Celebrating ILLUMINATION's 4th Birthday: Highlights and Updates
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Welcome to Episode #104 of "What Aiden Found Today," where I share my favorite stories alongside community-nominated pieces for the passionate readers of ILLUMINATION Publications on Medium.
Non-members can access this story through our shared link.
Greetings to all avid readers and dedicated writers! Thank you for your valuable feedback on the previous collections. This edition may be shorter, but it contains impactful pieces that I believe you'll appreciate.
As ILLUMINATION marks its 4th anniversary, I've regrettably been unable to write extensively or create videos due to my busy schedule involving onboarding new writers, publishing, and curation efforts. However, our diligent editor, Mike Broadly, DHSc, has contributed a humorous narrative in an Aussie accent that I think you will enjoy.
Happy 4th Birthday, Beloved ILLUMINATION!
Here’s to blowing out those candles and wishing for many more years of success and joyful moments ahead, all in that charming Aussie accent.
Yesterday, we welcomed over 200 new writers into our community, and I introduced them in the previous collection (#103). Feel free to explore their stories and engage with them meaningfully.
I received delightful news from my friend Mike: Lanu, our cherished editor, is back! I'm thrilled that Medium has restored her account, likely thanks to our chief, Dr. Yildiz, who penned a heartfelt story. If you missed his touching piece, it beautifully outlines the background of our beloved ILLUMINATION.
Why I Firmly Believe Lanu Pitan Is Not a Fraud
Have you ever encountered someone who has read over 2,500 stories from a single writer on Medium?
It was shocking to witness scammers cloning the profile of Medium's well-known director, Buster Benson. These perpetrators are employing increasingly brazen tactics. Mike wrote a short piece urging the community to remain vigilant, while Marcus, also known as Gregory Maidman, delivered a humorous poem about this unusual cloning phenomenon, providing us with a few laughs. However, this is indeed a serious issue, as I too have been cloned twice, leading to a rather nightmarish experience.
Last week, I compiled a selection of boosted stories; we highlighted 21 new pieces that you may find enjoyable. I plan to create another compilation soon since several more stories have gained traction. My schedule has been quite hectic with work, publishing, curating, and family commitments.
Weekly Update: 21 New Boosted Stories on ILLUMINATION-Curated
I also link to previously boosted pieces for new readers and aspiring writers as examples of exceptional storytelling.
If you're interested in boosting your own stories, the attached article by Dr. Yildiz is a must-read.
The Boost on Medium: Answering Most Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners
Since its launch, the Boost initiative has provided hope to writers, though it remains in its pilot phase.
Gamers have been asking me on Discord and Slack about how boosting operates within ILLUMINATION-Gaming. In response, I've created a brief video on YouTube, which I’ve included in a story with transcripts for those who prefer not to watch videos. I hope this addresses the essential questions regarding boosting.
Video Presentation: Boost Guidelines for ILLUMINATION-Gaming
Together, let’s create legendary stories that deserve a spot at the top of the leaderboard.
Recently, I penned an article sharing my predictions for the 2024 Academy Awards and have now written a follow-up on the winners. I hope you find it enjoyable and look forward to your thoughts.
I Was Wrong About My Oscar Predictions, But I Enjoyed the Movies a Lot
Here’s a recap of the winning categories from the 2024 Academy Awards.
Given the recent bulk account suspensions, our chief editor Dr. Yildiz has written a piece addressing the issue. You're encouraged to share your thoughts, as he expresses empathy for the victims while also highlighting the challenges faced by Medium.
My Informed Perspectives on Recent Account Suspensions on Medium
An invitation to show compassion for both the pain experienced by victims and the obstacles Medium encounters.
Mike has also shared his insights on this matter from a different perspective.
The Pain of Losing Substantial Subscribers in a Single Day
Understanding the truth behind this disappointment has alleviated my concerns and deepened my compassion, but we need to take action.
Quick Updates for New Readers
Recently, Mike introduced some of my favorite writers: Matt Lillywhite, Genius Turner, Shirley Willett, and Dr. David Mokotoff, MD.
You can find previous interviews from this collection.
ILLUMINATION-Curators have compiled all the boosted stories from February, and we take pride in our efforts to showcase them.
Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION Publications — V5
I have also added 13 new boosted stories and linked to older ones to enrich our collection of exceptional narratives, primarily published on ILLUMINATION-Curated. Here’s the link for interested readers and writers.
Weekly Update: Boosted Stories on ILLUMINATION-Curated (18–25 Feb, 2024)
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz (Tech) shared an update on Technology Hits publications, which includes stories released in February.
As a boost nominator, I recently introduced the boosted stories of Dr. Joan Naidorf, as well as the remarkable works of Jozsef Kovacs, as part of my initiative to enhance exposure for our writers. I believe readers will appreciate these beautiful stories and aspiring writers like myself can learn from them.
Lessons Learned from Boosted Stories: Episode #4
Our newsletter is ready! It has been posted by Dr. Yildiz's tech account on Medium and is now also available on Substack. Please share it across your social media platforms. These newsletters provide monthly updates on our progress and can answer many questions, especially for new writers.
Monthly Updates from ILLUMINATION Editorial Team: February 2024
For those who missed Dr. Yildiz's heartfelt and inspiring open letter inviting many non-members to join us, I encourage you to engage with it and share it widely. I hope his story reaches a broad audience to help attract more readers, as our views have significantly decreased.
An Authentic Open Letter to Non-Members
Articulating the value of membership for curious minds, avid readers, and seekers of global collaboration.
Mike Broadly, DHSc, shares a collection of stories from over 50 influential writers that have inspired him.
Reading the Stories of 50+ Influential Writers via Their Captivating Interviews Inspired Me
Featuring the interviews I recently enjoyed, which you may find engaging as well.
As I've mentioned before, every engagement and share increases our chances of visibility. Please don't underestimate the power of your interactions and shares for these stories. The goal of my collections is to enhance reading times and engagement for these narratives. So please select a few pieces that resonate with you and support these writers.
Mike’s Favorite Stories on ILLUMINATION Publications — #39
He has also compiled the boosted stories he has read. I Read 100+ Boosted Stories and Here’s What I Learned.
Another dedicated editor, The Sturg, has started curated collections. Please take a moment to explore his excellent collection, The Sturg’s Illumination Editorial Picks: First Edition. I will share his second edition in future episodes.
I recently updated a piece to inspire writers to share their bios, as our readers have expressed interest in more personal stories like those in this collection. I look forward to reading and promoting your writer biographies.
Meet ILLUMINATION Writers from Their Personally Penned Biographies
ILLUMINATION-Curators are creating a new collection for our Reading Club filled with engaging stories.
ILLUMINATION Reading Club #8
Invitation to Upgrade for Friends of Medium
I hope many more avid readers consider upgrading their subscriptions. As avid readers, we have compelling reasons to do so. If you can afford it, I encourage you to take the plunge, just like many early adopters I introduced in this story.
I Took the Plunge and Became a Friend of Medium (FoM) Yesterday.
Why I Became a Friend of Medium
ILLUMINATION editors interviewed Dr. Yildiz about how Friends of Medium can share links on our tailored social media platforms. I tried it, and sharing these stories took only 10 minutes. I hope they attract many new readers to Medium, as we all need to draw in more audiences to make this platform lively and sustainable.
How Friends of Medium Can Amplify Important Stories Via Customized Social Media Sites
Our editors and curators have also explained how we promote non-boosted stories, which make up over 99% of our content. I play a significant role in creating visibility for such stories. Thank you, everyone, for the support that keeps me on this fantastic journey.
During my breaks, I've written a few short stories, each around three minutes long, about tech and gaming to keep my writing skills sharp. I hope you enjoy them.
Different Types of Wolves Are Finally Coming to Minecraft
‘Crackgate’ Is Here With Apple Vision Pro’s Seemingly Cracking Out of Nowhere
Default Female Skins Might Be Coming to Counter-Strike, Thanks to Open Letter From Pros
IBM Is Using AI to Protect Your SSD
Daily List for Sharing — Volume 104
I volunteered to compile a list for this collection, making it easy for you to share on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Reddit, or Quora. You can find all our sharing platforms linked in this story by Dr. Yildiz.
#103 — Look What Aiden Found Today
Please note that these stories reflect a combination of my favorites and those nominated by our volunteer editors (who are also writers and readers) on this platform. As a publication, ILLUMINATION maintains a neutral stance towards all published stories, and it is impossible to feature over one million published works. However, we will strive to amplify as many fantastic stories as possible daily, based on the availability of our volunteers.
Here are today's selected stories! I believe you will find something that satisfies your reading appetite.
Chosen Stories from ILLUMINATION Writers Today
New Generation Neuroscientists Assert that the Brain Isn’t Triune But Adaptive
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
Here’s How I Improved My VO2max After My 60s with Persistence and Guidance
Mike Broadly, DHSc
Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media’s Grip on My Life
Aiden (Illumination Gaming)
The Pleasure Derived From Another Person’s Embarrassment
Ali Alzahrani, M.Sc., Editor
The Times They Are A’Changin’
Adelia Ritchie, PhD
Bull Dance
Pernoste & Dahl
5 Habits of Master Thinkers
Vinita
A True Account of my Interaction With an Extraterrestrial Being
Rebecca Romanelli
Fair Pay Chronicles: Minimum Wage and Overtime
Kemal M. Lepschoq, LL.M.
Different Generations Don’t Understand Each Others’ Finances
Citizen Reader
Want
Alexandra Gratsas
The Resiliency of Flowers
Amanda Clark-Rudolph
Hug Yourself Tighter
Amy Christie
Wim Hof Explains How to Be Happy In Three Sentences
Andy Murphy
I’m Not Worried about AI.
Dr. John Frederick Rose
We Live Microscopic Lives and the Macrocosmic Folly of Egotism
Anshul Kummar
Bonding Exercises to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Sugar Glider
Aurora
Planning for Retirement in Old Age: Can Children and Money Be Relied On?
Belinda Jones
Sometimes You Have to Push Back When it Comes to Your Health
Cathy Coombs
A Granddaughter’s Delightful Complexity
Charles R. Lightner
I Am Lucky I Don’t Know Who I Am
Charlie J ??
In the Heart of Concrete
Chinmay Kumar Choudhury
Midnight Wisdom from a Feathered Sage
CJ Coop
Shopping Obsession: Finding Joy Beyond Wardrobing
Cristiano Luchini
New Generation Neuroscientists Assert that the Brain Isn’t Triune But Adaptive
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
Fluff, Feathers, and Learning to Fly: Thoughts on Being a Chicken Lady
Crystal Jackson
3 Mistakes That Keep Smart People From Suffering Less
David Hip
The Little Girl Who Never Forgets
David Weldy
How My Child-Like Wonder for This Fruit Paid Off.
Devsomesh
The Perils of Being Obstreperous
Elizabeth Emerald
Top 5 Reasons He Is Slowing on Texts
Enigma
A Little Pain Now or A Lot of Pain Later?
Felipe Angelucci
London Calls: From Subways to Bookstores
Felix John Attard
A Weird Campaign Story Involving Murder
Floyd Mori
The Day a Biomechanics Engineer Became a Hero!
Freda Savahl
The Striking Adverse Effects of Night Light Exposure on Mental Health
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
Strangers Don’t Overstep Bounds, and Acquaintances Don’t Cross the Line.
freestyler
Setbacks, a Blessing or a Curse
Hifreequencyvibez
I Won’t Read Self-Help Books Anymore
Jaka Juvan
Taking the Plunge
Jan G Sokol
How Interbreeding Turned The Spanish Royals Mad
John Welford
Why It Took 55 Years for the Latest Moon Landing (Part 2)
David B. Grinberg ??
From Ideas To Impact: Unleashing the Magic Behind Successful Idea Generation
Jon Soto
“Oh, What A Beautiful Morning. Oh What A Beautiful Day”
James Boylan
The Art of Breathing
Kim Roberts
Charity Begins At Home
Mahnoor Shafiq
Boys Don’t Cry But Men Do
Mariza Writes
Collection of Curated Stories on ILLUMINATION-Curated
Tree Langdon
Accepting Something Unlikable Does Not Mean Embracing It
Miriam Rachel
Do Insurance Companies Go After Uninsured Drivers?
Nadeem Aftab
Letting Our Children Dance In The Rain
Neela
This Unknown Book Praised by Ryan Reynolds Has Changed My Life Forever
Novel Nest
What is Anxiety?
Paddy Murphy
Advanced High-Quality How-To Content
Paul Is Positive
It’s Monday… Do not consider…
pst tomowo
The Orchard of Dreams: A Tale of Belief and Success
Rajeev Mudumba
I Have Major Beef Overcooked Video Editing
Ryan Porter
Photographing A Mountain
Sean Chandler