avatarAiden (Illumination Gaming)

Summary

Aiden, a Medium writer and YouTuber, curates a collection of stories for avid readers, highlights the importance of community engagement, and encourages support for writers through Medium's Friend of Medium (FoM) program.

Abstract

In the latest episode of his curated series, Aiden presents a selection of favorite stories and community-nominated pieces tailored for readers of ILLUMINATION Publications on Medium. Despite a busy return to work, Aiden has managed to find and share quality content, including his monthly stories compilation and a boosted story about gaming's impact on his life. He advocates for readers to consider upgrading their Medium subscriptions to FoM, which benefits both readers and writers. Aiden also introduces new writers to the platform, shares strategic insights for 2024 in line with Medium's direction, and provides resources for new writers, including a Discord server for collaboration. The curated collection also features a list of boosted stories, inviting readers to engage with and share the content.

Opinions

  • Aiden values the collective tastes of the community and the importance of amplifying diverse voices through curated collections.
  • He believes that becoming a Friend of Medium is a meaningful way for readers to support writers and enhance their reading experience.
  • Aiden emphasizes the significance of boosting stories and the positive impact it has on both the visibility of stories and the motivation of writers.
  • The cur

Curated Collection and Daily Updates

Look What Aiden Found Today — Episode #30

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

Image by Aiden (Illumination Gaming)

Dear Writers and Readers! I had more time and energy during the Christmas holiday, but now, I have to return to work, so I have less time to read. Still, after work, I managed to find some great pieces for our loyal readers. I also self-curated my monthly stories for my loyal readers and as a sample for fellow writers.

As mentioned before, December 2023 was an absolute champ for me. In addition, a story near and dear to my heart got a boost. Here is my sad story for those who missed it: Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media’s Grip on My Life.

If you are an avid reader like me and can afford to consider upgrading your subscription by taking the plunge like many early adopters whom I introduced you to in this story,

You may also enjoy our recent collection of Mike Broadly, DHSc, who is an avid reader and a proud FoM contributing to the earnings of our writers.

ILLUMINATION-Curators compiled our BOOSTED stories in a collection and presented them to our readers today. We will also share this collection on Substack for our many subscribers to bring more and more readers to this great platform. Let’s all collaborate and make Medium better together by being FoM or engaging meaningfully in the stories of others. These boosted stories can delight our readers and inspire our writers.

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.

Please also check our strategic approach for 2024, which is aligned with Medium’s direction articulated by Dr Mehmet Yildiz, our chief editor.

Dr Yildiz also added many new writers during his holidays. I will add their profiles to the end so you may welcome them and connect with them.

I slot detailed publication-related news toward the end of the collection so we don’t overwhelm our loyal readers. However, writers can hop to the tail end to catch up on our activities. It’s a win-win situation!

Daily List for Sharing — Volume 30

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.

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.

6 Steps to Heal the Inferior Heel Pain Dr Mehmet Yildiz

What’s in Me for It? Cedric Johnson, PhD

Be Positive Performer: Wetiko, The Art of Listening, The Day I Almost Gave Up Doc Samurai Sam,

The Unseen Visitor: A Historical Odyssey of Unacknowledged Depression Dr. Christine Chuckle

Exploring Blue Ocean Strategy Dr Abdel M.E

The Nature Walks Of December Dr. Gabriella Korosi,

5 Signs You’re Not Meant for Long-Term Relationships Gabe Araujo, M.Sc.

Unwanted Wings Pernoste & Dahl,

Do THIS When You Can’t Write Wesley van Peer

The Quiet Hero May Step up and Surprise You During a Workplace Emergency Gill McCulloch

The Best Advice I heard as a Beginning Online Writer Lorwen Harris Nagle, PhD,

An Open Letter to My Recent Followers and Email Subscribers Michael Burg, MD (Satire Sommelier),

Halloween Follies: Two Takes Elizabeth Emerald

Cries and Laughter Yong Kim

About Me: Who Am I and Why Am I Here? David B. Grinberg 🇺🇸,

Tackling Obesity with New FDA-Approved Drug Zepbound Antonio Segovia, MD.

Why I’m a Pragmatist of Personal Development Elaine Hilides

I Hope To Be the Person That My Dog Believes Me To Be James Boylan,

A Year-End Message to All Artists Seda Anbarcı,

Directing the Masterpiece of Our Existence Felix Story

My Story Recognized as One of Medium’s Top 32 Stories Ali Alzahrani, Editor,

Are You Getting Enough Essential Vitamins in Your Diet? Dr. K P Vasudeva Rao

American Authors In Exile II — Desolation ON the Gains — Morning Papers XXII Joanie Adams — Sightseer; Conjurer Of Words.

Time to Spill the Liber-Tea in the Land of The Free Rui Alves,

Birds Unfurl The Wings Sheltering My Heart Rebecca Romanelli

Understanding Complex PTSD Libby Shively McAvoy

We Insure You with a Wink, She Said JD Adams ~ Stories From the Mountain,

Let’s REDESIGN, REPAIR & REWEAR, for sustainability Shirley Willett,

4 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Taking Holidays Lanu Pitan🥰

Once You’re Fulfilled / What’s Next Pierre. Climate change & solutions.

How Does Social Comparison Shape Our Self-Image? Wesley van Peer

My Therapist Says I’m Doing Better. Ruby Noir 😈

Survival Intention Hoodie for Men Annelise Lords

Continuum of Thought Frank Ontario | empathy, logic,

Optimistic Political Impressions. Dr John Frederick Rose

Why You Need to be Appreciating 2023 Instead of Preparing for 2024 Afra GAADEN

Six Power Moves to Master the Art of Being Smart in Every Situation Aman Jain

The Impact of Love Asma Khalid

Delectable Coffee-Glazed Espresso-Banana Loaf Aurora

Moving Across The Continent Revealed My True Home. bluesapphire

100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years Dr Mehmet Yildiz

If You Have One Income Stream, You’ll Always Be Struggling Tim Denning

7 Unusual Habits of Highly Creative Minds Tom Kane

How to Declutter Your Life in 4 Practical Steps Bria Esnard

A Voice That Makes a Difference Carmellita

How to Get Better in Setting New Year’s Resolutions and Goals Chris Soschner

What You Need To Do Before Creating a Specific Personal Budget Citizen Reader

Point of view Cleaningselfofself

College Admissions Policies for Modern Times: A Proposal Jill

I Wonder As I Wander About New Year’s Resolutions Mark Armstrong

A New Year’s Message for Readers, Writers and Editors David B. Grinberg 🇺🇸

Are You In The Right Market / Niche? DeryaSefer @ IdeaMastery

Uneaten Health Devin Sams

Web of deceit Hammad Ahmad

The Worst New Year: Ukraine Shelled Belgorod, and Russia — Kharkiv Hanna Motorina/Ukraine

What Is Creative Writing About? Harry Hogg

Reflecting on Wisdom Harry Stefanakis

What Does Your Comfort Zone Have to Say About Your New Year’s Goals? Helen Marie

Suffering In The Pursuit Of Comfort | How Addressing Hardship Can Boost Your Chances Of Success. J.R Esnard

The Flaws and Feels AI Can’t Master in Music James Christopher

Being Bored Makes You More Creative, Sexier and Smarter Jess West

Healing Comes from within Yourself — Here’s What I’ve Learned Jessey Anthony

A Very American Poem To Our Favorite Concept — The Deductible. Joe Guay - Dispatches From the Guay Life!

Better Systems Lead to Better Outcomes Jonathan Isbill MS, RD, LD

If You Want a Path in Management, You Need to Improve These Josef Cruz

2024: 24 Lessons I Learned Along The Way! Kalpana Khattri

5 Things I Did in 2023 to Continue My Path to Becoming a Millionaire Karina

The Connection Between Sleep and Productivity Kashi Writes

Stories From Behind Bars III Kendalin Jane

At War With Demons Lauren Hall

Self-Help Is No Help Leo Jourard

What is Found Family? LGWare, The Black Lens

Twitter (Now X) Value Tumbles Under Musk’s Reign Luay Rahil

In Pursuit of Excellence Lysandros Lysandrou

3 Reasons Why Self-Investment is Crucial for Personal Growth Manisha Mozumder

Microsoft Copilot: Revolutionizing Mobile User Experience Mary Beth Hazeldine

Psychedelic Travel Trips Matthew Bamberg

A new business might be very safe: how to do it right? Mehreennagi

Jaquiline’s Journal Memoona Bilal

The Seven-Day Mental Diet: How To Change Your Life Nancy Wilson

This Simple Habit Can Yield Maximum Results In 2024 Naveen Kumar Thangavel

Today, 2-Jan-24. NSW Police & Me. Pete J J

Beyond the Obvious: Embracing Uncommon Goals for a Transformative 2024 Rajeev Mudumba

If You’re Depressed With No Goals, You Need This Advice From Jordan Peterson Rami Dhanoa

One Crucial Step Towards A Better, More Responsible Government Raveen

Data Engineers, Prepare for Takeoff: Top Trends Shaping 2024 Ravish Kumar

I Travelled Back in Time with a Dancing Queen Rebecca Forest

Avoid Lying Because It Will Destroy Your Faith: S.a.n.a.h

Lost in the Dark Woods Sarah ✨

What We Owe Our Future Selves Sawyer Kuhl, the Quiet Dad

Next six months, be addicted to these habits! Seb Writes

My Graduation Week Shamaima Irfan

An Etheree of Time Sherry Atkinson

The Fault, Dear Brutus, is Not in Our Stars, But in Ourselves Shuvranil Sanyal

24 changes to make for a fulfilling 2024 Sonali Yadav

Unlocking Entrepreneurs’ Minds: 5 Secret Tricks Exposed Tarek Rakhiess

She Through Opened Eye

The Pursuit of Early Retirement Is Nothing But a Joke Tser Dennis

This is an appreciation article just for Dove Cameron Urvashi J

Why You Should Stay Home and Never Travel — It’s Overrated Anyway Viktoriya Simidova

An Overwatch 2 Hero Is Being Played Wrong, and It’s Working Aiden (Illumination Gaming)

Thank you for reading these beautiful stories.

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.

Now, let’s welcome the new writers who joined us recently. Please explore their stories and they resonate with 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.

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