Transitioning Away from Boost Nominations

An Open Letter to My Mentor, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, Chief Editor of ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications

Dr. Yildiz has articulated a compelling argument that every writer should take the time to absorb. Unfortunately, my faith in this platform has dwindled, as it has exposed me to various scams, imposed censorship on my writings, and continues to limit the visibility of accomplished authors along with a diverse array of voices.

A Time Investment That Yielded Minimal Returns

Dear valued readers, I have curated a collection of 167 lists to provide new readers with diverse topic options. Our editorial team is overwhelmed with tasks, including onboarding new writers and managing hundreds of draft submissions. Nevertheless, I dedicate time to highlight stories that deserve attention, particularly those that may have been overlooked. Aiden, our diligent editor, typically showcases new stories that lack boosting and those that have not received adequate exposure.

Here is his latest work:

Look What Aiden Discovered Today — Episode #184

This episode features my favorite stories along with community-nominated pieces aimed at the dedicated readers of ILLUMINATION Publications.

Daily Insight: I have recently begun introducing boosted stories into our collections to enhance their visibility, as they are currently receiving minimal engagement. I plan to integrate previous months into forthcoming collections, offering one month per collection to present exceptional stories. Our editorial team invests immense effort into curating these narratives; they are truly a labor of love. Personally, I do not have any boosted stories, but I enjoy reading and promoting them.

16–31 May 2024: Boosted Stories Featured on ILLUMINATION-Curated

Here is a selection of our edited stories that have not been boosted.

A Gift of Curated Stories for Friends of Medium

For good reason, my editorial team and I have committed over 300 hours to refining these exceptional narratives.

Aiden has ingeniously compiled all his collections into a single narrative. I will adopt a similar approach to facilitate easier access and sharing.

Shareable Links for My Curated Collections from ILLUMINATION Publications

I have also written a new piece regarding child sexual health that may be beneficial for parents.

Understanding the Westermarck Effect and Its Relevance to Children's Sexual Health

Does morality possess a biological foundation?

Recently, I have become increasingly aware of the significant issue surrounding abortion in the United States. I contemplate whether this matter could be approached more effectively.

Navigating the Complexities of Reproductive Rights: An In-Depth Examination of Abortion Access in the U.S.

Upon request, I documented the policies of Australian states in this regard, hoping to provide guidance for other nations. The regulations in Australia are relatively straightforward and do not provoke as much controversy as those in the U.S.

Understanding Abortion Laws in Australia: A Public Health Overview

Though abortion is legalized nationwide, notable differences in regulations and access exist, which I felt compelled to highlight.

I have shared my reasons for adopting an optimistic outlook.

After Cancer & Suicide, Now Facing Censorship Targeting Dementia

Are Writers Compensated Multiple Times for Engagement from Friends of Medium?

I extend my gratitude to Dr. Yildiz for showcasing these invaluable stories. I am truly honored by his generosity in selecting one of my new pieces.

> Editorial Review: Vascular Access for Chemotherapy by Dr. Bruno Soriano Pignataro MD/PhD

> Editorial Review: Why Should You Read These Two Exceptional Health Stories by Two Retired Scientists?

I thoroughly appreciated Aiden's decision to feature a narrative by Brother Bhunru.

A Masterpiece of Accountability: Why BoJack Horseman Resonates with Netflix Lovers and Philosophers

Brief Updates on Publication Activities and News

Introducing a New Publication: Substack on ILLUMINATION

We are excited to announce a new publication within the ILLUMINATION network. This unique platform aims to support Substack writers, and I proudly serve on the editorial team. Here are the initial guidelines.

Dr. Yildiz elaborated on the mission and approach for writers.

Every Writer Needs a Newsletter

Discover why we established a new Substack publication on Medium and how we will support writers through enhanced collaboration.

Though this platform is new to me, I am committed to learning quickly. As a starting point, I created my first Substack post, which includes the submission guidelines for my Health and Science publication, alongside a brief narrative to keep the momentum going. I believe I am the inaugural contributor of this publication, marking a significant milestone. I eagerly await more contributions from fellow writers.

Here is the link to my initial post:

Finally Joined Substack: A New Chapter in Supporting My Readers.

Following my contribution, these are other writers who have joined the publication:

> Finally Joined Substack: A New Chapter in Supporting My Readers — Mike Broadly, DHSc

> A New Beginning: Join Me on My Writing Journey on Substack — Dr. ADAM TABRIZ

> Transitioning to a Focus on Newsletter Growth: My Shift from Five Years of Medium Publishing to… — Lawson Wallace

> Medium Marries Substack — Brooklyn Muse (editor)

> Dear Medium, I Like Substack — Sylvain Zyssman

> My Journey from Medium to Substack — Tom Kane

> My Stats After Writing for Two Months on Substack and Medium — Sonaakshi Sinha Jamwal

> My Technology Excellence and Leadership Site on Substack — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz (Tech)

Here’s a practical guide to help you get started with Substack. Don’t be late like I was! I am learning rapidly and have begun populating my site.

How to Start Substack Instantly & Own Your Content/Audience Effectively

Expanding opportunities for writers by embracing both Medium and Substack.

It appears that writer introductions and interviews are not being effectively disseminated. Our editorial team believes they are wasting time connecting writers with readers through publication activities.

Why Does Medium Block My Interviews with Influential Writers?

In light of recent concerns and inquiries from various writers, ILLUMINATION editors confirmed that they do not alter paywall settings. You are welcome to challenge this assertion if you can.

Setting the Record Straight: We Cannot Alter Paywalls on ILLUMINATION Stories.

One impactful tip I received was quite inspiring for writers.

An Elderly Lady Gave Me a $100 Tip, My First Ever Big Tip.

Here are some valuable insights for writers derived from recent data-driven observations and analyses conducted by our chief editor. I found them to be enlightening as an emerging writer.

Why My Wise Mentors Advised Me 80% Substack, 15% NewsBreak, 5% Medium for My Writing Efforts

I have touched upon the subject of boosting and shared my experiences to initiate a discussion, as it seems to have been exaggerated by many writers, who treat it as a guaranteed method for audience growth. I welcome your thoughts and would appreciate any corrections to my understanding.

No Boosted Stories So Far for Me, and Here’s Why I No Longer Care About It

My new publication, Health and Science, is making a significant impact and is growing as rapidly as its larger counterpart, ILLUMINATION. I wrote my first newsletter today, and it garnered thousands of views in May 2024. You can read about the developments from my first successful newsletter.

Exciting Updates from the First Successful Month of Health and Science Publication on Medium

I have begun curating health and science narratives from the ILLUMINATION archives. I hope you uncover valuable pieces within them. Some of these were published before I joined Medium, and it was a delightful surprise to discover these remarkable stories that resonated with me.

Top 10 Stories Published on Health & Science Publication for Friends of Medium.

Curated Collection for Readers of Health and Science Topics #125

Here are the most recent contributions for readers interested in health and science.

> A Public Health Wake-Up Call for the Vaping & E-Cigarette Concerns

> A Sweet Deception: Unwrapping the Sugar Myth and the Truth Behind the Sugar Rush

> Rising Threat: The Growing Risks of H5N1 Bird Flu

> The Quiet-Quitting Epidemic: Why Are So Many Employees Quiet Quitting?

> Solving the Mystery of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Werner Syndrome

New Writer Interviews

Here are two new interviews featuring Matthew Bamberg, Sylvain Zyssman, Payal Koul, Abhishek Biswas, Øivind H. Solheim.

> Interview with Matthew Bamberg

> Interview with Sylvain Zyssman

> Interview with Øivind H. Solheim

> Interview with Payal Koul

> Interview with Abhishek Biswas.

You can find more interviews in this collection.

> If you wish to be interviewed by Dr. Yildiz, please leave a comment on this story. Community Building: Featuring Interview Stories & Writer/Editor Profiles to Empower Creators.

Writer Introductions

Meet Douglas Kwon, Lawson Wallace, Karen Goldfarb, Naya Monroe, MA, LCDC-I, Tejus Yakhob, Dr. ADAM TABRIZ, Jack Kammer, MSW, MBA, Joshua Mason, Seda Anbarc?, Dr. Emmanuel Ogamdi, Jozsef Kovacs, Davor Katusic, Thomas Allen Moon, Sneha Nagre, Zondra Dos Anjos, Ani Vals, Ammara Hassan, Sridhar Pai Tonse — Leadgen Coach- Tech Startups.

We are fatigued by these scammers causing unnecessary stress for us.

> Bravo, Digital Scammers: A Masterclass in Deception and Algorithm Exploitation

> Part II: Bravo, Support Staff, Your Neglect Deserves a Standing Ovation

Invitation to Self-Curated Collection for ILLUMINATION-Curated

Here’s a sample to inspire our writers for this generous initiative.

Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium.com

Here are examples of self-curated collections from other writers.

> Friend Links to the Boosted Stories of Pernoste & Dahl.

> Gill McCulloch’s Top Boosted Stories on Medium.com With Friend Links for Non-Members.

> My Boosted Work on Medium with Friend Links.

> My Sample Stories for the New Readers of ILLUMINATION-Curated.

March 2024: Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION Publications — V6

> The Boost on Medium: Answering Most Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners

Discover My Favorite Stories and Nominated Pieces from ILLUMINATION Publications

Here are some excellent narratives from my reading list.

> Breast Cancer: Why Every Woman (& Man) Should Read This Empowering Story

My personal and professional reflections on featuring a unique story on ILLUMINATION-Curated that deserves further attention.

Here are some extraordinary stories from my reading list.

> Science Made Simple: Why and How Science Writers Can Simplify Content — Mike Broadly, DHSc

> Emerging Concerns of Elevated Uric Acid on Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Impotence, & Dementia — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> The Striking Adverse Effects of Night Light Exposure on Mental Health — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> This Unknown Book with a Boring Title Explains Everything You Need to Know About Money — Tim Denning

> Expectations: A Harbinger of Hatred. Chapter 5 — Dmitry Potylitsyn

> Yoga Nidra: 5 Practical Tips to Help You Rest, Meditate, And Feel Less Stressed — Ntathu Allen (she/her)

> You take the gun out from the drawer, still loaded from yesterday. — Yong Kim

> An Ancient Philosopher Explains How the World Is Not What It Appears to Be — Andy Murphy

> Leptin Therapy Historically Failed to Manage Obesity, Yet Research Into GLP1-RAs Brings New Hope — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> The Power of Transformation — Philip M — I

> Chaos at OpenAI: The Emergence of Q-Star and Its Implications for Humanity? — Ekant Mate (AWS APN Ambassador)

> A Journey Through The Market — Treacle Puddings And Evening Icicles; Tales To The Warm-hearted In… — The Doctor — Joanie Adams

> Why Waiting For An Apology Is Futile — Rashmi G

> Vitamin B12 Deficiency Rises, Concerning Me As It Was My Big Problem — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> Four Slay-Worthy Lessons About Self-Employment From Watching RuPaul’s Drag Race — Nicholas Barron

> Preventative Detention — Dr. John Frederick Rose

> 5 Essential Tips to Reduce Information Overload (& Overcome Analysis Paralysis) — Maggie Kelly

> Navigating Imposter Syndrome — Adonis Richards

> Jack Robinson’s Statue Stolen, Except The Feet — Black Culture Unlocked

> Do This For An Instant Confidence Boost — Jasmine

> 13 Insights From Schoolyard Friendships That Transformed My Financial Success — Celia Fidalgo, PhD

> Stop Letting Perfectionism Stifle Your Potential. — Angelica Mendez

> Her Son Saw Her in the Shower, and The Sky Was Falling Down — Mike Broadly, DHSc

> 3 Mental Hacks To Instantly Unlock More Success in Your Life — Manj Bahra

> Does The Wake Drive Your Boat? — Karo NoiseOfFreedom

> Sins, Stones, and Glasshouses — Brooklyn Muse (editor)

> Did Hominids Who Lived 1.4 Million Years Ago Already Know Geometry? — Cristiano Luchini

> When There Is Money In Your Hand And Not In Your Heart — It Will Not Harm You Even If It Is A Lot — S.a.n.a.h

> Unlocking the Wonders of Sleep: Unveiling Psychedelic Chemicals Produced by Our Brains — Lawson Wallace

> Hail The Traveler — Philip Writes

> I Am — James Boylan

> Unveiling the Shadow — Self-Discovery and Emotional Liberation — Jess West

> How To Overcome Shame and Pride — Christina Sponias

> Should I Use My Roth IRA For A First Time Home Purchase? — Zach Breiner

> The True Science Behind the Health Benefits of Time-Restricted Eating, Including 23 Quality… — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> WWIII Coming Up — Veritas Civis

> These Two People Helped Change The Landscape Of The United States — Stephanie A. James

> Why You Should Make the Most of Your Time and Just Live Life With The Brakes Off — Glyn Bawden

> How Romantic is Your State? — Arlo Hennings

> 5 Analytical Skills that Every Data Analyst Should Have — Richard Warepam

> Unimpressionists — A Legacy of Self-Actualization & Dissent — Anthony Eichberger

> Sometimes, Give Your Emotions the Privilege They Deserve — Kanika Pal

> “Oh My God! There Is Nothing to Do! And We Are All Gonna Die!” — Satori Savant

> Writers Can’t Be Sick or Take a Break — Michael Koetsier

> I Mapped Out My Skills in Four Levels and Realized What I Must Improve — Josef Cruz

> Australian Table Wine — Rodrigo S-C

> Why 80% of Writers Quit Medium — Manish Dangi

> If You Want To Progress In Your Job But Do Not Know How Bad Or Good You Are, Do This. — Tser Dennis

> 50 African Proverbs and Wise Sayings with Their Meanings — Kingsley Asuamah

> Don’t Make This Comment to the Children of Divorce — Colleen Sheehy Orme

> Lithium Orotate: Why This Unique Molecule Might Save Lives Based on My Intense Research — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> Satan Wants You To Be Defeated And Helpless — Asma Khalid

> Embracing Self-Care: Prioritizing Health Over Work — Hive 42

> This Is Where 90% Of My Content Ideas Come From — Suvan Goel

> Why there are no new stories to say anymore? Reading Same Stuff Everyday — Sreevidya. A

> Vienna in 1900: Glorious and Doomed. — Jeff Miller

> The Day Mum Died — Sue Moseley

> 5 Nutrition ‘Worsts’: #2. The Worst Trend — Joan Kent, PhD

> Why Professionals Should Read Daily — Prashansa Gadgil

> Credence Clash — S?ep? T?o?p?o?

> The Fisherman — PAX

> Resign, But Be Smart About It! — Peter Tilsen

> Why do you need cloud-ready applications? — Shamim Rajani

> As above, so below — Reflections on the Paris Catacombs — Pills for thoughts

> 5 Things That Cause Way More Deaths Than People Are Aware Of. — Dr. Christine Chuckle

> One Story YOU All Should Read. — Pyrros Mathios

> Navigating the Sea of Information — Teronie Donaldson

> The GOP: Repressed Kinkers Who Just Want to Be Free to Melt Their Butter Like the Rest of Us — John Worthington

> Beyond Annoyance: A Journey Through Everyday’s Frustrating Phrases — Nishith Goyal

> Men Are Wonderful Entry 1: In Their Righteous Anger — TDO Timothy

> Queer Organisms: Nature’s Lesson for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

My Favorite Stories about Friends of Medium

If you are a friend of Medium, please leave a comment sharing your thoughts.

> Listing Your Way to Success: Expanding Your Friends of Medium — David C. Wyld

> Have You Heard of This New Thing On Medium? Friends of Medium. — Dr. Gabriella Korosi

> Announcement to Join Friend Of Medium — Bingfeng Sun

> Is There a Secret Club For Friends of Medium? — Tree Langdon

> Friend of Medium — Antonio Segovia, MD.

> Why I became a Friend of Medium — Dr. Lutz Kraushaar

> Let’s make friends on Medium — Haimish Mead

> Here’s What Happened After I Became a Friend of Medium — Talking with Tan?BBM, LE

> Why I Chose to Become a Friend of Medium — Yana G.Y.

> Impulsed Being A Friend of Medium — Paul Is Positive

> I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium (FoM) Yesterday. — Aiden (Illumination Gaming)

> Celebrating My Reading Anniversary with My Upgraded Subscription to New Medium Friendship — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

Here are some boosted stories for your enjoyment as promised. I read in the attached story that boosted narratives are not performing well.

A Story I Invested 3 Hours on a Topic Reflecting My 25 Years of Scientific Research Earned 77 Cents

Can you achieve a six-figure income on Medium as a researcher writing about niche subjects? Let’s explore this together.

Boosted Stories from March 2024

> The Answered Prayer — Shayla Renee?

> Nuances of Serotonin Syndrome: Experts Warrant Caution for Elevated Serotonin Levels — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> A Movie Maker's Oscar Predictions — Aiden (Illumination Gaming)

> The Cardiology Procedure That Revolutionized the Way We Treat Heart Attacks — David Mokotoff, MD

> Do Morals Need Religion? Ask Your Pre-Verbal Toddler — Wayne Stelk, PhD

> 3 Ways the Drama Triangle Shows Up in Narcissistic Abuse — Melissa Kalt, MD

> Our Memoirs Are Unlimited Variations on a Theme — Martha Manning, Ph.D.

> How “Black Swan Events” Change Your Life — for Good and Bad — Brian Feutz

> A Heartfelt Tribute to Akira Toriyama’s Worldwide Legacy — Idzard

> Musicals Had a Strange Effect on My Offbeat Family — Rebecca Romanelli

> Neurocomputing: Brain Organoid Reservoir Computing Brings Hope to Solving NeuroHIV & Cognitive Disorders — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> Horrific Childhood Fears from the ’80s That Never Happened — Sharon Meyers

> How to Build an FPV Combat Drone to Defend Your Country — Dmytro Sazonov

> My Father Taught Me to Swim — Lisa Duffy-Korpics

> The Striking Adverse Effects of Night Light Exposure on Mental Health — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> What do mystical experiences imply? — Vic Shayne

> The Expression / Mutation Impacts of the Longevity Genes Klotho, FOXO3, SIRT1, APOE, BRCA — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> Have You Heard About Obelisks? — Rich Sobel

> 10 Easy Steps for Better Travel Photos — Silviu-Florin Salomia

> The Power of Converting Empathy Into Compassion — Sean Kernan

> How to Be More Data-Driven Manager in 3 Easy Steps — Lisa Bage

> ?-Hydroxybutyrate: 2 Vital Roles of Ketogenesis in the Brain for Dementia Prevention / Treatment — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> My First Game Jam Was Stressful But Also Awesome — Justin Boyette

> Unusual Challenges Leading to Successes in Print-on-Demand Services — Jozsef Kovacs

> The Truth Is Simple and Simply Stated, So Why Is There Endless Discussion? — Vic Shayne

> A Special Forces Soldier Taught Me How Leadership Works in Three Words — Joshua Mason

> Can Doctors Prevent Complications? — Joan Naidorf

> Nine Small Ways to Consider Angels — Pernoste & Dahl

> Saving the Last Virgin Forests of Europe from a Photographer’s Perspective — Silviu-Florin Salomia

> Why Should We Care About Fungi As Much As Bacteria or Viruses — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> Documenting Social Issues New Deal Style — Matthew Bamberg

> You Can’t Find a Colored Crayon in an Empty Tin — Gill McCulloch

> Oscar season is my favorite time of year in my Scene to Screen class. — Denise P King

> When Religion Collides With Politics, Frozen Embryos Feel the Heat — Wayne Stelk, PhD

> Sleep Regulation: Neurobiology of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> The “Win-Win Volley” in Sustainable Relationships — Kenneth Silvestri

> Why Medical Doctors Should Write More and Consider Creative Writing Too — Dr. Julian Barkan

> Transgender People: Everything I Ever Wanted to Know About Them But Was Afraid to Ask — Martin D. Hirsch

> Balding and The Plight of Male Body Positivity — Sean Kernan

> Biochemistry of Ketosis Simplified with Nuanced Perspectives and Personal Experiences — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> When Cultures Clash in the Emergency Room — Joan Naidorf

> The Origin and Evolution of Black Comic Book Characters — William Spivey

> The Primal Thought of ‘I am’ — Vic Shayne

> Xenotransplantation: First Pig Kidney Transplant in a 62-Year-Old Man — Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

> Palliation — Edward Swafford

> Culture Is Everyone’s Responsibility at Work — Lisa Bage

> How Xbox’s Video Game, Skate, Helps My Special Needs Son Safely Navigate His Environment — Alexandra Christensen

> Is Sleep Tourism Your Key to Better Rest? — Suzanne E.

> Vibrant Synaesthesia: The Inner Workings of a Color-Drenched Brain — Donn K. Harris

> Finding Reciprocal Love After Failing at Relationships — Holly Paige

> Perspectives from Programmatic Architecture — Matthew Bamberg

> I Made Over $500,000 by Writing on the Internet — Here Are 50 Lessons I Wish I Had Learned Sooner — Sinem Günel

Organically Boosted Stories by Our Chief Editor and Boost Nominator Dr. Mehmet Yildiz in April 2024

> Perfect Storm in a Teacup: Can Intermittent Fasting Increase Heart Disease Risk by 91%?