avatarMichael Burg, MD (Satire Sommelier) 😬

Summary

The author reflects on their diverse writing on Medium, showcasing a top-viewed piece, a humorous work, a poem, an article on the importance of quitting, and hinting at future works.

Abstract

The author discusses their experiences with writing on Medium, highlighting a range of content they have produced. They proudly mention an essay that received 1,000 views, which explores the concept of finding greatness in the ordinary. The author also shares their first foray into humorous writing, which surprisingly gained the attention of a curator. A poem titled "Just One Clap!" is mentioned, along with the author's amusing interaction with a published poet regarding its validity as a poem. An article on the counterintuitive benefits of quitting is presented as a piece of advice for professional success. Lastly, the author teases upcoming potential works, leaving the reader with a sense of intrigue about what is to come.

Opinions

  • The author values the feedback and engagement from readers, as evidenced by their excitement over an essay receiving 1,000 views.
  • They are open to experimentation in writing, trying out different genres and styles, which they find both fun and educational.
  • The author seems to appreciate the subjective nature of what constitutes a "poem," as shown in their lighthearted exchange with a professional poet.
  • They believe in the importance of taking risks and making bold decisions, such as quitting, to achieve success.
  • The author has a playful and self-deprecating tone when discussing their work, suggesting a humble approach to their writing and its reception.
  • There is a sense of curiosity and self-reflection as the author contemplates the unwritten ideas floating in their mind, hinting at a continuous journey of self-discovery and creativity.

Shameless

My Medium “Best”

A winner, a funny, a rhyme, an exit, and an unknown

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

Medium is my lab, my place to experiment.

I see what works for others, by tracking views, reads, claps, editorial critique and responses. Also I see what works for me, by playing — with genres, styles, voice, length, breadth, format and so forth.

It’s fun. Educational. Enlightening.

  • If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? — Albert Einstein

With that in mind, my faves, my best, my “besties” on Medium run the gamut. Hence my subtitle above.

A Winner — I’m Batting 1,000 With This One

When the “1K” appeared in the “views” column I was thrilled. It’s an essay about gratitude and about finding the “extraordinary” in the everyday “ordinary,” a topic important to me. But who knew that 1,000 others would agree, at least long enough to take a peek. I’m thankful!

A Funny — Who Knew I Could Do Funny?

My first attempt at humor. And remarkably, a (possibly slightly off-kilter) curator agreed.

It’s all about how humans are built kinda funny. At least parts of us are. You decide.

A Rhyme — “Poet,” From the Greek for “to make”

Well I did “make it” but I don’t think I’ll “make it” as a poet.

I was so unsure of myself after penning this pearl that I asked a real poet, serially published and all, in books even!, if this was really a poem.

Emailed I (tongue-in-cheek) “I thought I’d ask an expert. Is this a poem?”

I expected a cheeky reply, since this poet is a cheeky dude. Instead he responded, in all seriousness …

“Yes, of a type rather popular today — -sort of a rappy thing.”

Now I need a “rap” nom de plume for my rhymes I suppose. I’ve heard the best way to get one is by combining the color of the last food you ate with its name. That makes me “Beige Coffee.”

An Exit — Moving Up May Mean Moving On

Sometimes you just have to leap into the unknown, and quit, in order to progress in life. That’s my contention anyway. Not everyone agrees.

I’ll just quit while I’m ahead here and let you read it.

A Mystery

IMHO there’s definitely some other tolerable stuff in my published queue. What interests me most though is the half-baked swirl in my noodle that I’ve not yet committed to paper.

Is the “best” … ?

  • Me and Michelle Obama — More Alike or More Different?
  • Life Directions While Dining — Did a Chinese Dessert Determine My Fate?
  • Am I Paralyzed From the Neck Up?
  • Am I About to “Make” Another Poem — Perish the Thought!

There’s more floating around up there but that’s all I’ll torture you with for now. Meanwhile …

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash
Writing
Humor
Illumination
Wit
Funny
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