Why Medium Discriminates Against International Writers?

Summary

The article discusses Medium's discriminatory practices against international writers by limiting payment options through Stripe, which is not available globally.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses frustration with Medium's payment system, which is biased towards writers from a select group of countries where Stripe operates. Despite being able to pay for a Medium membership and contribute content from anywhere in the world, many writers, including the author, are excluded from the Partner Program and the opportunity to earn money for their work due to the unavailability of Stripe in their region. This situation is seen as ironic, given Medium's content often promotes equality and diversity. The author feels that Medium's decision to restrict payment eligibility is a conscious act of discrimination that denies many writers fair compensation and equal opportunity.

Opinions

The author believes that Medium's use of Stripe for its Partner Program is an example of discrimination because it favors writers from countries where Stripe operates.
The author is critical of Medium's ability to collect membership fees globally while only compensating writers from certain regions, highlighting a double standard.
The author is disappointed with Medium, as they expected a platform that champions equality and human rights to offer more inclusive compensation practices.
The author suggests that Medium's actions contradict its publicly stated values regarding equality and diversity.
The author feels that Medium's decision to limit compensation options has created an unequal playing field for writers based on their geographical location.
The author seeks support from readers through alternative payment methods like PayPal, Patreon, and book purchases, indicating a lack of confidence in Medium's willingness to address the issue.

Dear Your Friends @ Medium & Ev Williams,

every time I start writing a new post, there is this alluring option at the top of the draft telling me I could get paid for my writing here. I only needed to opt for your partnership program and make my work available to your members only. While I’d love nothing more than to try this out, you effectively prevented me from doing so.

The only way I could enroll, and thus get paid, is through Stripe. Stripe, however, is only available in a small, privileged part of the world. Many writers here, including myself, are not fortunate enough to be a part of that world. We thus hit the wall you set up for God knows what reason that now separates us from those ‘worthy’ of compensation.

This, my dear Medium, is a textbook example of discrimination.

To make the matter even worse, I had no problem paying your monthly membership fee back in March, when I wanted to show my support and appreciation for the amazing platform you’ve built. You’ve made the payment very easy for me, and you still have no problem collecting the fees globally and publishing posts from all over the world for free. And yet you only opened the compensation option for our contributions here to the privileged few.

Why can we all pay but only some can get paid?

Could you please explain the reasoning behind this decision to me because I just don’t get the logic of it. I don’t know what to think any longer. You were the last I’d expect any kind of discrimination from — at least given how ubiquitous posts on equality, diversity, and human right are on Medium. Yet, you’ve made a conscious decision to rob many of the writers here of equal opportunity and fair participation. Why, Medium, why?

Since Medium won’t, you can help me write by making a donation, becoming my patron on Patreon, or giving my book a try ($0,99). Thanks!

Mateja started to write short stories at the age of ten and later became a freelance writer, radio personality, and explorer of the inner worlds. Her life resembles a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs and some pretty wild turns. Among other things, her car was destroyed by tanks, and she survived several brushes with death. She graduated in psychology from Arizona State University and is deep into the weird. Connect with Mateja on LinkedIn.