Chapter 1: The Copycat Culture

"Mr. Originality, come my way, come and see. Let me be your fantasy!" — A catchy phrase from a 2000s song from my homeland perfectly encapsulates the current state of online content.

The internet seems governed by an unspoken rule: copied ideas often overshadow original content! The prevalent factory-like mentality in content creation reflects this trend.

Many emerging creators tend to emulate established figures, mimicking their style and content without proper attribution or significant modifications. By utilizing similar titles and largely rehashing existing information, these imitators can achieve rapid popularity.

For instance, a quick search for "10 Facts about Something" on YouTube reveals a plethora of videos presenting nearly identical recycled information.

This phenomenon isn't new to Medium either. Although I can't claim to be a long-time observer, I have noticed numerous Medium articles being duplicated and reinterpreted by other writers during my time here.

Surprisingly, this trend extends to publications as well. Recently, a surge of new outlets has emerged, seemingly sprouting "like mushrooms after the rain," a saying from my native language.

Many of these publications appear to be aggressively expanding, randomly adding writers without any formal recruitment process.

A noteworthy trend is the rise of niche or community-focused publications that emphasize “writing readers” or “writers who read.” This concept feels oddly familiar, perhaps recalling something from May 2023.

Oh, right! That’s when the Read or Die franchise made its debut on Medium. How could I forget such a memorable title?

Reflecting on the past, I remember that for most publications, quick publishing meant your draft would go live within 3 to 5 hours of submission. In a fortunate scenario, you might even see it published within 24 hours.

Adrian, the mastermind behind Read or Die, is known for his astonishingly rapid publishing pace. His high standards have set a precedent, with some now expecting immediate publication.

Despite the influx of copycats, I find amusement in observing these developments. Those familiar with me know I maintain a relaxed demeanor. I’ll continue pursuing my unique style, regardless of the trends.

It's perfectly acceptable to draw inspiration from others. After all, originality is often elusive, as multiple individuals can conceive the same idea independently. I’ve lost track of how often I've scheduled an article only to find someone else has submitted a draft on the same topic.

However, as long as writers share their perspectives and back them with sound reasoning, that’s what truly matters.

My humble advice? Embrace your individuality rather than imitating others. It's this uniqueness that distinguishes you in the crowded digital landscape. Never lose sight of that.

Chapter 2: Embracing Individuality in Writing