My First Curation
A narrow escape from “curation jail”
It happened!
I’m taking a time out from my typically heavy writings to soak up and enjoy this light moment of celebration.
My first article curated.
And, honestly. It couldn’t have come at a better time.
I’ve heard whisperings of “curation jail” and, considering the heavy, sometimes harrowing topics I write in (domestic abuse, mental health, psychology) — I had begun fearing I might be in it!
“Curation jail” is supposedly when a Medium writer’s account has been flagged, either by curator or algorithm, for having had too many consecutive articles miss Medium’s Distribution Standards. And thus resulting in any new articles from said author, to be no longer considered for curation.
Ouch.
Some writers cite this jail mythical, others stand by its rigour.
And as a newbie — I haven’t known which to believe!
All I knew was…my articles weren’t getting curated.
Until now!
Maybe I’ve made a narrow escape from the writers’ cyber cell, maybe I’ve had nothing to fear all along. Either way —
I am grateful to be here.
Full transparency though; recently, I had been growing increasingly deflated when it came to Medium. (Decreasingly deflated?)
A writer’s deflation. A Medium writer’s deflation. A newbie-on-Medium writer’s deflation.
Articles I deeply believe in, articles I have spent hours, days, crafting out their detail, articles I have delicately ensured honorous and responsible sharing of their sensitive subject matter — have (so far) performed disappointingly.
Which, I know to be typical— especially for us newbies on the platform.
Results must be persevered by hard graft.
But, still.
I believe in my articles. I believe in my writing. And I believe in my ability to validate other people’s life experience by way of sharing mine.
“How can I help if I am not reaching people!”
I despaired over the illogical lack of readership reach, even when posting in accredited Medium publications with considerably large followings.
10 views from a 155k following?
Make it make sense.
But.
And it is a big but.
These are ultimately good signs.
These are signs which indicate to me the potential of my writings. These are signs which indicate to me the potential of reach for my message. Discipline be willing.
Esteemed publications want to share my work. Rigorous curators want to distribute my writings. There is so much potential to be excited by in that!
Despite my deflated spell, I am re-encouraged and re-energised by today’s delightful surprise. (and of course relieved not to be in jail.)
Increased readership still has no guarantee from curation.
But — this is another (very) promising step in the right direction.
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for.
(or not)
Here, is my first article to be curated on Medium *claps in writer’s relief*:
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