My Tossing And Turning Over Medium ‘Friend’ Membership

Summary

The author is contemplating the value of upgrading to the 'Friend of Medium' membership, considering the benefits and impact on writers, and ultimately decides to support the platform by paying the increased fee.

Abstract

The author has been indecisive about upgrading to the newly introduced 'Friend of Medium' membership, primarily due to the lack of clarity on how the increased payment directly benefits writers. Despite this, the author, who has been a long-time reader and now a writer on Medium, acknowledges the value received from the platform, both in terms of personal growth and financial return. The decision to upgrade was influenced by the enjoyment of reading, the desire to support unrecognized writers, and the belief in karma and good vibes. The author also rationalizes that the potential future removal of the basic membership tier would not deter them from using Medium, thus making the current price increase acceptable.

Opinions

The author finds the 'Friend of Medium' membership announcement ambiguous regarding how it quadruples writers' earnings.
The price increase is not a significant concern for the author due to favorable currency conversion rates.
The author values the opportunity to support lesser-known writers and their work through the new membership.
The author has already recouped their annual membership fee through earnings within two months of writing.
There is a strong belief in the principle of karma and the importance of giving back to the Medium community.
The author appreciates the educational and consciousness-raising aspects of Medium.
The author would continue using Medium even if the basic membership were to be discontinued, indicating a high perceived value of the platform.
The author regrets potentially missing out on the new 'Friend of Medium' swag but accepts this as part of the changing landscape.

My Tossing And Turning Over Medium ‘Friend’ Membership

For the past two weeks, since the ‘Friend of Medium’ status was announced I’ve been tossing and turning, going back and fourth, umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to upgrade.

To be honest, it was never really the price, it’s affordable to me whether it’s 5.00 USD or 15 USD. Especially as I pay in British pounds the conversion rate is great in my currency.

What made me sit on the fence was the clarity around what exactly, ‘writers earn four times more when you read their story’ means. Four times of what?

So why did I sign up to pay more, anyway!?

Firstly, when I’m honest with myself I have been a Medium reader a lot longer than I have been a writer. I was lurking, receiving recommended stories etc., for well over a year, before I picked up my pen to write anything.

Secondly, now, as writer I read a hell-a-lot on here everyday, multiple times a day! I’d love to support the good work I come across if I can, because not everyone has the chance to be ‘boosted’ — some really good work goes unseen. The writer is not paid as well as they could be for their talent, hard work, etc.

Thirdly, as a writer I’m only half way through my second month, but my membership for the year has already been paid to me. I’ve earned the money back and then some. So I could not even complain about the price increase when I thought about it.

Fourth, it’s all about karma and good vibes for me! Bottom line;

I love to read.

I was a reader before a writer.

I’ve been blessed to have my work boosted, I’m lucky to write for some amazing publications, with talented and serious writers.

If I can give back simply by doing something I love (reading), then hopefully good karma will find me.

I am so, so, so very grateful to have found Medium. It allows me to learn from others, and bring a raising of consciousness to things that are important in the world, via writing about it. If no one reads, at least I’ve passed the message on!

Seriously though I think the deal was made when I asked myself: if they scraped the 5.00 dollar membership totally, and it was 15.00 dollars a month — for us all, would I cancel my membership?

No! My inner voice said, there’s too much good stuff to read out here!

I’d remain a member, so it seemed logical to just roll with it, as I imagine this is something Medium will do at some point — remove the 5.00 dollar membership.

Let’s see what way the wind blows, and what Medium do. The moment they start raising it past 15.00 USD I will start to side-eye them. For now, I’m cool.

I’ve probably missed the chance to get my new swag, a tote bag which looks pretty nice, but hey! Such as life.

Did you join?

Why, why not?

What would you do if they got rid of the 5.00 dollar membership totally?