How to Avoid Getting Banned on Medium: Essential Tips
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Chapter 1 Understanding Medium's Rules
If you ever receive a notification stating, “Your account is under investigation or was found in violation of Medium’s Rules,” you have a serious issue on your hands. Adhering to Medium's guidelines is crucial; neglecting them can lead to a ban. Many novice writers, myself included when I began 18 months ago, are often unaware of these rules.
Recently, I received a direct message on Twitter from a fellow writer who shared their unfortunate experience: they had been banned, with the ban described as irrevocable. They even mentioned apologizing, although they were uncertain what they had done wrong. This scenario has become increasingly common, as I've seen numerous posts from writers receiving warning emails from Medium.
To help you navigate this complex landscape, let’s explore how to avoid getting banned on Medium.
The video titled "How to not get banned on Medium.com by writing compliant client articles" provides valuable insights into adhering to Medium's guidelines effectively.
Section 1.1 Key Violations to Avoid
Medium’s rules explicitly prohibit:
- Incitement to violence and threats
- Hate speech
- Harassment
- Breaching privacy and reputation
- Restricted categories
- Exploitation of minors
- Promotion of self-harm
- Duplicate content
- Spam and misuse of the site
- Copyright and trademark violations
- Unsolicited ads, promotions, or marketing
- Embedded content that collects personal data
- Cryptocurrency-related accounts and posts
- Paid, automated, or insincere interactions
For a comprehensive understanding of these rules, you can find the latest updates on Medium's GitHub page:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these regulations, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many writers feel similar confusion when first encountering these rules.
Section 1.2 Real-Life Examples of Violations
Let’s examine some practical examples from the community:
- The H Word: A writer received a warning for mentioning a certain term in a comment. Discussions around sensitive topics can quickly lead to warnings or bans.
- The C Word: Another writer expressed fear about discussing their experiences related to a controversial subject, highlighting the anxiety many face in navigating these discussions.
- Crypto Confusion: Questions about the permissibility of cryptocurrency content have emerged, with some writers expressing confusion about what's allowed.
According to Medium, their rules aim to create a welcoming environment for all users:
“Our new rules are about fostering a place we’re all proud of and want to come to every day.”
Who's monitoring compliance? Some writers have expressed skepticism about enforcement, noting that many posts seem to disregard the guidelines without consequence.
Section 1.3 The Impact of Apologies
Apologizing may not always have the desired effect, as some banned users have noted that their apologies fell on deaf ears. Medium retains full authority over content decisions, and they evaluate violations based on various factors, including newsworthiness and potential harm.
Consequences of rule violations may include account restrictions or even suspension.
Chapter 2 How to Handle Warnings and Bans
The video titled "I Got Banned From Medium.com" sheds light on personal experiences with bans and how to navigate these challenges.
If you find yourself facing a warning, remember to reach out to Medium’s Help Desk and open a ticket. Many writers have successfully resolved issues by doing so.
One writer shared that they were mistakenly flagged as spam and reinstated after clarifying the situation. Unfortunately, others have faced bans for seemingly benign mentions, such as naming a website.
The takeaway? Medium has the power to reinstate accounts, but it's crucial to stay informed and adhere to the rules.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Compliant
Regularly revisiting the rules of any writing platform is a wise practice. While many of these guidelines may seem straightforward, the nuances of how certain topics are addressed can lead to unintentional violations. My advice is to familiarize yourself with Medium’s rules and engage thoughtfully to avoid any pitfalls.
If this guide resonated with you, feel free to explore more of my content on Medium, and consider following me for ongoing insights and support!
© Kristina God