Summary

The article discusses the merits of deleting older stories to republish them, ultimately advising against it and suggesting a better alternative for reviving content.

Abstract

The author of the article addresses a common dilemma among writers: whether to delete older stories to republish them in an attempt to revive interest. The author expresses a personal aversion to deleting stories, as it creates a void for readers and uncertainty regarding story metrics like views and earnings. Instead of deletion, the author recommends a new solution for revitalizing older content, which is detailed in a linked article. The author argues that deleting stories to republish them is not only impractical but could also be against platform rules, potentially risking the writer's account. The article emphasizes the importance of allowing readers to witness a writer's growth through their body of work, including older stories. It also provides additional resources for writers looking to make their stories more profitable and marketable.

Opinions

The author believes that deleting older stories is not advisable as it leads to a negative reader experience and potential loss of story performance data.
Deleting and republishing stories may be considered an infraction of platform rules, particularly concerning duplicate content.
The author suggests that leaving older stories posted allows readers to appreciate the writer's development over time.
The article promotes a new approach to reviving older content, which is presented as a more effective and less risky strategy than deletion.
The author values the growth displayed in older stories and cautions against the potential negative impression created by a lack of visible history.
Additional reading materials are recommended for writers seeking to enhance the profitability and appeal of their stories.

Should You Delete Older Stories So You Can Publish them Fresh?

Some writers wonder if deleting older stories is a good idea

There are some writers who wonder if deleting older stories is a good idea. The purpose would be, so they can republish the story and bring the topic back to life.

Personally, I think you should leave them posted, and I’m more than happy to explain to you why.

Here’s my viewpoint on deleting older stories…

I don’t like creating the void that deleting stories causes

The thought of a reader landing on a previously posted story and getting a deleted notification just freaks me out.

I feel like it creates an empty void. At least when you move stories or transfer them between publications, the reader still has a path available to locate the story.

Plus there’s the whole uncertainty about what happens with views, reads, and earnings that may end up in limbo.

In reality, there may actually be a way around all this, and I might just be overthinking the whole thing, but for me, deleting stories is out.

I won’t be deleting anything, especially since I’m determined to stick to my new solution for how to revive certain topics and the great content that I formerly posted.

To learn more about a much better alternative to deleting stories, feel free to read what I shared in:

Here’s My Solution to Reviving Stories that Never Got a Chance to Live!

When you read it, you’ll discover that I’m on to something awesome. My solution will show you a way to do less, but potentially earn more, so be sure to check it out.

Final Thoughts

We all have stories that we spent a lot of time and energy crafting, and sometimes it’s easy to get emotionally attached to what we write. So when the stories don’t get the views we expect or desire, it can be a downer.

But this shouldn’t cause us to resort to extreme measures. Remember, the following solution are not practical or advisable:

Deleting your older stories, with the thought to simply republish them exactly like they are is not the solution. In fact, you may even run the risk of losing your account. We know that publishing duplicate content and posting it simultaneously is not allowed.

So simply deleting the story and turning around and republishing it may be considered an infraction.

Deleting stories and leaving them deleted is not a smart alternative, even though you may feel like you’ve grown as a writer. Have you ever gone back to read some of your older stories, and thought: “Damn, some of my earlier stories kind of suck!”

Isn’t it better to allow your readers to see your growth, rather than have them be put off by you, because all your stories seem to be ghosted?

With all that has was just said on this topic, hopefully it should be a little easier for you to decide how to treat your previously published stories. But of course, just like everything else we do as writers on Medium, this is a decision that each of us has to make for ourselves.

HAVE YOU READ THESE RELATED STORIES:

Revisiting a Major Question About How To Treat Your Older Stories! — Are you prepared to make your stories more profitable in 2023?
Here’s My Solution to Reviving Stories that Never Got a Chance to Live! — Do you give up on your stories when no one has even read them?
How to Turn a Previously Published Story Into An Evergreen Money Maker! — Do you want to know how to make your stories more marketable?

I invite new members who are just getting started, to read my helpful stories and take my writing advice about how to make money on Medium.

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