You Skim-Read, You're Lazy, & I Do Not Want You.
The sad truth about Medium
Introduction
I have always been proud that I will respond to every comment made on my article. Having been on Medium for over four years, that is a lot of response.
I have often been asked why I bother because we have all had responses like “Great” or Well done”, which normally means the reader has not actually read your article; they are simply looking for you to click on their profile and read one of them.
This Comment Caught My Eye
I do like a good debate in the comments because it keeps me on my toes and relevant. I received a comment on a recent article from a writer called Ipshita. This was a very fair comment; it made me stop and think for a few minutes just how to respond.
The writer spoke with honesty and good intentions and not with any malice; you can see our short interaction below.
Read The Freaking Article
My following response is for writers who do not read and is not directed in any way towards Ipshita
It was a great question: why do so many readers open an article, not read it, and then ask a question answered in the article itself? The only conclusion I can come up with is that they either have not read it or skim-read the article and missed the answer, staring them in the face.
You are freaking lazy, if you cannot be bothered to read the rules or application process, I do not want you to write for me.
Lazy Will Not Bring Success
My question to you:
How many successful people do you know that are lazy?
Wake up and smell the coffee and sweetcheeks, and don’t start complaining that you can’t earn money from writing because it is Medium’s algorithm, your freaking pencil is blunt, or the publication is crap.
Look in the bloody mirror, darling. The issue is staring you in the face.
An Application Process For Our Publication.
I started an application process for NEw Writers Welcome for several reasons.
I was fed up with comments like “add me”, “I want to write”, “let me in” etc.
Writers got lazy and expected things to be handed on a plate.
I wanted to be proud of our publication with good quality writers.
I believe discipline in writing is the key to succeed
If you can’t be bothered to read our rules and follow our format, why should I let you come into my home?
It helps my editors if our writers get the basics correct, allowing them to concentrate on writers' development rather than basic structure.
New Writers Welcome?
More Like Newbies Who Can’t Be Bothered to Read!medium.com
Can You Read?
Reading is wonderful; it inspires you, gives you motivation and satisfaction and helps to develop your writing skills. Why would you not want to do that and help yourself?
I realise that by this point in my article, probably 80% of people will have switched off, and out of the 20% remaining, it may bring a few comments.
My dad used to say to me, “Rob, you cannot educate pork” How right he was!!!
Enjoy the rest of your day, and happy reading ❤️