Tiny Trivia and One Big Thing

Summary

The author expresses disdain for the overemphasis on earnings among Medium writers and advocates for a focus on the love of writing and the craft itself.

Abstract

The article titled "Tiny Trivia and One Big Thing" by Veronika Kaufmann on Medium discusses the author's pet peeves, including the messiness of opening cat food pouches and the trend of writers excessively sharing their earnings. The author, Veronika Kaufmann, criticizes the culture of prioritizing monetary gain over the passion for writing on Medium. She argues that this trend overshadows genuine content and quality writers, suggesting that Medium should segregate earnings-related content to a dedicated section. Kaufmann emphasizes the importance of writing for the love of the craft and sharing experiences, rather than focusing solely on financial rewards. Despite her own financial struggles, she values the joy and fulfillment that writing brings and believes that success will follow those who prioritize their passion for writing.

Opinions

The author finds the trend of writers constantly sharing their earnings numbers on Medium to be toxic and unhelpful.
She believes that the emphasis on earning potential on Medium puts the cart before the horse, prioritizing money over the quality of writing.
Kaufmann suggests that the Medium platform should create a specific section for earnings-related content to avoid overshadowing other quality writing.
She is critical of the idea that writing on Medium should be primarily about making money, asserting that art thrives on restrictions and the love for the craft should come first.
The author appreciates and acknowledges the presence of excellent writers on Medium who provide content that evokes emotions and intellectual engagement, rather than focusing on earnings.
Despite not being motivated by money, Kaufmann is open to earning from her writing on Medium and even encourages readers to subscribe for email alerts and membership, which could earn her a referral fee.

The Tiny Trivia Part

Every time I open a pouch of cat food, the sauce kind slops over onto my toes. Onto the floor. Eww.

Harrison Ford eats pizza and is a cranky old guy. In my opinion, Indiana Jones can do no wrong.

You can buy the discarded plastic ring off a juice container packaged as cat toys! See, now that’s called..I dunno. But I do know what’d I call people who actually buy it. (Thanks to Ernie for this snippet of trivia goodness)

All the writers on Medium who make a huge deal over their earnings disguised as trying to be helpful? Not helpful and in my opinion have created a toxic atmosphere. This requires a longer explanation. Please, do continue. I’ll be back with inane trivia soon. Promise.

The Thread

I write on Medium to share stuff. Stuff I’ve experienced, stuff I know that some might find helpful, some might connect with. If I can earn off that — fantastic. But shouting out earnings and basing your Medium writing existence on how to earn 4 to 5 figures — isn’t that like putting the cart before the horse? Speaking of horses, I think the whole Medium earnings reveal movement is horseshit.

I can understand some or all Medium Board of Editors or whoever runs this platform, love it — attracts lots of writers in it for the money. The more the merrier, right? That’s a great premise to get quality writing here. Results: some good writers do get overlooked. It’s a jungle out there. It is.

I’m broke but I’m happy I’m poor but I’m kind ~ Alanis Morisette

Art thrives on restrictions

I want to earn money. I want to earn recognition as a writer. But again, to look at the lure of $$$ first without the love for the craft — seems backward and wrong to me. That’s just my take. I’ve been in creative professions all my life. I never did it for the money. Not as a dancer, not as a crew member on film sets, not as a writer. And no, I never had a trust fund or a fallback. Maybe I should have been more mercenarily inclined, avoiding some tough times — some would argue that point. But I wasn’t. I’m still not. And that’s okay. Success will come. But love for the craft, as corny and schmalzy it sounds, has to be up there always, in the first place.

I have a suggestion for Medium overseers: put all the “I’ve earned $$$$ this month” in one place. So interested people can seek it out there. Currently, it’s just everywhere. I’m sick of it. I’ve unsubscribed to all these writers’ newsletters and seek out writers who actually write. There are some really excellent writers on Medium. Those who make me smile, think, laugh; I’ve discovered fellow history lovers, people who see things from a Euro — US POV, and more. There are real gems. Thank you.

Tiny Trivia and One Big Thing

I really hate all the content that isn’t content and writers who constantly shout out their earnings numbers

The Tiny Trivia Part

The Thread

Art thrives on restrictions

A few mentions

Last but not least…