with Persistence and Guidance. Mike Broadly, DHSc
What Car Shows Mean to Me and How They Enriched My Life Aiden (Illumination Gaming)
It May Take 100 Monkeys to Save One Person! Ali Alzahrani, M.Sc., Editor
How “Black Swan Events” Change Your Life — for Good and Bad Brian Feutz
The bored predator Teresa D Hawkes, Ph.D.
Our Social Media Feeds Stifle Personal Growth, Yeah! Charlene Ann Mildred
The Surprising Role of the Shape of the Human Penis The One Alternative View
Why the Bluepill Dilemma Is Older Than Time Itself Matteo DaVerona
How to Deal with the Fact that Everyone We Love Will Die Someday Martin Vidal
Woodstock Then And Now Rebecca Romanelli
7 Ways To Get Anyone to Say Yes Singh Bhai
A Virtual Book Reading of “In the Minuses” Pernoste & Dahl
Fascism and Communism Have More in Common Than You May Realize Ellen Clardy, PhD
Work On your Mind and yourself to take more benefits from life! Love Sarao
Does Anything Actually Exist Outside Of Ourselves? Lisa Fouweather
Another Blessing for Ramadan Lisa Spray
We Need A Change In Climate Mindset JamieWrites
Not getting a Job? Here’s the Surprising Reason You’re Not Getting Hired — Part 2 Bryce Barrows - Career & Transformational Coach
Xenotransplantation: First Pig Kidney Transplant in a 62-Year-Old Man Dr Mehmet Yildiz
Lose Weight Fast With These 7 Easy Steps (How To Do It Correctly) Dennis Kiplimo
A Revelation Of The Method Michael Holford
7 Strategies to Avoid Burnout and Cultivate a Harmonious Life Zhenya Zerkalenkov
8 Covert Red Flags A Lot of Men Fail to Notice With Women and Dating Paul Trood
Beyond Resumes: Unveiling the Secrets to Successful Candidate Selection Shubha Apte
I Unsubscribed to Over 100 Email Lists Ace Loves Tech
Are Squatters Rights More Important Than Those of Homeowners? Deborah Camp
The Jarl’s Neck Ring David Pahor
I Was Poor, So I Know How to Survive a Recession Tree Langdon
Celebrating Easter In The Modern Age: New Traditions, Different Minds Sheamus Aaren
Anyone Else Hate Holidays? Misty Rae
The Art of Saying No Umer Sheraz
Glass Windows Dr John Frederick Rose
Kiss Your Comfort Zone Goodbye: Being Uncomfortable Makes You Unstoppable MAGDALENA PONURSKA
It’s Mango Shower Time Dr. Seema Patel (PhD)
Mastering These 5 Habits Skyrocketed My Writing Earnings Tser Dennis
2 Reality-Shifting Quotes by Mother Teresa to Redefine Your Life Path Thomas Oppong
Conjoined With My Mother Jan G Sokol
Zen Buddhists — Chop Wood, Carry Water Ritika Murarka
When Gambling Comes a Problem Thomas Morison
When Fascism Typically Takes Over a Nation by Rhetoric — Here’s What Happens.. Harvey Ross
Why ‘Forever’ is a Myth Nivetha Sudhakar Kalaivani
10 Magic Pills Everyone Should Take Nisha Arya Ahmed
That One Productivity Article You Read Everywhere — And Here As Well Eric Kulbiej
Therapy Notes: Screaming Sessions In Group Therapy Sara Ochoa Birrueta
Sympathy For the Google Algorithm: The Young Immortal Antichrist Markus Scorelius
How Sunshine Affects Us John Whye
Did Gaza End Hillary Clinton’s Career? Nour Alhakk
Was Your Medium Account Suspended? Daniel Hall
Day 19: Be Humble: It Increases Dignity. Zahera Noor
A Digital Dopamine Drip: Are you hooked? Be The Ignite
Four Reasons Why Second Best Is Better Than Best: The Top Is a Lonely Place Matteo DaVerona
The Decline of Color: Is the World Becoming Monochromatic? Leo Tognetti
Lesson #2 from cracking the 2nd toughest exam in the world: “Be obsessed with the goal” Nikhil
How to create Easter eggs with React and CSS Modules? Programmer Girl
How to Get Away from Boring Conversations with Strangers Ibtissam
God’s Simple Message John Passadino
Hollowed Ground — My Dungeons and Dragons Character’s Backstory Taryn Tyler
Apple Vision Pro: Who is effectively using it in the real world? Vaibhav Kalekar
Are We Alone in the Universe? M Aslam Waheed
I The Other Shoe Doesn’t Have To Fall James Boylan
Holistic Remedy, LAVENDER — pt.1 Sara Nobahar
Finding Comfort in Blocks: How Minecraft Eased My First Time Loneliness and Intense Grief at 17 Aiden (Illumination Gaming)
Thank you for reading these beautiful stories.
Quick Updates for Highlights of Our Pubs for New Writers
Here is our onboarding pack covering everything you need to know.
ILLUMINATION-Curators introduced some recently boosted stories. I believe you will find some great stories in that collection. Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION Publications — V2
By upgrading his main profile, Dr Yildiz inspired our readers to become Medium Friends. I hope many readers join this inspiring journey. Celebrating My Reading Anniversary with My Upgraded Subscription to New Medium Friendship
Boost Education:
Here is Episode 2 introducing boosted stories of Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D. Lessons Learned from Boosted Stories — Episode #2 and Lessons Learned from Boosted Stories — Episode #1. You can learn more about Matt’s background from this interview. An Interview with Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D.
Recently, I added several new writers. I look forward to seeing their stories in these collections soon. You can meet them from the attached post. I also added their profiles at the end of this post so you can follow them easily if you want to. I will add more writers later today. There are many applicants. Announcement of New Writers for ILLUMINATION #28 and #27
For new readers and writers, I have also joined the ranks as a Friend of Medium (FoM). From now on, stories I read from other writers will earn them four times the previous ones. Details are in the attached story. I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium (FoM) Yesterday.
Dr Yildiz also wrote about it to invite our readers to become Medium Friends and support our writers. The more FoMs the merrier. Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
But scammers spammed his beautiful story and tried to deceive our readers. Here’s his sad and important story: every writer and reader needs to understand and act cautiously. They act too realistically! Scam and Spam Accounts on Medium Are As Bad As Hate Speech and Defamation for Writers
How to Identify Them? These fraudulent accounts typically lack followers and haven’t authored any stories themselves. They are non-members with no star or heart icons in their profile names. Urgent Notice: Beware of Fake Accounts Impersonating Influential Writers
If you are into gaming, I also wrote about winners of 2023 for popular games. I will introduce some of those games in my forthcoming stories for game lovers. The Winners of The Game Awards 2023 Have Been Announced
Talking of gaming, if you plan to craft stories about these remarkable games, consider submitting them to my publication, ILLUMINATION-Gaming. I’m here to elevate your narratives, ensuring they stand out and increasing their chances of a boost. I wrote about my goals and how I can help our writers in a story titled ILLUMINATION Gaming Is Part of the Boost Program Now.
To inform new writers, our special publication, ILLUMINATION-Curated, now is a boost nominating pub You may learn about How ILLUMINATION Publications Support the BOOST Program.
I’ve bundled up all my lists into one tidy little story. It is a treasure trove of fantastic reads waiting for you. Please consider sharing the love on your socials and dive into these gems! You won’t regret it.
Shareable List Links for Curated Collections on ILLUMINATION
Dr Mehmet Yildiz introduced a writing duo known as Pernoste & Dahl. You will love this introduction as he reveals the mystery behind these interesting writers who writes inspiring and engaing content on Medium.
Meet Pernoste and Dahl: A Writing Duo of a Neuroscientist and an Artist
ILLUMINATION editors introduced a great writer, Somil Gupta. I hope you check his profile and explore his delicious stories. Meet Somil Gupta on Medium
Our team of volunteers is working through the influx of stories, aiming to review and publish each piece while welcoming new writers into our fold. It’s a labor of love that demands time and effort. Please remember that we support 27K+ writers, as mentioned in our Monthly Updates.
If you missed this recent interview featuring Luay Rahil, here is a link for you. His stories can nicely surprise you. An Interview with Luay Rahil, MBA
For those who missed my Vocal saga, here is the link. I hope new writers don’t make the same mistake I made for 18 months. Here’s How I Miserably Failed Vocal Media But Have No Regrets
ILLUMINATION-Curators compiled boosted stories in December, so you might find some fascinating stories from this collection. I also chose to publish this collection on ILLUMINATION-Curated as our readers enjoy curated collections. Here is their treasure trove: Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION-Curated
ILLUMINATION-Curators wrote about that exceptional story. I hope you will get a chance to read it and pay attention to your privacy. An Exceptional Story on Privacy Every Reader May Find Helpful
Our chief editor Dr Mehmet Yildiz, upgraded our publication accounts ILLUMINATION and ILLUMINATION-Curators, as well as his tech account Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Tech), making them Friends of Medium. Reading from these accounts will allow writers to earn four times more. While curating stories, we read many stories from these accounts, so it will be great for writers. Details are in his story by Dr Mehmet Yildiz (Tech): Why I Became a Friend of Medium
Today, I was busy as it was the last public holiday in Australia. I helped with onboarding around 100 new writers, so I was able to find around 60 great pieces and listed them.
As I grappled with the hedonistic treadmill pursuing money and fame, which eventually led to burnout, Dr. Yildiz’s a story deeply resonated with me. It offers valuable insights that can shift perspectives on material possessions and money, perhaps even making it easier to integrate money effortlessly into our lives. Why I No Longer Chase Money & How I Escaped Hedonic Treadmill to Find True Joy
The cloning machine struck again, attempting to cast its shady duplicates in my blockbuster movie. But let me clarify — even if they get down on their knees and beg, these scammers won’t be snagging a role in my soon-to-be award-winning cinematic masterpiece. Yay, I Was Cloned Again but I Know the Scammer Will Kick the Bucket Soon.
I learned that scammers targeted Mike’s beautiful curated collections again after 5th time spamming all the readers pretending to be him. But this time, they used sophisticated methods that Mike revealed in a masterpiece. I think those scammers have no clue that Mike is a seasoned professional and will not allow them to win. That dubious writing club might kick the bucket soon. Battling Scams: My Heartfelt Struggle Against 5 Medium Attacks in a Week, Unveiling Their Latest Tricks
One of our consulting editors, David B. Grinberg 🇺🇸, wrote an interesting story about the critically important reasons why Medium should be more transparent with users about these phishing scams. Why Medium Should Be Transparent about Clone Phishing Attacks.
During our conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of Dr Yildiz’s challenges, and I hope those who sometimes take our volunteer service for granted read this story. Running these Medium publications is no walk in the park. I believe that it’s not all roses and rainbows in the editorial team.
A Rollercoaster of My Saturday: Challenges, Surprises, and Joyful Insights
As I curated these gems, I encountered numerous “aha” moments — some inducing fits of laughter, others coaxing tears, all painting my journey with vivid emotions. I’m excited to pass on these emotional roller coasters to you, hoping they’ll add a sprinkle of joy or even a smidgen of uncontrollable giggles to your day. Enjoy the ride.
ILLUMINATION editors created an important bulletin for increasing spam, scam, and bot accounts, contaminating the platform and causing grief to writers and readers. Please be careful as I was cloned and felt bad about it.
I read an interesting story from Dr Yildiz related to Mike’s story and his findings from the spammy topics pages.
The Reason I Didn’t Publish a Science and Health Article on Medium Today
Those who missed my Vocal saga can read it from this link. But I highly recommend the story of Dr Yildiz as it is concerning for new writers like me trying to make Medium our home.
Our newsletter for Illumination informing of our progress and plans was released on both Medium and on Substack. I link both so you can share with your relevant audience. Sharing is a wonderful community trait. Here’s the Substack version.
ILLUMINATION-Curators compiled and published the collection of boosted stories from ILLUMINATION-Curated. I believe you will find amazing stories from that collection. It is a labor of love between writers, editors, nominators, and Medium curators to delight our readers.
December 2023 was an excellent month for me. In addition, a story near and dear to my heart got a boost. Many thanks for the comments on this story: Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media’s Grip on My Life.
I recently self-curated my monthly stories for my loyal readers and as a sample for fellow writers. I look forward the same success this month so I keep working hard. Please also check our strategic approach for 2024, which is aligned with Medium’s direction articulated by Dr Mehmet Yildiz, our chief editor.
He also mentioned that only 5% of his stories performed well in 2023 and other 95% hardly got any views.
Dr Yildiz also added many new writers during his holidays.
Please find his collections with the associated lists and share them on your socials so we can bring more readers to Medium. Here are links to Mike’s collections: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16
Our supportive editor, famous nutritionist, Elin Melaas, created her second collection earlier. Elin also created the Invisible Series. Elin’s Chosen ILLUMINATION Stories — #2
And our lovely editor Surekha Chandrasekhar also created a collection of her delicious pub ILLUMINATION’s Nutrition which is also our virtual kitchen. 20 Curated Stories From Illumination’s Nutrition -2023
ILLUMINATION editors introduced some great writers. You may check out their profiles and explore their fabulous stories.
Meet Seda Anbarcı, Meet Dr Emmanuel Ogamdi, Meet Jozsef Kovacs, Meet Davor Katusic. Meet Thomas Allen Moon, Meet Sneha Nagre, Meet Zondra Dos Anjos, Meet Ani Vals Meet Ammara Hassan. Meet Sridhar Pai Tonse — Leadgen Coach- Tech Startups Chosen Stories from Omni Essence, Editorial Profile of InYah
Our editors enjoy stories and nominate them for these curated collections. You may check editor profiles in this collection.
I love reading writer biographies and curating them. If you write any bio story please let me know so I can add them to my collection. Meet ILLUMINATION Writers from Their Personally Penned Biographies
Dr Mehmet Yildiz reviewed an interesting book of Dr Emmanuel Ogamdi. If you are a book author, you may contact Dr Yildiz as he really does great reviews. He even wrote the foreword of my gaming book. Here is his great review today. “Nobody Will Tell You This”
As mentioned a few weeks ago, I created a Discord server for our writers to collaborate and share their story links, so you are all welcome to join. We already have great fun there. It is not as big as our Slack, but it will be one day, as Discord is a lot of fun.
Introduction to New Writers
Now, let’s welcome the new writers who joined us yesterday. Please explore their stories, and they resonate with you may connect with them. This is a great opportunity for writers and readers to meet. I followed most of you today but I couldn’t follow more than 150 profiles so I will continue the rest tomorrow.
A Special Welcome to New Writers on New Year’s Day from the Chief Editor
A Special Welcome to New Writers on Christmas Day from the Chief Editor
New writers, when you need help please don’t hesitate to contact me on Slack workspace or Discord server. I introduce these services below.
I also enjoy introducing writers on YouTube. So if you are interested you may contact me on Slack or Discord.
Here is some info about Slack and Discords
About Me
I write articles in my field covering gaming, film-making, social media, and design. I am also a YouTuber. Thank you for subscribing to my account to get notifications when I post on Medium. I created a new website to share my content for free and promote stories of writers contributing to my publications on Medium. I also have a Substack newsletter. Let’s connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.
I own two publications on Medium. One for video gamers and another for YouTubers and Podcasters. I also support Illumination Integrated Publications as a volunteer editor and participate in collaborative activities in the Slack Workspace.
Writer applications for my publications can be sent via this weblink. Please add your Medium ID. You may consider being a Vocal+ member to monetize your content. I also enjoy email marketing using Cliqly, which is my affiliate link.
