The Difference in Readers on Medium vs NewsBreak is Astounding

It almost makes me want to throw away my writer’s pen

Photo by Ben Mater on Unsplash

I’ve been a writer on Medium for over three years and have published almost 200 articles. I have been on NewsBreak for a month and posted a measly 20 articles. Honestly, I’m scared to post more.

I have never been anxious about what I post on Medium because here, even when someone disagrees with you, they usually do so tactfully. I’m aware that the majority of readers on Medium are also writers and therefore know how to convey emotions without being derogatory.

I just wasn’t ready for just how much negativity, name-calling, and flat out belligerence that takes place in the NewsBreak comments section. Holy crap.

I feel like I have pretty tough skin, which has only gotten tougher during my three years on Medium. Top writers will tell you that you’re not a true writer unless you’re pissing someone off. However, when you’re physically threatened for simply relaying factual information to people, that’s a bit much.

It’s not like I’m writing about sensitive topics like abortion, sexuality, or politics. Most of my stories are historic, true crime, or even something as general as sports. Still, some (most) of the readers that I have encountered have the…