No, Medium isn't stealing our writing

Things are about to get really interesting for writers

Happy Friday,

You know that thing Albert Einstein said about stupidity, right?

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” ~Albert Einstein

Except, Einstein didn’t really say that. Well, he did. Sort of.
It’s complicated.

See, Einstein was talking to Gestalt therapist Frederick S. Perls, and he paraphrased a quote by Alexandre Dumas that he’d found in an 1865 book.

Both of them being on the smart side, they had a good laugh about it.

Hah, hah. Dumb humans.

Then Perls wrote a book called “Ego, Hunger, and Aggression” which was kind of a kick in the pants to Freud’s theory. In that book, he quoted Einstein, who was quoting Dumas, and voila. We all think it’s an Einstein quote.

Have you heard about Medium’s writing challenges?

They announced it a couple of days ago. There are 4 writing challenges, with celebrity judges who aren’t really judging but giving an opinion.

Also, prizes out the wazoo. 4 people will win $10, 000 each. One of those four will also get a $50,000 grand prize. And 100 honorable mentions will win $100 each.

Then a couple of people actually read the terms and conditions.
Like, all of them. For reals. Every word.

Then they lost their minds.

“OMG it says Medium has the right to use our writing. Even if we don’t win”

And the drama posts began…

• One writer called it “shady”

• Another said they’re “stealing” our bonuses and giving them to celebrities.

• Another writer is screaming not to enter because it doesn’t seem “right” to expect writers to hand over the rights to their work even if they lose

• And on, and on. As drama usually goes.

Folks? That’s not what’s happening…

Cue the Einstein quote. God, people can turn misunderstanding into drama so fast it makes my head spin.

I did a little digging and there is something really, really interesting happening. It doesn’t just involve Medium, and it’s going to be a really great opportunity for anyone who writes. Anyone.

Opportunity is not just knocking, it’s kicking down the door.
I kid you not. I’m kind of pumped.

I’m working on a post about what’s actually happening here. I was hoping to share it in this letter, but my day went south before noon. So I’ll finish on the weekend.

If you’re curious, check my posts Sunday night or Monday.
Hopefully, I’ll have it up by then.

Until then, don’t believe the drama. It’s not true.
Medium isn’t stealing anyone’s work.
That’s not what it’s about. lol.

:)

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"A trap is only a trap if you don't know about it. " -China Miéville

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Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

xo,
Linda