avatarRoz Warren, Writing Coach

Summary

The article humorously compares the journey of a Medium writer to the Star Wars saga, emphasizing the importance of the platform's algorithm in the success of content creators.

Abstract

In a playful analogy, the article likens the experience of writing on Medium to the epic journey of a Jedi in Star Wars. It suggests that just as the Force is essential to a Jedi's power, the Algorithm is crucial for a Medium writer's success. The author, Roz Warren, downplays the notion of Ev Williams as a "Dark Lord of the Sith," instead crediting him as the creator of the Medium Universe. Writers on Medium are encouraged to hone their craft, seek mentorship, and persist in their writing endeavors, much like Luke Skywalker's dedication to mastering the Force. The article concludes with a call to action for readers to subscribe to Warren's content directly, as Medium's algorithm may not surface her work prominently.

Opinions

  • The Medium algorithm is portrayed as akin to the Force in Star Wars, a powerful entity that can make or break a writer's visibility and success.
  • Ev Williams, the creator of Medium, is humorously referred to as the "Dark Lord of the Sith," but the author clarifies this is in jest and acknowledges his role in maintaining the platform.
  • The article emphasizes the importance of practice, mentorship, and persistence for writers, drawing parallels between Medium writers and Jedi apprentices.
  • The author suggests that Medium's algorithm may not always promote a writer's work effectively, advocating for direct subscriptions to ensure readers receive all of the author's content.
  • Roz Warren positions herself as an experienced writer, citing her work published in various outlets, including the Funny Times and the New York Times, and her contributions to Chicken Soup for the Soul collections.

May the Algorithm Be With You!

Medium is Just Like Star Wars

Photo by Agnieszka Kowalczyk on Unsplash

To become a Jedi, Luke Skywalker needed to learn how to make the Force work for him.

What is the Force?

In the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi:

The force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the Galaxy together.

Here on Medium, we don’t have the Force. We have the Algorithm! The Algorithm, like the Force, is all around us. The Algorithm is what gives a Medium writer their power.

It isn’t created by all living things. It’s created by Ev Williams, Dark Lord of the Sith!

No, I’m kidding. Ev isn’t a Sith Lord. He’s merely an earthling who created and maintains the Medium Universe.

Which is kind of a cross between the Mos Eisley Cantina and the forest moon of Endor (but without the Ewoks.)

Unlike Luke, we Medium Writers don’t have to destroy the Death Star.

All we have to do is write something that will get Curated.

How to get Curated?

Like Luke practicing with his light saber, we need to spend a whole lot of time getting better at what we’re up to.

It helps to have wise teachers and mentors. Luke had Yoda and Obi-wan. We have Shaunta Grimes and Casey Botticello.

It also helps to have a terrific soundtrack. Luke’s activities were scored by John Williams. Mine are mostly scored by Jonathan Coulton.

These things can help. But when it comes right down to it?

Write or Write Not. There is no try.

And May the Algorithm Be With You!

Writing Coach and Medium Sherpa Roz Warren writes for everyone from the Funny Times to the New York Times, has been in 15 Chicken Soup for the Soul collections, and is the author of Our Bodies, Our Shelves. Drop her a line at [email protected].

(Don’t count on Medium to put my work into your feed! Because they probably won’t. Subscribe below to get all of my dazzling content in your in box — for free!)

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story by Roz Warren, you might also enjoy:

Writing
Star Wars
Writing On Medium
Curation
Humor
Recommended from ReadMedium
avatarZulie @ Medium
How new writer Remi grew on Medium using TikTok

“Knowing that my words can make a difference in someone else’s life is truly amazing.”

5 min read
avatarClaire Franky
I Followed the Man I Loved Into Shark-Infested Waters

Apparently, I would do anything for love

8 min read
avatarWalter Rhein
It’s Been Two Years Since the Day My Life Changed Forever

Reflections on a tragedy that nearly robbed me of the will to carry on

6 min read
avatarJacqueline Dooley
Kids Are Losing Their Minds Over Weed

A warning to parents

11 min read
avatarKristina Kasparian, PhD
The Grief and Relief of Having a Hysterectomy in My 30s  After Our Surrogate’s Stillbirth

Batter Will Be Thick

15 min read
avatarJennifer Hartmann
The Question That Ended My Marriage

In a rare moment of vulnerability, I asked my husband this question, and knew I’d just empowered us to divorce.

6 min read