The Reality of Establishing a Medium Publication

Unlike newsletters on other platforms, Medium does not compensate its editors. Although they have hinted at potential changes after years of stagnation, I remain skeptical. My view is that they simply lack the resources to implement such initiatives.

Medium is already struggling to provide sufficient payment to its writers, so it’s clear where their priorities lie regarding attracting new contributors.

If you decide to establish a publication, you might find yourself inadvertently performing volunteer work for Medium.

Challenges of Managing a Large Publication

For those running smaller publications, dedicating less than an hour each day to curate and publish content is quite manageable.

However, if you’re like me and strive to support your writers through feedback, it can take significantly longer. I typically invest about an hour daily to publish 5 to 8 pieces of content, each lasting between 3 to 7 minutes.

But as your publication expands—like ILLUMINATION, which has over 20,000 writers—curation becomes increasingly difficult.

Currently, they’re grappling with a backlog of content that is overwhelming. Without proper incentives to sift through submissions, the overall quality tends to decline.

Diminishing Your Passion

I must admit that managing a publication can detract from your enthusiasm for high-quality writing.

The truth is, many Medium writers are not at the level of literary giants like J.K. Rowling. Most are still navigating their writing journey and often share personal stories.

With the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT, some writers are focusing on sheer volume, prioritizing daily posts over quality.

This trend poses a challenge for me as I attempt to assist these writers.

Understanding Your Motivation

This discussion should not discourage you from starting your own publication. In fact, I believe it can be one of the most cost-effective ways to "launch a business," costing only $5 per month.

Reflect on your motivations: do you need to earn money? I founded HustleVentureSG out of a desire to help writers increase their earnings. The reality is that many contributors are seeking supplemental income.

Whether you are a student, an individual driven to help others, or a retiree wanting to share valuable insights, starting a publication could be a fantastic opportunity!

Want to Explore More Content?

If you're interested in personal finance and side hustles, consider joining HustleVentureSG—a community designed to support writers in enhancing their financial journeys.