Summary

The article discusses the intrinsic and extrinsic value of Medium articles, emphasizing that true worth is derived from the impact on the reader rather than metrics like views, reads, and earnings.

Abstract

The author reflects on the concept of value as it pertains to articles published on Medium. While acknowledging that monetary value can be attributed to articles based on views, reads, highlights, claps, and comments, the author argues that the real value lies in the article's ability to prompt action or change in the reader. The piece contrasts the financial success of certain articles with their perceived potential to inspire change, noting that sometimes less impactful content earns more, while more valuable content in terms of knowledge and the power to change may earn less. The author invites readers to consider the true value of their work and shares a personal reflection on the disconnect between article earnings and their transformative potential.

Opinions

The author believes that the value of an article should not be solely measured by traditional engagement metrics like claps or comments.
It is suggested that the true value of an article is realized when it prompts the reader to take action or experience change.
The author observes an inconsistency between the monetary success of articles and their ability to deliver meaningful knowledge or inspire change.
There is an expressed sentiment that articles which are less impactful in terms of content quality can sometimes be more financially rewarding.
The author encourages a broader perspective on value, focusing on the reader's takeaway rather than just the article's earnings.
The article implies that writers should strive to create content that has a significant impact on readers, even if such content does not always correlate with higher earnings.

What is the value of your articles?

Unlocking Value: Beyond Metrics on Medium — Measuring Impact and Real Worth of Medium Articles

According to the Oxford Dictionary

value is the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something, but also how much something is worth in money or other goods for which it can be exchanged.

But I want to talk about the value of our articles here on Medium!

Have you ever asked yourself what is the value of your articles?

If yes,

How do you measure it?

By the currencies of claps? Or the comments?

Or the number of words you have in it is the factor that brings the value?

I asked myself this while I was watching my story earnings.

These are my most valuable stories in terms of monetary value.

This monetary value implies views, reads, highlights, claps, and comments. Based on these, your articles earn more or less.

In the first instance, the value can be measured in currency.

It is ok to be aware of this value.

But the value that matters is what the reader gets from your article, not as knowledge but in prompting action or change.

Let’s presume you write something about how to get more followers. You write some tips on how to do it, and the reader goes and starts implementing them.

That is the moment when your article gets value.

The weird thing here on Medium is sometimes, articles you consider bring value to the reader earn less.

I have articles I know weren’t so strong considering the power of changing the other. But they earned more.

And those I thought were more valuable in terms of knowledge and power of change earned less.

Do you think this article is valuable?

Thank you for reading!

Read this, too: Dear reader, I don’t disrespect you.