Why I’m Actively Trying To Follow More Writers On Medium

Widening your circle always expands your thoughts

In 2023 I started writing on Medium. I had good success from 60 odd articles and very much focused on the writing aspect of the platform.

I felt a deep connection with being a writer again, enjoying it so much I bought into the new Friend of Medium membership tier — I even have one of the limited edition 500 strong Friend of Medium tote bags for being an early adopter.

But I was getting Medium all wrong. When I consider if I actually was a friend of Medium, I realised I followed a lot less writers than the amount who follow me. What I thought was a way of rekindling a creative outlet, that sat outside of my day job or parenting, was in fact a much bigger opportunity.

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” — Benjamin Franklin

Medium isn’t just about writing, it’s also about reading.

Recently, I’ve made a conscious effort to broaden my literary horizons by actively seeking and following more writers on Medium. Here’s why I believe widening your circle and reading more is key to getting the most out of this platform.

How Do You See The World?

Every writer brings a unique perspective to the table. By diversifying the voices I follow, I’m straight into a world of improved insights and experiences. Whether it’s exploring the nuances of different cultures, delving into varied professional fields, or simply understanding diverse life stories, each writer contributes a thread to the fabric of my understanding.

There are literally 1000s of publications which focus on different aspects of the world — from short form instructive works, to long form analytical studies or opinion pieces — seeing how other’s problem solve or experience things is fascinating.

I currently follow just under 300 writers on Medium — it’s simply not good enough to fully get the Medium experience — cast a wide net, see a new world.

Breaking Out of the Echo Chamber

It's easy to fall into the trap of only reading content that aligns with our existing beliefs. Actively seeking out new voices disrupts this echo chamber, exposing us to ideas that challenge and broaden our worldview. Engaging with a variety of perspectives promotes intellectual growth and cultivates a more open-minded approach to the world around us.

Reading prolifically on Medium provides a wellspring of inspiration. The narratives, styles, and techniques employed by fellow writers can serve as catalysts for your creativity, sparking fresh ideas and approaches to your own writing.

Viewing the platform primarily as a reading space allows you to study these different writing styles and techniques.

Writers are artists wielding words as their brushstrokes. Each writer has their own style, a distinctive way of painting images with language. What might start out as the same blank page, ends up different to each writer. By following a diverse range of writers, I‘m giving myself the chance to see what sets each writer apart. This exposure contributes to my own growth as a writer as I realise what I enjoy, what I don’t and where I can make changes. There’s no better feeling than finding someone you could read for hours.

Building a Supportive Tribe

Medium is firmly based in community spirit.

The writing journey can be a solitary one, but it doesn't have to be lonely. Actively following and engaging with fellow writers creates a sense of community. Whether it's through thoughtful comments, shared experiences, or collaborative projects, building connections with others who share the passion for words enhances the writing experience.

I’ve managed to find people who indulge in similar hobbies to me — whether that’s Chess, Running, Parenting and personal growth. People who want to improve their lot, to learn, to encourage and champion something entrepreneurial. Medium will always find a way to give something back to you are a writer, if you’re willing to read more.

“A tribe is any group of people, large or small, who are connected to one another, a leader, and an idea.” — Seth Godin in Tribes

In the digital age, networking transcends physical boundaries. Actively following and interacting with writers on Medium has opened doors to collaborations, joint projects, and even professional opportunities. A supportive network can be a catalyst for growth, both personally and professionally. The use of editors and publications accelerates these opportunities, grouping me with fellow writers, being instantly on a team.

Feedback Loops As A The Lifeline of Improvement

One of the key reasons for actively following more writers is the invaluable feedback loops it creates. Writers supporting writers create a symbiotic relationship where feedback, encouragement, and shared experiences contribute to a thriving ecosystem, enhancing the overall quality of the platform.

I wasn’t on Medium when it was a small platform — I often wonder what it was like to have a low but concentrated readership in the platform’s early years. Fortunately Medium is growing at a fast pace — there is a box-ready set of readers across every topic who are openly willing others to do well.

By engaging with a diverse group of writers, I open myself to a range of opinions, suggestions, and insights. This collective feedback becomes a lifeline for improvement, pushing me to refine my skills and evolve as a writer.

Discovering Hidden Gems

On a basic level, simply hearing what’s out there will scratch that curiosity we all have to learn. Every writer has a story to tell, and Medium is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Actively seeking out new voices allows me to stumble upon hidden talents, undiscovered perspectives, and pieces of writing that resonate on a profound level. It's like embarking on a literary adventure with surprises at every turn.

My decision to actively follow more writers on Medium is a conscious step towards embracing the diversity of thought and experience that exists within the writing community. By widening my circle, I not only enrich my own life but also contribute to the growing ecosystem of ideas that make platforms like Medium so dynamic.

So what can you do?

If you have an article you think I would enjoy, please let me know in the comments or on any of my articles — I’m always eager to sign up to newsletters that will help inspire me, or on topics I’m passionate about.

I love letting writers know I appreciated their work and have given them a follow, and I suspect everyone else does to. So reach out, help let me know you exist here (or elsewhere) and make 2024 a year in which I actively grow my reading list and connect with others.

Thank you for reading this article, and Happy New Year!