Here's Why I Closed ILLUMINATION-Curated Publication on Medium.
I explain why I had to shut down my best publication on Medium and what it means to writers and readers honestly and transparently in raw language without any concern from Medium’s algorithm.
Dear Subscribers, earlier today, I wrote this story first on Medium as this publication was hosted there. As 3000+ accomplished writers are affected by this decision, I’d appreciate your feedback on the original story and sharing your positive, negative, or neutral experiences about Medium. If you are a non-member, you can read it via my friend link and share it with interested writers. Thank you. 🙏
As I write this poignant yet empowering piece, my heart feels heavy yet resolute. Today, I bid farewell to ILLUMINATION-Curated😢, a publication that has been a labor of love, a beacon of hope for writers, and a trusted source for discerning readers. But in its place, I welcome Curated Newsletters — a new beginning, a more sustainable path forward 🙌.
Change is the only constant in life. It’s something I’ve embraced throughout my personal and professional journey, and it’s the reason behind much of my success as a leader in my profession, as an inventor, an innovator, and a mentor to aspiring scientists and technologists.
We can’t control the external forces that shape our world, but we can adapt our behavior and our decisions to navigate these forces and emerge stronger.
The decision to close ILLUMINATION-Curated was not made lightly. It’s a publication close to my heart since its inception in 2020. It grew rapidly, attracting a community of talented writers and engaged readers. But as with all things, there came a time when I had to reevaluate its place in a rapidly changing landscape.
When I introduced the ILLUMINATION-Curated to Medium’s Boost program in October 2023, I believed it was the right step forward. For the first seven months, it was. The program provided a growth engine for the publication, offering our writers the recognition they deserved.
But then, things changed — abruptly and without warning. Medium’s non-transparent changes left us blindsided. Senior editors, who had been the backbone of our publication, began resigning, disillusioned by a platform that no longer aligned with their values.
And then came the most disheartening blow: the termination of our most hardworking editor,
under the guise of low performance — a claim that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Aiden had contributed to 113 boosted stories in just four months, with an acceptance rate even higher than mine, as he ran ILLUMINATION-Curated like a peer-reviewed journal, which Medium curators failed to understand.His dismissal was a clear sign that Medium was scaling, which was mentioned in his termination notice — but in which direction, up or down? We were never given a clear answer, and the rationale behind the changes felt hollow. Editors thought that this non-transparent position wasn’t just a business decision; it was a betrayal of the trust they had placed in the platform.
was so deeply immersed in his mission to uplift writers that he often spent weeks painstakingly guiding them to refine their craft, involving senior editors and subject matter experts to ensure every detail was perfect, exceeding the boost guidelines. Yet, despite this labor of love, his nominations were dismissed in mere minutes — without a word of feedback as the program manager said, “You know the pilot does not give feedback. shutting us down.This shattered the hearts of writers who had poured their souls into their work and left senior editors feeling that their precious time had been utterly wasted. What once was a joy turned into a painful disillusionment, as I recounted in my resignation post.
It became painfully clear to senior editors that Medium no longer deserved a curated publication like ILLUMINATION-Curated as their focus had shifted to sensationalism, trivializing matters of substance. Then, I decided to resign from the role of a boost nominator and withdraw ILLUMINATION-Curated to be an independent publication without restriction, bringing it to its root.
But another stark realization happened as
documented with scientific rigor in simple words. While ILLUMINATION was growing at lightning speed, bringing 2 million views monhtly, ILLUMINATION curated couldn’t even get the views of a sex story amplified by Medium and reported by one of my favorite authors Kristina God, MBA on Substack who empowers freelance writers as I do.
Here is how many views ILLUMINATION-Curated received in July, with the stories of 3000 accomplished writers accumulated over the last four years earning only cents to its contributors.
So, just one story received more reads than the entire publication in July. Does it make sense to the Friends of Medium like me, who pay three times more than standard members? It is not too hard to see where Medium’s membership money is going.
I hope that Zulie @ Medium, a remarkable storyteller and now an esteemed Medium employee, can shed light on this dilemma for our wonderful community: How does network traffic operate in a publication with over 500,000 meticulously edited stories from accomplished writers in the last four years, yet with no Medium meta articles, despite being a curated publication with hundreds of boosted stories? Our editors asked me where the traffic from one million paid members go and I couldn’t answer it.
Our data scientists, analyzing massive datasets from my publications and others that I serve as consulting editors, uncovered a stark reality: stories that pandered to base instincts were amplified, while those that tackled serious issues were suppressed. A story on sexual opinions could earn $15,000+, while a meticulously crafted piece by a medical specialist might earn less than a dollar. Dr Broadly created several case studies from his Health and Science pub, such as this one.
This isn’t just unfair, said the senior editors of former ILLUMNINATION-Curated. They said it’s a disservice to the accomplished writers who pour their hearts and souls into their work only to have it buried by an algorithm that prioritizes clicks over content.
They called it a betrayal — a betrayal of readers who crave meaningful, uncensored content, only to be force-fed a relentless stream of sensationalism. That’s why millions of discerning readers are now flocking to authentic, unfiltered newsletters. It’s why Substack is flourishing, while Medium struggles to stay afloat. And it’s why the esteemed stakeholders of ILLUMINATION-Curated urged me to make the painful decision to kill our own beloved creation.
So, why did I close ILLUMINATION-Curated and open Curated Newsletters in summary?
Because I believe in the power of content that speaks to the human experience in all its raw, uncensored truth, the future of content consumption lies not in platforms that dictate what we see but in newsletters that deliver value directly to readers, free from the interference of algorithms.
This is why Substack is growing faster than platforms like Medium or NewsBreak. It’s a place where creators can share their work without fear of censorship and where readers can engage with content that resonates with them on a deeper level.
Just recently, a medical doctor who had been censored and suspended across social media joined Substack, quickly gaining over 400,000 paid subscribers and earning more than a million dollars monthly. This is the future of content — a future where creators and readers are empowered to connect directly without a platform standing in the way.
This shift in focus is why top writers like Tim Denning are investing more of their energy in Substack. It’s the same reason I now dedicate 90% of my personal and community time there — a move that has allowed me to gain 29,000 subscribers in just two months, while Medium has brought me zero new followers.
My personal publication, once cherished by thousands, now only sees views from direct links. Medium’s new, non-transparent strategy has extinguished my beloved EUPHORIA. There will be no more euphoric moments on Medium for me or my discerning readers.
But my readers are loyal, and they’ve followed me to Substack, where today I’ve invited them to join a forum that empowers them with insights from qualified medical doctors and scientists who collaborate with me. This is what my readers expect — raw, unfiltered content that speaks to their intellect and curiosity, not a polished piece designed for a boost.
I no longer care whether Medium boosts my stories because my content now reaches 100 times more people on Substack and generates five times more income, even without monetizing most of it. My precious time and energy in my retirement year belong to a caring platform that values authenticity over algorithms and a community that seeks substance over sensationalism.
The Curated Newsletters concept is my way of embracing this future of content creation and consumption. It’s a new beginning, a continuation of the journey that started with ILLUMINATION-Curated.
Already, in less than 24 hours since its launch on Substack under the name of Substack Mastery, 26,000 writers and readers have subscribed, with many becoming paid members and founding supporters. This response is a testament to the hunger for authentic, raw, and uncensored content from freelance writers with expertise in their fields. I chose to be a catalyst for the growth of this community, not to waste my time to please the subjective taste of Medium curators whom I have no idea who they are.
I know this decision may not make me popular with everyone. Some may question why I’m stepping away from a curated publication that has been so integral to my journey. But I’m not here for popularity. I’m here to stand by my principles, to support creators who deserve better, and to offer readers the content they crave.
Goodbye, dear ILLUMINATION-Curated. Though we’ve parted ways, you will forever live on in our cherished memories.
Welcome Curated Newsletters.
Invitation to All Authentic Writers at Any Level
So, as I say goodbye to ILLUMINATION-Curated, which only supported accomplished writers, I now invite new writers from 119 countries to join me in welcoming Curated Newsletters.
It’s not just a new chapter — it’s a phoenix rising from the ashes, demonstrating the power of adaptability and a commitment to authenticity in a world that desperately needs it. I will no longer grow ILLUMINATION, which is 50 times past the capacity of Medium, but I will grow Curated Newsletters to make it one of the largest publications on this platform.
If Medium does not like it, no worries at all. It will be their loss. It has strong fallback positions even in bigger and more tolerant platforms, which will embrace its growth. Now, after launching it on Substack yesterday, I am also developing a replica site for this new publication on my own website and already secured sponsorship to grow its reach.
To conclude, I’m officially making the ILLUMINATION-Curated submission guidelines null and void. In their place, I’ll be posting new guidelines for Curated Newsletters for Substack Mastery, and I want to extend an open invitation to all authentic writers.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner, a medical specialist like Bertrand Liang, MD PhD, Bruno Soriano Pignataro MD PhD, Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D., Dr. K P Vasudeva Rao, David Mokotoff, MD, Melissa Kalt, MD, Dr Emmanuel Ogamdi, Dr Joan Naidorf, a distinguished professor like Rebecca Ruth Gould, PhD, or a New York Times best-selling author like Vic Shayne or Melinda Blau, there’s a place for you in Curated Newsletters.
Gone are the days of rigid boost guidelines and polished content requirements. You can submit an excerpt from your newsletters, introduce your interactions with readers, or send a story straight from your heart, mind, and soul. The only condition is that your content must be safe and respectful, adhering to the fundamental rules of the platform. And, of course, we don’t accept AI-generated crap!
With Curated Newsletters, you can share your raw, unfiltered content like those written by David Gerken, Matthew Bamberg, Dr. ADAM TABRIZ, Mike Broadly, DHSc, Tom Kane, Britni Pepper, Brooklyn Muse (editor), Jerry Keszka, Ammara Hassan, Brother Bhunru, James Boylan, Michelle Mariscal, Øivind H. Solheim, Holly Paige, Rebecca Romanelli, Pernoste & Dahl, Luay Rahil, Sylvain Zyssman, Lawson Wallace, Dr. Gabriella Korosi, Dr. Ali Hechmi Raddaoui, Paul Long, A Nkeonye Judith Izuka-Aguocha, Anastasia Frugaard, Michael H. Goitein, Libby Shively McAvoy, ‘or Dr. Deborah M. Vereen-Family Engagement Influencer whose content hardly get any views.
There will be no topic constraints in Curated Newsletters. If your expertise is in a sensitive area, even sex, and you approach it professionally, you’re welcome to share it. My team and I are here to support, endorse, and feature your stories within our vast networks, giving you the platform and the support you deserve on Medium, Substack, and beyond.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
With this opportunity, I also invite you to our Quora Space to grow your Substack and Medium audience, which is already followed by 17,000+ readers. I will write a detailed article on how to grow your audience using our new Quora space.
Substack Mastery
Share your Substack newsletters and Medium articles to reach a broad audience.substackmastery.quora.com
If you are a writer on Medium and Substack, we have a new publication called Substack Mastery for all writers at all levels. You are welcome to join and share your Substack experience with your fellow writers and discerning readers.
Welcome to “Substack Mastery” Publication by the ILLUMINATION Network on Medium: We renamed the previous “Substack on ILLUMINATION” publication to avoid confusion with our other publications.medium.com
Here is how we bridge Medium and Substack and create more visibility for the work of our writers to delight our readers with more options.
Substack Mastery Episode 3: Introduction to Leading Substack Newsletters
Featuring the Substack newsletters of writers contributing to the Substack Mastery publication on Medium for…medium.com
Substack Mastery of ILLUMINATION Community | ILLUMINATION Curators | Substack: This newsletter is to empower freelance writers and entrepreneurs of the ILLUMINATION community both on Substack and Medium…illuminationcurators.substack.com
I will also teach you how to use canonical names to drive traffic to your newsletters rather than to my publications because the goal is to empower you; publications are only tools.
I wrote this story as a way to give back to the writing community, as I owe my success to my mentors. Mentorship and collaboration can enhance our knowledge, make awareness and skill-building easy, and make the journey enjoyable on different platforms. I wrote several stories like this for writers and readers and linked them to a list titled Writing, Content Development & Marketing Strategies. I will distill them in my newsletter Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights on Substak.
If you are a new reader, you may check out some of my topics, including the brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 31K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium. You can read this story on Substack for free.
Get an email whenever Dr Mehmet Yildiz publishes. He is a top writer and editor on Medium. dr-mehmet-yildiz.medium.com
You are welcome to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack. Here is the Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
Join me on Substack too, where I offer experience-based content on health, content strategy, and technology topics to inform and inspire my readers.
Health and Wellness by Dr Mehmet Yildiz
I only experienced illuminated curated for a few months it was a great help for me as a writer thanks Dr Mehmet for your past support through illuminated curated :)
And this is the reason I’m here on Substack now, Dr M. Your action in closing ILLUMINATION-Curated shook me up. Woke me up. Literally because it was the middle of my Melbourne night. I had a big day coming up but I made myself a cup of coffee and explored my options.
Today I opened up my Substack, putting in place a plan to write about writing erotica. Maybe I’ll find nobody cares but I’m betting there are a trainload of people who have it in them to write sexy and write it well.
So thanks for the wake-up call. Medium isn’t dead, not by a long shot, but it’s not what it used to be.
My first story is one that made me $2 000 on Medium - in ILLUMINATION-Curated, ironically - and it’s free on Substack forever.
My next story will be to analyse it as both erotica and as storytelling.
Should be fun.
Thank you, Dr Mehmet, for waking me up!
Britni