The Shift from Social Media to Paid Writing Platforms
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Chapter 1: The Challenges of Traditional Social Media
Social media giants like Facebook and Twitter face unique challenges in today’s digital landscape. Over time, certain users have amassed substantial followings, leveraging these platforms effectively. However, as advertising increasingly becomes the primary means for reaching audiences beyond familiar circles, it has become increasingly challenging for newcomers or average users to cultivate a significant following.
The social media landscape has evolved, making it harder for new voices to be heard.
Section 1.1: Entering the Paid Writing Sphere
Since the beginning of the year, I have actively contributed content to three different platforms in exchange for modest financial rewards. Medium.com, Publish0x.com, and beta.cent.co have all provided various benefits in response to my writing efforts. Yet, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my focus has leaned heavily towards Medium, while my contributions to Publish0x have dwindled significantly. At Cent, I engage in poetry, short stories, and philosophical musings, but the platform feels more niche and artistic compared to Medium.
Medium has proven to be the most reliable source of growth for me, and I aspire to eventually use the earnings from my articles to cover my expenses. To achieve this ambition, I’ve recognized that my writing can’t be limited to just my Facebook friends or family. I’m also not inclined to create superficial content that offers trivial tips.
Instead, I've opted for a different approach. Medium has enabled me to pursue my objectives without sacrificing my core values, which is something I genuinely appreciate.
Section 1.2: Launching the Medium Publication
I have decided to establish a Medium publication titled Serious Philosophy. This initiative aims to realize a long-held vision of integrating diverse philosophical insights, allowing for a rich interplay among various writers and their distinct expertise.
While many Medium publications often pursue a single goal, my focus is broad enough to encompass a multitude of fields, ultimately leading to a more refined direction. We will be open to a wide variety of submissions.
Subsection 1.2.1: Serious Philosophy Column
In the main Serious Philosophy column, we will delve into more profound and analytical philosophical discussions that you may associate with traditional philosophical inquiry.
Subsection 1.2.2: Applied Philosophy Column
The Applied Philosophy section will highlight a range of topics, approached in a reflective and exploratory manner. The intent is to demonstrate that the philosophical insights developed in the main journal have practical implications that extend far beyond theoretical discourse. You might even see contributions from non-philosophers here, which is perfectly acceptable. The scope is broad in Applied Philosophy, as philosophy can apply to virtually any subject.
Subsection 1.2.3: The Existentialist Book Club
The Existentialist Book Club represents another avenue for exploration, albeit a somewhat contrasting approach to Applied Philosophy. Within this group, we will read and reflect on foundational texts from the existentialist movement, fostering a dialogue among participants. I envision a collaborative effort where dedicated scholars create a comprehensive map of diverse interpretations of these texts, resulting in a rich repository of articles accessible to all Medium subscribers at no cost.
Subsection 1.2.4: Greatest Hits Compilation
Articles that garner the most attention will be featured on the Greatest Hits page, ensuring they remain relevant as new content is introduced. I also plan to expand with additional themed columns in the future—potentially focusing on theology, Stoicism, and more. The aim would be to select essential texts and adopt a book club format, or perhaps even initiate a Great Debate column featuring discussions between experts on various topics.
Chapter 2: The Future of Social Media
The traditional social media model represented by Twitter and Facebook seems to have reached its limits. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more individuals are turning to Medium for news, and it appears that an increasing number of articles shared by my friends originate from Medium.com. We are witnessing a shift in how people engage—rather than composing lengthy Facebook posts, users are opting to craft extensive Medium articles. Instead of seeking community solely on Facebook, individuals are exploring Medium for its diverse offerings.
With Medium’s business model, there is a promising opportunity for writers to earn income. Whether you choose to engage with Serious Philosophy, start your own publication, or simply explore, it seems evident that Medium is poised to shape the future of social media for the foreseeable future. What lies ahead remains uncertain.
Although Medium may eventually solidify in a manner similar to Twitter and Facebook, the upside is that the content it fosters demands greater time for both creation and consumption. The platform is also organized by an algorithm that accounts for various metrics like claps and publication dates, which may help maintain a level playing field and enable new writers to emerge and monetize their work.
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Contact the Author:
Thomas Dylan Daniel is an existentialist philosopher, ethicist, author, and biophysicist. He has published four books and launched a Medium publication called Serious Philosophy.
Website: www.thomasdylandanielauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tdylandaniel