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Series: Medium Monetization Tips
The Collapse
In the depths of uncertainty, where the shadows of doubt loomed more extensively with each passing day, I navigated the most challenging phase of my life.
The domino effect of this loss has been profound and painful, touching every aspect of my personal and family life.
The journey from stability to instability was swift and merciless.
Drastic cuts in expenses became our new norm. The hardest part was looking into my children’s eyes — ages 5 and 2 — and explaining why
“daddy doesn’t have a job anymore,” why they couldn’t have this or that, something they couldn’t fully understand but felt deeply.
The Loss Extended Beyond Just Material Things
- We had to sell our family van,
- Unemployment ran out months ago,
- Pulling the kids out of daycare brought challenges, especially when conducting Zoom interviews with two little ones who knew nothing of professional etiquette.
Worse, the looming threat of losing our house added a heavy dread that seemed to darken every moment.
Friends of Medium (FOM) Program
Amidst this backdrop of loss and uncertainty, I stumbled upon the Friends of the Medium program.
Initially skeptical, I wondered if this could be my desperately searching lifeline.
The program is designed to provide increased financial support to writers, offering four times the reading time from a “Friend of Medium” member compared to a regular reader [“].
This model, which rewards excellent human writing, seemed promising but almost too good to be true [“].
The $15 a month cost was a gamble in our tight financial situation, but the potential payoff was worth the risk.
What followed was nothing short of miraculous. My engagement with the platform, fueled by the raw and authentic sharing of my experiences, resonated with others.
My stories of vulnerability, navigating through the challenges of job loss, financial instability, and the struggle to keep afloat while maintaining a semblance of normalcy for my children struck a chord.
The Response was Overwhelming
My revenue from the platform grew exponentially, more than ten times what I had initially invested. While it hasn’t replaced the full-time job I lost, my success on Medium has been a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty.
The Friends of the Medium program has provided a financial cushion and reignited a sense of purpose in me. It’s shown me that there’s value in vulnerability and that sharing our stories can help us heal and resonate with others profoundly.
While the journey is far from over, and the future remains uncertain, this experience has given me hope. I hope there’s a way forward, that authenticity and vulnerability can pave the way for new beginnings, and that even in our darkest times, we can find light.
And Finally…
In this journey, the Friends of the Medium program has been more than just a platform for sharing words; it’s been a community, a source of support, and a testament to the power of human connection and resilience. It’s a reminder that despite overwhelming challenges, there are opportunities for growth, connection, and unexpected paths to recovery.
FAQ: Friends of Medium (FOM) Program
Q1: What is the Friends of the Medium program? A1: The Friends of the Medium program is a subscription-based initiative by Medium that offers readers unlimited access to stories and supports writers by providing a platform for their content to be valued and compensated. It aims to enhance the connection between writers and their audience, rewarding authenticity and engaging content.
Q2: How does the Friends of the Medium program benefit writers? A2: Writers benefit from the Friends of the Medium program through increased exposure and financial incentives. The program is designed to reward writers for their authentic and engaging content, with a compensation model that appreciates the quality of writing over the number of views or claps. This encourages writers to share genuine stories and build a loyal readership.
Q3: Can anyone join the Friends of the Medium program as a writer? A3: Any writer interested in sharing their stories and willing to engage with the community can join the Friends of the Medium program. It’s an opportunity for new and experienced writers to monetize their content and connect with a broader audience.
Q4: What kind of content performs well on the Friends of the Medium program? A4: Content that resonates well with readers on the Friends of the Medium program tends to be authentic, personal, and engaging. Stories that share personal experiences, challenges, and insights into overcoming adversity are viral. The platform values genuine human writing that evokes emotion and connection.
Q5: How has the Friends of the Medium program changed since its inception? A5: Since its inception, the Friends of the Medium program has evolved to support writers and readers better. Its compensation model has been refined to focus more on engagement and reader appreciation than mere views or claps. This change reflects Medium’s commitment to valuing authentic storytelling and fostering a community of readers and writers who support each other.
Q6: Is the Friends of the Medium program worth the investment for writers? A6: For many writers, the Friends of the Medium program has proven to be a worthwhile investment. It offers a platform for writers to share their stories, connect with an audience, and receive financial compensation for their work. While success varies among individuals, the program offers hope and opportunity for writers to pursue their passion and find economic stability.
