From Melinblau to Melinda Blau: My Journey on Medium
Written on
Navigating Identity: Why I Changed My Medium Username
Attention everyone: my previous Medium username, “@Melinblau,” associated with me, Melinda Blau, has been replaced. From now on, you can find me on Medium as Melinda Blau.
Initially, I didn’t give much thought to my username when I registered on Medium. In fact, I barely noticed that a user name was even assigned to me.
Adapting to New Technology
To be honest, I’m not a digital native. My comfort with technology is limited, and I often feel out of my depth when it comes to new platforms. I had no idea what to call Medium—was it a website, writing software, or a social platform? In hindsight, it's surprising that I didn't realize I was given a different username.
Understanding the Importance of Usernames
This username represents my identity as a writer. "melinblau" was my first email address from the mid-nineties, created because “melindablau” was already taken on AOL. Although I was fine with it, I always use my full name across all my social media and professional platforms.
While I may have a higher level of tech knowledge than some peers, I still approach new challenges with caution. This has led me to rely on Medium’s software to handle many aspects for me, a decision that many might share.
How To Change Name On Medium - YouTube In this video, you’ll learn the steps to change your username on Medium, ensuring your identity aligns with your writing.
The Need for Computer Literacy
The younger generation seems to grasp technology effortlessly. In a book I authored back in 1993, family therapist Ron Taffel advised parents to seek their children’s help with technology they couldn’t navigate. The example back then was “programming the VCR.”
In another interview from the early 90s, Frederick Starr, then president of Oberlin College, mentioned that computer literacy was primarily a challenge for parents. He noted that children absorb this knowledge naturally, like the air they breathe. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for me!
The Evolution of the Writing Platform
As a writer with over forty years of experience, I’ve seen how technology has transformed the industry. When I first encountered Medium, I came from a world of print publishing, where my works were physically typeset and printed.
The term "platform" once referred to a place for dancing rather than a space for writing. In the 90s, publishers began to inquire about authors' reach—how many people were already familiar with their work.
A Shift in Expectations for Writers
Fast forward to 2009, I found myself in a pre-launch meeting for my thirteenth book, where I was asked about my online presence. Questions like “Do you have a website yet?” and “Are you on Facebook?” were new to me. I realized then that online communication was fundamentally altering the writing business.
Finding My Way in a Digital Landscape
Though I’ve made strides in my online writing journey, I still feel a step behind the curve. I can handle WordPress, tweet, and use hashtags, yet I know others excel far beyond my capabilities.
During my time on Medium, I’ve written blogs, contributed to various sites, and even had a regular column for the Huffington Post. While I didn’t need a teenager’s help to join Medium, I still overlooked the importance of my username.
How to WRITE and PUBLISH on MEDIUM.com This video provides a comprehensive guide on creating an account, publishing stories, and submitting them to publications on Medium.
Embracing the Learning Curve
I’m content to continue writing and sharing my work on Medium for now. I haven’t yet ventured into designing my own page, but I enjoy adjusting headings and spacing. Maybe this nostalgia for the old days is part of the process.
Special thanks to Clive Wilson for encouraging me to change my username and share this experience. If you enjoyed this piece, feel free to subscribe to my blog—I promise not to share your email. You can also find me across various platforms on LinkTree!