Is Medium Worth a Writer’s Time?
Surely I’m not the only one asking this question
In early 2020, Medium was the place to be. Writers of all backgrounds and experience levels could build an audience and make legit money for their time.
I convinced two fellow writers and family members to join this platform, certain it would lead them on a fulfilling and worthwhile journey. As a bonus, I received a small pittance each month for convincing them to join. (Thankfully, this was several months before Medium did away with its referral program, so the monthly payout was grandfathered in.)
Fast forward to today, when questions abound about payouts, fraudulent and spam accounts, and a general lack of administrative transparency. The first referral joined at a time when you needed 100 followers to join the partner program. It was an uphill battle for someone more interested in conversations via Discord and X, and his membership only lasted a few months.
My second referral took the opposite approach and jumped right in, eager to learn the platform and form new connections. Unfortunately, that verve has faded along with mine, our conversations shifting from excitement about building an audience to frustration over how the entire landscape is managed.
