Chapter 1: Seize Control of Your Story

Why wait for someone else to tell your tale? It's time to take charge!

Last week, I shared that Medium was contemplating giving writers the ability to elevate their own pieces once a month — Boost Your Own Story. This week, I have exciting news: writers will not only be able to boost their stories but also report them as well.

Consider this a double-edged sword. With one move, you can enhance your visibility and potentially earn some revenue. But with the other, you might risk getting banned from the platform.

Why not take the plunge? If you hesitate, someone overly critical might step in and do it for you. Get ahead of the game and earn some respect!

I've had two of my own pieces flagged. The first was an exploration of baby boomers and how they navigated the nuances of post-colonial capitalism before it took a more ruthless turn. The content itself wasn’t the issue; the trouble began when I dared to mention the word "death." I was referring to my own parents, but the reader completely missed the context and reported me.

The second piece addressed the British government's mismanagement during the Covid-19 crisis. Again, the mention of "death" in relation to certain officials led to a report.

It feels as though Medium employs some kind of covert word detection system, where phrases like DEATH and MY NAME trigger alarms. Consequently, I’ve opted to steer clear of topics such as politics, baby boomers, and mortality, focusing instead on mundane short stories, predictable memoirs, and critiques of technology.

Surely no one would report me for simply growing up or disliking an iPhone, right?

This is precisely why I wish to have the ability to report myself. It would be akin to calling their bluff, akin to the badges of bravery children earn for conquering the tallest slides at a water park.

"I DID THE BIG ONE!"

Except on Medium, you receive a label like this. (Image/Author)

It would demonstrate your tenacity in challenging the Medium authorities while taking the plunge into the unknown.

Alternatively, you might find yourself injured on a two-inch high slide like Mark Suroviec, M.Ed. did a couple of summers ago.

And if none of these options appeal to you, you can always wait for the inevitable:

REPORTED!

Radio Rookies DIY Toolkit: How To Report Your Own Story - YouTube

Learn how to effectively report your own story and take control of your narrative.

Chapter 2: The Power of Self-Reporting

In an ever-changing landscape, the ability to report your own content is crucial for maintaining your voice.

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Discover how to create a personal "story inventory" to manage your narratives effectively.