Understanding the New Medium Partner Program: Insights & Challenges
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Chapter 1: Overview of the New Medium Partner Program
In this article, we will explore the initial month of monetization under the revamped Medium Partner Program. We’ll delve into both the advantages and disadvantages as we assess how these changes have affected creators on the platform.
The new partner program has sparked diverse reactions among creators, with some describing it as a form of modern art—appreciated by a few, but often misunderstood by many. The first month has revealed both promise and pitfalls.
Section 1.1: Initial Impressions
As is typical with newly launched features, the program requires ongoing refinement. During the initial days post-launch, several issues emerged, indicating a need for thorough evaluation and improvement. Fortunately, the Partner Program team has committed to enhancing the distribution of earnings for writers, suggesting that positive changes are on the horizon. Based on my experience, I would rate the program an 8.4 out of 10 so far.
Section 1.2: Advantages of the Partner Program
Feedback has largely been positive, as many creators appreciate the return of earnings calculated based on engagement metrics such as claps and follower bonuses. This shift has resulted in a notable rise in new subscriptions, reflecting Medium's intent to cater to a broader audience, including users from Brazil, India, Thailand, and various African nations. I would give the advantages of the program a score of 7.6 out of 10, which I'll elaborate on in the next section.
The first video provides a comprehensive overview of the significant changes to the Medium Partner Program and what creators need to know.
Chapter 2: Disadvantages of the Partner Program
Despite the positive aspects, some creators express concerns regarding the new rules, likening them to an abstract concept that only a select few truly comprehend.
A critical part of a product's evolution is receiving constructive criticism. Medium now bears a significant responsibility to maintain and innovate its program, given the high expectations set by its user base. This is why I hesitated to assign a perfect score; I want to discuss the challenges that have arisen during this initial month.
Section 2.1: Engagement and Monetization Challenges
After gathering insights from fellow creators, it's clear that a key challenge lies in the program's heavy reliance on member engagement. According to the new rules, only users who have published in the last six months and are from eligible countries can participate in monetization. This model means that earnings are primarily generated through interactions from fellow members, which may not accurately reflect broader engagement trends.
The second video critiques the shortcomings of Medium's new Partner Program, highlighting the issues that need to be addressed for better user experience.
Section 2.2: Final Thoughts
Given these initial flaws, I cannot yet award a perfect score to the Medium Partner Program until we observe its performance over a few more months. As the program expands to include countries like Brazil, India, and Thailand, it's essential to remain optimistic and proactive. By diversifying content and engaging with other writers, creators can navigate these changes successfully. The journey is just beginning, and while challenges may arise, there will also be moments of triumph that make it all worthwhile.
