Why I Left Medium and Focused on My Own Platform
The Turning Point: Medium vs. Substack vs. Independence
Two weeks ago, Medium reached out, asking me to reopen the Acala Vidyaraja publication on their platform. They made it sound like a great opportunity, but I refused. Not because I lack interest in sharing Buddhist wisdom or growing an audience, but because I’ve realized something fundamental: if a platform is a one-way street, what’s the point?
This article will explain my decision, why Substack has made my writing financially livable, and why I am now investing in building my own platform instead of relying on centralized, restrictive platforms like Medium.
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The Problem with Medium: A One-Way Street
Medium is an attractive platform for writers because it promises visibility and monetization. However, that promise only works if you play by their rules—rules that often serve Medium more than the writers themselves. Here’s why I see Medium as a one-way street:
1. Medium Owns the Audience, Not You
When you publish on Medium, your readers belong to them. You can build a following, but you don’t own that list. You can’t email your subscribers directly, and if Medium decides to change the algorithm, your reach can drop overnight.
In contrast, Substack gives me full control over my email list, allowing me to communicate directly with my readers without gatekeepers. That’s why my Substack is now making my writing financially sustainable, while Medium was just unpredictable.
2. Censorship & Content Control
Medium enforces community guidelines that are often arbitrary and inconsistent. Many writers have had their work demonetized or even removed without proper explanation. If a platform can delete your work or limit its visibility at will, you don’t really own your content.
On my own platform, I don’t have to worry about sudden policy changes restricting what I can say.
3. Lack of Fair Revenue Sharing
While Medium’s Partner Program can generate income, it’s unpredictable. They change the algorithm constantly, and most of the money flows to already popular writers. For niche topics like Vajrayana Buddhism, the income was inconsistent and unreliable.
On Substack, my earnings are based on direct subscriptions from people who value my work, making it a better long-term financial model.
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Why Substack Works Better for Me
1. I Own My Audience
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Every subscriber on Substack is mine. I can email them, build a relationship with them, and move my audience wherever I choose.
2. Direct Monetization
Instead of relying on Medium’s algorithm, Substack lets people directly subscribe to my content. I’m not competing with thousands of random articles for attention; I’m building a loyal reader base.
3. More Creative Control
Substack doesn’t force me into a specific content format or monetization model. I decide how I engage with my readers—free posts, paid posts, exclusive content, or community discussions.
4. Growing Towards Independence
While Substack is great, my ultimate goal is full independence—hence, I’m working on my own platform. This will give me complete freedom over my content, monetization, and community.
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Building My Own Platform: The Future
Substack is a stepping stone. The end goal is my own self-hosted platform, where I have 100% control.
No algorithm controlling visibility
No revenue sharing with third parties
No risk of being censored or demonetized
With Ultra Instinct Management, I’m already working on projects that give me full ownership over my online presence. This includes AcalaVidyaraja.org, Entrepreneurs Edge, and my own publishing brands like Vajra Voice.
In the end, owning my platform is the only real way to build lasting success.
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Why I Said No to Medium
Medium asked me to come back. I said no.
Why? Because I refuse to build something on borrowed land where I have no control. If a platform is a one-way street, where only they benefit, what’s the point?
Instead, I’ve chosen:
✔ Substack, where I own my audience and earn directly
✔ My own platform, where I have full control
✔ A business model that prioritizes independence
Medium may be good for some writers, but for those who want long-term freedom and stability, owning your own audience is the only way forward.
