Medium’s Comment Limit — A Meaningful Debate
Why are we silenced for 24 hours?
Today, I find myself silenced and put into a box, having reached my daily comment limit on this platform for the very first time.
If you’re not aware, the Medium platform limits each user’s comment to 100 per day.
I’ve read numerous articles stating the advantages of this restriction, and until today, I wholeheartedly agreed with it.
Little did I know the challenges faced by this platform’s loyal readers and top writers when trying to engage fully.
Today, let’s shift our focus to why this restriction might be unnecessary and how it could be hindering genuine engagement between readers and writers.
Reducing Spams
Some argue that Medium’s comment restriction is in place to limit spam and ensure the platform remains safe.
Here are two points to consider:
- In my three years on this platform, I’ve encountered or seen spam comments only about 5 or 6 times. This is significantly less than what I’ve experienced on other platforms I use.
- Medium’s response to spammers is impressive. They are blocked, and spam accounts/comments are swiftly deleted.
In fact, there have been instances where I didn’t even need to report a spam comment because, by the time I refreshed the page, both the account and the comment were already gone.
It’s truly fascinating how efficiently they handle it.
Therefore, the 100-comment restriction is not primarily about limiting spam, given their quick response in dealing with spammers.
Limiting Engagement
The 100-comment limit seems to hinder genuine interaction between readers and writers. One great writer said in his article, “You would be surprised at how fast you can reach 100 comments on Medium. Because time flies when you’re having fun.”
I am definitely surprised now, Deon Christie, as I’m now having ‘too much fun’…
Another wonderful writer I follow closely, Benjamin A. writes, “People have to think before they comment and make their comments count. After all, it’s not a chat app.”
I very much agreed with this statement before I reached my comment limit for the day. (Regardless, keep in mind that it still holds true for those who do not engage sincerely.)
Let’s expand on this.
Medium offers a unique platform where writers and readers can engage in meaningful discussions about the content they’re passionate about.
My readers respond genuinely under my work. Similarly, writers I read often respond thoughtfully to my comments on their work, asking me meaningful questions and sparking insightful conversations.
Most writers on this platform aim to be thought-provoking, and they achieve it! So, why is it a bad thing when we respond and carry on the conversation they started?
Therefore, the loyal users of this platform can’t help but engage in interesting debate and/or supportive conversation in the comment section.
My work is mostly about mental health, so we tend to do a little therapy session in my comment section, sharing our similar experiences.
When I reach my comment limit, I feel trapped, confined without my consent, in a situation where fascinating, meaningful, and sometimes even tearful conversations are unfolding in the comments.
I’m left unable to reply for an entire day, unable to read new content, or engage with anything else. Currently, I have over 300 notifications waiting for me, and all I can do is wait.
I have to resort to private notes to answer questions and continue the wonderful conversation people have initiated through my work or their work.
Is it that bad when we continue our conversations under the writer’s work, where everyone can witness the writer’s wonderful and caring responses?
My point is: This isn’t just frustrating for users; it’s also detrimental to the platform.
Imagine if TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter restricted users’ comments per day. It would significantly affect the time users spend on the app, potentially harming the platform.
A better example would be YouTube as its algorithm relies heavily on engagement and comments, much like Medium. Imagine the scenario of YouTube imposing daily limits on comments due to excessive user engagement. Both YouTubers and users would likely unite in protest.
User engagement and time spent on the app are crucial indicators of an app’s success. Therefore, limiting comments daily is harmful to the overall success of this platform. — Medium Staff, hoping to be heard. ❤
Final Thoughts
Due to my experience here, I can now boldly say that we are already having meaningful engagement and don’t need the comment limit for that.
I’ve never felt the need to voice my concerns about the platform before because there was absolutely NONE, but Medium, hear me out — it’s time for a change.
Please reconsider this comment restriction. Don’t limit your genuine readers and writers from engaging. You already have an incredibly effective system for dealing with spammers.
Let’s prioritize fostering meaningful and engaging connections between readers and writers. After all, this platform has a comment section for a reason: To keep the conversation going in the comments.
When you limit comments, you limit genuine readers and participation.
As a closing statement, I want to quote Kylie van Gelder.
“If I am limited by the number of times I can do this per day, I will never be able to compliment all those whose work I enjoyed during my “Medium time”. And, I cannot connect with those who read my articles.”
While I am at it, I have to say… When I look for someone in the search bar, I aim to find their articles and stories. Why do their comments pop up more than their actual work?
Perhaps the system of treating comments like stories need to change first.
Thank you so much for your presence here. The writers I’ve tagged in this article are wonderful writers. I particularly love the work of Benjamin A. and I’d encourage you to check it out.
If I can’t reply to your comments, know that I’ve been silenced and put in a box. I know I don’t deserve this treatment from a platform to which I’ve been so loyal, and neither do you.
My more positive work: