Why Do You Write?
Writing is not easy.
It might seem like an obvious statement, and anyone who has tried their luck at writing knows just how true of a statement it is. There — I just ended a sentence with “is” — a good writer should never do that. Do you see what I mean?
My writing is plagued with mistakes. It’s messy. It’s often long-winded. I make errors, press the wrong keys, fail to proofread, split an infinitive, let my participles dangle, and I struggle to put my thoughts onto paper.
As I said, it’s not easy.
So why do we do it?
Why do we sit on this platform called Medium and write stories?
This isn’t some existential question. It’s not a question of “why are we here?”
Instead, I’m asking for practical reasons. Why exactly are you on Medium?
Some people might be on the platform to earn a buck or two.
Some might be on the platform to connect with other writers.
Even more might be on the platform merely for reading, consuming and not creating content.
But I suspect the majority of writers are on Medium for another reason.
How often, in this busy, confusing, chaotic world, do we have a chance to actually put our thoughts down on paper? How often do we take the time to journal our emotions and reflect on what’s happening inside our minds?
That’s what Medium is for most writers — it’s a place to put your thoughts and emotions. The platform has become our journal.
What do you think? Is that what Medium is now, or is there another reason that you’re on the platform?
