Off and On with Medium
I’ve developed an unusual habit over the years: joining Medium, writing a few articles, and then quietly disappearing after a while. I’d come back months later to repeat the process.
My goal wasn’t to get rich from writing; I’ve been doing it for decades without expecting massive financial rewards.
What I really wanted was simple: to be read by someone who would think, “That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to say.” Every writer craves that moment when an idea resonates with another human being . It is the reward that keeps you coming back to your keyboard.
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When I first joined Medium, it felt easier to find those moments. Writers were more likely to read each other’s work and leave thoughtful comments. You discovered new voices because everyone was trying to build an audience together. However, my approach was flawed. I was treating Medium like a publishing platform instead of a community. I’d publish an article, check the statistics, feel disappointed, and gradually drift away. Then I’d convince myself the platform wasn’t working.
This time, I decided to try something different. Instead of focusing almost entirely on publishing, I started participating more in the community. I’ve been reading more articles, leaving comments, clapping for work I genuinely enjoy, following writers whose ideas challenge me, and becoming the kind of reader I’d like to have.
It’s only been about a month, but something feels different. The numbers are moving in the right direction, although that’s only part of the story. More importantly, I’m beginning to recognize names, people are recognizing mine, and conversations are starting to happen. And that’s what I was missing.
For all its imperfections, Medium remains the best platform for writers who simply want to write. There are other places to publish, but many feel fragmented or cater to existing audiences rather than helping you discover new ones.
Ironically, the platform where I receive the most interaction today is Reddit: a place where people respond, disagree, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations. I’d love to see Medium capture more of that spirit: articles becoming the beginning of discussions instead of the end of one, readers returning to conversations as they do with Reddit threads.
Writing can be a solitary act, but reading doesn’t have to be. I’m encouraged by what I’ve experienced during my latest return. Maybe the difference is Medium, or maybe it’s me. Either way, for the first time in a long while, I’m not thinking about when I’ll leave again. I’m thinking about what I’ll write next.
