Creating a Free Alternative to Medium: My Journey
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Chapter 1: Introduction to My Blog Platform
In today's digital landscape, the Medium paywall poses a significant barrier for countless readers. It's frustrating to see search results filled with articles that are inaccessible to many. To address this issue, I developed an alternative platform where I share my writings for free, ensuring everyone has access. Every article I publish on Medium includes a link to its corresponding piece on my blog site. In this article, I will outline the framework of my blog platform and the reasons behind its success. Let’s dive right in!
Section 1.1: Overview of the Blog Platform
My blog, branded as "Info Library," aims to provide free information indefinitely. Currently, it features five distinct article categories, with plans to expand further as we grow.
Subsection 1.1.1: Blog Layout and Functionality
The blog utilizes a three-column grid layout displaying blog cards. With infinite pagination, users can scroll down to reveal six blog posts at a time until all posts are loaded. Each blog card offers a preview that includes:
- Title
- Subtitle
- Category
- Relative Publish Date (e.g., 5 days ago)
- Author
- Views
Each card is linked through Next.js’s <Link> component, directing users to the full article upon clicking.
Section 1.2: Article Page Design
The design of the article page draws inspiration from Medium but incorporates unique features, such as a Dark Mode toggle. I prioritized simplicity, ensuring that readers can fully immerse themselves in the content without distractions.
Chapter 2: Enhancing User Engagement
In the video titled "I Built My Own Substack Alternative Platform FOR $50!", I discuss the motivations and challenges behind creating my own platform. This resource provides insight into the process of building a user-friendly blogging site.
Section 2.1: User Interaction Features
To foster engagement, I've integrated a blog interactor—a gray bar allowing readers to interact with articles through three main actions: Like, Comment, and Share.
The comment section is particularly sophisticated, featuring:
- Add Comment
- Like Comment
- Edit Comment
- Delete Comment
- Replies
- Sub-Replies
I drew inspiration from the comment sections of YouTube and Reddit to create a dynamic and engaging environment for readers.
In the second video, "Is Medium Still Worth It in 2024? (from a Top Writer + Boost Nominator)," I explore the relevance of Medium in today's landscape, providing insights that complement my own platform's vision.
Section 2.2: Future Developments
While my blog is thriving, I have several features in the pipeline to enhance user experience:
- Pinned Featured Articles: Highlighting the most popular articles at the top of Info Library.
- Search Functionality: Essential for users to easily locate their favorite articles.
- Embed Support: Including YouTube video embeds and social media posts.
This is just the beginning, and I have many more ideas to implement. If you found this article insightful, I encourage you to Subscribe, Clap, Comment, and Connect with me! 🌐
Affiliates
- All-in-One SaaS Project Template
- Figma Home: The UI design tool I rely on for all my projects.
- Figma Professional: Your ultimate UI design solution.
- FigJam: An intuitive tool for brainstorming and diagramming.
- Notion: The app that helps me organize every aspect of my life.
- Notion AI: A powerful AI tool that enhances my Notion workflow beyond ChatGPT.
References
My Blog