What We’re Reading: The problem with hashtags

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Hi everyone,

It’s been one week since Medium Day, and since then, #MediumDay has proliferated on various social media channels. Also since then, Chris Messina, the inventor of the hashtag, has waxed poetic on the meta-device he created, its upcoming 16th birthday, and how we all use or misuse it.

“The problem with the problem with hashtags is that solving any of the hashtag’s problems invariably results in other problems,” Messina writes. “Getting people to add metadata — at scale — to their posts on social media is hard. Most won’t be bothered (see above: drunk test). But at least for those who do (well intentioned and spammers alike), there’s the potential benefit of increased reach and visibility.”

There is a lot to parse in the article, which I highly suggest you read. And then, if you haven’t already, you can join our Mastodon instance (me.dm) where you can follow the ensuing conversation about the hows, whys, and why nots of said hashtags on this newish social media option.

There is a whole masterclass in Messina’s words, especially if you are a frequent user of hashtags or one of those folks #who #hashtag #every #word #in #a #post.

If you missed Medium Day, fear not! If you previously registered, you can log in to view some of the session recordings. If you did not register, several speakers have penned pieces about their Medium Day teachings. A few of those pieces are interspersed below in this weekend’s reads, or can be found on our Medium Day topic page.

See you on Medium, and #carryon.

Adrienne Gibbs
Director of Creator Growth @ Medium