This Top Writer Is Officially Back on Medium

Summary

Top writer Matt Lillywhite has returned to Medium after a hiatus, acknowledging his earlier departure was a mistake, and expressing optimism about the platform's future as it evolves with new features and upgrades.

Abstract

The article discusses the challenges faced by content creators on Medium following an algorithm change that led to a decline in visibility and rewards for many top writers, prompting some to leave the platform. Despite these challenges, Matt Lillywhite, a prominent Medium writer, has decided to return to the platform. He admits his previous decision to leave was an error and recognizes Medium's potential for growth and improvement in 2022. The article contrasts Medium's situation with other platforms like Newsbreak, suggesting that Medium remains superior despite its recent difficulties. With the return of influential writers like Lillywhite and the introduction of new features, the article posits that Medium is poised to become one of the best writing platforms.

Opinions

The author believes that writing on Medium can be unrewarding when the platform's algorithm doesn't favor the writers, which has led to dissatisfaction among top writers.
The article reflects the sentiment that Medium was once considered a "sinking ship" or "dying a slow death" by many writers due to the algorithm changes and the closure of major publications.
Matt Lillywhite, upon reevaluation, has concluded that leaving Medium was a mistake and that the platform's future looks promising.
The author asserts that Medium is adapting and improving, setting itself apart from competitors like Vocal, Newsbreak, and Quora, and is expected to thrive as a writing platform.
There is a critical view of Newsbreak, with the author stating it has treated its creators poorly in comparison to Medium's temporary algorithm issues.
The author is optimistic about Medium's direction and is particularly enthusiastic about the return of Matt Lillywhite, viewing it as beneficial for the platform's growth and reputation.

Why you should stick to writing on this platform

Image by Angela Roma from Pexels.

Being a content creator is hard. It’s exponentially harder when you don’t see rewards for your hard work. For any writer, to keep writing on the platform isn’t fun when the odds are largely stacked against you.

And that’s exactly how it was for many top writers on this platform. Since Medium’s algorithm change, many writers have left the platform to pursue greener pastures. Major publications such as PS I Love You and Ascent shut down their doors. Shortly after, Medium was flooded with posts about algorithm change that left many writers scrambling.

The most popular opinion was: Medium is a sinking ship or Medium was dying a slow death.”

One of the frustrated writers was Matt Lillywhite who at the time decided to temporarily step out of Medium. He was a top Medium writer who like many other top writers on this platform felt frustrated about the changes, and so he decided to take a break from Medium. But now he’s back and realized that he made a mistake and should’ve stayed.

I made a mistake. And right now, I’m going to take ownership of the fact that I screwed up.

The changes he saw on Medium as well as the future of Medium were the main reasons he left.

I took a break because the platform was no longer recognizable from its former self. Major publications such as The Ascent & PS I Love You disappeared due to Medium’s unpredictable changes in direction.

The future of Medium

Medium isn’t dead, it’s just moving in a new direction. I believe it is set to become one of the best writing platforms in 2022. It’s constantly adding more upgrades and new features.

Currently, there is really no other platform that can compete with Medium. Not Vocal, not Newsbreak, not Quora. For example, if you look at Newsbreak, it’s worst of the worst. The temporary Medium’s algorithm change is nothing compared to how Newsbreak has treated its creators in the past few months.

So, it’s clear that of all the writing platforms that are out there, Medium is currently the winner.

In the meantime, I’m happy Matt Lillywhite has made the right decision to come back and I’m beating my drum roll. Medium can only flourish by having such an amazing and prolific writer like him.