The Medium App's Writing Feature Removal: A Disappointing Change
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Chapter 1: The Removal of Writing Features
Recently, Medium made the contentious decision to eliminate the ability for users to draft articles using their app. This change has left many writers bewildered and frustrated.
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Section 1.1: The Announcement and Its Implications
On March 15, Medium shared an update via their Creator Newsletter, stating that they would be discontinuing the writing function within their app. According to their brief explanation, the motivation behind this decision was the pursuit of an "exceptional reading experience."
“While striving for an exceptional reading experience, we have made the tough choice to remove story editing capabilities from our native applications,” — Medium.
I first noticed this change a week later, on April 9, when I attempted to edit an article at the gym. Following an automatic update, the writing functionalities had vanished.
Section 1.2: A Question of Functionality
From my viewpoint, this decision seems illogical. If the app’s reading experience was indeed compromised, it raises the question of whether the writing features were truly the culprit.
Could the writing function have contributed to bugs such as slow loading times or app freezes? Have other users faced difficulties while reading stories on the app?
Medium surely must have received ample feedback regarding any subpar reading experiences. However, the writing functionality appeared to be integrated smoothly, at least from my basic usage for jotting down ideas or fine-tuning near-complete drafts.
Chapter 2: The Detrimental Impact on Writers
Ironically, in the same announcement regarding the removal of writing capabilities, Medium stated:
“Our aim, as always, is to connect writers and readers as best we can, and to provide seamless experiences that emphasize what’s most important: your creative work.”
However, this update significantly hinders many writers' creative processes on Medium. Many of our best ideas come when we are away from our computers. So, is Medium primarily designed for readers or writers?
While Medium certainly caters to readers, it’s important to remember that without writers, there would be no content to read. Striking a balance between enhancing the reader's experience and maintaining writer satisfaction is crucial.
Removing the writing capability from the app could lead to decreased productivity for many writers, including myself. A quick glance at Google Play Store reviews reveals that I am far from alone in my dissatisfaction.
Section 2.1: The Writer's Perspective
Medium should take heed of these reactions. Writers are the lifeblood of this platform, and the diversity of content available is a key reason why readers flock to it.
Inspiration can strike at any moment, and having a convenient method to capture thoughts encourages creativity. I often used the Medium app to draft pieces during workouts, while walking, or even while watching movies with my partner.
Sure, one could jot down notes on their phone and then email them to themselves to copy into a Medium draft later, but that adds unnecessary steps that many may not want to deal with. The inevitable result is a decrease in article production.
Section 2.2: Conclusion
Medium's decision to limit the productivity and potential earnings of its writers feels disheartening. It seems the platform is prioritizing the reader's experience while neglecting the needs of the writers.
This issue raises a fundamental question: does an abundance of readers or quality writing come first? Despite the vast amount of content available on Medium—over 1.3 million articles posted monthly as of September 2000—there is still a pressing need to support and nurture the community of writers.
If Medium wishes to maintain its reputation as a platform for exceptional content, it must reconsider its stance on this matter. A return of writing capabilities to the app—or even the creation of a dedicated app for writers—would be a positive step forward.
Thank you for engaging with this topic. If you found this discussion interesting, you might also enjoy our article on the best publications to write for on Medium.
The first video discusses the reasons behind the departure of numerous Medium publications, highlighting the changing landscape of the platform.
The second video explores whether Medium remains a viable platform for writers in 2023, particularly for beginners looking to monetize their work.