Tim, an interesting response for sure. But why wait for Medium to innovate? Why rely on the algorithms to fix what the community can? For that, why try to change the status quo? Why is it so vital to ensure that less popular posts get seen?

You seemed like you were suggesting the recommended button somewhat poisonsMedium. Maybe I misread you, but I agree with that sentiment, although for a different reason. The expectation of recommends, the desire for popularity, the sharing of our words shouldn’t be the end goal all the time. I’m sure that as a teacher, you understand the therapeutic quality of writing, and how those effects are magnified by sharing it, even if no one actually reads the piece.

The quest to sit at the Popular Table isn’t limited to just recommends. It exists in the articles themselves too of course. Writing on popular content means more recommends, shares, views, popularity. So, I don’t think the fix lies in the algorithms made by the staff. It lies in convinceing the community to think more about how they press the little heart. Encouraging recommends based on quality, artistry, and novelty can make Medium an even more in notice place. The goal shouldn’t be to put this type of content on the front page, it should eb the encouragement of the creation of this content. With a paradigm shift, this formar have to be based on popularity. I just mentioned in a response to original article that an undercurrent could be made of the content you aim to support. Let the masses have their life hacking and algorithms. We can build a Medium of quality and participation.