How I Rediscovered Joy in Writing Beyond Medium’s Algorithms

Finding Fulfillment in Writing Without Obsessing Over Medium’s Metrics

Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

Initially, I was all hyped up about cracking the code to Medium’s algorithm and figuring out how to rake in some cash with my writing.

I mean, who wouldn’t be, right? Those tips and earning reports from other writers were like a siren song, pulling me in with promises of success and visibility.

For a while, it was great.

I devoured every article about increasing traffic, boosting engagement, and maximizing earnings on Medium.

I was determined to replicate the success stories I read about, so I started churning out content focused on “how to make money on Medium” and “how to gain more traffic.”

It felt like I was on the right path, contributing my voice to the chorus of experts and enthusiasts.

Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash

But then, something started to shift.

After three months of reading and writing the same kind of content, a sense of monotony crept in. It was like Groundhog Day, but with articles on Medium strategies.

The initial thrill of discovery faded, replaced by a growing sense of ennui.

I no longer felt that spark of excitement when I came across yet another article on Medium’s secrets to success.

It was all becoming a bit… well, boring.

Photo by Siavash Ghanbari on Unsplash

That’s when I realized I needed a change.

I decided to break away from the echo chamber of Medium monetization strategies and traffic tips.

I wanted to rediscover the joy of writing, to explore topics that genuinely interested me, without worrying about algorithms or analytics.

So, I ventured into new territories – writing travelogues and poems, sharing my personal experiences and creative expressions.

It was like taking a deep breath of fresh air after being cooped up indoors for too long. Suddenly, writing felt exciting again.

I was no longer constrained by the need to fit into a particular niche or follow a formula for success.

I was writing for me, and it was liberating.

Reading different stories on Medium added another layer of refreshment.

I was exposed to a diversity of voices and perspectives, reminding me of the vastness and richness of human experience.

Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash

It was a welcome change from the repetitive content I had grown so tired of.

In the end, this journey taught me an invaluable lesson: writing should be a source of joy, not just a means to an end.

It’s important to stay true to oneself and explore various avenues of creativity.

After all, the beauty of writing lies in its infinite possibilities and the unique stories each of us has to share.

So, here’s to new beginnings and the endless joy of writing about what truly matters to us!

-mazlan-

Exploring San Francisco’s Icons: Pier 39 and the Crookedest Street

San Francisco’s Must-Sees

My Day Exploring San Francisco’s Treasures

Author at Pier 39

Did you know where do I even kick off about my awesome day in San Fran?

So, I hit Pier 39 first, and man, it was buzzing!

The moment you step there, it’s like the place just grabs you.

There’s laughter everywhere, tourists snapping pics, and oh, those sea lions!

They’re just chilling and goofing around, stealing the show without even trying.

Shops everywhere!

I meandered through the pier, soaking up every bit of it — the killer views of the Bay, Alcatraz chilling out there in the water, and the Golden Gate Bridge looking all majestic.

It felt unreal, like I’d walked right into a postcard, only this was way cooler because I was actually living it.

I ducked into a bunch of quirky shops, grabbed some funky keepsakes, and oh, the food!

You’ve gotta try the clam chowder there; it’s a game changer!

The crookedest street in the world

Then, as if the day wasn’t epic enough, I rolled over to Lombard Street, the one that looks like a squiggly line gone wild.

They call it “the crookedest street in the world,” and it’s no joke.

Driving down those hairpin turns was like a slow-mo thrill ride with epic scenery thrown in.

The gardens on either side were popping with color, and those cute Victorian houses just oozed charm.

I couldn’t resist snapping a ton of pics.

Like, every turn was a new postcard-worthy view, with the city spread out below just showing off.

I even got chatting with some other tourists, swapping stories and tips. It’s just one of those spots where everyone’s in a good mood, you know?

Author at Lombard Street

So, yeah, Pier 39 and Lombard Street?

Totally unforgettable.

If you’re ever in San Francisco, you can’t miss them.

They’ve got this unique vibe that sums up everything cool about the city.

Trust me, you’ll have a blast and get some amazing memories (and photos) to take home!

Poem: Through the Lens of Lost Friendship

A Poem of Love and Friendship

Childhood friends – Best of friends. Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

In the heart of rolling hills, beneath the vast, blue sky,

Two souls embarked on life’s journey, side by side, they’d fly.

Raised in the rustic charm of a quaint, rural embrace,

Their laughter echoed in the fields, a heartwarming base.

Two children, pure and free, with dreams as wide as day,

In open fields and whispering woods, together they would play.

Best friends in sunlit meadows, worst enemies by night,

Yet by dawn’s gentle light, they’d find everything all right.

The bond is forever. Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

Through seasons’ swift transitions, their bond was forged in steel,

In the simplicity of country life, their friendship they’d reveal.

Sharing secrets, hopes, and fears, beneath the old oak tree,

In its shade, they’d ponder life, just where they loved to be.

But as the wheel of time spun on, life’s paths diverged apart,

Each chasing different dreams, yet connected at the heart.

Though miles came between them, their bond remained so strong,

In every whisper of the wind, their friendship tagged along.

As time flies. Photo by Sam McNamara on Unsplash

Years rolled into decades, life’s burdens took their toll,

Yet their shared past and memories played an everlasting role.

Then one day, a letter came, with news that struck like thorns,

One friend was gravely ill, his heart, it mourns and mourns.

The news pierced like winter’s frost through the other’s soul,

Regret for lost time surged, taking an unbearable toll.

Rushing back to that old town, to the fields of their youth,

To stand once more beside his friend, with love and heartfelt truth.

Feeling lonely. Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

In the quiet of a hospital room, hands found each other tight,

Eyes spoke of gratitude, of friendship’s enduring light.

Words were scarce, but unnecessary, for in their silent gaze,

Lay years of shared experiences, the golden childhood days.

They reminisced about the past, of petty fights and games,

Of dreams they had as children, before life changed their aims.

In those final moments, their past conflicts seemed so small,

For now, just being together was the greatest gift of all.

Best friend forever. Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

As the sun set on one life, the other held him close,

Whispering tearful goodbyes, love was what mattered most.

And when the final breath was drawn, and tears like rivers flowed,

The living friend knew in his heart, their bond would forever glow.

Though one had departed, their friendship would never fade,

For in the heart of the survivor, those childhood memories stayed.

In every whisper of the wind, in every rustling leaf,

He’d feel his friend’s presence, in joy, in love, in grief.

Their story tells of friendship’s force, beyond life’s fleeting span,

A bond that weathers every storm, since their shared tale began.

For in the essence of their souls, they were more than friends, they were kin,

A testament to love’s enduring power, held deeply within.

Love of friendship. Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash

Poem: Rising Phoenix

Verses of triumph over adversity

Photo by Olhar Angolano on Unsplash

In the gloom of my darkest days, under life’s relentless haze,

Where shadows loom, and spirits fray, hope seems to lose its blaze.

Beaten down, with failures rife, I trudge the weary path,

Tired soul, burdened life, succumbing to despair’s wrath.

Yet in this abyss, I pause, feeling life’s unyielding jaws,

Grappling with my silent cause, fighting without applause.

Amidst the turmoil, a spark – a flicker of inner might,

Whispers, “Stand up from the dark,” urging me to fight.

Photo by sebastiaan stam on Unsplash

From the depths of my despair, where hope seemed bleak and rare,

Emerges strength from nowhere, born from sheer will to dare.

In my heart, a flame ignites, dispelling fears and plight,

Guiding me through the nights, with newfound courage, bright.

With resolve, I rise again, shedding past pain and stain,

From the ashes, I refrain from succumbing to the bane.

Renewed, with vigor found, I stand on solid ground,

In my soul’s depths, profound, a resilient spirit is crowned.

Photo by Caleb Ekeroth on Unsplash

The journey’s scars, etched deep, are lessons that I keep,

Reminders of the steep climbs, the valleys oh so bleak.

Yet, here I stand, revived, from trials, I’ve derived.

Strength, from woes survived, in triumph, I’ve arrived.

For every tear that’s shed, for each night filled with dread,

There’s a brighter path ahead, where hope and dreams are wed.

I rise, a phoenix free, from despair’s dark decree,

Embracing life’s decree, to be all I can be.

Photo by Harnoor dhaliwal on Unsplash

So when days are grim and dire, and I’m walking through the fire,

I’ll remember my inner spire, rising ever higher.

With each fall, I’ll rise, more wise, and fiercely apprise,

That within me lies the prize of tomorrow’s bright sunrise.

In every beaten, failed state, when I’m feeling far from great,

I’ll recall my power innate, to change my destined fate.

For in my heart, I know, no matter how low I bow,

I possess the glow, to rise, to conquer, to endow.

Photo by Rahul Dey on Unsplash

From Golden Gate Grandeur to Pier 39 Playfulness

My Travelogue

Engineering Marvels and Marine Delights: A San Francisco Journey

My trip to San Francisco was an absolute blast!

From Majestic Spans to Playful Clans – Discovering San Francisco’s Charms

Author at Golden Gate Bridge, San Fran

First up, the Golden Gate Bridge.

Wow, just wow.

Seeing it in person is a whole different ball game compared to the pictures.

That iconic International Orange color popping against the blue sky is something else.

From far — the iconic bridge

Walking across it, I was in awe of not just the view but the sheer scale of it all.

You really get why it’s such a big deal — the history, the architecture, it all hits you at once.

And those views? Unreal! I could see Alcatraz, the city skyline, the whole bay area laid out in front of me.

It’s not just a bridge; it’s a masterpiece that tells a story.

Pier 39 — San Francisco

Now, onto the seals at Pier 39.

They’re hilarious!

Just lounging around, barking, and playing without a care in the world.

It’s such a quirky and fun part of San Francisco that you wouldn’t expect to find in the middle of a bustling city.

Learning about their conservation success story was pretty cool too.

It’s amazing how they’ve become such stars, drawing crowds every day.

And the best part? It’s totally free.

You just show up, hang out, and enjoy the show.

The seals of Pier 39

Both spots are just dripping with that San Francisco charm.

The bridge gives you this grand, historic vibe, while the seals add a laid-back, playful touch.

It’s like getting a taste of two very different sides of the city, and I loved every bit of it.

If you’re ever in San Fran, these are the must-visit spots, hands down.

They’re not just tourist attractions; they’re experiences that stick with you.

Check out my other posts regarding my travelogue:

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Maximize Your Data Security with On-Premise Favoriot IoT Platform!

New Arrival from Favoriot

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Why settle for less when you can have the best in IoT technology right at your premises?

Contact us or schedule an appointment.

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Secure your enterprise’s data by keeping it on-site. With our on-premise Favoriot IoT platform, you maintain full control over your data, ensuring unparalleled security and privacy.

Contact us or schedule an appointment and let Favoriot help you in your IoT journey!

The Early Stumbles and Mess-Ups That Shape Us

Startup Stories

Mistakes that you can avoid, too!

The early stumbles and mess-ups that all founders encountered

Alright, let’s dive in and chat about this whirlwind adventure of diving headfirst into the IoT scene with my squad at MIMOS. You know, being under the wing of MOSTI really gave us that, “Yeah, we can totally revolutionize wireless tech,” kind of vibe. We were all about pushing the boundaries with the 6LoWPAN standards — like, who even knew what that was back then?

But let me tell you, jumping ship to the telecom sector was like swapping a comfy bean bag for a stiff office chair.

Launching our IoT platform under Favoriot in 2017?

Man, we were on cloud nine, picturing this tech-hungry market just waiting for a slice of IoT magic.

Turns out, it wasn’t all confetti and fanfare.

Now, let’s talk facepalm moments — seven of them, to be exact.

First off, we thought the talent pool was Olympic-sized, but when we dipped our toes in, it was more like a kiddie pool. Getting folks to jump on our platform was like trying to start a campfire in a downpour.

Then, we peered into the halls of academia, hoping to find IoT wizards in the making. Spoiler alert: IoT education was basically a chapter they skipped. Back to the drawing board, right?

And oh, our brilliant idea to use YouTube as a training ground for Favoriot?

Big oops there.

People craved real-deal courses, not just snack-sized tutorials.

Client onboarding was another story. Imagine trying to explain rocket science to your grandma — that was us with IoT to our clients. They needed that guiding star, and we were still fumbling with the telescope.

Budgeting was another beast. Picture a snail race — that was the pace of decision-making in these orgs. No one wanted to sign the check without knowing the full menu.

The lack of a project catalyst was like waiting for paint to dry. But then, good ol’ 2020 hit, and suddenly digital transformation wasn’t just a buzzword anymore. Thanks, Covid?

And those training opportunities we breezed past? If only we’d hit pause on coding and marketing and actually looked around. Hindsight, huh?

Wrapping this up, those facepalms?

Gold mines, each one. They schooled us big time.

Now, we’re riding the IoT wave like pros, all thanks to those early stumbles that turned into our roadmap.

So, here’s to the mess-ups that shape us — cheers to the lessons learned and the wins scored on this wild IoT ride.

Dubai Diaries: A Tale of Two Cities

My Travelogue

Lost in Time: Unraveling the Mysteries of Old and New Dubai

Let me tell you about my trip to Dubai …

It was like jumping straight into a sci-fi movie, but with a twist of history that just blew my mind.

Author in Dubai

Imagine standing under the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, feeling like an ant next to this towering giant.

It’s not just a building; it’s a statement, showing off what humans can achieve.

The Burj Khalifa

And then there’s the luxury — I felt like royalty stepping into the Burj Al Arab, even if just for a peek, and the Dubai Mall was like shopping in a small city!

But Dubai isn’t just about the glitz and glam.

I got to dive into some really cool, futuristic stuff too.

Visiting the Palm Jumeirah was like seeing a world map redrawn by humans.

Palm Jumeirah

And the Dubai Frame?

It’s this crazy picture frame that lets you see the old and new Dubai in one shot, literally framing the city’s transformation.

Dubai Malls

Now, the nightlife there is something else. Every night felt like a weekend, with endless bars and clubs buzzing with people from all over the globe. It’s this melting pot of cultures, and I loved the vibe — so welcoming and vibrant.

Dubai at Night

But here’s the thing: Dubai isn’t just this futuristic city; it’s got its soul in the old streets too. Wandering through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, I felt like I’d time-traveled. The wind towers, the cobbled streets, and those cozy art galleries gave me a glimpse into a Dubai that once was, long before the skyscrapers.

The souks were a whole adventure on their own. Bartering in the Gold Souk and sniffing through the Spice Souk, I got a taste of the old-world charm. And the food! Oh, the food in the old city was just heartwarming — authentic Emirati dishes that made my taste buds dance.

Riding an Abra on Dubai Creek

Riding an abra on Dubai Creek was the cherry on top.

It’s like this simple, wooden boat cut through all the modernity and just floated me back in time.

So peaceful, yet so full of life.

So, yeah, Dubai is this incredible blend of then and now.

One minute I’m gawking at the tallest building in the world, and the next,

I’m sipping tea in a centuries-old alleyway.

It’s a place that shows you where humanity has been and where it’s going, all in one day.

And that, my friend, is why my trip to Dubai was absolutely unforgettable.

Check my other adventure stories:

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Every Corner of Petra Seems Like a Movie Set

My Travelogue

A trip to ancient times

Petra – It’s like stepping back in time!

Author at Petra

It’s this mind-blowingly beautiful place in Jordan that you’ve probably seen in pictures but trust me, they don’t do it justice.

Being there, in the flesh, walking through those ancient paths, was like stepping back in time.

First up, the historical vibes at Petra are just unreal.

It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom back in the day, and wandering around, you can really feel the weight of centuries on your shoulders.

It’s not just some old ruins; it’s a place where you can touch, feel, and experience history.

Back to ancient times — Photo by Author

Then there’s the architecture – oh boy, the architecture! The Treasury, Al-Khazneh, is this massive, intricately carved facade right out of a sandstone cliff.

Standing in front of it, I was just awestruck, thinking about how they managed to create something so detailed and grand with the tools they had back then.

And it’s not just about the buildings and tombs; the whole setting of Petra is dramatic.

You walk through this narrow gorge called the Siq to get there, and it’s like the world outside just disappears.

Photo by Author

The cliffs tower over you, and then suddenly, you’re in this open space, and there’s the Treasury, just like in the movies.

Speaking of movies, yeah, Petra’s been in a bunch, like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Walking around, I half expected Indy to come racing around a corner, being chased by bad guys.

The cinematic fame is well-deserved because every corner of Petra feels like a movie set.

But it’s not just a place for tourists and movie buffs.

Scholars and historians flock to Petra too, trying to unravel its secrets and understand more about the people who lived there.

It’s a live classroom for anyone interested in history, architecture, or archaeology.

For me, though, beyond all the history and architecture and movie fame, it was just the sheer, raw beauty of the place that struck me.

The colors of the rock, the vastness of the landscape, the quiet – it’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say Petra is more than just a travel destination; it’s an experience, a journey back in time, and an absolute feast for the senses.

You’ve got to see it to believe it.

Photo by Author

Check out my other travel stories:

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Hobbiton – A Must-Visit Place for LOTR Fans

My Travelogue

It was a memorable trip to the mystical land!

Author at entrance of Hobbiton

Let me tell you about my epic trip to Hobbiton, right in the stunning Waikato region of New Zealand!

It’s like stepping straight into Middle-earth, and for a huge “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” fan like me, it was an absolute dream come true.

First off, wandering around those iconic Hobbit holes felt surreal.

I was half-expecting Frodo or Sam to pop out and invite me in for a cup of tea!

Author at Iconic Hobbit Hole

And the Green Dragon Inn? Absolutely magical. I grabbed a drink there and just soaked in the vibes, feeling like a real hobbit for a moment.

The scenery was out of this world – those lush, rolling hills and well-tended gardens were just like I imagined the Shire would be.

And the attention to detail? Mind-blowing. You can tell there’s so much love and care put into maintaining the place.

I also went on this guided tour, and the guide was so knowledgeable and passionate.

I learned heaps about how the movies were made, where specific scenes were shot, and all the little behind-the-scenes secrets that made me appreciate the films even more.

And guess what? They’ve got these unique accommodations nearby, so of course, I had to stay and extend the magic a bit longer.

Waking up to that serene, beautiful landscape was just what I needed.

For me, visiting Hobbiton was like connecting with a piece of cinematic history, a nod to the stories and characters I’ve adored for years.

Photographer’s paradise

Plus, it’s a photographer’s paradise. I took so many photos, I practically filled up my camera’s memory card!

They also host events there, and now I’m dreaming of maybe having a big celebration or something in Hobbiton one day. Imagine that!

All in all, my trip was unforgettable.

Whether you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan or just someone who loves exploring cool, picturesque places, Hobbiton is a must-visit.

Seriously, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.

Check out my other travel stories:

https://mazlanabbas.com/every-corner-of-petra-seems-like-a-movie-set-4fc3efeee1eahttps://mazlanabbas.com/every-corner-of-petra-seems-like-a-movie-set-4fc3efeee1eahttps://mazlanabbas.com/every-corner-of-petra-seems-like-a-movie-set-4fc3efeee1ea