Welcome to Writer’s Curgatory™

Summary

The author expresses frustration with Medium's restrictive content policies and curation process, which they believe stifle writers' ability to reach audiences and undermine the platform's claim of rewarding quality writing.

Abstract

In a 500-word rant, the author criticizes Medium's latest content restrictions, which limit the republication of past work, the ability to request curation reviews, and the extent of user interactions such as following, clapping, and highlighting. The author argues that these policies, along with vague definitions of "disproportionate" interactions and "promotion," give Medium excessive control over content visibility and distribution. The article suggests that curation on Medium is biased towards writers with large followings and topics that attract subscribers, while other subjects are often overlooked. The author also points out the irony of Medium's gamification of the platform, which they claim is designed to create stat addicts, and notes that even followers may not see all the content from writers they follow. Despite these criticisms, the author remains grateful for the connections made on the site.

Opinions

Medium's new restrictions are overly controlling and limit writers' ability to share and promote their work.
The curation process on Medium is arbitrary and favors established writers and clickbait topics over quality content on diverse subjects.
Medium's algorithm and curation team undervalue fun and light-hearted content in favor of more serious or popular topics.
The platform's gamification tactics are seen as manipulative, designed to hook users on engagement metrics.
There is skepticism about Medium's commitment to supporting and rewarding great writing, as the platform's actions seem to contradict this mission.
The author feels that despite Medium's shortcomings, the community and connections formed on the platform are valuable.

According to the grapevine, Medium has handed down more Commandments from Mount Sinusitis dripping with restrictions on the unwashed masses.

To summarize the latest nonsense, I can no longer:

Republish past work even though it’s lost under a million newer posts — not to mention all the stuff you guys have written.

Ask the Gods of curation to take a second look at an article, even if it brought in hundreds of readers from my hordes of fans on Quora.

Perform “a disproportionately large number of interactions… such as following other accounts (follow spam) clapping, highlighting, or leaving notes.

Use “responses or other interactions as a method of promotion.”

While we don’t know the exact definition of “disproportionately” or “promotion,” I think you get the idea — it’s just more turkey droppings allowing Medium to control the flow of information and to kick people off the site at their discretion.

They have the right to do so; just don’t lie to us that this place welcomes and rewards great writing.

Medium can even control the flow of articles to the people who follow you.

I have gone a few days not seeing the work of some of my favorite writers, only to go on their profiles and find their recent work.

If you’re anonymous, can’t get curated, and aren’t sure you show up in your followers’ feeds, don’t feel bad — now you may not be permitted to interact with other writers to build your readership.

Welcome to Curgatory™.

There’s always room for one more!

In spite of it all, we have so much to be grateful for.

I’m so grateful for all the friends I’ve made on this site.

And they’re probably grateful that I don’t call them out by name.

500-WORD RANT #15

Welcome to Writer’s Curgatory™

How Medium gives you the bird this holiday.

According to the grapevine, Medium has handed down more Commandments from Mount Sinusitis dripping with restrictions on the unwashed masses.

If your article doesn’t show up on a Medium-owned or major indy publication, it has very little chance for curation and NO chance of being a featured article.

Curation is a Completely Arbitrary Process So Stop Beating Yourself Up About Not Being Curated

Once some baseline metrics are passed, getting curated simply comes down to whether the curator reading your article…

I wrote a well researched science-based article brimming with citations — the exact type of high-quality writing that Medium’s curation team supposedly values.

From Newbie to Addict: How Easily Did Medium Hook You?

An exploration of Medium’s game and its effect on players.

Medium can even control the flow of articles to the people who follow you.

What the Hell is Wrong With You People? A Rant on Gratitude.

Always be grateful, even if you’re going to rant.

Here’s to better writing.