The Value of Feedback with Online Writing Platforms

Feedback starts with an action or a comment.

Obviously, the importance of providing feedback is to help a writer grow regardless of the level of experience.

Feedback also provides advice in helping a writer improve a written piece.

Feedback can provide a variety of helpful suggestions. I say invite those suggestions.

Think of your article like an eat-in diner. Your ideas and main subject are part of your menu. Feedback will help you improve what you offer so more customers (readers) come in or return.

If a writer provides an email address, and you have some constructive comments that relate to several errors you see, communicate it privately if the availability exists.

My feedback about paragraphs on any platform

I wholeheartedly believe writers should only have three to four sentences in their paragraphs if they want their articles to be read completely. It helps the flow of continual reading.

That sense of continual reading sends a signal that progress is being made in reading. We all know what that feels like because sometimes when reading a book, we’re happy when we turn a page. Having said that, make reading a meaningful experience.

Feedback about writing on Medium

While I have been writing for years, I started honing my online writing on Medium in September 2021 (I stopped routinely writing on HubPages a few years ago).

Everyone who writes on Medium knows it’s a very user-friendly platform providing a place for a response/comment on everything published. That comment indicates support and that someone read your article, and the act of reading boosts your earnings.

While there’s no monetary value associated with “claps” (akin to likes) or responses/comments with Medium, there is emotional value with either effort for the writer. That first clap or response initiates a connection. Responses are more meaningful though for obvious reasons. This builds community.

Writers get to read each other’s work. That’s how acquaintances are generated and it’s with mutuality stemming from being a member on Medium. Registered members’ reading equal earnings.

If you’re a new writer, responses serve as feedback to lift your self-confidence as a writer. All writers welcome that boost. Constructive criticism helps you improve. There’s no room for negative or hateful responses in a comment — ever — if you’re an experienced writer, you value civility with feedback.

Reading and leaving comments is someone else’s time spent for the writer. Thank your reader. I know this is redundant — writers on Medium only earn from readers who are registered members, so respect your readers.

Becoming a notable writer anywhere takes a lot of hard work and practice. I strive to write and improve — that’s my perpetual goal. When readers leave positive comments, it helps make two or three hours writing a piece so worth the time. Raise the volume control when you applaud your readers.

The acquaintances made on Medium are priceless. The articles and blogs I’ve read are amazing. I have learned tips. I have been moved by some of the pieces I’ve read because writers aren’t afraid to share their living experiences. I have been educated on subjects I have not researched before. Sometimes, too, I learn something by reading the comments of others.

I think Medium should include external reads like other platforms in their earnings program. I feel that in itself would market to potential members without the influence of existing members feeling the need to market membership. After all, aren’t members on platforms to write first?

Writing on Vocal Media

I started writing on Vocal Media in November 2021.

I have been fortunate to have three top stories including a modest bonus for each. I see these measures as small incentives to continue plus I like the fact Vocal includes external reads.

Vocal doesn’t have a space for feedback/comments and basically relies on its abundance of stories, challenge contests, perks/rewards, toolbar tool, and stats page for likeability. This site is supposed to be creating a space for comments soon, but there’s no indication when that will be. Even if you click on the heart to show you liked the piece, as far as I know, your reader is unknown to you.

While anyone’s comments on other sites could recommend your writing, on Vocal, your forms of feedback are the information found on your stats page, and your reads are increased by having a top story or sharing your writing on Twitter and Facebook.

You can search through categories on Vocal Media to see where your interests are for reading. Vocal’s categories can be equated to Medium’s publications. Like Medium, there are a lot of great writers on Vocal.

Writing on Newsbreak

I started writing in Newsbreak in September 2021. Feedback is prevalent on this platform. There are a lot of positive, negative, and sometimes nonsensical comments. You naturally categorize or stereotype the people behind the comments. I had one reader tell me in a pointless comment, “you’re just a dumba$$.” This kind of comment told me so much about the reader that I deleted it and moved on.

I do not focus on the comments as much on Newsbreak, but I discover what topics appeal to a variety of readers. You can only make a general assumption about a comment based on its content. You don’t want to catch yourself making those general assumptions about all comments because not all readers fit into an assumption based on one negative comment.

Newsbreak is a good practice ground for honing your craft. I don’t focus on being a journalist here because that isn’t my goal. I want to be a writer, not a journalist. Presenting facts with a human element is what I aim for. I like to lift positivity no matter where I write.

It is easier, for me anyway, to have a written piece gain a lot of attention on this platform because it has a farther reach. It's also easier to gain a lot of followers, but remember that readership is still key for boosting earnings. Since external readers are included, it’s very easy to write a piece that reaches over 10k views/reads and it’s very easy to land half a million impressions. I have earned more on Newsbreak than either Medium or Vocal Media to date.

I find some of the readers want to see certain subjects other than what is trending in the news. Of the comments I have read, it’s a mixed bag and reminds me of what you read on any other site that provides a space for comments. You have to weed through the bad to find the good plus you have the option on Newsbreak of deleting the bad if it’s too inappropriate. Certainly, don’t take it personally.

How would you grade these platforms?

Keep in mind, the below is based on my personal findings thus far with my experience writing on these platforms.

If we just address feedback, I give Medium an A+

If we just address perks/incentives, Vocal gets the A+

If we just address #of followers, Newsbreak gets the A+

If we just address earnings, Newsbreak gets the A+

If we just address community, Medium gets the A+

Lastly, writers, hats off to you. Keep showing your language art.

Readers, I raise a glass to you because you give writers a piece of your time. I always welcome and appreciate your feedback regardless of how that can be performed.