Chapter 1: The Impact of Losing Top Writer Badges

The era of Top Writer badges on Medium has come to an unexpected close, leaving many creators, including myself, with a sense of emptiness.

In my recent newsletter on Substack, I addressed a growing phenomenon known as platform fatigue. The constant shifts in algorithms, evolving platform policies, and the allure of new networks like Threads and Mastodon have left me disillusioned. Moreover, Medium's inconsistent feature changes—such as altering image sizes or the ability to publish directly through the app—have only added to my frustration.

What truly caught me off guard was the disappearance of my "Top Writer" badges from my ABOUT page. Medium has decided to eliminate this status, which feels monumental.

Here's the official word from Medium:

I couldn't locate the email regarding this change in my inbox. Perhaps you missed it as well. Linda Ng graciously shared it with the community.

While some may dismiss this change as minor, for dedicated creators, such as my students and followers, who have invested significant time and effort into crafting content worthy of these badges, it feels as though a piece of our identity on Medium has vanished.

Reasons for My Discontent

1. Validation and Recognition

   Each badge symbolized the countless hours spent on research, writing, and engaging with our audience. It was more than just a digital token; it was a mark of honor that acknowledged our expertise in our chosen fields.

2. Motivation

   Although we write out of passion, those badges served as a motivational tool. They inspired us to push our boundaries and consistently produce high-quality content.

3. Enhanced Visibility

   Holding the title of "Top Writer" often led to increased exposure for our articles, which helped many of us expand our readership and connect with new audiences.

4. Respect within the Community

   Beyond mere algorithms, these badges indicated to the Medium community that we were credible voices worth following, fostering trust among peers and readers.

Medium's New Recognition Strategy

Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), Medium is planning an alternative recognition system. There will soon be a "Who to Follow" section that highlights Boost-eligible publications and Boosted writers.

What does it mean to be Boost-eligible?

Starting in September, a selection of 100 community members will nominate stories for a Boost, which Medium's curation team will then evaluate for potential promotion.

How does the "Who to Follow" section currently appear?

I was once a Top Writer in "Writing" and various other categories.

Here’s an example of what you’ll see if you search for #Writing: recommended stories. Additionally, Medium now displays writing prompts and inspirational content:

Here's the current "Who to Follow" section, showcasing a range of creators, including a YouTube star and various other personalities. The previous top 50 list has vanished, replaced by a "See more suggestions" option.

Why would anyone follow Gary Vaynerchuk, who hasn't published anything since 2016 and rarely recommends Medium?

If you're feeling disheartened by these changes, know that you are not alone.

To all fellow writers and followers who have been affected by this shift, let's remind ourselves that our worth is not defined by badges or awards. It's in the narratives we share, the communities we foster, and the influence we wield.

Of course, securing a Boost is crucial these days, given that the feeds are saturated with Boosted content.

Community Perspectives on the Change

I sincerely hope that, despite the absence of "Top Writer" badges, Medium continues to find ways to acknowledge and uplift those whose contributions have shaped its community.

Opinions vary among fellow writers:

• A — "I enjoyed it while it lasted. I'm sure new and better things will emerge." — B.R. Shenoy
• B — "It was exhilarating to achieve the Top Writer status, and I'm saddened it's gone." — Pamela Oglesby
• C — "I never achieved Top Writer status, so I feel indifferent about its removal." — Autistic Widower ("AJ")
• D — "It created a competitive environment where some felt pressured to overproduce just to maintain their status. I'm glad that's over." — David Perlmutter

David’s point resonates, as the pressure to continually produce content for visibility was intense.

Final Thoughts

My suggestion is to position yourself for success and aim for a Boost by adhering to Medium's quality standards.

Why? Achieving a Boost provides an unfair advantage, increasing your chances of visibility in the "Who to Follow" section.

That said, I understand the feeling of exhaustion amidst these changes.

If you're interested in learning more about the phenomenon of platform fatigue, consider exploring this topic further.

This video offers insight into creating Amazon Affiliate Marketing websites, which could be beneficial for writers looking to monetize their content effectively.

Additionally, this playthrough of "Enigmatis 2: The Mists of Ravenwood" provides a glimpse into engaging storytelling through interactive gaming.