Summary

The author reflects on the impact of a month-long hiatus from Medium, observing a significant drop in views and engagement, while also acknowledging the support from the Medium community and the importance of availability in creative work.

Abstract

After taking a month off from Medium, the author notes a 7k decrease in article views and a loss of followers but emphasizes the enduring connections with genuine friends on the platform. The article discusses the challenges of maintaining a creative presence online, citing personal experiences and external sources like the New York Times to illustrate that creatives often face availability issues rather than a lack of motivation or burnout. The author expresses gratitude for the Medium community's support during their absence, highlighting individuals who engaged with their work and offered encouragement. Upon returning, the author plans to catch up on changes to the platform and resume writing, advising others to focus on the value of community interactions over metrics like views and engagement.

Opinions

The author initially held a view that writers who quietly quit or whose profiles become inactive due to life circumstances should not be blamed.
The author suggests that not all writers who become less active are tired or burnt out; many are simply unavailable due to other life commitments.
The article posits that the Medium algorithm may penalize dormant accounts, contributing to a decline in visibility and engagement.
Despite the drop in stats, the author values the meaningful interactions and support from the Medium community, which include mentions, notes, and messages from specific individuals.
The author believes that taking a break from Medium should not cause undue worry about lost engagement, as the connections with genuine friends on the platform provide a more fulfilling experience.
Upon returning to Medium, the author recommends reading up on the latest changes and updates to the platform, emphasizing the importance of staying informed to adapt to new conditions.

One Month Out — 7k Views Vanished

Not all quiet quitters are to be blamed

Photo by Khashayar Kouchpeydeh on Unsplash

I wasn’t the one to blame writers for quietly quitting or complaining that the algorithm lays dust on their Medium profile while they are away. But I do succumb to it now with an alternative view.

Not all quiet quitters are to be blamed…

A month ago, I published an article about the perception of African society on the acceptance of the new gender and pronoun variations. And like every other genuine writer here on Medium, I had so much hope for this article.

There Is No Such Thing as a Gay Community in Africa

Don’t rat me out just yet. Read first!

medium.com

It’s a different view and exposes some unknown truths about African culture.

While I waited for my median views to rise through the ranks as I answered all questions and replied to all comments on the story.

I was swept off my feet by life.

At first, it felt like a wave I could handle.

My regular 3-hour check on Medium gradually became more expansive.
Days became weeks, and weeks became a month.

Soon it dawned on me that sometimes you can indeed have the motivation and all intention to write or create in a certain way, but some other form of creativity engulfs you.

Never blame the quiet quitters on Medium or in life. Even the New York Times agrees that availability is an added problematic factor of creatives that we stress less.

Not all writers are tired of creating. Not all writers are burnt out. Most are just not available!

Is the Algorithm Harsh?

1 Month out, I lost 7k views and a few followers, but not my genuine Medium friends.

I am a keen lover of algorithm control on Medium. But during my uncontrollable loss in the track of time here on Medium. It's only fair that some layers of dust lie on my profile and show in my stats.

But, of course, I wasn’t expecting a 7k decline. Meanwhile, it was a thrill to watch my numbers decline and gather more momentum as it does fall with each passing day.

It's as if the algorithm finds dormant accounts on several instances and pushes them out.

During this time, several beautiful moments stood out for me.

ILLUMINATION couldn’t quit — Some of their story compilations tagged many of my stories, reminding me that some of my work meant so much to the readers.
Sahil Patel kept the mentions coming — His bulky mentions reminded me that I was part of a community that was probably missing my presence. Maybe in the most subtle way.
Natalie sent a beautiful note— If you’ve ever read Natalie’s memoir, you would know she is the sweetest and kindest individual here. Her message outside Medium thrilled my heart and made me realize that some folks cared.
Lanu Pitan went across the board — If you care so much about being told the blunt truth. Then read some of Lanu Pitan’s articles. I got a message from her on my portfolio, not even on Medium. Thank you, Mrs. Lanu!
Noorain Ali never stopped communicating — At varying times, Noorain Ali and I would cross paths on LinkedIn as she helped me work on one of my departing factors.
Boateng Sekyere helped me worry less— He understood one of the primary reasons I was away, and my chat with him helped lift a significant burden. PS: It has been resolved, man!!

If you ever get to go on an unexpected break, as I have. Don’t worry about the hip of views and engagement you would lose.

Trust me, the inconsistent notifications from close friends will thrill your heart even more.

What to do when you are back on Medium from a long-long break

There is no pathway to follow, but the resort is first to read stories from some writers who could help with onboarding for any newbie.

Plus they write about all the latest happenings.

Burk stands out, as he would help you get usable information on the significant changes on the website. So many changes had happened while I was away.

For example, I still need clarification about the claps icon not floating while I scroll. But Burks’s article explained these changes significantly.

2. Kristina God is the queen of the short form, but her posts also help with algorithms and publishing changes.

Now that I have synchronized with their pieces, I must clear my drafts page and hit the publish button.

Shout out to all my wonderful friends here. I’m jealous and sad I missed all your beautiful and informative stories.

This Boateng Sekyere article stresses the importance of working smart as a creative. Check it out if you feel a nudge that you are doing too much.

Thank you so much for reading my article today. My gratitude towards you knows no bounds. I will be publishing another article very soon.