Wow Indirah - this is so well said and written, I wish you would publish or share and/or expand on it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your perspective and experience.

Know this: you are very much helping your fellow writers no matter how little or much time you're spending. If you are hitting the audio button (I do too) - it's counting as a full read every single time.

I did a study - it took me awhile, but I reached out to about 15 writers. Together we would pick a very old article that perhaps no other would read - I would let them know when I read it, and together we would wait the 12-24 hours to let Medium register and clock to them the read and time spent. 100% of the time I had spent if not at least the time of the article, more and it would reflect by the difference of "total read time" so that we both knew how much time Medium gave for how long I was there.

It gave me the confirmation that just taking the time to read as I would comfortably (as you said, sometimes it's quickly because it has pictures or it's an easy read....other times I need to read it slowly as there is so much to digest) -- the time we are spending is registering. That time is how writers are paid - so I felt encouraged that it worked.

But it's our followers and who we are following that is not so easy to find so I use my spreadsheet - still.

What is helpful - don't know if you've noticed lately. Medium is sending out a newsletter with articles of who we follow and the most recent reads - granted they are picking what's shown in that newsletter. But that is one way they are trying to send us articles from whom we follow. I just note what they send to me, but often I don't read them as I have already or some don't interest me.

I just wish we could alphabetize or sort our followers and who we follow list. Ugh - would be so helpful!

Anywho my dear - thanks for the time you've been on my profile today. You are appreciated!