Navigating the Future of Medium Publications: Insights and Updates
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Chapter 1: The Shortform Experience
The Shortform has been my go-to publication on Medium, significantly shaping my writing journey. It was one of the first platforms I submitted my work to when I began my writing adventure on Medium in December 2020. In October 2021, the founder, Tom Fenske, invited me to join as a co-editor and community manager. My responsibilities include addressing community queries and onboarding new writers. Fast forward 16 months, and we've surpassed 4,000 followers.
Because of the positive impact it had on my growth, I often recommended The Shortform to aspiring writers looking to gain their first 100 followers and ignite their writing careers.
Introducing the Shortform Team
Let me take a moment to introduce our dedicated team: Tom Fenske, who balances parenthood with a full-time job; Burk, a father of five who is launching his own online venture; and myself, a working mom managing a toddler while running the Medium Kickstarter Boot Camp and other online courses. We're also fortunate to have Christina and Nancy Blackman, both busy with their writing projects, joining us as new editors for a limited time.
The Day I Received Unexpected News
In February 2022, I informed Tom and the other editors, Burk, Christina, and Nancy Blackman, that I would be taking a break for about six to eight weeks due to family commitments and other projects. Shortly thereafter, I learned that Tom had made the difficult decision to close The Shortform to new writers until further notice. Initially, I worried that my break might have influenced this decision.
Why is The Shortform Closed for New Writers?
Tom clarified that the closure of the publication to new contributors stems from the significant responsibilities we all have as working parents. We manage this publication in our limited spare time, and unfortunately, we do not receive any support or compensation from Medium for our efforts.
The Bright Side
Despite the closure to new writers, The Shortform continues to operate. Those who have previously expressed interest in joining us will still receive support. Furthermore, this decision does not impact the submissions process; all writers can still submit their stories for review and potential publication.
Chapter 2: The Landscape of Medium Publications
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Medium has seen similar publications, like Writer’s Blokke and Globetrotters, also halt the addition of new writers. In his communication, Tom referred to Writer’s Blokke, which ceased accepting new contributors in March 2022.
Benny, the owner of Writer’s Blokke, shared the mental health toll this decision took on him and his team. He expressed that while he wishes to continue the publication, the well-being of himself and his editors must come first.
Similarly, Warren Patterson’s Globetrotters has also capped the number of writers they accept. He mentioned that they will communicate when they reopen for new submissions.
Is This an Evolution?
Aspiring writers often wonder if this is a troubling trend. I reassure them that it is simply an evolution—a continuous process of change toward improvement. Publications on Medium are evolving, and we must adapt to these changes.
Reflecting on the Publications We Miss
Several beloved publications shut down in 2021 due to various challenges, such as funding cuts from Medium or the personal decisions of their editors. For instance, 'P.S. I Love You' and 'Modern Parent' ceased operations without prior notice, leaving many writers searching for new homes for their work.
The Future of Medium's Publications
Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic about the future of publications on Medium. The platform seems to be focusing more on empowering individual writers, which is beneficial for us all. However, being accepted into a publication still enhances visibility and lends credibility to our work.
Currently, there are approximately 1,549 Medium publications open to contributors, and I encourage every new writer to pursue opportunities with their dream publications.
Are Medium's Publications Doomed?
Recently, my friend Robert Ralph reached out to Medium for clarification on their stance regarding publications. The response indicated that shutting down publications is not currently planned, but that sentiment can be interpreted with caution.
In Conclusion
I hope this article sheds light on why The Shortform is not accepting new writers at this time. I also hope it provides insight into the challenges faced by publications on Medium. If you are among those who have been accepted as a writer, feel free to submit your drafts.
While we cannot foresee the future of Medium, we can appreciate the journey and remain patient as publications navigate these changes. As Benny Lim wisely noted, it’s essential for all of us to enjoy the ride, regardless of how long it may last.
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