My First Month Writing Medium Articles

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Abstract

2><figure id="a5d7"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*onm1mCFW_PBdSUG9t9ntxw.png"><figcaption>Screenshot by writer</figcaption></figure><p id="d2ac">I love data. I can look at graphs and tables all day and never tire of it. I think Medium has a great selection of data available for its writers. But I wish I could drill down to find a better understanding of what is actually driving article popularity. For example, is my utilization of tagging allowing for more interaction per story.</p><p id="1100">It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and lose sight of having fun and creating interesting articles, but these statistics also keep me motivated. More readers means more chances to get myself out there.</p><h2 id="4a85">Publications and Distribution</h2><p id="7b9b">I love reading stories from publications, and I’ve sent a few of my stories to be published, but none have been selected yet. I don’t see getting a publication’s backing as the end all be all on Medium, but in terms of reader visibility they do help. I plan to continue looking for publications I can write for and that interest me.</p><figure id="edc8"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*xpoApxFKIvTSV2QEG6LNDQ.png"><figcaption>Screenshot by writer</figcaption></figure><p id="cd5a">I had one of my stories distributed, but I didn’t notice an uptick in views or reads on the story. I had to search for what that actually meant to make any sense of it, and still feel pretty lost. Even after some digging and some source code searching and I still don’t have a clear picture of what being chosen for further distribution reall

Options

y means.</p><p id="50da">I feel like through publications and distributions; the stories written have a better chance of getting into the hands of readers, thus giving us writers a better chance to interact with our readers.</p><h2 id="cc43">Comments and Followers</h2><p id="c7bd">Comments and followers are my favorite. I don’t have a lot of either, but when I get a new one, I feel like I’ve added friends or colleagues to my growing circle. This is where interactions and relationships can be formed. It also gives a writer a base from which to grow.</p><p id="86d8">A lot of my desire to write is a yearning to get better at just that, writing. I think the biggest gauge of my success is more interactions. My stories are making it to readers, and they are consuming what I have to say, but getting to know readers and other writers is great. Medium has given me a great outlet to write about what interests me and hopefully interests my readers as well.</p><h2 id="2ea6">Summary</h2><p id="811a">Whether it’s through the use of stats or keeping up with followers and comments, Medium gives a lot of information to writers. It’s up to writers to take that data and make their own decisions about what to do with that data. It can be as simple as writing for fun to starting a movement.</p><h2 id="bc2f">Content is key.</h2><p id="049b">I think the platform thrives because writers truly care about their subject and produce great content. I hope to continue writing about my interests and sprinkle on something different from time to time. If you would like to chat about my experiences, leave a comment.</p><p id="b5ca">Thanks for reading!</p></article></body>

I love this!

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay (Added and cropped by editor)

I started writing for Medium on July 2021. I am working on finishing my Master’s degree while working a full-time job, and just wanted to make something that felt personal. Going in with no expectations or any idea what to expect really gave me some challenges to overcome and some surprises to experience. Here are some things that I found helpful or interesting during this time.

Publish Button Fear

One of the first things I had to overcome when getting ready to submit my first story was publish button fear. I was comfortable with the subject. I loved the story, but I sat here staring at that button for minutes. What if someone criticized me, what if someone hates what they read, these were real questions I was concerned with. I finally decided the best course of action was to re-read my story at least 2 times, sweat some more, and finally push the button. After that first story, all of them have been a little easier, and instead of fear, I have bursts of joy.

Stat Overload

Screenshot by writer

I love data. I can look at graphs and tables all day and never tire of it. I think Medium has a great selection of data available for its writers. But I wish I could drill down to find a better understanding of what is actually driving article popularity. For example, is my utilization of tagging allowing for more interaction per story.

It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and lose sight of having fun and creating interesting articles, but these statistics also keep me motivated. More readers means more chances to get myself out there.

Publications and Distribution

I love reading stories from publications, and I’ve sent a few of my stories to be published, but none have been selected yet. I don’t see getting a publication’s backing as the end all be all on Medium, but in terms of reader visibility they do help. I plan to continue looking for publications I can write for and that interest me.

Screenshot by writer

I had one of my stories distributed, but I didn’t notice an uptick in views or reads on the story. I had to search for what that actually meant to make any sense of it, and still feel pretty lost. Even after some digging and some source code searching and I still don’t have a clear picture of what being chosen for further distribution really means.

I feel like through publications and distributions; the stories written have a better chance of getting into the hands of readers, thus giving us writers a better chance to interact with our readers.

Comments and Followers

Comments and followers are my favorite. I don’t have a lot of either, but when I get a new one, I feel like I’ve added friends or colleagues to my growing circle. This is where interactions and relationships can be formed. It also gives a writer a base from which to grow.

A lot of my desire to write is a yearning to get better at just that, writing. I think the biggest gauge of my success is more interactions. My stories are making it to readers, and they are consuming what I have to say, but getting to know readers and other writers is great. Medium has given me a great outlet to write about what interests me and hopefully interests my readers as well.