From Reader to Friend of Medium: My Journey to 1K Followers and Beyond

On October 8, 2021, I did something that seemed daring and exciting at the time-publishing my very first article on Medium, titled Custom User in Django. Let me tell you, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. Fast track to today, that little tech knowledge has over 11,000 views and 6,300 reads. Not bad for a first-timer, right? But wait, there’s more to this story.

I was only a reader then, curious about the insights of others. Writing? That was reserved for the “real” experts, so I thought. Medium flipped that on its head for me. Little did I know, this platform would bring about a transformation in me from a casual reader to a thriving member and eventually a proud friend of Medium. Here’s how it all unfolded.

The Beginning: Publishing My First Article

The first time I published an article, I was scared to death. Would anybody read it? Would it be sucked into some black hole on the internet? But then Medium has this almost-magic way of making the writers among them feel seen. The views trickled in-first in drips, then in drops. Comments followed, and I was hooked.

Medium wasn’t just a writing platform; it became my stage. My followers grew steadily, and today, I’m proud to have crossed the 1000 follower mark. Each follow felt like a small victory-a reminder that my words mattered.

Enter the Medium Partner Program: A Game Changer

And then this miracle happened in August 2024: the launched Medium Partner Program in India. Suddenly, I was not just writing for engagement; I was writing for impact, well, and for coffee money, too. This program made writing rewarding, creatively and financially.

About this time I wrote an article title FastHTML: Revolutionizing Web Development with Python. Boy, did it ever take off. Like my article was on a rocket ship zipping past milestones not even dreamed of:

10.8K Views

5.4K Reads

$115.85 Earnings

To put that into perspective, that would be enough to fuel a number of late-night coding sessions or a month’s worth of chai breaks. Who knew words could be so lucrative?

The Sweet Spot: Becoming a Friend of Medium

The more I wrote, the less Medium felt like a platform and more like a friend-one that celebrated my growth, challenged me to think deeper, and connected me with people who shared my passions. I wasn’t just a contributor anymore; I was part of a community. And honestly, that sense of belonging? Priceless.

Isn’t it ironic how life works? I had started as a reader, toe-dipping into Medium waters, and today, swam confidently, surrounded by supportive peers and an increasing audience. What Medium did for me wasn’t just to find my voice; Medium gave my voice a stage.

Lessons from the Journey

What have I learned? That you do not have to be perfect to start. Maybe your journey, like mine, started on shaky ground, but with each view, comment, and clap, that is someone who valued your story.

Medium is more than a platform; it’s home, where ideas come alive and the writers become storytellers. Whether one is just getting started or thinking of joining the Medium Partner Program, take the leap. Who knows? Your next article could be the one that inspires thousands — or makes enough to cover your next pizza night.

So here’s to more articles, more connections, and more adventures. If you have read this far, thanks for being part of my journey; let’s keep writing, learning, and growing together.

Thank you for your time