Chapter 1: The Experiment with Medium

I decided to shift my daily reading from books to Medium articles.

To start this journey, I signed up for a premium membership, as the free version limited my access to articles. I typically utilize my morning computer time for reading, and with a reading window of about 15 to 20 minutes, Medium articles appeared to be an ideal fit.

However, I quickly discovered that my productivity wasn’t at the level I expected. Unlike reading an ebook where I can seamlessly pick up where I left off, using Medium meant I spent valuable time scrolling through the app to find engaging topics. I also found myself avoiding lengthy articles to make sure I could finish them before my commute ended.

One of the main issues I faced with Medium articles was their often fleeting nature. After some time, I noticed that many of the topics I was reading felt repetitive or not particularly "new." This realization highlighted the limitations of the themes I was following on the platform.

Moreover, I struggled to retain the information from the articles. The transitory aspect of the content made it hard for me to remember the details. In contrast, traditional books tend to offer more in-depth narratives and memorable examples.

When it comes to book recommendations, they are often readily shared among friends. If you ask someone for a good book suggestion, they can quickly provide a list. Yet, how often have you found yourself recommending a Medium article, aside from casually sharing a link days after reading it?

Given these reflections, I might return to books for the foreseeable future.

The first video titled "Why Are So Many Medium Publications Leaving?" delves into the reasons behind the decline of various Medium publications. It discusses the challenges these publications face and explores whether the platform can sustain itself in the long term.

The second video, "Is it Still Worth Writing on Medium in 2023? What's Changed [Medium Writing]," examines the current landscape for writers on Medium. It addresses the changes that have occurred and evaluates whether it’s still a viable platform for new writers.

If you found this exploration insightful, consider following me for more reflections on life and reading habits.