If I’m Constantly Being Told My Articles Are Well Done on Other Platforms, Why Are They Only Medium Rare Here?

As a writer, there’s a particular kind of compliment that feels both validating and deflating at the same time: “This is a great article.” It’s the kind of praise that warms the heart but simultaneously stirs up a nagging thought: If it’s so good, why is no one reading it?

If you’ve ever poured your soul into an article, crafted it with care, and received accolades for its quality, only to find that it garners less engagement than you expected, you’re not alone. I’ve been there — writing articles that, based on feedback, seem to hit the mark, yet fail to stir the pot of engagement in the way I’d hoped.

It’s as though my articles are the literary equivalent of a perfectly cooked steak, sizzling with potential, yet served at the wrong temperature — Medium rare. Not undercooked, not overcooked, but somehow just a little too far from what people are actually craving.

So, why is this happening?

The Allure of Instant Gratification

In an age where short-form content dominates and attention spans are at an all-time low, readers are often looking for quick hits. Articles that can be consumed in a matter of minutes, offering immediate value without too much depth or commitment. But here’s the kicker: Many of my articles aim to go beyond surface-level insights. I like to dig deeper, explore nuances, and leave my readers with more than just the “takeaway” at the end of the piece.

While some might appreciate this approach, the harsh reality is that longer, thoughtful pieces don’t always get the same immediate engagement. We’re living in the age of TikTok, YouTube shorts, and snappy Twitter threads. In comparison, an article that demands a little more time and mental energy feels like a slow-cooked meal when everyone’s just looking for a snack.

The Echo Chamber of Algorithms

Medium, like most platforms, has a way of guiding what gets visibility and what stays buried in the digital archives. Algorithms decide what rises to the top based on engagement. But here’s the rub: articles that already have momentum, that are getting likes, comments, and shares, are more likely to be pushed further into the spotlight.

So, if you’re like me — someone who’s been building an audience slowly over time — the visibility factor becomes a constant uphill battle. Sure, I can promote my articles on social media and try to drum up attention through clever headlines and eye-catching imagery, but unless the algorithm is on my side, it feels like I’m shouting into the void.

The Curse of Quality Content

It’s not that my articles are bad — they’re just maybe not as “shareable” or immediately clickable as other content. They’re deep, thoughtful, and dare I say, well-crafted. But in a world of sensational headlines and viral content, there’s a real concern that quality doesn’t always get the reward it deserves.

I’ve had people tell me, “Your articles are so well done,” and I can feel the weight of that compliment. It’s the kind of praise that every writer wants to hear. Yet, when those same people don’t share or engage with the piece, I’m left wondering: Does that validation mean anything if it doesn’t translate into engagement?

Water: One of the World’s Most Precious Resources

As someone who spends much of my professional life working with one of the most critical resources on Earth — water — my writing often reflects this passion. I’ve written extensively about the global water crisis, the importance of sustainable practices, and the need to protect and manage this precious resource. It’s an issue that, in many ways, transcends the everyday concerns of digital engagement. And yet, even something as vital as water often fails to garner the widespread attention it deserves.

I’ve often wondered whether the deeper and more pressing topics, like water sustainability, fail to capture the public’s eye simply because they require more from the reader — more attention, more thought, and, yes, more engagement. It’s easier to click on a viral meme than it is to engage with an article that might change how we think about the world’s future. But that doesn’t make these issues any less important.

Moving Beyond the Metrics

At the end of the day, I realize something important: engagement, while gratifying, is not the only measure of success. The stories I tell, the lessons I share, and the points I make are worth writing, even if they don’t spark the kind of viral frenzy that others might enjoy. Writing is about more than just clicks, likes, or shares — it’s about impact, even if that impact is more subtle than widespread viral fame.

Maybe it’s not about the numbers, but about the people who find value in the writing. Even if my articles are still “Medium rare” in terms of engagement, I can rest easy knowing that, for some, they are well done — just the right blend of thought-provoking and insightful.

So, while I’ll continue to wish for that perfect, well-cooked engagement every time, I’ve learned to appreciate the journey. After all, the real flavor of writing is not in how many people read it, but in how it resonates with those who do.

And for now, that’s good enough.

What’s your experience with writing on Medium? Have you ever felt like your content is being overlooked despite being well-crafted? Share your thoughts below — I’d love to hear from you!