Happy Friday, Linda! This must be so frustrating to deal with, over and over. I like your punishment idea; and they have to choose people whose stories they’ve never appropriately commented on before might be even more delightful, as we know these whiners aren’t genuinely reading other people’s work.
I know these individuals; they cut in the lunch line as kids, they cut in lines as adults, they cut us off in traffic. They’ve gotten lucky over the years by being friends with the right people who’ve given them the opportunities and promotions they never earned. Now they realize they don’t have what it takes to legitimately get what they want, and playing the victim, ironically, gets them exactly what they’re after; more clicks, followers, money. Because others just like them agree wholeheartedly.
If only all those articles, along with the “How I made a bunch of money here” and similar nonsense would have their own website that the rest of us never had to see.
Now I’m turning into a ranting fool. I’m going to unclench my jaw and let it go.
lol Joy. I think we're all going to be ranting fools on this one. But it's okay. Sometimes we need to blow off a little steam. I think there's one more element in addition to the ones you mentioned. Some people don't realize the platform changes over time. What got curated two years ago probably won't today. What they are looking for is different now and we need to approach it more like a writer on assignment. What are they looking for, instead of well I used to get curated, why don't I anymore. You know?
Yes, I'm so tired of hearing people complain, "I used to be distributed all the time! But now I can't get boosted." Well, I was never even distributed before, lol. The boost is a new game, so to speak.
Nov 3, 2023·edited Nov 3, 2023Liked by Linda Caroll
My short answer: Yes! to everything you just said.
My longer one: I said it in slack, and I'll say it again; I refuse to feel bad about about (possibly) earning money for a successful nomination. If nothing else, it goes a little ways towards offsetting the hundreds of unpaid hours I've invested in helping other writers, editing their work, giving them a platform to publish it on, etc.
I was also one of the loudest complainers abut medium's downturn over the last year or so, but I certainly wasn't alone. if this program is helping improve the platform, then that will ideally lead to more readers, which ideally leaders to more revenue for writers producing quality work. It's a virtuous cycle.
I think there are a lot of missed expectations behind these "hit pieces"--and it's always writers complaining never a reader chiming in to agree. It's easier to blame a group of people you've never met for your poor earnings than it is to recognize that A) maybe your writing isn't that good, or B) maybe you were sold a bill of goods regarding earning potential on Medium. There's a very real "late stages of a gold rush" energy there. It'll take some time to correct.
When even the CEO explicitly states that one shouldn't expect to make a living on the platform, one should listen. But we like to dream, so it's easy to ignore that and keep going (doubly so if you've already sunk a few hundred dollars into a "Mastermind" course, or whatever).
The 3rd part of that is that reader's tastes change all the time, and maybe what you were writing in early 2022 was knocking it out of the park, but no longer is. Length, topic, and style all play in here. I'm just one guy, and what I like has changed dramatically. Even within the very narrow scope of my music pub, I can see in real time what plays (heh) and what doesn't, and it's constantly evolving. The stats don't lie.
Your rants are always worth reading, Kevin. Stuff I wrote two years ago worked two years ago. Most of them would not get boosted today. And the stuff that gets boosted this time next year will be different again. Because yes, taste changes. But also, the more we read, the pickier we get about what we spend time reading.
Oh yes! What used to excite me in the LGBTQ niche, now feels like old news. 🤣 That said, because I'm familiar with the niche, I might also be too harsh. Someone less familiar with LGBTQ topics, would still be new to a lot of topics I'm used to. But yes, people can't expect that readers' tastes won't change over time. Medium itself is constantly in flux.
Very well said, Linda! Ugh the lottery scratch cards analogy is unfortunately too accurate, lol. 😥 Yes, I wouldn't nominate a friend's story if it wasn't a good fit for the boost. On the contrary, I've nominated many writers who I didn't know or didn't know well.
I also asked people: What if you happen to be friends with some nominators? Do you want us to avoid nominating you on purpose because we're friends? 🤣
I think it's just writers being poor losers. Rather than recognize their story may not be the bee's knees (whoever made up this saying?), they look elsewhere to place the blame. Unfortunately, it looks like nominators became their target.
I'm always curious to see who will be brave enough to post the first comment when I rant. lol. And yeah, I think nominators are easy targets, at least the ones that put their names and faces forward to say hey, I can nominate your stories. The curators are hidden in the back room and no one knows who they are. I suspect it's best that way. lol
Nov 3, 2023·edited Nov 3, 2023Liked by Linda Caroll
@ "why the “nominating our friends” idea keeps making the rounds. "
- Maybe because one nominator said he boosted his wife's story?
- Maybe because it's obvious that if you have a good relationship with a booster, there's a much higher chance they will see your stories, and therefore (assuming stories are good enough) boost them?
- Maybe because if you publish in a pub where the editors don't have boosting powers, your chances of getting a boost are much lower? Or in other words, regularly sending good stories to the right publications and therefore being "friends" with the editors helps get a boost.
I'm not saying all the boosters do that. But I'm sure some do that at times. It's just human.
Here's the funny thing. Every publication owner wants a kickass publication that people want to read. So, really, it's more about that. Bring me good stories. I be happy to nominate. The people who consistently show up and deliver good writing are easy to remember. It's not about being friends. It's about delivering writing that we think has a shot at being boosted. It's really not very complicated.
You picked the perfect punishment. I've sent people links to apply to become a boost nominator when they write in with their complaints. "Why don't you do the job and see how hard it is." I think a lot of people are completely clueless about how much effort gets put into the program. I do wish that the nominators had more power because it's very frustrating when a clearly superior story is overlooked. When that happens, I wish we got some feedback about what drove the decision, particularly in cases like you mention where stories are generating hundreds of comments.
I think a big part of the confusion is that they aren't aware that nominators can only nominate, ultimately they don't have the power to boost anything.
If you go back in time 5000 years there were always people who were pissed off at the Gods because they, lit the bonfire, said the words, sacrificed a lamb or goat - and it still didn't rain. So, during the next campfire meeting they vented about the Gods being fickle and that some always got more rain than they did and so on. When there are unknowns and uncertainties, people get upset, point fingers, claim the game is rigged, etc. Different times, similar reactions. Medium is complex. It's made people a lot of money at one point and then took it away; gave some of it back, took that away and changed some more. So, I can see why people look at the Boost program as a bit of Voodoo. There's been numerous statements here and elsewhere about Boost articles being like a rocket ride while other good stories are more a ride on a Model T and we don't understand why. It's inevitable and it too will pass. Until then, watch the rockets lift off and celebrate.
The only difference is those people 5000 years ago couldn't post it on the internet to rile up all the other people who lost a goat and didn't get rain. lol. I've also seen boosted posts be a ride on a model T and get no traction. But shhh, don't tell them lol
Sounds so frustrating. Getting flack from writers and not having your nominations boosted. A somewhat thankless job, like being a middle manager in a union shop. And gawd do I have years of experience doing that. I found satisfaction where I could and tried to ignore the squawking.
Funny this is, despite the frustration, I love it. When I get an acceptance, I know the writer is going to get an email that will make them very happy. At least that time. lol
Do you have one resource that you would recommend to some who hasn't figured out how to write a boost able story? I've come close but haven't been successful yet. Been recommended a couple of times, but haven't been chosen.
I'm actually working on one, Tree. Because I couldn't find one either. But shh. And yes, fiction does get boosted. It's probably a bit tougher to get fiction boosted than nonfiction, but easier than poetry.
Linda, you say " I know the writer is going to get an email" what email are you referring to? Do Boostees get an email, because I've never received one.
Apparently some do, yes. I've never gotten them either but a lot of people tell me they get emails that say your post has been boosted. I don't know why some of us don't get them
Interesting. I think their algorithm might have gotten a little addlepated with all the recent changes. Forgetting what day it is, where it left the car keys, things like that. 😁
I think the problem is not boosting friends or people they like. The problem is 100 boost nominators is way too few to boost all boost-worthy stories. 1000 would probably be too few still. It’s not a feasible system for such a large writing community. In my opinion.
It's really easy to think that given the size of the writing community. And yet, 100 nominators struggle to find 20 posts that get accepted per month. In the early days of the program, when there were fewer of us, the curators would tell us why a nomination was declined. "This is just average" is the reason I received most. They want posts that stand out. Not that many really do. If I could find 10 strong writers that reliably turn out 2 boostable posts every month and get them to write for my publications I'd be happy to just nominate them time after time. But that's easier said than done.
It sucks that Medium can't be more transparent about lots of their backend decisions. It also sucks when people point their blame at anyone but themselves. I would be surprised though, with humans being humans, that some boosters don't give preference to their friends when they can. You seem to have a great level of credibility and wouldn't do that, and I commend you for that.
Here's the funny thing. Even if someone nominates a friend once in a while because they knocked out a great piece, how often does that happen? lol. I do not have that many friends that are killer writers. And if I did, the curators would boost them before I get there lol. Because that's a thing people don't realize. The curators also boost stuff without any of us nominating it.
Linda! It can't be their fault they didn't get boosted! They have to blame someone, so why not you and your friends? People make my head hurt on the daily. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. You're doing a fantastic job and you're working your butt off to find great stories. I hate that writers are so unappreciative of that hard work. You're a rock star!!
lol Donna. The dumb thing is that we don't have final say. I have nominated great stories only to have them declined. So if they want to blame someone, that would be a level up from us. And thank you so much! :)
I think people claim the "friends" thing from sheer disappointment and insecurity. Humankind always seeks an answer for 'why bad things (or disappointing) happen.' I will admit I'm discouraged by the boost program - my lack of boosts. But hey, as the Buddhist in me knows, resistance = suffering. So I choose consciously not to read rants about boosts ... and to write as the Muse directs. Actually, call me woo on steroids - I believe that whoever is meant to read my poetry will read it. End of tale. xo
I read a quote once that said something to the effect of never attribute to malice anything that can be explained by stupidity. It comes to mind with those posts. Sure. I don't have the final say, but go ahead and blame me. lol.
Is it worth being a nominator or boosting editor? Thank you for helping with Medium, but I think it’s their job to do it. I understand the volume of articles. However, Medium is getting free labor from writers doing it for free.
It's the volume of articles that makes it not feasible. They get thousands of articles per day. I think in the vicinity of 5K posts per day, but that could be low. Maybe someone can correct me if they have more current numbers. To pay enough staff to read all of that content would eat any money they pay writers. So it seems logical to say they will pay publication owners and editors to help float some to the top for the (much smaller) curation team to review
I am sorry to hear people are talking about boost nominators nominating their friends - it happens as with every new change, unfortunately. However something you said struck me - after receiving several boosts I suddenly seem to be in boost jail - I am not complaining - I usually get lots of engagement and I wonder if that is the reason why. Because some of my articles last month certainly appealed/resonated with a wide audience - but no boosts - so now engagement means less/no boosts??! It is quite confusing indeed. Then what are the boosters looking for? It's sad that just because some writers have an engaged audience, it is considered a strike against them (if that is the case) - I don't get this kind of marketing strategy at all - Thanks Linda :)
There is no boost jail that I know of and I promise you that you are not being penalized for having an engaged audience. The part I don't know is if your stories are getting nominated and declined by curators, or if they are not getting nominated in the first place. Because if they aren't getting nominated, that's different than getting nominated and declined. You know?
Yeah many people automatically assume that if they're not boosted, it means they were rejected. But sometimes it just means nominators and curators haven't even read it yet! With tons of articles on the platform, and very limited time, we can't possibly read everything. So some stories will inevitably be missed, unfortunately.
Happy Friday, Linda! This must be so frustrating to deal with, over and over. I like your punishment idea; and they have to choose people whose stories they’ve never appropriately commented on before might be even more delightful, as we know these whiners aren’t genuinely reading other people’s work.
I know these individuals; they cut in the lunch line as kids, they cut in lines as adults, they cut us off in traffic. They’ve gotten lucky over the years by being friends with the right people who’ve given them the opportunities and promotions they never earned. Now they realize they don’t have what it takes to legitimately get what they want, and playing the victim, ironically, gets them exactly what they’re after; more clicks, followers, money. Because others just like them agree wholeheartedly.
If only all those articles, along with the “How I made a bunch of money here” and similar nonsense would have their own website that the rest of us never had to see.
Now I’m turning into a ranting fool. I’m going to unclench my jaw and let it go.
lol Joy. I think we're all going to be ranting fools on this one. But it's okay. Sometimes we need to blow off a little steam. I think there's one more element in addition to the ones you mentioned. Some people don't realize the platform changes over time. What got curated two years ago probably won't today. What they are looking for is different now and we need to approach it more like a writer on assignment. What are they looking for, instead of well I used to get curated, why don't I anymore. You know?
Yes, I'm so tired of hearing people complain, "I used to be distributed all the time! But now I can't get boosted." Well, I was never even distributed before, lol. The boost is a new game, so to speak.
My short answer: Yes! to everything you just said.
My longer one: I said it in slack, and I'll say it again; I refuse to feel bad about about (possibly) earning money for a successful nomination. If nothing else, it goes a little ways towards offsetting the hundreds of unpaid hours I've invested in helping other writers, editing their work, giving them a platform to publish it on, etc.
I was also one of the loudest complainers abut medium's downturn over the last year or so, but I certainly wasn't alone. if this program is helping improve the platform, then that will ideally lead to more readers, which ideally leaders to more revenue for writers producing quality work. It's a virtuous cycle.
I think there are a lot of missed expectations behind these "hit pieces"--and it's always writers complaining never a reader chiming in to agree. It's easier to blame a group of people you've never met for your poor earnings than it is to recognize that A) maybe your writing isn't that good, or B) maybe you were sold a bill of goods regarding earning potential on Medium. There's a very real "late stages of a gold rush" energy there. It'll take some time to correct.
When even the CEO explicitly states that one shouldn't expect to make a living on the platform, one should listen. But we like to dream, so it's easy to ignore that and keep going (doubly so if you've already sunk a few hundred dollars into a "Mastermind" course, or whatever).
The 3rd part of that is that reader's tastes change all the time, and maybe what you were writing in early 2022 was knocking it out of the park, but no longer is. Length, topic, and style all play in here. I'm just one guy, and what I like has changed dramatically. Even within the very narrow scope of my music pub, I can see in real time what plays (heh) and what doesn't, and it's constantly evolving. The stats don't lie.
(big sigh)
Okay, rant over. lol.
Your rants are always worth reading, Kevin. Stuff I wrote two years ago worked two years ago. Most of them would not get boosted today. And the stuff that gets boosted this time next year will be different again. Because yes, taste changes. But also, the more we read, the pickier we get about what we spend time reading.
Thanks! :)
And I'm with you here; my 2020 writing is light years from what I'm doing now, and I'm MUCH more picky about what I'll read now than I was before.
Oh yes! What used to excite me in the LGBTQ niche, now feels like old news. 🤣 That said, because I'm familiar with the niche, I might also be too harsh. Someone less familiar with LGBTQ topics, would still be new to a lot of topics I'm used to. But yes, people can't expect that readers' tastes won't change over time. Medium itself is constantly in flux.
Very well said, Linda! Ugh the lottery scratch cards analogy is unfortunately too accurate, lol. 😥 Yes, I wouldn't nominate a friend's story if it wasn't a good fit for the boost. On the contrary, I've nominated many writers who I didn't know or didn't know well.
I also asked people: What if you happen to be friends with some nominators? Do you want us to avoid nominating you on purpose because we're friends? 🤣
I've said that. Lol if it's between the friendship and getting boosted, I'd rather keep the friendship. 💕
I think it's just writers being poor losers. Rather than recognize their story may not be the bee's knees (whoever made up this saying?), they look elsewhere to place the blame. Unfortunately, it looks like nominators became their target.
I'm always curious to see who will be brave enough to post the first comment when I rant. lol. And yeah, I think nominators are easy targets, at least the ones that put their names and faces forward to say hey, I can nominate your stories. The curators are hidden in the back room and no one knows who they are. I suspect it's best that way. lol
^This^
@ "why the “nominating our friends” idea keeps making the rounds. "
- Maybe because one nominator said he boosted his wife's story?
- Maybe because it's obvious that if you have a good relationship with a booster, there's a much higher chance they will see your stories, and therefore (assuming stories are good enough) boost them?
- Maybe because if you publish in a pub where the editors don't have boosting powers, your chances of getting a boost are much lower? Or in other words, regularly sending good stories to the right publications and therefore being "friends" with the editors helps get a boost.
I'm not saying all the boosters do that. But I'm sure some do that at times. It's just human.
Here's the funny thing. Every publication owner wants a kickass publication that people want to read. So, really, it's more about that. Bring me good stories. I be happy to nominate. The people who consistently show up and deliver good writing are easy to remember. It's not about being friends. It's about delivering writing that we think has a shot at being boosted. It's really not very complicated.
You picked the perfect punishment. I've sent people links to apply to become a boost nominator when they write in with their complaints. "Why don't you do the job and see how hard it is." I think a lot of people are completely clueless about how much effort gets put into the program. I do wish that the nominators had more power because it's very frustrating when a clearly superior story is overlooked. When that happens, I wish we got some feedback about what drove the decision, particularly in cases like you mention where stories are generating hundreds of comments.
Yup. 100% agree with everything you said. Too often they don't even have a publication so they have no idea how much work that is, either.
I think a big part of the confusion is that they aren't aware that nominators can only nominate, ultimately they don't have the power to boost anything.
That's a valid point. I wonder if some of them think we have more power than we do.
If you go back in time 5000 years there were always people who were pissed off at the Gods because they, lit the bonfire, said the words, sacrificed a lamb or goat - and it still didn't rain. So, during the next campfire meeting they vented about the Gods being fickle and that some always got more rain than they did and so on. When there are unknowns and uncertainties, people get upset, point fingers, claim the game is rigged, etc. Different times, similar reactions. Medium is complex. It's made people a lot of money at one point and then took it away; gave some of it back, took that away and changed some more. So, I can see why people look at the Boost program as a bit of Voodoo. There's been numerous statements here and elsewhere about Boost articles being like a rocket ride while other good stories are more a ride on a Model T and we don't understand why. It's inevitable and it too will pass. Until then, watch the rockets lift off and celebrate.
The only difference is those people 5000 years ago couldn't post it on the internet to rile up all the other people who lost a goat and didn't get rain. lol. I've also seen boosted posts be a ride on a model T and get no traction. But shhh, don't tell them lol
Quite true. Damn the Internet! Mums the word!
Sounds so frustrating. Getting flack from writers and not having your nominations boosted. A somewhat thankless job, like being a middle manager in a union shop. And gawd do I have years of experience doing that. I found satisfaction where I could and tried to ignore the squawking.
I feel ya.
Funny this is, despite the frustration, I love it. When I get an acceptance, I know the writer is going to get an email that will make them very happy. At least that time. lol
Cool that you love it, despite the downsides.
Do you have one resource that you would recommend to some who hasn't figured out how to write a boost able story? I've come close but haven't been successful yet. Been recommended a couple of times, but haven't been chosen.
And are fiction pieces a good fit?
And, thank you. For your patience.
I'm actually working on one, Tree. Because I couldn't find one either. But shh. And yes, fiction does get boosted. It's probably a bit tougher to get fiction boosted than nonfiction, but easier than poetry.
Hi, I'm a boost nominator (for Prism & Pen), and I wrote an article full of tips to get boosted. https://medium.com/prismnpen/sick-and-tired-of-not-getting-boosted-practical-tips-from-a-boost-nominator-c9a8728686d1 There's a section specifically for fiction near the end of my article.
Bradan Writes Stories, the boost nominator for The Kraken Lore, a fiction pub, wrote a post specifically for getting fiction boosted: https://thekrakenlore.com/boosting-your-way-to-success-7c509d9cee26
Thank you so much for these!
My pleasure! And happy to see a fellow fiction writer. ^_^
Sieran, I have a story that's non fiction but I think it's a candidate. Can I drop the link here?
Linda, you say " I know the writer is going to get an email" what email are you referring to? Do Boostees get an email, because I've never received one.
Apparently some do, yes. I've never gotten them either but a lot of people tell me they get emails that say your post has been boosted. I don't know why some of us don't get them
Interesting. I think their algorithm might have gotten a little addlepated with all the recent changes. Forgetting what day it is, where it left the car keys, things like that. 😁
🤣 Right?
I think the problem is not boosting friends or people they like. The problem is 100 boost nominators is way too few to boost all boost-worthy stories. 1000 would probably be too few still. It’s not a feasible system for such a large writing community. In my opinion.
It's really easy to think that given the size of the writing community. And yet, 100 nominators struggle to find 20 posts that get accepted per month. In the early days of the program, when there were fewer of us, the curators would tell us why a nomination was declined. "This is just average" is the reason I received most. They want posts that stand out. Not that many really do. If I could find 10 strong writers that reliably turn out 2 boostable posts every month and get them to write for my publications I'd be happy to just nominate them time after time. But that's easier said than done.
It sucks that Medium can't be more transparent about lots of their backend decisions. It also sucks when people point their blame at anyone but themselves. I would be surprised though, with humans being humans, that some boosters don't give preference to their friends when they can. You seem to have a great level of credibility and wouldn't do that, and I commend you for that.
Keep up the great work, cheers.
Here's the funny thing. Even if someone nominates a friend once in a while because they knocked out a great piece, how often does that happen? lol. I do not have that many friends that are killer writers. And if I did, the curators would boost them before I get there lol. Because that's a thing people don't realize. The curators also boost stuff without any of us nominating it.
Linda! It can't be their fault they didn't get boosted! They have to blame someone, so why not you and your friends? People make my head hurt on the daily. I'm so sorry you have to go through this. You're doing a fantastic job and you're working your butt off to find great stories. I hate that writers are so unappreciative of that hard work. You're a rock star!!
lol Donna. The dumb thing is that we don't have final say. I have nominated great stories only to have them declined. So if they want to blame someone, that would be a level up from us. And thank you so much! :)
I think people claim the "friends" thing from sheer disappointment and insecurity. Humankind always seeks an answer for 'why bad things (or disappointing) happen.' I will admit I'm discouraged by the boost program - my lack of boosts. But hey, as the Buddhist in me knows, resistance = suffering. So I choose consciously not to read rants about boosts ... and to write as the Muse directs. Actually, call me woo on steroids - I believe that whoever is meant to read my poetry will read it. End of tale. xo
I read a quote once that said something to the effect of never attribute to malice anything that can be explained by stupidity. It comes to mind with those posts. Sure. I don't have the final say, but go ahead and blame me. lol.
Is it worth being a nominator or boosting editor? Thank you for helping with Medium, but I think it’s their job to do it. I understand the volume of articles. However, Medium is getting free labor from writers doing it for free.
It's the volume of articles that makes it not feasible. They get thousands of articles per day. I think in the vicinity of 5K posts per day, but that could be low. Maybe someone can correct me if they have more current numbers. To pay enough staff to read all of that content would eat any money they pay writers. So it seems logical to say they will pay publication owners and editors to help float some to the top for the (much smaller) curation team to review
I am sorry to hear people are talking about boost nominators nominating their friends - it happens as with every new change, unfortunately. However something you said struck me - after receiving several boosts I suddenly seem to be in boost jail - I am not complaining - I usually get lots of engagement and I wonder if that is the reason why. Because some of my articles last month certainly appealed/resonated with a wide audience - but no boosts - so now engagement means less/no boosts??! It is quite confusing indeed. Then what are the boosters looking for? It's sad that just because some writers have an engaged audience, it is considered a strike against them (if that is the case) - I don't get this kind of marketing strategy at all - Thanks Linda :)
There is no boost jail that I know of and I promise you that you are not being penalized for having an engaged audience. The part I don't know is if your stories are getting nominated and declined by curators, or if they are not getting nominated in the first place. Because if they aren't getting nominated, that's different than getting nominated and declined. You know?
Yeah many people automatically assume that if they're not boosted, it means they were rejected. But sometimes it just means nominators and curators haven't even read it yet! With tons of articles on the platform, and very limited time, we can't possibly read everything. So some stories will inevitably be missed, unfortunately.
I always love anything you write!
Thanks Patricia! :)
Soooooo appreciate your perspective!