Before Medium, what writing platforms existed, beside Blogger or whatever? Damned if I know. This is a good reminder, RC. At the same time, though, there's a learning curve for many new eager writers who just want to get their stuff read and be hailed king or queen of Medium. I totally get it. It's sort of a human inclination in some ways, and people sometimes want the shortest route possible to success. But reality does not work that way, as you've illuminated in your piece. They'll soon learn ... or they won't.