Understanding the Seven Deadly Sins of Medium

This guide highlights the seven common pitfalls of writing on Medium, offering tips on how to recognize and avoid them—or perhaps indulge in them if you so wish!

Gluttony — “The Overloaded Writer”: This type of author is notorious for cramming their articles with excessive verbiage and lengthy paragraphs, often leaving readers feeling overwhelmed. They operate under the assumption that more content equates to better quality, even if it’s a ten-minute read on “How to Peel a Banana.” Don’t be shocked if they continue typing away long after Medium’s word limit nudges them.

Sloth — “The Perpetual Draft”: Meet the chronic procrastinator who has been toiling over their so-called groundbreaking work for what feels like an eternity—months, or possibly years. They possess more drafts than published pieces but struggle to find the drive to hit that “Publish” button. Their collection of drafts resembles a black hole where creative ideas go to take an extended nap.

Greed — “The Stats Obsessed”: This writer is fixated on statistics and accolades! They go to great lengths to entice readers into showering their articles with claps. If they could, they would offer a fortune for just ten claps. Each morning, they check their metrics as if they were examining a lottery ticket.

Envy — “The Bitter Commenter”: This writer finds it difficult to cope with the success of others, often turning green with envy. When they stumble upon a viral article, they can’t resist leaving a snarky comment suggesting that their own piece on “Cats and Cucumbers” deserved the spotlight instead.

Wrath — “The Keyboard Warrior”: This passionate online fighter readily engages in heated debates. They are quick to jump into comment wars, fervently defending their controversial viewpoints. You can find them passionately discussing topics like politics, technology, or the contentious issue of whether pineapple belongs on pizza.

Lust — “The Click-Bait Artist”: You’re likely familiar with this one! The writer who tantalizes you with promises of “Top 10 Secrets to Success,” only to present a list of tips that are painfully obvious. Their headlines lure you in, but the content ultimately leaves you feeling unsatisfied, much like a disappointing date.

Pride — “The Self-Proclaimed Expert”: This writer fancies themselves an authority on every imaginable topic. They present themselves as digital sages, showering readers with their supposed wisdom, even when they lack real expertise. Beware of the prideful author who believes they’re the reincarnation of Shakespeare, even though their writing feels like a bumpy ride through a theme park.

It’s crucial to steer clear of these entertaining yet hazardous traps. Keep your writing authentic, engaging, and above all, remember to enjoy the process!