Summary

The author discusses the impact of story distribution on Medium, noting that while being chosen for further distribution increases views, it does not necessarily correlate with higher earnings.

Abstract

The author reflects on the recent success of two stories published on Medium, one about using Obsidian and another listing top iPhone apps. The first story, though not chosen for further distribution, steadily gained views and proved to be the most profitable. In contrast, the second story was selected for wider distribution, leading to a significant increase in external views but minimal earnings, highlighting the discrepancy between visibility and monetization on the platform. The author ponders the long-term benefits of distribution and expresses intentions to continue writing, while also inviting readers to subscribe to their work, join Medium, or support them through a coffee purchase.

Opinions

The author values both the visibility and profitability of their stories, with a clear preference for content that achieves both.
There is a sense of surprise and subsequent realization regarding the financial implications of external views versus internal reads on Medium.
The author suggests that being chosen for further distribution may not be the ultimate goal for writers focused on earnings, as it does not guarantee financial success.
Despite the initial excitement about the distribution, the author maintains a pragmatic view, questioning the long-term impact and considering the possibility that the benefits may unfold over time.
The author is committed to their craft and is open to the evolving dynamics of content creation and monetization on Medium.

Being Chosen Is Not The Answer

What’s the question?

I recently had what I call ‘success’ with a couple of stories.

The first was a story about How Obsidian Has Raised My Game.

This was published on 25th January and has been very steady since then.

At the time of writing it has 489 views and 226 reads.

You can see from the image, that the majority of views are ‘Internal’; that means readers in Medium.

On top of that, it has been my most profitable story to date, earning over $10.

Last weekend (February 12th) I published a story about My Top iPhone Apps.

Within the first couple of days, it received 312 views and 119 reads.

You could argue that it was more successful than the first. You would be correct. This story was ‘Chosen for further distribution’.

Wow! I thought!

This is great! I thought!

It is great.

My story is in front of lots of eyes! Except, looking at the stats, the majority of the views, 65% in fact, are from outside of Medium.

Then reality sunk in as I realised that I wouldn’t be paid a cent for these views!

As of now, this story has earned less than $1.50!

Before you all ‘shout’… I know that earnings are based on Reading time and not views. The pattern of reads followed the internal views.

So, the question is, what does being distributed really mean?

It’s a great feeling, and I’ve seen a meteoric rise in views, but if you’re in this to earn money, then it doesn’t appear to be the answer.

Unless, and I won’t know for a while, this is a long game. Will the story pick up speed and continue to grow?

Only time will tell.

In the meantime, I will continue to write and see what happens next.

Thank you for reading

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