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Remember That Medium Piece You Liked But Didn’t Actually Read?
What was the last Medium piece you read?
Did you read it, or just scan it? Or simply scroll to the end and clap. Or worse still, make a comment based solely on the title.
I was reading a piece yesterday by an author I like. I was in a rush. So I quickly scrolled through it. Clapped x50. Highlighted some random section and commented.
‘Enjoyed this. Great piece.’
I felt embarrassed. A fraud.
How would I feel if someone read through one of my pieces like they were flicking through the pages of a porno mag.
Pretty shitty.
So OK, the piece might be atrocious: As intellectually stimulating as a gaudy centrefold.
But if it’s an author you like. Someone you’ve followed, and therefore know their work. Then at least give them the time of day. (Even if you haven’t.)
I’m not dictating how we should read — we’re not at school. It’s not a crime, and it’s not as though The Medium Police are going to dock your pay for ‘Quick Reading’.
Thing is, I’ve got stacks of time.
In fact, I can’t think of the last time there was a serious reason to rush away from my desk without finishing what I was doing.
