Revamping Medium: Solutions for a Better Community Experience
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Chapter 1: The Need for Change
In a recent discussion with Francisco Iglesias, it became evident that the time for change is now. Accepting the current circumstances is simply not an option.
As a collective of creative individuals—writers, readers, and publishers—we are more than just our words; we are human beings with emotions. Even those who seem tough on the outside have vulnerabilities. We can feel hurt, disrespected, and unprotected by the very platform we once trusted.
Why should we stand by while our Medium family faces difficulties due to issues within the organization? Francisco, Bin Jiang, and I are deeply concerned about recent events and their management. We share a commitment to our fellow community members, a sentiment echoed by many.
Section 1.1: Encouraging Positive Change
So, what can we do to instigate a change? I believe that the presence of non-paying members has contributed significantly to Medium's current issues. Thus, I propose the following approach:
- Limit Free Links: Instead of allowing unlimited free links for non-paying members, each paying member should receive one (or a maximum of two) link(s) to share monthly or quarterly.
- Profile Inclusion: These links should incorporate the paying member’s profile, allowing for identification of the sender.
- Mandatory Sign-In: Upon clicking the link, guests should be required to complete a one-time sign-in process, similar to public internet access, including their name and a verifiable email address.
- Verification PIN: Introduce a four-digit PIN for each paying member that guests must enter to access the content. This measure will help prevent unauthorized access.
- Expiration of Unused Links: If a paying member doesn’t utilize their link within the designated time frame, it should expire and be replaced with a new link for the following period. This "use it or lose it" policy will help manage traffic more effectively.
I am confident that reducing the number of non-paying users will enhance the safety and integrity of the Medium platform, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
Section 1.2: The Reality of Free Access
The Friends of Medium initiative was likely intended to encourage sign-ups for paid membership. However, the reality is that many users may prefer free access.
As Francisco Iglesias has articulated in several articles addressing the current challenges at Medium, I fully support his efforts to improve our community. I also want to highlight Bin Jiang's experience of being suspended for two hours, which is worth examining.
Video Description: Joe Henderson discusses the importance of being part of the solution rather than the problem, emphasizing collective responsibility.
Chapter 2: Taking Action
Now more than ever, it’s vital to get involved! If you wish to contribute to the solution, don’t hesitate.
Share your suggestions in the comments, or create a post—just like Francisco, Bin Jiang, and others have done.
If you have alternative ideas that could lead to improvements, I encourage you to share them. If they resonate, I’ll advocate for them in future discussions. If expressing your ideas feels daunting, support those that align with your views.
It’s essential that we engage actively; we owe it to ourselves to seek answers. If we remain silent and the situation repeats itself, the blame shifts to us.
Thank you for your support and for reading. I hope you found this insightful.
Keep reading, and I’ll continue writing. Stay tuned for more from Just Robyne.
A special shout-out to those who have supported me from the start: Francisco Iglesias, Sam Letterwood, Liberty Forrest, Zion Kelly Eden, Martynas Ki., Justina Ki., and many others.
That’s all for now—Toodles!
Video Description: Joe Henderson elaborates on the significance of being proactive in creating a positive environment within the community, urging everyone to contribute.