Too soon?

The 10 Most Important Takeaways from Medium Day

#7 won’t surprise you

She learned a lot during Medium Day — Pexels

I was at Medium Day next month, and I learned A LOT!

In the great tradition of online writing, I will tell you things you already know or could read elsewhere for free, but now it’s behind a paywall.

#1 — The Boost works very well

Everybody reported seeing the stories Medium wanted them to see in their feeds now. Here’s a random sample of positive comments:

“The algorithm was way too biased. It showed me stories I wanted to read instead of stories that were good for me.”

“We’re finally free of the algorithm’s tyranny!”

“I’m glad I don’t have to think for myself and choose what I want to read. Thank you, Medium, for telling me what’s good.”

#2 — Boosters reported a 172% increase in views on average

Boosters (or boost curators) agreed the program was better at the beginning when they could boost their own stories, but the current situation remains satisfying.

As the rules allow them to reveal their boosting powers, boosters attract many writers hoping that clapping and commenting on boosters’ stories will make them more likely to receive a boost.

But boosters remain impartial.

All the writers I interviewed publicly insisted they were not jealous of the boosters. On the contrary, the community loves our boost curators — as proved by the incredible amount of virtual claps they received during Medium Day.

#3 — Coach Tony, Medium’s CEO, received an all-time high approval rating of 99%

For lack of time, Medium didn’t ask the writers to participate and conducted the survey publicly during an all-hands meeting at Medium’s headquarters.

But everybody said the results would have been the same — or better — if the survey had been anonymous and electronic.

#4 — One-clappers had to cancel their breakout session for lack of attendees.