Chapter 1: The Earnings Plunge

In August 2023, tech writers on Medium faced a harsh reality. The recent updates to Medium’s Partner Program have not been favorable for many, resulting in drastic drops in earnings—some writers report losses exceeding 70 to 80%.

Many have been affected by the newly introduced earnings calculation, which relies on a convoluted mix of read time, caps, highlights, and follower counts. The 30-second rule has been particularly detrimental; if a reader navigates away from a story before the 30-second mark, the writer's earnings take a hit.

My personal metrics have seen a significant decline; what once averaged over 1,000 daily views has now dwindled to just above 300.

Chapter 2: Shift in Content Strategy

The statistics are alarming. It seems Medium is shifting its focus more towards personal narratives, sidelining tech-related content, which I find to be a shortsighted move. The platform hosts a vast community of tech writers who provide valuable information, covering topics from Cloud computing to Cybersecurity and AI.

These writers now feel abandoned as their previously profitable articles have seen a dramatic decrease in earnings. To add to the frustration, the referral program is also being eliminated. While I understand the desire to distance the platform from AI-generated content and emphasize authentic storytelling, this should not come at the expense of genuine contributions.

Video Description: This video delves into the realities tech writers face on Medium, exploring the recent changes to the Partner Program and their impact on earnings.

I remain hopeful that Medium will heed the feedback from its writers. Understanding the new system may help writers recover, but I urge the Medium team to consider the consequences of their actions on those who have supported the platform for years.

This situation serves as a reminder of the risks associated with relying solely on a single platform; it leaves creators vulnerable to algorithm changes that can shift at any moment. Let's see what the future holds!

Video Description: A month-long experiment on Medium reveals the challenges and results faced by a writer adapting to the platform's new policies.

Chapter 3: About the Author

Taimur Ijlal is a multi-award-winning leader in information security, boasting over 20 years of global experience in cybersecurity and IT risk management within the fintech sector. Connect with Taimur on LinkedIn or visit his YouTube channel, “Cloud Security Guy,” where he shares insights on Cloud Security, Artificial Intelligence, and career guidance in cybersecurity. Be sure to check out his free eBook on increasing earnings in the cybersecurity field!