It’s been a couple of weeks since I published an article on my personal website. While I’ve been busy with a few business and board-related projects, I’ve also contemplated changing my blog publishing strategy.
Without outside advice, I am contemplating several publishing options, including Medium, a writing platform that I’ve been a member of since 2021 but have not published any articles on. I decided to ask ChatGPT4o for advice about Medium and several other platforms. The dialogue and “advice” that follow are copied verbatim.
I recognize that I could use Google Search to find articles written by humans who have more experience and cachet than an AI tool. At the same time, I believe that AI is here to stay, and the more I use it, the more I expose it for its strengths and weaknesses.
Advice about Medium
You said:
I have written articles for my personal blog for 20 years. Recently, a friend told me I should consider writing and publishing articles on Medium.com. What can you tell me about Medium.com and should I consider publishing my blog articles there instead of on my own website?
ChatGPT said:
Publishing on Medium.com can offer distinct advantages over (or alongside) your personal blog, depending on your goals. Below is an overview of Medium, its pros and cons, and a strategic recommendation based on your long experience as a blogger.
What is Medium.com?
Medium.com is a popular online publishing platform launched in 2012 by Twitter co-founder Evan Williams. It allows writers to publish and distribute content easily. Articles are discoverable by Medium’s built-in audience and categorized by interests such as tech, politics, health, and writing.
It supports:
- Long-form essays, op-eds, and thought pieces
- Embedded media (images, videos, embeds)
- Reader engagement (claps, comments, highlights)
- Monetization through the Medium Partner Program
Benefits of Publishing on Medium
- Built-in Audience and Reach
- Medium has millions of monthly readers.
- Your articles can be distributed via Medium’s recommendation engine and newsletter digests.
- Stories can “go viral” if picked up by Medium’s algorithm or publications.
- Publication Partnerships
- You can submit articles to Medium publications like Better Programming, OneZero, or The Writing Cooperative, which have their own subscriber bases.
- Clean User Interface
- Medium’s design prioritizes readability, offering a distraction-free, elegant reading experience.
- Community Engagement
- Readers can respond with comments, highlight passages, and “clap” to show appreciation.
- You can follow other writers and interact with readers more easily than on a personal blog.
- Optional Monetization
- If you join the Medium Partner Program, you can earn money based on reader engagement from paying subscribers.
Drawbacks of Using Medium
- Lack of Full Ownership
- Medium controls the platform, algorithm, and monetization structure.
- You’re subject to their terms of service, and they can change policies or visibility rules at any time.
- Branding Limitations
- Your personal brand is less prominent compared to your own site.
- Limited customization (no control over layout, fonts, or deep integrations).
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Trade-offs
- Articles on Medium can rank well in Google—but they build SEO authority for Medium, not for your own site.
- If you want to boost your website’s domain authority, Medium won’t help directly.
- Paywall Restrictions
- Some Medium content is behind a paywall for non-subscribers.
- You can choose to make your articles freely accessible, but monetized articles default to the paywall.
Should You Use Medium Instead of Your Own Website?
Recommendation: Use Both Strategically
Rather than abandoning your personal blog, consider a hybrid approach:
| Strategy | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Your Personal Blog | Archive, brand building, SEO control, long-term ownership |
| Medium.com | Visibility, discoverability, engagement, monetization, experimentation |
Suggested Tactics:
- Republish selected posts from your blog to Medium with a note: “Originally published on [Your Blog]”.
- Link back to your website in your Medium bio and article footers.
- Use canonical tags (Medium supports this) to tell search engines your blog is the original source.
- Experiment with new content on Medium to test engagement before posting to your main site.
Final Thoughts
Given your 20 years of blogging experience, Medium can be a useful amplifier, not a replacement. It’s especially beneficial if you’re:
- Looking to grow a new audience
- Interested in reader feedback or monetization
- Hoping to join a writing community or publications
If you’d like, I can help:
- Identify which articles to republish
- Draft an author bio for Medium
- Set up canonical links properly
- Create a content calendar to balance both platforms
Would you like help with any of those next steps?
Taking the Next Step
Before I took “the next step,” I considered the recommendation to use Medium strategically alongside my blog. The tactics seemed reasonable. I figured I would continue to use ChatGPT4o to assist me with implementing a Medium strategy. I continued with my prompts.
You said:
What do you need from me to draft an author bio for Medium?
ChatGPT said:
To craft a compelling author bio for your Medium profile, I’ll need the following:
- Basic Info
- Full name (or pen name you want to publish under)
- Current role(s) (e.g., writer, executive, educator, retired professional, etc.)
- Professional background (a few key points or industries you’ve worked in)
- Writing Focus
- What topics do you typically write about?
- (e.g., gourmet food & wine, craft beer, education, leadership, travel, etc.)
- What tone do you take? (e.g., personal storytelling, data-driven analysis, humor, philosophical)
- Purpose of Writing on Medium
- Why are you publishing on Medium now? (e.g., wider audience, engagement, experimenting with ideas, etc.)
- Do you want to monetize your content or focus purely on thought leadership?
- Links & Socials
- Do you want to include:
- A link to your personal blog or website?
- Social media handles? (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram)
- A newsletter or Substack (if applicable)?
- Length Preference
Would you like:
- Short bio (1–2 lines, ideal for profile header and article bylines)
- Full bio (4–6 lines for your Medium “About” page)
Once you send those details, I can create both versions—a short one for your profile and a longer one for the “About” section or your first post.
Would you like a sample structure to help you draft your responses?
You said:
- Basic Info – My pen name is Wally Boston. My current role is General Partner, Green Street Impact Partners. I am an executive and an educator. I have significant experience as a board member, having served on more than 20 boards over the years. I spent 18 years as a healthcare executive and 18 years as a university president and educator.
- Writing focus – I typically write about education, usually higher education. I also write about technology, particularly as it impacts education and the workforce. My writing style is reflective and analytical.
- My primary goal in writing on Medium is sharing insights and expanding my audience.
- My blog website is www.wallyboston.com and I have a social media profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallaceboston/
ChatGPT said:
Perfect. Here are two versions of your Medium author bio—one short and one extended:
Short Bio (for profile header or bylines):
General Partner at Green Street Impact Partners. Executive, educator, and former university president writing on higher ed, technology, and leadership. More at wallyboston.com.
Extended Bio (for “About” section):
I’m Wally Boston, an executive and educator with 18 years of experience as a healthcare leader and 18 more as a university president. Currently, I serve as General Partner at Green Street Impact Partners and have served on over 20 boards.
My writing explores higher education, technology’s impact on learning and the workforce, and leadership. My style is reflective and analytical, drawing from decades of executive experience.
I write on Medium to share insights and expand my audience. You can find more of my work at wallyboston.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Would you like help setting up your Medium profile or republishing selected blog posts next?
Republishing Selected Blog Posts
Over a 20-year period, I’ve published more than 1,000 blog posts encompassing over 1 million words. I use an outside firm to host my blog (www.wallyboston.com) and discuss organic SEO strategies (I’ve never paid to boost my posts). As part of the hosting agreement, I receive a monthly Google Analytics report about my posts with the highest volume of readers that month and over time. I continued with ChatGPT4o prompts with the idea that I would use those articles in its five-article republishing strategy.
You said:
I’ll take a look at setting up the Medium profile based on your help with the bios. What type of advice can you give me about republishing selected blog posts?
ChatGPT said:
That’s a great next step. Republishing selected blog posts on Medium is a smart way to breathe new life into your existing content without abandoning your own site. Here’s a comprehensive guide tailored to your background and goals:
Why Republishing Works
- Reaches new audiences without starting from scratch.
- Builds credibility by showcasing your depth of experience.
- Drives traffic back to your website or LinkedIn.
- Improves discoverability through Medium’s built-in algorithm and publications.
What to Republish: Selection Strategy
Given your reflective, analytical writing style and focus on education and technology, consider selecting posts that are:
Evergreen or Timely:
- Posts that still resonate today (e.g., leadership lessons, higher ed trends, workforce implications of AI).
- Top-performing articles (by views, comments, or shares on your blog).
Thought Leadership:
- Articles that express a clear opinion or offer original insight.
- Pieces that reflect your dual experience in education and business.
Personal Narrative + Insight:
- Posts that combine professional storytelling with a lesson learned—these tend to do well on Medium.
Series or Thematic Clusters:
- Turn 3–5 related blog posts into a “Medium Series” or collection to encourage deeper engagement.
How to Republish Properly
- Use a Canonical Link
Medium allows you to add a canonical link so search engines know your original post lives on your blog. This avoids duplicate content issues and preserves your SEO.
To do this:
- After pasting your article into Medium, go to More Settings > Advanced Settings > Customize Canonical Link
- Paste the original blog post’s URL.
- Adapt (Don’t Just Copy-Paste)
Consider light edits to:
- Add a new intro or update context for 2025
- Tighten long paragraphs for Medium’s scroll-friendly format
- Add a final call-to-action (e.g., “Read more at wallyboston.com”)
- Cross-Link
At the bottom of the post, include:
This article originally appeared on wallyboston.com.
- Tag Strategically
Medium allows up to 5 tags per post. Use tags like:
- Higher Education
- Education Policy
- Leadership
- Technology
- Workforce Development
These improve discoverability and algorithmic distribution.
- Consider Submitting to Publications
Your pieces may be a great fit for Medium publications like:
- “Human Parts” (education through personal lens)
- “The Writing Cooperative” (reflective essays)
- “Better Programming” (if discussing edtech/AI topics)
- Or start your own Medium publication in the future
Suggested Rollout Plan
You don’t need to republish everything at once. Here’s a cadence to consider:
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Set up your profile and publish 1 signature article |
| Week 2 | Republish 1–2 more evergreen posts with updated intros |
| Week 3 | Start tagging and engaging with other Medium authors |
| Week 4 | Consider a post announcing your move to Medium & linking top content |
Optional Enhancements
- Create a “Best of” collection once you’ve uploaded 5–10 pieces.
- Invite comments or questions at the end of each post to encourage engagement.
- Link out to your longer content (books, PDFs, etc.) hosted on your blog.
Would you like help identifying 3–5 blog posts from your archive that are ideal candidates for republishing? If you provide the URLs or titles, I can assess and recommend a republishing strategy.
You said:
Here’s the URL for the first article – https://wallyboston.com/phd-completion-rates/
ChatGPT said:
Here’s a tailored publishing plan for your PhD completion rates article:
Article Snapshot: “PhD Completion Rates: What Percentage of Students Finish Programs ‘On Time’?”
- Explores PhD completion at top research universities.
- Reveals that 57% finish within 10 years, and 20% within 7 years, with notable disparities across disciplines and demographic groups wallyboston.com+2wallyboston.com+2wallyboston.com+2.
This piece aligns well with your expertise in higher education and student persistence, and it prompts important questions about institutional transparency and student outcomes.
Why This Article Is Ideal for Medium
- Evergreen content with broad relevance in academia and policymaking.
- Data-driven and analytical, fitting Medium readers interested in higher-ed leadership and policy.
- Original insight from your professional background, lending credibility.
Republishing Strategy
- Add a Canonical Link
Ensure your original URL is marked as canonical:
- After publishing on Medium: go to More Settings → Advanced → Customize Canonical Link, and paste your original article’s URL.
- This preserves SEO integrity and credits your blog as the original source.
- Refresh the Introduction
Revise the opening with context for 2025:
- Mention how the data compares with trends in edtech, online learning, or DEI initiatives.
- If follow-up data exists (e.g., national comparisons), add a brief note.
- Light Edits for Format
- Break into shorter paragraphs.
- Use clear subheadings like “Completion & Attrition” and “Institutional Transparency.”
- Add bullet points or graphics for key statistics (e.g., the 57% vs. 20%).
- Include a CTA and Attribution
At the end, add:
Originally published on wallyboston.com. For more insights, visit my blog or connect with me on LinkedIn.
- Choose 5 Tags Thoughtfully
Suggested tags:
Higher Education, Student Persistence, PhD, Education Policy, Data Analytics
Suggested Rollout Timeline
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Publish this article as your signature intro piece |
| Week 2 | Republish 1–2 more evergreen posts (e.g., on graduate degree ROI or completion metrics) |
| Week 3 | Submit this article to publications focused on education or data analysis |
| Week 4 | Begin engaging: comment on similar Medium stories, follow authors in education tech and policy |
Additional Tips
- Illustrate your executive perspective by adding a short reflection on how leadership decisions can impact completion rates.
- Invite discussion: Ask readers to share their institution’s completion challenges.
- Consider linking to related posts (e.g., your articles on ROI, policy implications) for deeper engagement.
Would you like assistance selecting another 2–3 posts from your blog to republish next? If you share their titles or links, I can recommend which ones are best suited and suggest republishing edits to maximize impact.
Republishing My First Article
At this point, I stepped away from ChatGPT and went to Medium. I accessed my account and changed my short bio and About section based on the recommended language from ChatGPT.
After completing the bio changes, I copied and pasted my first article into a post format. I marked the article as a “canonical link” and made a few edits as well.
Over the past year, I have been surprised by the fact that this article scores so high in my Google Analytics. I wrote the article in reaction to the lawsuit against Grand Canyon, which accuses it of misleading PhD students about the length of time and cost of completing their programs.
During the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Education levied a $37.5 million fine against Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon appealed the fine. In May of this year, the Department of Education reversed the decision and dismissed the fine. I updated the article to report that event and updated it with news that a federal judge in Arizona had agreed that the class action lawsuit could proceed in court.
After posting my article, I continued my dialogue with ChatGPT4o. I’ve included the prompts and responses for the following five articles. It’s important to note that the recommendation was to republish one article per week. While the links and ChatGPT4o recommendations are published below for each article, I have only republished the first, following the one article per week recommendation.
You said:
Here’s the second article – https://wallyboston.com/higher-education-history/
ChatGPT said:
Here’s a refined strategy for republishing your second article — “Higher Education Evolution: Past, Present, & Future” — on Medium:
Article Overview
This piece traces the historical development of U.S. higher education—from the doubling of colleges in the late 19th century to student persistence rates before WWII—and explores how acts like the Morrill Act and the G.I. Bill shaped access and structure wallyboston.com+1wallyboston.com+1. It reflects your deep institutional knowledge and merges data with narrative—a strong candidate for Medium.
Why It Works on Medium
- Evergreen subject matter that appeals to both academic and policy-oriented readers.
- Reflective and analytical, matching your brand and distinguished voice.
- Timely relevance, as readers debate the purpose and future trajectory of higher education today.
Suggested Republishing Steps
- Use a Canonical Link
After copying the article into Medium, go to More → Advanced Settings → Customize Canonical Link, and insert:
arduino
CopyEdit
This protects your blog’s SEO while sharing content on Medium.
- Refresh the Opening
Add a 2025-style perspective:
- Introduce with context: e.g., “As higher education enters a period of demographic shifts and online disruption…”
- Tie history to modern-day debates on cost, equity, and purpose.
- Adapt Structure for Medium
- Insert subheadings such as “From Land Grants to Massive Enrollment” or “Persistence & Policy Over Time”.
- Break up long text into digestible paragraphs.
- Highlight key stats with simple bullet points or bold callouts.
- Add Attribution & CTA
Ending could say:
This article originally appeared on wallyboston.com. For more insights, see my blog or connect on LinkedIn.
- Tag Strategically
Use up to five tags:
- Higher Education
- Education History
- Student Persistence
- Education Policy
- Institutional Leadership
- Submit to Publications
You might submit this historical overview to publications like:
- “Human Parts” (personal, legacy-inflected education stories)
- “Schedule for Success” (education policy and reform)
- “ZORA Education” (cultural and historical takes on education)
Suggested Publishing Path
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Publish the PhD completion article as your signature piece |
| Week 2 | Republish the higher-ed history article with refreshed context |
| Week 3 | Submit the article to relevant Medium publications |
| Week 4 | Start engaging with other writers in education/edtech on Medium |
Enhancements to Consider
- Insert a modern hook, like a brief mention of AI, workforce upskilling, or enrollment declines.
- Invite reader interaction: Ask something like, “How does your institution’s history influence its future path?”
- Link to related content, such as your posts on financial aid history or value of higher education.
Ready for the Next Step?
If you’d like help selecting a third post (perhaps on financial aid, tuition pricing, or workforce development), just share the title or URL. I can suggest edits, tagging, and publication strategy to boost reach.
You said:
Here’s the third article – https://wallyboston.com/hacking-college/
ChatGPT said:
Here’s a tailored strategy for republishing your third article, “Hacking College: Why the Major Doesn’t Matter”, on Medium:
Article Summary
Your article critiques the fixation on choosing a “right major” and promotes a Field of Study approach—where students design their undergraduate experience by integrating electives, experiences, and intellectual interests, rather than relying solely on their declared major wallyboston.com+6wallyboston.com+6wallyboston.com+6. It offers a thoughtful, data-informed commentary on student success and advising practices in higher education.
Why This Works Well on Medium
- Insightful and fresh perspective: Challenges conventional wisdom in higher education with reflective analysis.
- Blends narrative with educational theory: Medium readers appreciate thoughtful, well-structured essays with clear takeaways.
- Shows your voice as a leader in both academic policy and student development.
Republishing Plan
- Add a Canonical Link
After pasting your article into Medium, go to More Settings → Advanced Settings → Customize Canonical Link and insert:
arduino
CopyEdit
This preserves SEO attribution to your blog.
- Refresh the Introduction
Consider a fresh opening that places the argument in a 2025 context:
- How has advising evolved during the rise of AI-based career tools?
- Mention recent scholarship on student pathways or changing workforce demands.
- Revise for Medium Readability
- Break up dense text into shorter paragraphs for easier scrolling.
- Use subheadings like “From Major to Field of Study” and “Wicked Problems & Career Design”.
- Highlight key quotes or ideas using pull-out text (e.g., “It’s not where you go—it’s how you do college”).
- Attribution & Call-to-Action
At the end, include:
This article originally appeared on wallyboston.com. Explore more of my writing or connect via LinkedIn at [LinkedIn profile link].
- Tag Selection
Suggested tags:
- Higher Education
- Education Reform
- Student Success
- Advising
- Workforce Development
- Submit to Relevant Publications
Publications to consider:
- “Higher Education”
- “Human Parts”
- EdTech or academic innovation-focused outlets like “Better Programming” for cross-disciplinary framing.
Recommended Publishing Sequence
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Publish your PhD completion rates article as the flagship piece |
| Week 2 | Republish Hacking College with refreshed context and formatting |
| Week 3 | Engage and submit both articles to relevant Medium publications |
| Week 4 | Continue interacting—comment on topics in advising, education policy, AI careers |
Boost Engagement Ideas
- Share a brief personal anecdote about how you chose your own major and how Field of Study thinking could have shaped it differently.
- Add a discussion prompt, such as: “How did your elective choices shape your career path? Share your hidden learning journey.”
- Link to your other blog posts on related themes, like completion rates or cost and ROI of degrees.
Would you like help identifying a fourth article—for instance on financial aid, affordability, or AI’s role in higher education—to complete your Medium launch rollout? Provide the link or title, and I’ll suggest how to adapt it for Medium engagement.
Hallucination or Losing Track of the Sequence?
ChatGPT and other AI tools are getting better, but they’re not infallible. At this point, I noticed that the recommended publishing sequence changed after I submitted my third article, a review of the book Hacking College. The AI dropped the second article, A History of American Higher Education, in its recommended publishing sequence. I continued with my prompts.
You said:
Here’s the fourth article – https://wallyboston.com/storm-stanford-ai-writing-system/
ChatGPT said:
Here’s a polished Medium republishing plan for your fourth article—“Storm: Stanford’s AI-Driven Writing System and What It Means for Education”:
Article Overview
Your piece examines Storm, Stanford’s advanced AI writing system, and its implications for teaching, student learning, and assessment. It combines your insights into education leadership and technology’s impact on pedagogy and workforce readiness.
Why It’s a Great Fit for Medium
- Hyper-timely: AI in education is currently one of the most discussed topics—readers seek informed commentary.
- Bridges education and technology: Aligns perfectly with your background and reflects Medium’s interest in thoughtful thought leadership.
- Stimulates debate: Sparks questions on academic integrity, student growth, and the evolving role of AI in learning.
Suggested Republishing Steps
- Use a Canonical Link
Once you paste the article into Medium, navigate to More Settings ▶ Advanced ▶ Customize Canonical Link, and insert:
perl
CopyEdit
This ensures SEO credit remains with your personal site.
- Refresh the Introduction
Update the opening to include:
- Recent updates or broader discussions around AI tools in 2025.
- Your perspective tied to institutional strategy (e.g., how universities adapt or adopt such tools responsibly).
- Structure It for Medium
- Break text into shorter paragraphs for readability.
- Include subheadings like “The Rise of AI in Writing”, “Ethical Considerations”, and “Implications for Advising & Assessment”.
- Use pull-quotes or bolded statements (e.g., “AI will challenge us to redefine academic growth—how we measure learning might be reshaped entirely.”).
- Attribution & CTA
At article end, include:
Originally published on wallyboston.com. For more insights, visit my blog or connect with me on LinkedIn.
- Tag Strategically
Use tags such as:
- Education Technology
- AI in Education
- Higher Education
- Academic Integrity
- Student Learning
- Consider Publications
Potential outlets to submit to:
- “Better Programming” (for AI in tech + education)
- “Education Policy” or “Schedule for Success” (for impact and ethics)
- “ZORA Education” or “Human Parts” (for reflective pieces blending personal and institutional insight)
Suggested Medium Launch Schedule
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Publish flagship PhD completion article |
| 2 | Republish Hacking College |
| 3 | Publish Storm & AI in Writing |
| 4 | Submit all pieces to relevant publications and begin community engagement (comments, follows, shares) |
Engagement Enhancements
- Integrate a case or anecdote: e.g., a faculty or student reaction to AI writing tools in real classrooms.
- Invite reader responses: “How is your institution addressing student use of AI tools? What policies or pedagogies work?”
- Cross-link to related articles: your posts on completion rates, history, or advising strategy can deepen context—helpful if readers land on one via search or publications.
Would You Like Help With…?
- Choosing a fifth article from your archive (e.g. on financial aid, enrollment trends, or workforce upskilling)?
- Drafting a consistent lead paragraph reflecting 2025 themes?
- Creating custom call-to-action footers or publication submission drafts?
Just share the title or link and I’ll help tailor your next best steps.
The Second Article Continued to Be Dropped in the Sequence
After I submitted the fourth article, the second article continued to be dropped in the publishing sequence, demonstrating that the “memory” of ChatGPT for its early conversations is not infallible.
I also noticed a few codes in the canonical link that differ for each article (other than the link to the article). ChatGPT didn’t explain those different codes other than that they relate to SEO. I’ll have to research that separately as I post the articles. I continued my prompting with:
You said:
Here’s the fifth article – https://wallyboston.com/strategic-planning-schools/
ChatGPT said:
Here’s a polished Medium republishing strategy for your fifth article — “Strategic Planning for K-12 Independent Schools” — tailored to your expertise:
Article Overview
Based on your LinkedIn post and blog content, this piece presents a thoughtful framework for strategic planning in U.S. K-12 independent (private) schools. You outline 14 strategic domains and essential questions for planning committees—drawing on both education leadership experience and board governance insight from years overseeing institutions Wally Boston+2LinkedIn+2Wally Boston+2.
Why It’s a Strong Fit for Medium
- Bridges K-12 leadership and your higher-edu expertise, appealing to both school and university audiences.
- Forward-thinking, offering a structured yet adaptable approach to planning—highly relevant in the current educational climate.
- Linked to real professional practice, given reader endorsements and comments on LinkedIn Spider Strategies.
Republishing Plan
- Add a Canonical Link
When posting on Medium, under More Settings → Advanced, insert your original URL:
arduino
CopyEdit
This ensures search engines credit your blog as the source.
- Refresh the Introduction
Update for a 2025 audience:
- Acknowledge current K-12 trends—enrollment shifts, AI tools in schools, financing pressures.
- Highlight how traditional strategic planning models may need refreshing.
- Format for Readability
- Use subheadings like:
- “14 Strategic Domains: A Holistic View”
- “Engaging Stakeholders & Sustaining Momentum”
- Add bullet lists illustrating key questions from each domain.
- Invite readers into the planning conversation.
- Attribution & Call-to-Action
Close with:
Originally published on wallyboston.com. For more insights on higher education and K-12 strategy, visit my blog or connect with me on LinkedIn.
- Tag Selection
Choose up to five Medium tags:
- Education Leadership
- K-12 Education
- Strategic Planning
- Independent Schools
- Governance
- Target Relevant Publications
Consider submitting to:
- “Human Parts” (leadership reflections)
- “ZORA Education” (education reform and equity)
- Education strategy oriented journals on Medium
Suggested Publishing Timeline
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Publish the PhD completion article |
| Week 2 | Republish Hacking College |
| Week 3 | Publish the AI & Storm article |
| Week 4 | Republish Strategic Planning for K-12 Independent Schools |
| Then | Submit published articles, engage with Medium community, comment on related work |
Engagement & Enhancement Tips
- Add a case or anecdote: Share an example from a board review or strategic retreat you led.
- Invite interaction: “What domains does your school committee prioritize—and which ones get overlooked?”
- Cross-link: This piece ties neatly to your articles on completion trends or history—encourage readers to explore them.
Why This Round of Articles Works
You’re covering topics that reflect your depth:
- Student outcomes metrics
- Culture-setting and purpose-driven student advising
- Technology’s role in transformation (AI)
- Strategic leadership in schooling
Together, they build a coherent narrative of your thought leadership in both K–12 and higher education.
Would you like assistance drafting an example introduction refreshed for 2025, or help writing publication pitches? Or shall we review one more article if you’d like to select a sixth?
You said:
Here’s a sixth article – https://wallyboston.com/private-school-enrollment/
ChatGPT said:
Here’s a focused, refined plan for republishing your sixth article—“Private School Enrollment Management: A Planning Guide”—to maximize impact on Medium:
Article Overview
This guide addresses private school enrollment strategy, tuition discounting, forecasting, and financial aid decision-making. You draw from board-level insight and operational modeling for enrollment stability Wally Boston+2Wally Boston+2Wally Boston+2.
Why This Article Belongs on Medium
- Highly relevant in light of evolving trends in choice programs, tuition costs, and K-12 strategy.
- Thought leadership: Fuses governance, strategic planning, and financial insight.
- Fresh appeal: Valuable to a wide Medium audience—including nonprofit, education leadership, and policy-focused readers.
Suggested Republishing Steps
- Insert a Canonical Link
Paste the article into Medium, then go to:
More Settings → Advanced Settings → Customize Canonical Link, and insert:
arduino
CopyEdit
- Refresh the Introduction
Update the opening to reflect current trends:
- Reference recent school-choice expansions, voucher programs, and regional enrollment shifts.
- Cite national enrollment data: about 4.7 million private school students in fall 2021, representing 9–10% of total K–12 enrollment Wally Boston+6Marketbrief+6Wikipedia+6National Center for Education Statistics.
- Mention 2025 survey insights: 40% of schools reported growth between 2023–24 and 2024–25, though expansion is slowing cato.org.
- Structure for Readability
- Use subheads: “Enrollment Baseline & Market Shifts”, “Tuition Discounting & Aid Strategy”, “Forecasting & Board Communication”.
- Break text into readable blocks and use bullet lists or callout boxes for key figures (e.g. tuition discount rates, forecasting cadence).
- Embed or describe charts if possible to illustrate enrollment and discount rate trends.
- Add Attribution & Call-to-Action (CTA)
At the end include:
Originally published on wallyboston.com. For deeper insights on education leadership, strategy, and planning, explore my blog or connect on LinkedIn.
- Choose Tags Strategically
Suggested tags:
- Private School
- Enrollment Management
- Education Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Finance
- Submit to Publications
Consider publications like:
- “ZORA Education” or “Human Parts” — for leadership + strategic narrative
- “Schedule for Success” — for planning-driven education analysis
- “Education Policy” — especially where policy and finance intersect
Recommended Publishing Timeline
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Publish your PhD completion article |
| Week 2 | Republish Hacking College |
| Week 3 | Publish Storm & AI in Writing |
| Week 4 | Republish Strategic Planning for K-12 Independent Schools |
| Week 5 | Republish Private School Enrollment Management |
| Then | Engage actively and submit to publications; begin broader Medium outreach |
Engagement Enhancements
- Add real-world context: Share an anecdote from a school board meeting or forecasting exercise you advised.
- Prompt reader input: For example, “How has your school managed inflation-driven discounting or enrollment forecasting?”
- Cross-link your articles: Tie in posts you’ve already republished (e.g., strategy, completion, history) to make a coherent portfolio.
Current Trends & Context
- In 2021, NCES reported around 4.7 million private school K–12 students, representing ~9 % of total enrollment, with enrollment flat since 2011 Wally Boston+1Wally Boston+1Wally Boston+7Wally Boston+7Wally Boston+7MarketbriefNational Center for Education Statistics+1Wally Boston+1.
- Another source shows the share was 10 % (≈5.47 million) nationally in 2021 Marketbrief.
- Recent surveys indicate 40 % of private schools saw enrollment gains between 2023–24 and 2024–25, though growth is slowing Wally Boston+15cato.org+15houstonchronicle.com+15.
Summary
This article highlights private school financial health through the lens of enrollment strategy—a timely and valuable topic on Medium. With strategic updates, formatting for readability, and strong tagging, it can serve as a major anchor piece in your Medium portfolio.
Would you like help drafting the updated intro or a pitch for publications targeting education leadership audiences?
The Medium Partner Program
Having read about the Medium Partner Program, I decided to query ChatGPT about it. I’m not sure whether it will impact my SEO negatively if it means that the article goes behind a paywall, so I plan to decide after I publish the six articles over the six-week period.
You said:
Can you tell me about the Medium Partner program and whether or not it’s worth considering?
ChatGPT said:
Here’s an in-depth look at the Medium Partner Program—what it is, how it works today, and whether it’s a worthwhile addition to your Medium strategy.
What Is the Medium Partner Program?
- A program enabling writers to earn money when Medium members read and engage with their subscription-locked stories. Medium Help+14Medium+14Medium+14
- Eligibility requirements include:
- Being a Medium member
- Publishing at least one story within the last 6 months
- Residing and paying taxes in a supported country (like the U.S.) Wikipedia+8Medium+8Medium Help+8
- Earnings are paid via Stripe (or Tipalti) once your balance reaches $10 USD. Anangsha Alammyan+1Medium Help+1
How You Earn
- Member Read Time: Payments are based on how long Medium paying members spend reading your story—longer engagement → more earnings. Anangsha Alammyan+11Medium+11Millennial Money Man+11
- Engagement Metrics: Claps, highlights, replies, and new follows all contribute to your payout. Medium+1Make Money Writing+1
- Follower Bonus: Readers who follow you and continue engaging with your content can boost your earnings.Medium
Updated Landscape in 2025
- Major payout changes went into effect in August 2023—Medium shifted emphasis away from raw read time and removed affiliate referral programs. This has lowered the average RPM (earnings per thousand read minutes) significantly. Publish Everyday
- According to one writer, their RPM dropped from ~$15 to much less after the changes. Publish Everyday
Typical Earning Realities
- Only ~6% of writers earn over $100/month. The vast majority earn well under that. The Side Blogger+4Aure’s Notes+4Millennial Money Man+4
- Top-tier writers—representing under 1%—may earn $5K to $20K/month, often after years of consistent output.Millennial Money Man+1Aure’s Notes+1
- As a Reddit user bluntly put it:
“In my experience, it’s not worth it if your only goal is to make money.”
Another wrote:
“On Medium, I generate about $10–20 per thousand reads … Some months you might bring home $1,000 … only to make $20 next month.”Aure’s Notes+1Millennial Money Man+1Medium+2Reddit+2Millennial Money Man+2
Who It Benefits
- Best for early-stage creators: Low entry barriers and immediate earnings—good for testing content and building a portfolio. Publish Everyday
- Brand builders and thought leaders: Provides credibility, access to Medium’s audience, and helps grow visibility on key topics.
- Audience & network building: Engagement via comments, responses, and follows can spark broader connections beyond pure money.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to join (publish one story)Self Made Millennials -+5Anangsha Alammyan+5Medium+5 | Earnings are unpredictable—most writers earn less than $100/monthMillennial Money ManAure’s Notes |
| Immediate access to Medium’s built-in readership | Algorithm changes may reduce payouts or visibilityPublish EverydayMedium |
| Builds visibility, authority, and new readership | Affiliate referral program discontinued—less passive income opportunityMillennial Money ManAure’s Notes |
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Given Your Goals
You’re writing on Medium to:
- Share your insights
- Expand your audience
- Build thought leadership in education and ed-tech
Is the Partner Program Worth It for You?
Yes, it’s worth consideration, particularly if you:
- Want to experiment with monetization
- Are comfortable republishing select posts behind Medium’s paywall
- Are open to occasional earnings without expecting consistent income
But don’t rely on it for substantive revenue. Treat it as a side benefit, not a primary objective.
Recommendations
- Join the Partner Program as soon as you’re eligible—signing up is easy and free aside from the membership fee.Medium+12Medium Help+12Publish Everyday+12YouTube+9Anangsha Alammyan+9Aure’s Notes+9Medium+5Self Made Millennials -+5The PennyMatters+5Medium+2Reddit+2Millennial Money Man+2Medium
- Publish thoughtfully, opting to lock select well-performing posts behind the paywall, especially those with evergreen or high-interest content.
- Engage with the Medium community—comment, respond, follow, and cultivate readers.
- Track performance via the Partner Dashboard—see what resonates and refine your writing approach.
- Keep publishing on your personal blog—don’t consolidate everything to Medium. Use canonical links and reciprocal traffic to maintain SEO benefits.
Final Take
The Medium Partner Program can be a modest supplementary revenue stream and a way to validate your writing among engaged readers. But it’s no substitute for owning your platform.
Given your strategic goals—to expand your audience and share perspective—I’d recommend joining and experimenting. But plan to continue growing your brand primarily through your own blog and LinkedIn network.
Would you like help identifying which of the six articles you’ve shared would be prime candidates to publish behind the paywall, or crafting tailored intros for them?
My Takeaways from ChatGPT4o’s Blog Publishing Strategy
As I stated at the beginning of the article, I know that I could have used Google search to find articles with similar or better advice from humans than ChatGPT. At the same time, this project depended on a human (me) to select the articles to republish on Medium. I did what I do best and opted to select highly read articles that Google Analytics reports.
The Medium advice articles that I could have found through conventional search would not have analyzed each of my selected articles and provided advice for how I should edit them and tag them before I republish them. While I may not accept that specific advice, I found it helpful.
I have no explanation for why ChatGPT dropped the second article I uploaded in the republishing sequence. I did not interrupt the prompt sequence, so using that as an excuse would not be correct. It’s an important reminder that when you use an AI tool, you must review the output carefully.
I guess I’ll find out over time how well ChatGPT advised me on using Medium as a platform to supplement the publishing of my blog articles. While this article may only be useful to friends and colleagues who blog, I opted to publish it as another example of a project that can utilize AI.
Without a tool like ChatGPT4o, I may have stumbled through the construction of a Medium strategy or opted to follow the advice of an expert that I found through Google Search. I doubt I would have paid a consultant, so the idea that my utilization of AI in this case displaced some consulting dollars is misconstrued. At the same time, the organization and format of the step-by-step process produced by the AI was good enough in my opinion that I can see why experts are forecasting a major decline in the consulting business.
I’ll resurface this topic in a few months after I’ve diligently followed the one republished article per week strategy. I’ll also continue to use ChatGPT and other tools to learn how to make my life easier and my projects more effective and efficient.
