Worrying About People In A Story Reading About Themselves

Summary

Writers on Medium often grapple with the potential consequences of sharing personal stories that may portray family and friends in a negative light, with some achieving success through sensational or controversial content.

Abstract

The article discusses the risks and considerations faced by writers on Medium when publishing personal narratives that involve family and friends. Many writers are preoccupied with gaining a large readership and the financial success that may follow. However, when these stories include sensitive, personal, or potentially damaging information about real individuals, authors must navigate the possibility that these subjects might read the stories. Some writers are undeterred by this, penning tales that expose unsavory behaviors or criminal activities of their subjects, who may be estranged or even deceased. The article questions whether writers are concerned about the reactions of those depicted in their work, acknowledging that while some stories about deceased relatives might not lead to direct backlash, others involving living individuals could result in hurt feelings or further estrangement. It is suggested that writers should consider the impact of their words, as published content can have long-lasting effects and may be read by the very people they write about, despite the low likelihood of their stories gaining significant traction.

Opinions

Writers are often motivated by the desire for a large audience and the potential earnings that come with high viewership on Medium.
There is a trend of writers sharing very personal and sometimes controversial stories about family and friends, which can include revealing negative aspects or even criminal behavior.
Some writers may not be concerned about the subjects of their stories reading their work, possibly due to estrangement or a desire to expose the truth.
The article suggests that writers should be cautious and consider the potential harm their stories could cause to the people they write about.
There is an acknowledgment that personal stories, especially those with a sensational or shocking element, can attract more readers and be financially successful.
The potential for stories to cause bad feelings or estrangement is noted, with a reminder that written words can have enduring visibility and impact.

Writing about family and friends could be risky

Writers of all types are writing personal stories

Most people who are writing on Medium are worried about getting enough readers. People want their stats to show that they have thousands of views and reads for their stories. They would like to have success through large numbers showing up in their stats and translating into earnings.

Some write very personal stories which reveal details that may be distasteful to some of the people included in the story. They may call people out for horrible actions. Some show relatives in a poor light. They might talk about abuse and other criminal activities in which others were engaged.

There may be some people who have to worry that someone in the story will read it. They may not want that person to see himself or herself depicted in a negative light. If they are writing about it, they may not care if others know it or if the person reads it.

Some of the most popular stories on Medium seem to be the ones about side hustles (including Medium) and ways to earn money. Also popular are stories which are extremely personal. Some of them tell about family members and friends in a very derogatory light. Some of the people may have died, but others are very much alive. They may be estranged or they could still be connected.

Do they worry that those people will read what has been written about them? Apparently, not.

Some people tell horror stories about dead parents or siblings. There is no worry about them reading the stories, but others in the family might. Many of those types of stories are about people who are still living.

Do the people writing such personal stories care if the person about whom the story is written reads it? Information shared to the general public in that manner could cause very bad feelings and estrangement from those about whom they are written. Perhaps they have already broken all ties so they don’t care about offending the person.

If you are regularly getting single-digit or low double-digit views for your stories, there is almost a certainty that the people that you write about won’t read the story. Unless someone you know happens to read it and share it with the person, it is unlikely that it will get back to them. If your friends and relatives are acquainted with Medium and are reading your work, it is likely that the person might read it.

Some people don’t care and are finding success by writing personal stories about people who may be relatives or “former” friends. They may be using the shock factor.

People who feel that they have to worry about written words getting back to a person should probably reconsider what they are writing before they publish the work. If it is going to hurt someone or be harmful in any way to them, it is a good idea to not print it.

Wanting to get more readers for a story is natural, but having to worry that a person written about might read it could be stressful.

Words which are put into print could be out there and accessible for a long time.