The Problem With Those “I Made $6,254 Last Month Writing For Medium” Articles

Summary

The article critiques the sensationalist claims of financial success in Medium writing articles, emphasizing the rarity of such earnings and the importance of genuine writing craft over quick success schemes.

Abstract

The author expresses skepticism about articles claiming substantial earnings from writing on Medium, noting that these pieces often follow a clickbait-style headline formula and may lead to paid courses or ebooks. While acknowledging that some writers do earn significant income, the reality is that the majority make less than $100 a month. The article suggests that these success stories are more about marketing and copywriting skills rather than teaching true writing craft. It advises readers to seek out books and resources that focus on the intrinsic value of writing and the personal growth it offers, rather than the promise of financial success.

Opinions

The headlines of "success" articles on Medium are likened to get-rich-quick schemes, with the author feeling they are misleading.
There is a concern that these articles prioritize marketing the author's paid products over providing genuine writing advice.
The author points out that only a small percentage of Medium writers achieve significant earnings, with most earning very little.
The article emphasizes that good writing is not about formulas or systems but comes from within the writer.
It is suggested that readers may feel like failures after reading about others' financial success on Medium, which is not reflective of the average writer's experience.
The author recommends reading books about writing that focus on the craft and the challenges of being a writer, such as those by Steven Pressfield, Austin Kleon, Anne Lamott, Steven King, and Ray Bradbury.
The article encourages a realistic approach to writing on Medium, with the understanding that it is unlikely to lead to wealth but can be rewarding in terms of personal development and literary skill.

The Problem With Those “I Made $6,254 Last Month Writing For Medium” Articles

I confess that I’ve been enticed to read many of those articles. But, although I may walk away with a tip or two, they leave me with a queasy feeling.

They use a headline formula for get-rich-quick schemes or weight loss offers. The proof is supposedly in the numbers but as they say in the fine print, “results may vary.”

I often get to the end of one of these articles, enticed by the promise of financial freedom, and find out that the full course with all the details will cost hundreds of dollars.

Medium writers who quote their earnings, also let you know how they make their own hours while living in paradise. There is the not-so-subtle promise that if you follow their advice, things will work out as well for you.

Writers who quote their earnings are usually great copywriters. They are great marketers. They are adept at using Medium as a technology platform and a marketing platform. They explain how the system works, how to submit to a publication, use tags, and follow guidelines so editors will choose your work.

The reality of making a living writing for Medium is very different than those headlines suggest. About 95% of Medium writers make less than $100 a month. If everyone reading these articles could make the kind of money these promise, very few people would be looking for jobs.

As a reader, know two things. First, when you read a headline about how to make money writing on Medium, the goal of the article is to validate the author’s success. This will encourage you to take the next step and sign up for a newsletter, buy an ebook, or take a course. Second, your chances of making that kind of money are slim. Third, the articles have little to do with teaching you how to be a better writer.

After reading an article that tells the story of making thousands of dollars a month on Medium, you are more likely to end up feeling like a failure than finding your way to all that money.

At best, you will learn how to write like the people you are reading and get a link to a headline analyzer. But good writing comes from inside of you. It’s about more than formulas and systems.

If you want to become a better writer, read writers who are motivated by a desire to pass on the craft of writing.

Some of the best books about writing are Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, Austin Kleon’s, Steal Like an Artist, Anne Lamott’s Bird By Bird, Steven King’s On Writing, or Ray Bradbury’s Zen and the Art Of Writing.

They don’t tell you how easy it is to make a fortune writing. Their vulnerability and humor show you just the opposite — how hard it is to be a writer. When you read these books you don’t feel like a failure, you realize you are not alone.

If you have other books or Medium writers who have been helpful writing teachers, I’d love you to share them here in the comments.

Your chances of becoming rich after reading these books are also slim. Good writing about writing gives you hope and inspiration for becoming a better writer. If that’s what you really want, spend your reading time them.