Medium has grown to a point where it needs revenue to sustain itself. So, from a business perspective I get giving a bit of extra attention to writers who bring readers (revenue) to the platform. That said, I agree with Thomas’ suggestion that Medium work to support and promote ALL types of writing, creative, self-help, finance, etc. Because I understand that Medium isn’t a literary magazine and different people come here for different things. I might not enjoy certain types of content but other people do…. I respect that. The thing is, creative writers can also bring readers to the platform with proper support and promotion—readers who enjoy THAT type of content. The way it did in the olden days, when I enjoyed Medium most. Personally, I rarely post my best work to Medium anymore because it feels like a waste. It’s disheartening to spend hours, days, weeks crafting a story only to have it shown to 20 people despite a respectable read ratio. I don’t think most of us expect Medium to be tailored to only what we want. But creative writing now stands little chance on this platform—and that’s the issue here. That’s what has to change. Or Medium must decide what it wants to be and clearly communicate that. i.e. “We’re a self-help and advice publication.” Then writers can choose to write on the platform with this understanding, or not.

Also, I appreciate your acknowledgement that the algorithm has failed. There’s a fundamental approach here to be addressed as far as how value is assessed, as well. At the end of the day, focusing on quality is in the best interest of even Medium’s sustainability.