avatarDon Martin, real-life writer

Summary

Professional writing and hobby writing are distinct forms of writing with different purposes, audiences, and approaches, as discussed in the context of publishing on Medium.

Abstract

The article distinguishes between professional writing and hobby writing, emphasizing that professional writing is typically done as a job to communicate specific information to an audience for financial gain, while hobby writing is a personal endeavor for creative expression and enjoyment without the primary goal of profit. On Medium, professional writing often involves well-researched, informative content targeting a particular readership, whereas hobby writing may include personal essays or creative pieces that reflect the author's experiences and are shared more for self-expression than for commercial success. The platform accommodates both types of writing, allowing authors to choose their approach based on their goals, whether to establish professional credibility or to connect with others through shared interests and creativity.

Opinions

  • Professional writing is formal, structured, and often involves research and editing to meet the needs of a specific audience or purpose.
  • Hobby writing is seen as a more personal, freeform method of self-expression, such as poetry or journaling, done for pleasure rather than profit.
  • On Medium, professional writing is typically more niche-oriented and aims to inform, educate, or persuade, potentially attracting a broader audience.
  • Hobby writing on Medium may not be as structured or well-researched as professional writing and tends to be more about sharing personal thoughts and ideas.
  • The value of writing on Medium, whether professional or hobby, is tied to the writer's objectives, with some using the platform to build a professional reputation and others to express creativity and connect with like-minded individuals.

Professional Writing vs Hobby Writing

One writer pays the rent. The other just does it for fun.

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Professional writing and hobby writing are two different forms of writing that serve different purposes and are approached in different ways. This story will look at the differences and successes of each.

Making money

I consider it that professional writing refers to writing that is done as part of one’s profession or job, such as writing reports, memos, or emails in a business setting, writing articles for a newspaper or magazine, or writing content for a website such as medium. Professional writing is usually done for a specific audience or purpose, on staff or freelance, and it often involves research, writing, and editing. The goal of professional writing is to communicate information to a particular audience in order to earn money for the writer.

Expressing oneself

On the other hand, hobby writing as I define it, is writing that is done for personal enjoyment or as a creative outlet. This can include writing poetry, fiction, personal essays, or simply journaling. Hobby writing is often done without a specific audience in mind, and it is usually not done for profit or as part of one’s job. Hobby writing is a way to express oneself creatively and explore ideas and emotions.

While both professional writing and hobby writing involve the act of writing, they are quite different in terms of their purpose, audience, and approach. Professional writing is typically more formal and structured, while hobby writing is more freeform and personal. Both can be valuable and rewarding in their own ways, and many writers find that they enjoy both forms of writing for different reasons.

Professional writing vs hobby writing on Medium

Medium is a popular platform for writers to publish their work and reach a wide audience. While there are no hard and fast rules about what types of writing are best suited for Medium, there are some differences between professional writing and hobby writing on this platform.

Professional writing to make money on Medium may include articles that are written concerning a particular field, such as business, technology, or finance. These articles are usually well-researched and may include data, statistics, and other evidence to support the author’s arguments. Professional writing on Medium is often written with a specific audience in mind and aims to inform, educate, or persuade readers about its topic.

Hobby writing on Medium, on the other hand, may include personal essays, creative writing, or even opinion pieces. These stories are often more personal and may reflect the author’s own experiences or feelings. Hobby writing on Medium may not be as well-researched or structured as professional writing, and it may not have a specific audience in mind. Instead, hobby writing on Medium is often a way for writers to explore their own thoughts and ideas and share them with others. It may not attract as many readers as more niche-oriented “how-to” articles.

Last words

Both professional writing and hobby writing can be valuable on Medium, depending on the author’s goals and intentions. Some writers may use Medium as a way to showcase their expertise and build their professional reputation, while others may use it as a way to connect with like-minded individuals and express their creativity. Ultimately, the choice between professional writing and hobby writing on Medium will depend on the writer’s interests, skills, and the outcome he desires from his writing.

Do you write on Medium for fun or for profit?

Thanks for reading.

Don’s a keen observer and prolific reporter of truth, common sense, humor, & life. He’s a WRITER|HUMORIST, sometimes serious, sometimes tongue-in-cheek. He lives in Nashville, Tn.

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