Meta posts are writing about the platform on the platform. Like if I write about Medium on Substack, that's not a meta post. But if I write "how to succeed on Medium" posts and publish them on Medium, that's a meta post.
Maybe, but I'm not entirely sure. I guess it depends how we define selling out. For me, selling out would be producing things I don't believe in. If she believes she's helping, then it's not really selling out. And for that matter, if it pays her bills and puts food on the table, I still have no issue with that. You know? It's not like she's writing hate posts, which apparently also pay well. lol
Our publication can now Boost stories (there's a story behind that that's left me a little salty, but I digress). I also used that as an opportunity to tighten up our editorial standards. The uptick has been almost immediate. it's all relative of course, but I want writers to see our page as aspirational. I think (hope?) this'll be a 1-2 punch to make that happen.
Separately-and this might be because I still clear my reading history after almost every session- I've seen very few meta stories lately. Like, almost none.
Oh that's cool, Kevin. Congrats. I remember you saying you'd applied to the program. Have you announced it to your readers? Like you, I'm seeing less meta posts lately too. Honestly, I'd love to hear the salty story. Curiosity is my achilles heel. lol.
Hi Kevin, which one is it? The Riff/On Repeat? Does this mean you're a community curator and can boost stories of others in #Music? I'd love to learn more for an upcoming video where I interview an official Boost curator from the community. You can leave a private note on Medium or send me an email mail@kristinagod.com if you like :D Would be awesome and I'd mention you in my video, short stories and long stories on Medium. Thanks in advance, Kristina
I do not like meta posts generally speaking. And writing them just because they get viewed the most is a place I have been and don’t want to go back to
Interesting how the writer was sort of forced to pick up the skills that made her "boostable." Good lesson there. But I'm with you on the meta posts — no thanks.
Meta posts are writing about a platform on the platform. Like if I write about Medium on Substack, that's not a meta post. But if I write "how to succeed on Medium" posts and publish them on Medium, that's a meta post. :)
Linda, at the end of the day, we've got to decide what kind of writer we want to be. The "what's in it for me" would never work for me and I suffer with lower stats. I am ok with that because I am finding a kindred community. Feeding my curiosity and finding reasons to laugh are still more important to me than money not earned.
So no worries that my reality will come crashing down on you. But you might find a good story or two of mine that you like. My fictional character, Alfred, has all kinds of interesting thoughts. On the spectrum but highly functioning, this week he is going to share how he got to be a "culture builder" and what the hell that means. Will it earn $? I think not. Will it make a few smile and ponder.... maybe.
FWIW, I like your writing values. Please keep it up! Jill
You are probably right, but I get asked all the time, "Why should I read 'Alfred's Journey to Be Liked?"" The unasked or follow-up question is "Will I get anything out of it?" which is similar to WIIFM. And the marketer in me is always seeking to explain the value prop which is a much nicer term than WIIFM, but still the same.
No one asks me anything on substack because I am unknown and haven’t had the time or focus to try and change that…so some combo of Medium and my personal network of colleagues via LinkedIn etc. It turns out that more precious than parting with a few dollars is giving up one’s time. We are a society that seems to have no time….hence I need to make the case.
Everytime I think nothing can surprise me anymore, something always does. For the life of me, I cannot imagine asking a writer why I should read their writing. People can be so strange. I'm so sorry that even happens, Jill. Do you have a copy/paste reply you send when people ask, or do you tackle them one by one?
Every day is a surprise, and I am getting crisper at explaining the why so I am probably one step away from copy and paste. But our exchange and a few others did make me just post a piece on Substack about who I am. I don't usually do this kind of thing, but I need to help potential readers understand something about me. It's a tad longer than I wanted, but hopefully, it's an interesting read. Thank you for helping to inspire me. And now I shut down my laptop :)
I had to look up meta posts - as a poet, I'm so out of my league with some of this stuff! You made good points that hold up for poetry as well. The best poems inspire or comfort others - they're not versed journal entries
Good for her. I guess. It's still Medium and it's still wobbly and iffy. For me, at least. But what do you mean by 'meta posts'?
Meta posts are writing about the platform on the platform. Like if I write about Medium on Substack, that's not a meta post. But if I write "how to succeed on Medium" posts and publish them on Medium, that's a meta post.
Ah. Thank you. Yes, they were another reason I grew tired of Medium. Too much self-serving and not enough outreach.
I think she sold out, and didn't get much for her soul.
Maybe, but I'm not entirely sure. I guess it depends how we define selling out. For me, selling out would be producing things I don't believe in. If she believes she's helping, then it's not really selling out. And for that matter, if it pays her bills and puts food on the table, I still have no issue with that. You know? It's not like she's writing hate posts, which apparently also pay well. lol
Our publication can now Boost stories (there's a story behind that that's left me a little salty, but I digress). I also used that as an opportunity to tighten up our editorial standards. The uptick has been almost immediate. it's all relative of course, but I want writers to see our page as aspirational. I think (hope?) this'll be a 1-2 punch to make that happen.
Separately-and this might be because I still clear my reading history after almost every session- I've seen very few meta stories lately. Like, almost none.
Oh that's cool, Kevin. Congrats. I remember you saying you'd applied to the program. Have you announced it to your readers? Like you, I'm seeing less meta posts lately too. Honestly, I'd love to hear the salty story. Curiosity is my achilles heel. lol.
Lol. Mine too. Just emailed you.
Hi Kevin, which one is it? The Riff/On Repeat? Does this mean you're a community curator and can boost stories of others in #Music? I'd love to learn more for an upcoming video where I interview an official Boost curator from the community. You can leave a private note on Medium or send me an email mail@kristinagod.com if you like :D Would be awesome and I'd mention you in my video, short stories and long stories on Medium. Thanks in advance, Kristina
Hi Kristina--
Yep, The Riff is one of the pubs that can now boost stories!
On Repeat is my Substack. I did set up a page for On Repeat on Medium, but right now it's really just a place for me to house my writing.
Wow! Congrats, buddy! Finally, music gets a true boost on Medium! That salty story spiked my curiosity too, drop me a mail: theengagepub@gmail.com.
Thank you for reminding me about this, Linda.
You're very welcome Scott. Have a great weekend. :)
I do not like meta posts generally speaking. And writing them just because they get viewed the most is a place I have been and don’t want to go back to
Makes sense, Camille. I wouldn't want to, either. :)
Interesting how the writer was sort of forced to pick up the skills that made her "boostable." Good lesson there. But I'm with you on the meta posts — no thanks.
Such a darn shame that she devolved into meta posts. lol
Great post, as usual. What is a meta-post?
Meta posts are writing about a platform on the platform. Like if I write about Medium on Substack, that's not a meta post. But if I write "how to succeed on Medium" posts and publish them on Medium, that's a meta post. :)
Ok, got it. Thank you.
Linda, at the end of the day, we've got to decide what kind of writer we want to be. The "what's in it for me" would never work for me and I suffer with lower stats. I am ok with that because I am finding a kindred community. Feeding my curiosity and finding reasons to laugh are still more important to me than money not earned.
So no worries that my reality will come crashing down on you. But you might find a good story or two of mine that you like. My fictional character, Alfred, has all kinds of interesting thoughts. On the spectrum but highly functioning, this week he is going to share how he got to be a "culture builder" and what the hell that means. Will it earn $? I think not. Will it make a few smile and ponder.... maybe.
FWIW, I like your writing values. Please keep it up! Jill
I'm not sure the WIIFM thing even applies to fiction and fictional stories. Personal stories, probably more so. :)
You are probably right, but I get asked all the time, "Why should I read 'Alfred's Journey to Be Liked?"" The unasked or follow-up question is "Will I get anything out of it?" which is similar to WIIFM. And the marketer in me is always seeking to explain the value prop which is a much nicer term than WIIFM, but still the same.
I'm curious if people ask that on Substack or Medium.
No one asks me anything on substack because I am unknown and haven’t had the time or focus to try and change that…so some combo of Medium and my personal network of colleagues via LinkedIn etc. It turns out that more precious than parting with a few dollars is giving up one’s time. We are a society that seems to have no time….hence I need to make the case.
Everytime I think nothing can surprise me anymore, something always does. For the life of me, I cannot imagine asking a writer why I should read their writing. People can be so strange. I'm so sorry that even happens, Jill. Do you have a copy/paste reply you send when people ask, or do you tackle them one by one?
Every day is a surprise, and I am getting crisper at explaining the why so I am probably one step away from copy and paste. But our exchange and a few others did make me just post a piece on Substack about who I am. I don't usually do this kind of thing, but I need to help potential readers understand something about me. It's a tad longer than I wanted, but hopefully, it's an interesting read. Thank you for helping to inspire me. And now I shut down my laptop :)
I had to look up meta posts - as a poet, I'm so out of my league with some of this stuff! You made good points that hold up for poetry as well. The best poems inspire or comfort others - they're not versed journal entries
So true, Jen. It applies to everything, poetry included.
Great read. Amazing points. Lessons learned.
I'm finished scrolling on Twitter. It feels like I'm scrolling strangers, which they are.
SS Notes feel like messages from friends!
Like you!
She sort of followed your advice on making it interesting to the reader. I've been meaning to ask, what title analyzer do you use.