What The Medium Partner Program Changes Mean For Writers

Summary

Medium's Partner Program has shifted its payment model to prioritize reader engagement through reading time rather than claps and interactions, potentially impacting writer earnings and content strategy.

Abstract

Medium has announced significant changes to its Partner Program, effective from 10/28/19, which alter the way writers are compensated for their work. The new model focuses on the actual reading time of articles rather than the number of claps or responses they receive. While claps still serve a purpose in increasing a story's visibility to a wider audience, the direct financial incentive is now tied to how long readers spend engaging with the content. This change is expected to slightly reduce earnings for some writers but emphasizes the importance of creating longer, engaging pieces. The author of the article speculates that Medium's payment algorithm may now include metrics like read-thru rate and suggests that writers adapt to this new system by potentially combining shorter works, such as poetry, into more substantial articles to maintain earnings.

Opinions

The author initially perceives the changes as a significant shift but later suggests that the impact might not be as drastic as it seems.
Claps are still considered valuable for expanding an article's reach, but their role in direct earnings is diminished.
The author anticipates that Medium pay may decrease for many writers in November due to the new focus on reading time.
There is an expectation that Medium will now favor longer, engaging content, which could disadvantage writers of short-form content like poetry.
The author encourages viewing the changes as an opportunity for growth and adaptation in writing habits.
The author offers a pragmatic approach, suggesting that writers could string together multiple shorter pieces to meet the new engagement criteria.
The author reminds readers that Medium's policies are subject to change, hinting at potential further adjustments as early as January.

What The Medium Partner Program Changes Mean For Writers

Wow, you open up your email and find out… everything has changed. At least that’s what I first thought when I heard about Medium changing the Medium Partner Program.

As of 10/28/19, Medium is completely changing how we are paid for our writing.

Here are the highlights.

Photo by Author/Medium.com

So what’s this mean? Claps and responses (aka interaction) are not part of the payment equation. It’s all about reading now.

I’m curious about the new metrics, I’d assume they will breakdown the “readthru rate” to some extent. That makes a lot of sense to me.

So Do Claps No Longer Matter?

Hold on for a second. I wouldn’t go that far. Here’s what Medium says about that:

“We want to listen to input from more of your readers, not just the ones who remember to 👏. Claps will remain a great way for readers to support stories they love. When your readers clap, they’ll boost your stories to a wider audience. And as more people read, you’ll earn.”

So clapping is still important. Here’s the way I look at it…

Clapping → Bigger audience→ More Readers → Higher Pay

So What Really Changed?

Great question. Honestly, I don’t think a whole lot changed going from this email and blog post from Medium here. If anything, it just means whatever income was from clapping and interacting is now going away. But that’s always been a guess at most.

I’d assume this means Medium pay will go down for many readers in November, but I don’t think it will be a significant change.

A Final Word

Medium will now favor longer pieces that are engaging. This is not a bad thing unless you’re writing short poetry. Even then, I wonder if you could have a few pieces strung together after each other. Why the heck not?

Nothing has really changed as much as it seems on first glance — and keep in mind that things are always subject to change. Things could change again January. Until the next change, just make the most this and view it as an opportunity.

What The Medium Partner Program Changes Mean For Writers

So Do Claps No Longer Matter?

So What Really Changed?

A Final Word

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