Writing | Relationships | Conversation

Gaia, Solutions for Meaningful Change and Improved Readership

Join the Conversation

I’m Jumping the Gun Today

I originally intended to start this series of articles on August 1st. Then I was ready to go and decided — why wait!

I’m writing a feature article each day to discuss and illustrate the innovative ways we are collaborating.

To keep it interesting, I’ll provide a writing or formatting tip and answer any questions posted in the comments section.

I’ll also share one of the many ways I have discovered to connect with fellow writers and readers.

Well hello there.

In case we’ve never met, I’m Tree Langdon, an editor on Medium. I’m continuously inspired by the talented writers I’ve met here. I’d really like to get to know you too.

Writers Can Make Meaningful Change!

There are some trail-blazing, collaborative projects being developed.

Here’s one that recently caught my eye.

The Gaia Project

The Gaia Project is the brainchild of Dr. John Rose, project facilitator.

This initiative will bring together writers and readers who are involved in community projects focused on improving their local environment.

Working together is how we find a way out of the mess we’re in.

John invites you to join this project by writing about environmental initiatives in your community in a post on Illumination. Your article can propose a new idea, write about a successful project in your community or reveal opportunities you are aware of.

Ideas for improvement are welcome, and criticism of existing circumstances is better served when you provide suggestions or solutions.

Let’s brainstorm ways to support each other and the planet.

This is a great opportunity to share methods and ideas to support Gaia. You will also benefit from meeting a diverse group of like-minded individuals and you’ll be building your network.

I believe the Gaia Project has the potential to become a powerful way to initiate action to will move us toward a cleaner, healthier planet.

If this interests you, I invite you to participate. Join the conversation by commenting on the Gaia Project article above or by writing an article of your own. Please tag me if you do.

Be a part of this meaningful change.

Your article should have the kicker “ILLUMINATION SPECIAL PROJECTS” and mention Gaia as part of the title.

Let’s talk about Curation.

Here’s my take on curation from when I was a new writer.

The key to a meaningful conversation includes both speaking and listening.

A meaningful conversation between writers includes reading, responding, sharing and appreciation.

Keep on reading to see how you can have a conversation, but first, let’s explore your questions about writing.

Answers to your Burning How-to Questions

Do you have a burning ‘how to’ question?

This is your opportunity. Add your question as a comment here and I’ll be happy to answer it.

Do you have a terrific tip for our writers? Add it in the comments!

When I first started writing on Medium I struggled with the platform. It wasn’t as intuitive as a Word document. It took me a while to figure out how to make it work for me and I’m still learning.

Let’s share our experiences and learn from each other.

Here’s one thing I learned along the way.

How Do I Change My Title Once I’ve Published?

When you want to change the title of your article, click on the three dots at the top right and choose Edit Story.

When you save the changes, you might notice the display title hasn’t changed and you have to click on the article to see the new title.

There is a way to edit the display title. Go back into Edit Story and then choose the three dots at the top right. Select: Change Display Title/ Subtitle. You can see the old title is still there. Make the changes and Save.

Voila!

Writers Connect to Build Engagement!

As a lifelong learner, I gather new ideas by observing how other writers engage with their readers. In this section of my bulletin, I will share what I have learned.

Here’s a recent tip.

It explains how I use comments to build a conversation with my readers.

When I enjoy someone’s story, I let them know.

I start a conversation.

• I highlight a couple of words that resonate. I like to use the highlighter like an exclamation point to show the writer what I loved.
• I use the ‘applause button’ to tell them when I’m enjoying their words.
• Then I comment.

I love getting comments.

All of them. Sometimes they’re short and sweet, but sometimes a comment lets me know the reader understood the point of my post.

Those comments are the ones I love the best.

More on conversations here:

If you test this idea for yourself, tag me, Tree Langdon ♾️ and let me know how it worked for you.

Let’s Talk About Slack

We collaborate with published authors, bloggers, and other service providers to extend our network. Join us on our Slack channel to participate.

Slack is our main communication tool. You can send a request via this link to join. Mention “slack request” in the message.

Here are some tips to get up and running with Slack.

We’re here to support you and want you to be successful.

In return, we ask you to do the same for others.

Today’s Challenge- Join the Conversation:

Join The Gaia Project by writing about environmental initiatives in your community. Propose a new idea, write about a successful project or reveal opportunities you are aware of.

Your article should mention Gaia as part of the title. If you tag Dr John Rose, he will consider adding your article to the main Gaia project as a resource for all to read.

It’s a win win win — you support the project, the earth and we support you.

Greetings to a few of our new writers and some who are not so new. If you know someone who would love to participate in this project and they aren’t mentioned here, please share. I hope you found something to enjoy in this article.

Jump in and start a conversation. It’s the best way to connect and connection is how you increase engagement.

Eric Dickey, Glennis Lofland, Kapilgoel, Halimah Kasim, Manmeet Singh, Manvendra Singh, Nehal Khan, Raqeebah Buhari, Thor Blomfield, Muniza Master, Ja’Juan Burrell, Wie Kiang H., Russell Rowe, Liza Blue, 𝙳𝚊𝚗𝚒 𝙶𝚒𝚋𝚋𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙼𝚌𝙶𝚊𝚠, Franco Amati, Amy Skeel, Michelle Tjin, Deborah Oyegue, Irish Toffee, JustAnnet 👑, Ishan Kukrety, Michael Thorn, Ryan Porter, Caden O’Rourke, Nehal Khan, Liane Carmi, Michael Seppanen, Bhathiya Wendakoon, MD, BSc, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, Alison Tennent, Carlotta Manzoni, Desiree Driesenaar, Arthur G. Hernandez, Brian E. Wish, PhD

If you aren’t tagged and would like to be, please let me know and I’ll make sure you can follow along.

And ONE more thing.

I’m going to contact twenty new writers for an exclusive interview which will be posted on my page and also featured in this bulletin. If you are interested in being interviewed, contact me in the comments section of this post.

The only requirement is you then choose someone to interview and feature them in an article of your own. Jump in and make a new connection!

I hope this feature has provided a glimpse into many of the fantastic things happening every day at Illumination!

Collaboration is a two way street. Join the conversation and be a part of this meaningful change.

I hope you found something useful in this article. If you’re not already a Medium member, Join us here.

If you are a member, please share this story so more people can benefit from these wise words.