avatarEvan Wildstein

Summary

Medium is a platform that encourages the exchange of ideas rather than claiming to be a hub for experts, and it values the discovery of good ideas over the validation of expertise.

Abstract

Medium positions itself as a space where diverse perspectives can be shared and discovered, emphasizing the importance of good ideas over the presence of established experts. The author describes their own journey from traditional literary outlets to the digital space of Medium, appreciating the platform's honesty in its mission statement. The article suggests that the abundance of viewpoints on Medium, including those from self-proclaimed experts, is a testament to the platform's openness and the potential for encountering "dragons" or challenges to one's thinking. The author encourages readers to remain open to the ideas they encounter, as even if they don't profoundly change one's life, they have the potential to impact individual moments in meaningful ways.

Opinions

  • The author values Medium's transparency in not pretending to be a repository solely for expert opinions.
  • There is a recognition that true experts might not be found on Medium, as they may be engaged elsewhere, perhaps in more specialized or academic environments.
  • The platform is praised for offering a refreshing variety of perspectives, which can be both enriching and overwhelming.
  • The author implies a level of skepticism towards individuals who present themselves as experts on Medium, suggesting they may only know "too much about too little."
  • The article conveys that the true value of Medium lies in its ability to facilitate the discovery of ideas that can resonate with readers and potentially alter their perspective, even if just for a moment.
  • There is an acknowledgment that while not all ideas on Medium are life-changing, they can still be impactful by affecting individual moments positively.

There Are No Experts on Medium

If they were, they wouldn’t be here

Photo: Austin Distel on Unsplash

Medium is honest in their mission: Where good ideas find you. They don’t claim expertise finds us. And we should appreciate the candor.

We are here to find, and to be found! When I landed here, I was a lost literary soul, momentarily moving from paper pages to cyberspace chronicles.

It was refreshing. So many perspectives! Perhaps too many — and myriad makeshift experts who know too much about too little. Were they experts, they would be elsewhere, but they’re not, because there be dragons.

So if you can, let the good ideas find you and wash over you like the good opinions they are. Be found by them.

They might not change your life, but they might change a moment. And moments are magnificent — always and in all ways.

Shortform
Expert
Expertise
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