Look What Aiden Found Today — Episode #25

Favorite stories I read plus community-nominated pieces tailored for avid readers of ILLUMINATION Publications on Medium

Happy Holidays. It is the last day of 2023 for me in Down Under now. The day before I talked about my recent 4-cent victory, I did a small experiment to try the power of Medium Friendship. After asking six Medium friendship members to read my full story about Counter-Strike (which the Medium algorithm seems to dislike), the earnings increased by 825%. From 4 to 37 cents — The Epic Tale of Medium Friendship Power. So we should keep Friends of Medium happy.

Uncle Google gave my story the limelight, so I’m predicting a viral blast in the new year. Though it wasn’t a friend link, so I’m not betting on a mansion. Just hoping for enough views to keep my sanity intact and my pen scribbling!

I couldn’t write today as I was busy reading and curating, but yesterday, I wrote a short and a juicy gaming story about Overwatch 2 to entertain gamers who follow me.

If you are into South Park, there’s a new version of the South Park game on the horizon! All the juicy details are in my latest story. Don’t miss out on the scoop. Here is The Next South Park Game Now Has a Release Date.

That’s a wrap for my personal daily updates. Now, more important stuff…

New Strategy for ILLUMINATION Writers

Dr. Yildiz just dropped the 2024 strategy bomb, and boy, am I late to the party! I wish I had a time machine or an alarm clock set for six months ago! Tomorrow’s the Aussie New Year, and I’m rewriting my story, literally and metaphorically. Here’s to hoping the new plot twist will have more zest than a kangaroo on a trampoline!

Introduction to a new writer who is not new to writing

He also introduced one of my favourite writers. Say a g’day to our brainy, scholarly, and artistic writer Lorwen Harris Nagle, PhD.

An exciting piece of news is that ILLUMINATION interviewed Dr Mehmet Yildiz about how to share Friends of Medium links on social media to bring more views, reads, claps, and, of course, money from external readers. It is a must-read interview for writers and readers.

Talking about sharing…

Daily List for Sharing — Volume 25

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.

Let’s all engage in this list and at least tweet it so that more readers can find these stories. It is the purpose of these curated lists. We appreciate your wonderful support for these writers who pour their hearts and souls into these stories to delight you. Here are the nominated stories from avid readers today.

Now, onto the less thrilling but oh-so-crucial bits that writers and even some readers will find essential. You can skip this part if you are a regular follower of my curated list. I wrote this part for newcomers.

Quick Updates for Highlights of Our Pubs

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:

I’ve launched a new series to help writers hit the literary stratosphere. Dr. Yildiz got the grand opening gig because I’ve got the scoop on his stellar stories. Now that I’m peeking behind the scenes as an editor and boost nominator, I’m trying to put as many writers in the spotlight as possible. Your thoughts on the story would be cosmic — let’s team up and make these tales shine like stars! I will do it for every boosted writer as soon as I get a chance. 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

They did the same thing to me. For those who missed the excitement, two days ago, I was happy the scary scam account that emulated my profile and tried to deceive my readers was removed. Those who missed the drama can read it from this link. Breaking News: My Clone Kicked the Bucket, and I’m Gleefully Celebrating It🎉

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 25K+ 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

Our senior editor Mike Broadly, DHSc joined the curation team and created new collections from his favorite stories that you may adore. He has amazing taste as an avid reader and has already created seven collections in such a short time. I loved his new collection earlier today.

Mike’s Favorite Stories on ILLUMINATION Publications — #17 Mike Broadly, DHSc

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.

Chosen Stories from ILLUMINATION Writers Today

As we mentioned before, “these stories are a combination of what I enjoyed and those which nominated by volunteering editors (also writers and readers) on this platform, so the stories in this collection reflect their collective tastes. As a publication, ILLUMINATION keeps a neutral position for all published stories, and it is impossible to feature over one million published stories. But we will do our best to amplify as many great stories as possible almost daily from now on based on the availability of our volunteers.”

Here are our wonderful and nominated stories today! I believe you will find something that will satisfy your reading needs.

Understanding the Nuances of 4 Types of Obesity Dr Mehmet Yildiz

Wisdom in Bite Size from a Tweet Mike Broadly, DHSc

Three Ways to Supercharge Your Imagination Cedric Johnson, PhD

How I Learned to Meditate and What I Get From It After 40 Years Lapse Martin D. Hirsch

Surrender is Not the Word I Thought it Was in My Youth Rebecca Romanelli

Signs Of Disorganized Attachment In Adulthood Above The Middle

Right With Validation — Or Wrong With Life Lessons Annelise Lords

Dentists are Sherlock Holmes and Unsung Heroes Aletheia Chan

Setting The Right Goals for 2024 Ashley Sole

Stop Putting It Off! Bill Abbate

Meet Gary Orphey — Joanie Adams — Sightseer; Conjurer Of Words

When I Asked The Universe For Help, It Sent Me This. Bluesapphire

Morning Routines Are Killing Your Productivity. Make This Simple Tweak Instead Bria Esnard

Why Have You Not Started? Blessing Oluchukwu Awamba

“Out of Context” Marcus aka Gregory Maidman

LGBTQ+Teen CJ Johnson

To Be Born and To Know Derive From the Same Indo-European Root “Jan” Cristiano Luchini

Here is How to Find Your Happiness in the New Year Danya Khelfa

Restoration David Graham

You Do Not Need A $300 Course To Learn To Grow Your Money Tser Dennis

Three Daily Meditations for Better Health, Better Memory, and a Peaceful Mind Emery Caster

Mirror Enes Cevik

How to Go From Ordinary to Extraordinary Eren Elsewhere

Waking Up to An Extra $2,460 Ethan Ginsberg

What Makes Kansas City a Top Destination in the World for Remote Workers? Evan Crosby

9 Hard Truths Most People Learn Too Late in Life Even Writes

The Beginner’s Handbook to Dopamine-Powered Success Felix Story

Iowa GOP Leaders Divided On Support Floyd Mori

#1 New Year’s Resolution? ‘Demand a Ceasefire’ Gail Valker McNulty 🕊️🌱

Are We Overthinking Everything? Helen Fu Thomas

8 Mandatory Books to Become a Better Person (and a Manipulator) in 2024 Henrique Centieiro & Bee Lee

I’m That Loser Who Got Demoted Ian Writes

How Friends of Medium Can Amplify Important Stories Via Customized Social Media Sites ILLUMINATION

A Tale of Opulence and Emptiness Jack Purdy

2023, A Year in Hindsight Jairam R Prabhu

How Often Do I Use Spirituality In A Day James Boylan

Childhood Trauma: ACEs Jamie Watts

It’s New Year’s Eve! JD Adams ~ Stories From the Mountain

It’s finally happening on the 22nd of March 2024 Jibril Yusuf

El Salvador Jo Lovatt - (KryptaKitty)

Fragility of Life John

Embrace Your Fear John K Adams

Out With the Old, In With the New John Whye

I Had A TikTok Hit 1.7 Million Views But I’d Rather Be Tweeting Jon Svec

Avoid 5 Common Mistakes Students Make Jovan Nikolic

Bridging Two Worlds Julian Hale

How to write on the Internet? Useful tips for beginners Kallol Mazumdar

The 15-Minute Therapist Warning Karen Humphries

Put Out the Fires of Muscular Dystrophy Keisha Greaves

Thank You Kevin Byrne

What is Sandbagging? Kingsley Asuamah

Raisin/Oatmeal Cookies Larry Nowicki

A Treat For Any Meal Larry Nowicki

What You Should Do With the First Thousand Dollars You Earn Lawson Wallace

Money, Sex and Power — Evil Trifecta or Undeniable Survival Basics? Lori Brown

The Positive Impact of “No” on Your Productivity Louis K

Breaking Free from Perfectionism: 10 Tips for a Happier Life Luay Rahil

3 “A’s” of Leadership: How to Turn Anxiety, Anger, and Apathy into Strengths MAGDALENA PONURSKA

When I got lucky!!! Mahesh Chandra

“Get Rich Quickly” — Too Good to Be True? Manish Dangi

Overcoming Writer’s Block Marc Rundquist

Don’t Make A New Year Resolution. Marlane Ainsworth

How I Grew More Than 12,000 Medium Followers In Less Than 4 Months (Steal What I Did). Michael Lim

Missing Links: What You’re Not Getting From Your CS Degree Nana Bonsu

Readers Corner Nasar Karim

Growing Up with a Narcissistic Parent: The Effects on Children’s Well-being Paddy Murphy

Combatting Depression and Burnout: Parenteeny - teenagers can do more

Are We Living Too Long? Paul Coogan

If You Feel Miserable, It’s Time To Zoom Out Paul Trood

New Year, New Me? Navigating the Annual Reset Button with Hope Rajeev Mudumba

23 Things I Learned in 2023 Richa Singh

How to Effectively Learn Data Science in 2024: ChatGPT Version Richard Warepam💡

The Richest Of The Rich Is — One Who Is Not A Prisoner To Greed: S.a.n.a.h

Explaining the Common Cold and the Line at the DMV Sanjay Singhal

That Moment Of Silence. Shruti Mishra

When Words Fail Me Stevenharrison

So in the end, having more money makes you happier? Tarek Rakhiess

Can You Draw with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra? The Bumble Life

Trending Topics on Medium ChrisCrutch

Strange Medical Conditions Doctors Can’t Explain The Daily Updater

Money — It’s Not How Much You Make, It’s What You Do With It The FI Adventure

Could A Black Hole Also Be An Organism? The One Alternative View

Sensitivity Has Become The Cancer Of Society. This Writer

Dive Into 2024 Without Feeling Stuck Thomas McGregor

The 10,000-Hour Rule Is One of the Biggest Lies in History Tim Denning

The Art of Self-Compassion Tom Kane

Here is Why You Must Take a Credit Card Vishnu Vijayan

The Wheel of Ideas never stops Warren Brown

Achieve Your Goals Every Day Wild Wombat

Part 3 of the Sacrificial Lambs Series writingelk

You Need to be Fearless If You Want to Achieve Your Dreams Yash Sharma

Overthinking May Damage Your Brain Zunaira Fatima

ILLUMINATION Reading Club #4 ILLUMINATION-Curators

Thank you for reading these beautiful stories.

Now, let’s welcome the new writers who joined us recently. Please explore their stories and they resonate with you you may connect with them. This is a great opportunity for writers and readers to meet.

You may also check previously joined writers in the last two weeks from the attached onboarding packs. You never know who to meet.

Here is our onboarding pack covering everything you need to know.

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. I also enjoy email marketing using Cliqly, which is my affiliate link.