KICK ME BACK INTO LINE, PLEASE
On the Brink of Quitting Medium. Then a Truly Pathetic Story by Another Medium Schlep Pushed Me Over the Edge
36 cents in a year … REALLY?!
There are so many reasons to leave Medium in the rear view mirror.
- plummeting earnings
- the same 17.2 people get notified about, and view, and may read, your stories
- constant glitch-fest
You name it.
We got tsuris up the ying-yang, and plenty of other inconvenient places.
Recently though, I read a story by a writer whose work I will not acknowledge, nor can I remember well, but whose message of hope pushed me over the brink and made me want to stay on the platform.
The writer’s story focused on the 3 cents he’d earned in the prior month and the joy his free-form writer’s lifestyle brought him.
I took heart and resolved to keep writing.
I also resolved to search for more reasons to remain on the platform, above and beyond the fact I suddenly felt superior to another writer and his paltry earnings.
Here, in no particular order, are the reasons I continue to post my particular brand of low-earning nonsense on Medium rather than grow a pair and move on, and of course commit to work on improving my writing skills, learn anything, or ever edit my work.
1️⃣ Endless whining
Endlessly tolerated.
I could stop right here. That alone would be reason to stay.
2️⃣ I’ll always feel superior to someone
As above. Reason enough to stick it out.
3️⃣ F-4-F culture
Following anyone will result in a better than 50:50 chance they’ll follow back. Then my lancinating loneliness will ease … transiently.
4️⃣ Bots
Always available to buck up my self esteem.
5️⃣ Listicles
See! 😀
6️⃣ Typing in @mbu… makes my name appear on a list
I can feel the piloerection forming as I type the words above.
7️⃣ Cool graphics
I’m state-of-the-art in emoji-land.
8️⃣ Typing “Trump” into Unsplash brings up 532 pictures
“Tricky Dick” only 58.
Another reason to live.
9️⃣ Someone will comment on this story with a better reason to stay than all the reasons I’ve listed … COMBINED.
Don’t disappoint me people.
🔟 Highlighting
1️⃣1️⃣ Most people won’t read to #11 (or 1, 1 as the case may be)
So only a few people will realize what an idiot I am.
Missing a dose of BS?
Back up and get a butt full right here.
This guy deserves WAY more of your time.
That’s Carlo Zeno in case you were wondering.
