What Kind of Writer are You?

So you just joined Medium and are wondering what to write or how to get followers. You are reading all the articles with tips on what you should write and telling you to follow everyone in the hopes that they will follow you back.

I’m here to tell you not to do that. I mean, you can if you want, but what kind of writer do you want to be? Do you want to be one who churns out the same crap as countless others? Or do you want to be one who takes a real interest in your own work?

When I started posting on Medium, there wasn’t a minimum follower requirement to make money. I made a few cents here and there, but I wasn’t writing regularly. Then Medium changed and I had to decide if I wanted to delete my account, leave my writings for the world to see without me getting a cent, or try to get into the partnership program.

I had two followers back then. It took time, but I did get enough to enter the program, and I’m glad I stayed. Not because I make money — I still only get maybe 50 cents every couple of months. I’m glad because I feel like I do have an audience who reads my postings, even if it’s just a small one. But they read what I want to write, which makes me feel more creative as a writer and let’s me take pride in my work.

I read many articles on how to gain followers back then, and by “back then,” I mean last year. So many said to follow a ton of writers on Medium and hope that they follow back. I didn’t do that. I followed those who wrote things that interested me. If I enjoyed what they had to say, I followed them. Some followed me back, but only a small percentage.

Then there was my writing. They say to write what your audience wants, and it seems a lot of people on Medium want to know how to make money on the side, how to get followers, and how to make money on Medium. There are so many articles on these subjects — most of which are just the same tips retold by someone else. Most of which are absolute garbage — you aren’t going to get rich doing nothing, and even if you do, what does that say about you as a writer? Or as a person?

Look, you came to Medium for a reason. You want to write for a reason. Yes, we all want to make money, but do you want to write more of the same drivel others do, or do you want to be you? Are you just looking for…

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