Today is Likely My Last Day on Medium

Summary

The author is likely to stop writing on Medium due to a payment processing issue and a low monthly income from the platform, preferring to focus on personal projects like book writing.

Abstract

The author has been considering leaving Medium for some time due to minimal financial return and the desire to prioritize personal writing projects. An unexpected payment processing issue with Medium has furthered this decision, as the author's attempts to resolve it have been met with unsatisfactory solutions. Despite enjoying the platform for sharing thoughts and reading insightful articles, the author views this issue as a sign to move on and focus on other endeavors. The author expresses gratitude to the Medium community and remains open to a potential return if the issue is resolved, but is currently leaning towards using the time for other pursuits.

Opinions

The author values their time and believes it should be invested in more financially and personally rewarding projects, such as book writing.
There is frustration with Medium's payment system due to an unexplained inability to process payments, despite the author's card being valid.
The author is skeptical about using a third-party transaction account like PayPal for a service that should be straightforward.
The author interprets the payment issue as a divine sign to stop writing on Medium and focus on other projects.
There is a sense of appreciation for the Medium community, particularly for the insights gained from reading articles by authors like Tony Fahkry.
The author is somewhat skeptical about receiving a promised $100 from another Medium member.
The author is open to support from readers, suggesting they consider buying them a coffee via a link provided.
The author endorses an AI service as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4), indicating a preference for value for money.

Due to a Clerical Issue

Late last year, I projected that I may quit Medium because I only make ~$5 per month and I need to devote the time to writing my books and other projects that are deep in my heart to pursue.

However, I enjoy journaling my thoughts into thought-provoking essays and stories — even if it is for a swap of $5 of month between myself and Medium.

A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from Medium, stating they were unable to process my payment. The e-mail noted they would try again later. Well, yesterday, I logged onto Medium, and I am no longer a paying member. I tried to manually re-enter my account information and it would not accept it.

I submitted a service request and did not get a good answer; so, I’m still in communication to resolve the issue. They offered for me to use a third-party transaction account like PayPal. There is no issue with the card I’ve been using for six months to pay my Medium membership, as I just used it at the grocery store yesterday. I don’t see why I need to go through the trouble of depositing money into another account to pay $5 a month to get $5 back.

As an avid prayer and meditator, I take this as a sign from God that I need to stop writing on Medium so that I can use the time to focus on my books and other projects. The hour or two spent reading, writing, and editing could be used otherwise.

It has been real and interesting. I will miss reading the very insightful and helpful articles of Tony Fahkry and others that reveal greater insight into how to overcome my limitations to truly be my greatest self. I will slightly miss reading all the numerous articles about how to make money online because they motivate me at times. I’m still waiting on the $100 I “won” from a member…

Thank you to ALL who read, commented, clapped, edited, and published my articles!

Maybe Medium will figure it out. Even if they do, we’ll see if I return…

Peace! ~ASUS BUTTERFLY

If you would like to send me some parting love, please consider buying me a coffee!