Celebrating Four Years of ILLUMINATION Publications
Written on
Chapter 1: A Curated Nostalgia
Hello, dedicated readers and fellow enthusiasts of Medium! I have curated a collection of 77 stories—this number holds significance as it parallels my age. In this compilation, you will find a variety of topics; although brief, I trust there will be something that piques everyone's interest. My mission is to unearth valuable narratives that might have otherwise been overlooked. I kindly encourage you to engage with and share any stories that resonate with you, as I aspire to enhance viewership and interaction.
Today marks the fourth anniversary of ILLUMINATION, and though it may still be in its infancy, I often ponder what it will be like when it reaches my age! While I may not witness that future, some of you certainly might.
To celebrate, I drew inspiration from Aiden’s earlier video to craft a short story, narrated in my amusing Australian accent—something I don’t typically employ. I hope it brings you joy.
We have welcomed over 200 new writers into the ILLUMINATION family, with our editorial team providing them an onboarding package. I introduced many of them during my birthday celebration story, encouraging you to follow those who align with your reading preferences. Our platform offers newcomers a chance to connect seamlessly with established writers, a beautiful aspect of ILLUMINATION Publications.
However, being a new writer here can be quite challenging.
...
Section 1.1: Addressing Scams
Yesterday, it was brought to my attention that a notorious Medium director was cloned by scammers. Shockingly, I have been cloned six times alongside other prominent writers. These individuals continue to devise new schemes to mislead readers into purchasing dubious writing products, which I addressed in another story.
Marcus, known as Gregory Maidman, penned a delightful poem, likening the situation to a game of whack-a-mole—his analogy is spot on.
Section 1.2: Insights from Aiden
Aiden has created an engaging YouTube video specifically for ILLUMINATION-Gaming readers and writers, providing helpful boosting guidelines. He also showcased the new boosted stories, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
In light of recent developments, I shared my reflections on the wave of bulk suspensions on Medium, a topic that has garnered significant attention. If you wish to delve deeper into the specifics, we wrote a concise piece detailing the situation.
Chapter 2: Compassion and Understanding
I recently read a heartfelt testimonial from Dr. Yildiz, which resonated deeply with me, especially given the loss of a supportive editor. He passionately defends Lanu Pitan as a dedicated reader and valuable community member, presenting a balanced perspective that has fostered my empathy for both the victims and Medium itself. Having experienced a suspension just weeks ago, I understand the emotional turmoil it can cause. Nonetheless, the platform must rid itself of those who do not contribute meaningfully.
In a special segment, I highlighted some of the boosted stories I encountered, as many readers appreciate exceptional writing. My focus is primarily on older pieces to evoke nostalgia, while Aiden covers newer stories, ensuring a rich blend of content for our audience.
...
Section 2.1: New Connections
I attempted to follow as many new writers as possible, but I discovered that the system limits me to 150 follows per day. I look forward to trying again soon.
Aiden's Collections
Here's Aiden's latest collection, featuring a link to a friend's work for everyone to enjoy. He has amassed 100 collections, continuously discovering gems hidden in the corners of Medium.
Recently, The Sturg joined our editorial team, crafting his first two well-curated collections. His dedication to creating these compilations is commendable, and I encourage you to interact with and share his collections on social media.
...
Chapter 3: Boosting Insights
If you’re interested in boosting content, Dr. Yildiz recently addressed frequently asked questions regarding the boost program on Medium, which provided me with surprising insights as both a writer and editor. I wish I had encountered such information a year ago, as it explains why my stories had not received boosts in the past, causing me to pause my writing. Thankfully, he brings hope to us all.
ILLUMINATION curators compiled our boosted stories from February 2024, offering a selection of remarkable narratives. Additionally, a new Reader's Club post has been created featuring numerous outstanding stories.
...
New Interviews
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz recently interviewed the talented writer Genius Turner, whose story I found captivating. I’ve decided to follow Genius to absorb his valuable insights.
Moreover, I showcased an interview with Shirley Willett, a respected senior in our community, along with one of her stories exploring the 6th dimension.
Another notable writer, David Mokotoff, MD, has an intriguing background, and I enjoy his informative and humorous tales. I have compiled a list of interesting interviews with various writers for your convenience, as they are filled with engaging life lessons.
...
Aiden's Boost Education
Aiden has curated our boosted stories, which are truly gems. He spotlighted the boosted works of Jozsef Kovacs and Joan Naidorf as part of his educational series on boosting.
...
Chapter 4: Monthly Highlights and Community Engagement
Our new newsletter is now live on Medium and also shared on Substack for our subscribers, providing monthly updates from the ILLUMINATION Editorial Team as of February 2024.
In an open letter, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz addressed non-members, pointing out that a significant number of readers and writers do not contribute to the growth of the platform. I believe you will find his insights relatable and valuable.
To encourage engagement, I compiled a list of boosted stories I read last month, along with my reflections on common patterns among these exceptional narratives. There truly is something for everyone, as these well-crafted stories encompass a variety of topics and styles.
...
Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery
Thank you for taking the time to explore these beautiful stories. I invite you to connect with the new writers who have recently joined our community. Please read their stories, and if they resonate with you, feel free to establish a connection. This is a fantastic opportunity for both writers and readers to meet and engage.
As new writers, I encourage you to review the onboarding pack attached to this introduction before submitting your stories. Remember, photos are crucial, so please adhere to the image handling policy to avoid any returns.
If you wish to stay updated, subscribe to receive notifications whenever I publish new content. Your feedback is invaluable, and I appreciate your engagement with my reflections and insights!