Once upon a time: A Medium Fairy Tale

Summary

Medium's executive team grapples with the challenge of verifying the legitimacy of user accounts and managing AI-generated content amidst a crisis in the Partner Program's payment process.

Abstract

The narrative describes a critical juncture for Medium as it confronts issues arising from the influx of AI-generated content and the difficulty in validating user accounts for payment. The article, framed as a fairy tale, recounts a tense boardroom meeting where King Tony Stubblebine demands assurance that payouts are not going to illegitimate AI users. Despite the team's efforts, the complexity of the task and the lack of sufficient staff lead to a decision to correct payments without public announcement. The article also reflects on Medium's vision to foster an ecosystem that rewards quality over quantity, which seems compromised by the current predicament. Writers on the platform have noticed a decline in earnings, and some have chosen to withhold publishing their work in response to the perceived stinginess of the new algorithm. The piece concludes by inviting readers to check out related articles discussing the earnings issue and expresses hope for future adjustments that will favor higher rewards for writers.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of urgency and frustration among Medium's executives regarding the validation of user accounts and the prevention of payments to AI-generated content creators.
There is a clear concern that the current situation could undermine Medium's credibility with its user base, particularly due to the decision to correct payments quietly.
The article suggests that Medium's vision of creating a new information ecosystem that rewards quality is at risk due to the challenges posed by AI and the rapid growth of the platform.
Writers' reactions to the changes in the payment system range from concern to taking action by not publishing new content, indicating a loss of trust and dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
The author implies that the decision-makers at Medium should be actively working on solutions to adjust the payment algorithm and restore confidence among the writing community.

How we ended up where we are today

This is my fairy tale account of how the proverbial poo started to hit the fan after Medium’s Partner Program completed its first month.

Once upon a time, in the land of Medium executives and boss people, it was September 7, 2023. There was a board room meeting in the strongest Medium HQ castle. Its atmosphere filled with nerves and tension. The man sitting at the head of the massive oak table was livid. Today, was the deadline to cut those August earning paychecks.

“What is anyone doing about the AI users?! I will not be releasing thousands of dollars without knowing each account is valid,” the angry King Tony Stubblebine demanded with a poignant, raised voice.

“We’ve had our teams working night and day for you, King,” one executive explained, “but there is not enough time! I can summarize our efforts and release the due payments by tomorrow afternoon.”

“But can you PROVE you are not sending any money to accounts, spending our money on articles blatantly using AI??”

“I… wish I could, my King, but there’s just not enough time. Our forecasters were wrong. They had no idea how many users would join, and it all happened within just a couple weeks. We also simply don’t have enough staff to stay on top of the bots…”

The room quieted. Executives stared down meekly at their set of brief papers being discussed. The goal of creating “a new information ecosystem” talked about for months in this same room seemed to be dismantling faster than global inflation continued growing. The vision of Medium, “To deepen understanding of the world and spread ideas that matter” frankly now, seemed it couldn’t pay to keep up with its user base.

“Okay… this is what we do,” King Tony stated calmly while looking up at his team again, “we correct the payments this month. Whatever it takes — no announcement, no update — just do it.”

“King Tony, I hear you, all right? This is bad! But that’s going to really undercut our credibility with our user base. If you can give me the rest of this month, we have a list of ideas. Some of which we already have the outlines with complete action items on dealing with — “

“ — No. It’s too late. Do it. You have two weeks,” the King replied.

The date of September 27, 2023 has arrived. A mere, 20 days after that fateful meeting. Darkness has now fully engulfed the land of hard-working Medium writers. The wisest, most observant writers fore warned of this doom as they sensed a shift in recent days. The younger, cheerful writers tried to encourage everyone for brighter days, but now also saw more clearly the changes.

How does this fairy tale end? Well, that end still remains to be seen.

For any of you who realized your earnings have been shanked in recent days — you are sadly not alone!

Note: At this time, I’m going to hold off publishing some of my near and dear stories, since it appears there is currently a tight-fisted algorithm in place.

Like many of you, I hope the decision makers at Medium actively are adjusting, and we will see an ultimate adjustment towards higher rewards! ❤️

Please check out the following articles related to this current issue with earnings!

“Medium Giveth, and Medium Taketh Away” by Tori Hall Sudduth

“Is Medium Putting the Plug On It?” by Adrian CDTPPW

MEDIUM TALES

Once upon a time: A Medium Fairy Tale

How we ended up where we are today

Medium Giveth, and Medium Taketh Away

Please Share Your Experiences In the Comments

Is Medium Putting the Plug On It?

We got excited over nothing…