Why I still write on Medium

Summary

The author writes on Medium to process personal thoughts and engage in a broader community dialogue, finding value in the platform's ability to foster connection and discussion, particularly exemplified by the impact of a letter written to his daughter following the election and the positive feedback from a student.

Abstract

The author describes their motivation for using Medium as a writing platform, emphasizing its utility for expressing personal reflections during significant events, such as the day after an election. The article highlights the author's decision to pen an open letter to his daughter, which resonated with a wider audience and led to a sense of community through the responses it garnered. The author also mentions incorporating Medium into their media writing class for students to share their assignments and reflections, further illustrating the platform's role in facilitating meaningful communication and engagement. An email from a student expressing gratitude for the opportunity to write and share on Medium reinforces the author's commitment to the platform.

Opinions

The author values Medium as a space for personal expression and processing complex emotions, particularly in response to impactful events like an election.
Writing on Medium is seen as a way to contribute to larger conversations and connect with others who share similar sentiments.
The author believes in the educational value of Medium for students, using it as a tool for teaching and learning through writing and sharing.
The positive feedback from readers, including shares and an appreciative email from a student, affirms the author's belief in the power of writing on Medium to create a sense of community and belonging.

Why I still write on Medium

I remember waking up in a daze the day after the last election, trying to make sense of the world.

So I fell back on the only thing I knew to do in the situation: Write. I wrote a letter to my 6-year-old daughter, saying all the things in my brain that I couldn’t bring myself to tell her. It helped me process my thoughts.

This wasn’t the kind of thing I’d put on a personal blog or website. It was just something I needed to write, in the moment, on a blank page. I wrote it for myself, but I also wanted to put it out there for a larger conversation, because I knew others felt the same way.

Nearly 2,000 people read it, and the responses and shares made me feel part of a community.

Tonight, 10 months later, I started my first media writing class of this semester. I have the class join Medium for their assignments and reflections.

After class, I received this email from one of my students:

That’s why I’ll keep writing on Medium.

Why I still write on Medium

Dear Clara,

I don’t know how much you’ll remember this moment in the future.