I was sitting in front of my computer screen, scrolling through yet another article post, hammering in the point that using AI or ChatGPT for our writing is a big no-no.
The frustration was real.
My mind was swirling with thoughts, “Really? Not even a little help?”
It felt like being handed a paintbrush but told not to use any colors.
Here’s the deal — I get it, okay?
The idea of just tossing a simple prompt into the AI abyss and letting it spit out a full-blown article or book without a second thought doesn’t sit right with me either.
That’s not creativity; that’s just being lazy.
But here’s where my frustration bubbles up like a volcano on the verge of eruption: English isn’t my first language. Getting those perfect, grammatically flawless sentences down?
It’s like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded.
Hours, I tell you, hours spent wrestling with a 500 or 1000-word article, trying to make it sound just right.
And it’s not just about grammar.
Conveying what I want to say, filling my articles with the right emotions, the nuances, the color — it’s daunting.
So, here’s the forbidden thought: what if I draft my thoughts, outline my content, and then, just then, let AI or ChatGPT fine-tune it?
Is that really so wrong? A sin, even?
“But what if the article turns out better? What if it actually gets read, appreciated, or — dare I say — earns something on Medium? Wouldn’t that be a good thing?”
The thing is, some of my articles that had a touch of AI assistance received good responses and even earned a bit. Meanwhile, the ones I slaved over, pouring my heart and soul into every word without any AI help, barely made a ripple.
It’s enough to make you wonder, isn’t it?
“Why is it that the ones I work hardest on, the ones I pour my everything into, just… flop?” I’d ask myself, staring at the screen, waiting for an answer that never comes.
And yet, there’s this lingering fear — what if a Medium publication outright rejects my work because it got a helping hand from AI?
Even if I’m the one steering the ship, drafting the content, and ensuring it reflects my voice, my ideas?
So here’s the confession, the moment of truth at the end of this tale of frustration and inner turmoil: this article, the very one you’re reading now, had a bit of help from ChatGPT.
Yeah, I said it.
With its assistance, I managed to shape my thoughts, polish my words, and hopefully, make this piece engaging and coherent.
Can you forgive me?
In a world where the line between human and machine creativity is becoming ever so blurred, maybe it’s not about who writes the article but the story it tells, the emotions it evokes, and the impact it has.
If using AI means breaking down language barriers and bringing our stories to life in ways we never could on our own, perhaps it’s not such a sin after all.
[Note: Click this if you are not a Medium Partner Program member. It will give full access to this article.]
There are about 28 articles that earned more than $1.00.
The highest is $21.85. Not as high as some of the prominent writers in Medium.
I know. I am still learning. I do see some improvement over the several months.
I have a feeling about what works and what doesn’t.
However, I decided to get the help of AI (ChatGPT) to analyze the top 28 articles that earned more than $1.00.
What AI Discover
It’s clear that specific themes resonate more with readers on Medium, especially those interested in writing, personal growth, and leveraging Medium’s platform effectively.
Here’s a breakdown of what seems to attract the most attention and financial reward:
Writing Improvement and Avoidance of Mistakes: The highest-earning article focuses on avoiding common mistakes to become a better writer in 2024, indicating a strong interest in personal development and skill enhancement in writing. Articles that provide clear, actionable advice on improving writing skills and avoiding pitfalls are highly valued.
Personal Experience and Success Stories on Medium: Articles detailing personal experiences, particularly success stories related to the Medium platform itself, like lessons learned before and after joining the Medium Partner Program or tripling earnings, draw considerable interest. These narratives offer insights into the platform’s potential for monetization and growth, appealing to writers seeking to maximize their Medium presence.
Persistence and Motivation: Articles encouraging writers to persist, even when facing challenges like a lack of readership, resonate well. This theme taps into the everyday writer’s fear of obscurity and offers motivation and strategies to overcome it, highlighting the emotional and psychological aspects of writing.
Strategic Insights and Growth Hacks: Content that shares specific strategies or ‘hacks’ for audience growth, increased earnings, and content optimization on Medium attracts readers looking to enhance their visibility and financial success on the platform. This includes leveraging AI, boosting article visibility, and understanding the Medium Partner Program (MPP) benefits.
Reflective and Analytical Pieces: Articles that reflect on personal journeys, growth, and lessons learned over time, including analyses of what worked (or didn’t) in past articles, offer valuable takeaways for readers aiming to navigate their path on Medium more effectively.
Innovative Use of Technology in Writing: Discussions around the use of AI in writing and balancing authenticity with efficiency suggest a burgeoning interest in how technology intersects with traditional writing practices. These articles cater to writers curious about integrating new tools while maintaining their unique voice and authenticity.
Specific Achievements and Milestones: Content highlighting particular achievements, like exponential audience growth or significant increases in views and earnings, performs well. They serve as aspirational benchmarks for other writers and often share insights into the strategies that facilitated these successes.
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
What resonates with readers
In summary, articles that combine personal growth, practical advice, and success stories within the Medium ecosystem resonate most with readers.
These pieces offer inspiration and tangible strategies for writers at various stages of their journey, from newcomers seeking to make their mark to seasoned authors looking to optimize their earnings and audience engagement on the platform.
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
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Eight (8) Things Which I Found During My Time on Medium
Are You Wasting Your Time on Medium — Image Created using Canva by Author
I often find myself drawn to Medium, investing what many might consider ‘wasted’ hours.
But here’s the thing: my time on Medium is far from wasted.
It’s a strategic move that serves multiple purposes, each contributing significantly to my personal and professional growth.
Let me elaborate on why Medium is an indispensable tool in my arsenal.
1 — Monetizing My Passion for Writing
One of the primary reasons I spend time on Medium is the potential for monetization.
By crafting and sharing articles, I’m not just indulging in a hobby; I’m creating a stream of income.
Medium’s partner program offers a platform where quality content gets rewarded, turning my passion for writing into a financially viable endeavor.
2 — Building a Community of Followers
Medium is not just a writing platform; it’s a community.
By consistently sharing my thoughts and expertise, I’ve been able to connect with like-minded individuals.
These followers aren’t just readers; they have become my potential collaborators, customers, and friends. Building this community has opened doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise.
3 — Expanding My Email List
As any digital marketer knows, an email list is gold.
Medium has been instrumental in helping me grow my list.
Through engaging content, I encourage readers to sign up for more personalized communication.
This list is a direct line to my most engaged audience and is invaluable for future ventures or announcements.
4 — Driving Traffic to My eBook Store
My presence on Medium is a funnel to my eBook stores on Gumroad and Payhip.
I create a new revenue stream by linking to my products in my articles.
Readers who find value in my writing on Medium are often interested in exploring my more in-depth written works, leading to increased sales and exposure.
5 — Establishing Myself as a Thought Leader in IoT
Medium allows me to share my insights and expertise in the domain of the Internet of Things (IoT).
I’m positioning myself as a thought leader by consistently publishing high-quality content in this niche.
This recognition is crucial for professional growth and opens up opportunities for speaking engagements, consultancy roles, and more.
6 — Boosting Traffic to My Startup, Favoriot
My startup, Favoriot, greatly benefits from my Medium presence.
By discussing relevant topics and sharing stories related to my startup journey, I drive traffic to Favoriot’s website.
This increase in visitors boosts our brand awareness and leads to potential customer conversions.
7 — Building Trust and Finding Business Opportunities
By sharing my journey and insights related to Favoriot, I’m not just promoting a brand but building a relationship with my audience.
Getting people to know, like, and trust Favoriot is a step towards finding leads and business opportunities.
Trust is the foundation of any business relationship, and Medium allows me to lay this foundation effectively.
8 — Enhanced SEO for My Articles
Lastly, Medium’s robust platform offers excellent SEO benefits.
My published articles rank well on search engines, providing greater visibility and reach.
This enhanced online presence is vital for building a personal brand and for the digital success of Favoriot.
In conclusion, my time on Medium is a strategic investment.
Each article I write, and every interaction I have on the platform contributes to a larger goal.
Whether monetization, community building, or brand promotion, Medium is a versatile tool aiding my professional journey.
It’s more than just a writing platform; it catalyzes growth and opportunity.
Many of us have been conditioned to believe that a higher follower in our social media channel count equates to success.
I must admit… I am guilty of having this feeling and effort.
However, as digital marketing expert Neil Patel reveals, this is no longer true.
Despite having a staggering 3.8 million followers across various platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, Patel emphasizes that the accurate measure of social media impact has shifted dramatically.
Four Key Takeaways
1 — The Misconception of Follower Numbers
“Don’t be fooled by numbers; true influence lies in the value you provide.” — Anonymous
A few years back, boasting millions of followers was synonymous with influence and reach.
However, Patel’s experience and insight shed light on a crucial shift in how social media platforms operate today.
These platforms have democratized content distribution, making the number of followers less relevant.
2 — The Rise of Engagement Metrics
“Social media is not about the exploitation of technology but service to community.” — Simon Mainwaring
The critical factor that social media networks now prioritize is engagement. Engagement metrics include watch time, likes, comments, and shares.
The focus is not on how many followers you have but on the percentage of people engaging with your content.
High engagement rates mean your content is more likely to be shown to a broader audience, including those who don’t follow you.
3 — The Reality of Content Visibility
“It’s not just about being up on the net, it’s about being found.” — Unknown
This shift has led to a new reality where individuals with fewer followers can achieve high visibility if their content has strong engagement.
Conversely, those with large follower bases might see minimal interaction if their content doesn’t resonate with the audience.
4 — Focus on Content Quality, Not Follower Count
“Content is King but engagement is Queen, and the lady rules the house!” — Mari Smith
Patel advises content creators to stop stressing about their follower numbers, as it has become a redundant metric.
Instead, the focus should be on creating high-quality content that engages and resonates with the audience.
This approach is more likely to increase content visibility and impact on social media platforms.
Since March 2016, my followers have been only about 200+ until I changed my writing strategy in September 2023.
Although I have been posting on Medium for seven years, I have never done something drastic to change how I grow my followers.
I kept posting and republishing my old content from my other blogs.
I never thought of monetizing my posts because it was purely for fun.
But then, I became aware that most of the high-quality content on Medium requires a paid subscription.
That’s when, in Sept. 2023, I decided to join the Medium Partner Program (MPP) to have full access to all the tips written by members.
But hey! I noticed I could monetize my posts by making our content behind the paywall.
That’s when I get more serious — publishing content and engaging with others.
Screenshot of the followers
Below are five main things I did that helped to grow my followers by 417%:
User-Generated Content: Featuring stories or content from readers can significantly enhance engagement and community building. For example, if you’re writing about sustainable living, you could invite readers to share their experiences or tips. You can then feature these stories in your articles, giving credit to the contributors. This diversifies your content and creates a sense of belonging among your readers.
Networking: Connecting with other authors on Medium can be beneficial for cross-promotion and learning new writing strategies. For instance, if you specialize in travel writing, connect with other travel writers. You can collaborate on pieces, share each other’s work, or provide support and feedback. This helps in reaching a wider audience and gaining insights from peers.
Feedback Request: Asking readers for their thoughts and suggestions makes them feel valued and increases engagement. At the end of an article about healthy eating habits, you could ask readers to comment with their favorite healthy recipes or tips. This can provide you with future content ideas and help build a community around your work.
Be Authentic: Genuine content creates a deeper connection with your audience. Instead of just presenting facts, share personal stories or experiences related to the topic. For example, if you’re writing about overcoming challenges, share your story and how you overcame them. Authenticity makes your writing more relatable and engaging.
Write What You Love: Passionate writing naturally attracts more readers because it’s more compelling and engaging. If you have a deep interest in astronomy, write articles exploring different aspects of the stars and the universe. Your enthusiasm will shine through your writing, making it more enjoyable and exciting for your readers.
The great thing about Medium Insights is knowing what works and what doesn’t.
I am guilty of reviewing the stats regularly because I should have spent more time on writing better.
Since Medium doesn’t have detailed insights like other commercial tools, we have to do with whatever is given.
However, that was the early days.
Now I know what works and what doesn’t.
If I look back at the top 5 highest earners, I can see similar trends and topics, which made me think twice about what kind of articles I should post in the future.
In this article, I reflect on the shortcomings in my writing journey over the past year. Despite having written over 100 articles, I needed more engagement, with most of my articles receiving minimal views and no significant increase in followers.
To address this, I identified and shared ten critical mistakes that I aim to avoid: 1) Writing without emotional depth; 2) Focusing on knowledge rather than problem-solving; 3) Failing to connect with my audience; 4) Neglecting effective headlines and SEO; 5) Using overly complex sentences; 6) Superficial engagement with fellow writers; 7) Unstrategically republishing old content; 8) Not keeping up with trending topics; 9) Lack of practical “How-To” guides; and 10) Inconsistently sharing my personal writing experiences.
I offer these insights to guide my fellow writers to improve their craft and reader engagement in the coming year.
In my article “Tripling My Medium December Earnings: When I Implement These Amazing Things,” I share my experience of significantly increasing my earnings on Medium in December.
After a disappointing November with relentless daily publishing but little success, I realized I needed a new approach.
Firstly, I aggressively expanded my network by connecting with active Medium writers, creating a dynamic and reciprocal network.
Secondly, I deepened my engagement by initiating meaningful conversations instead of just leaving comments, building a community where every voice matters.
I also appreciated comments by clapping, a simple yet impactful gesture. Beyond these strategies, I continuously improved my writing, experimented with styles, and crafted catchy headlines to draw in readers.
The result was a dramatic increase in followers, views, and earnings. I emphasize that success on Medium is about connecting with your audience, engaging with peers, and evolving as a writer.
My journey underscores the importance of authenticity, consistency, continuous learning, valuing interactions, and enjoying the writing process. This experience wasn’t just about earning more; it was about personal growth, community building, and enjoying the journey as a writer on Medium.
In this article, I share my struggles with writing on Medium, where initially, my posts received no views, comments, or claps.
Despite posting daily and focusing on topics related to my entrepreneurship journey, I needed more audience engagement. This led to frustration and thoughts of giving up.
However, before quitting, I took a break to analyze what others were doing successfully.
Upon my return, I implemented several changes: writing with emotion to resonate with like-minded entrepreneurs, exploring different niches besides entrepreneurship, creating better headlines, writing shorter articles that are easier to digest, engaging more with readers, and ensuring my articles were longer than 3 minutes for monetization purposes.
These changes resulted in a significant increase in views, follower count, and engagement. This experience taught me the importance of persistence and adapting strategies in writing, leading me to continue my journey on Medium with renewed determination and hope.
I discuss my realization that using AI, specifically ChatGPT, to expand my points into articles might be why my work on Medium wasn’t getting the boost I desired.
Despite receiving some views, reads, and claps, my articles never made it to the “For You” tab like many others. After researching, I stumbled upon an article titled “Medium Says Writers Can Use AI — Under One Condition,” which made me reconsider my approach.
Facing the challenge of not being a native English speaker, I decided to write more naturally, as if chatting with friends on WhatsApp or social media.
I turned to Grammarly for grammar checks and tone adjustments, opted for short, straightforward sentences, and embraced one-sentence paragraphs.
This article marks my first attempt at writing without AI assistance, and I’m eager to see how it performs. If successful, I plan to continue this new approach to writing.
In this article, I share my journey with the Medium Partner Program (MPP), where I went from just covering the $5.00 monthly fee to earning profits that exceeded my expectations.
My success on Medium wasn’t just about writing; it involved building a community.
I engaged with my followers and other writers through meaningful interactions, claps, and comments. Claps on Medium became a way to show appreciation and increase my visibility. I used highlights to mark impactful phrases in others’ articles, fostering connections.
Thoughtful comments and replies were vital in engaging with readers and authors alike. I also focused on creating exciting and insightful content, keeping readers engaged.
This strategy paid off in December when my earnings covered eight months of MPP fees.
My takeaways for other Medium writers are to build a genuine community, clap purposefully, use highlights effectively, engage meaningfully in comments, and create content that values the reader’s time.
My commitment to these strategies continues as I progress on Medium, finding joy in writing and satisfaction in building a community.
For those new or facing challenges on Medium, remember that success comes from consistent engagement, valuable content, and genuine connections.
Most top-earner articles will keep getting traction even after one month.
Lessons Learned
Articles related to writing on Medium are top earners.
Catchy headlines
Short sentences articles
Eye-catching photos
Keep writing and engaging, and your efforts could soon see significant rewards.
I started the month of January with only 30 to 60 views daily.
Of course, I envy other writers getting 100s or 1000s of views daily.
I don’t know what their secret is. But most probably, they are top writers on Medium and have many followers, or simply that their articles get boosted from Medium.
But I never gave up. On January 11, 2024, I did two things differently.
Suddenly, it jumped to 2.1K views on January 11 and peaked on January 16, 2024, with 3.4K views.
The main reasons for moving to Medium are because (1) I don’t have enough time and resources to manage Medium and my other blogs. Furthermore, it is comprised of almost the same contents. (2) I love the simple interface of Medium. It’s easier to write here. (3) Best community as compared to WordPress. I have better engagement with the Medium community. They are very friendly and always give good comments and advice.
Secondly, I shared and published a non-paywall to my mailing list. More than 9,000 people have followed me from various social media channels and blogs. It’s now easier to use this platform to share my articles. I have created multiple Medium publications, but I have the one on IoT World Publication open for all readers (non-paywall, Medium Partner, or Non-Medium Partner can read this).
I don’t know much about Medium’s algorithm, but maybe the readers can help me to solve this “mystery.”
The second reason is the one that changed the number of the game — that’s my feeling. But if you have other thoughts, kindly leave some comments below.
What do you think?
However, if you asked me whether my earnings will jump multiple times — the answer is … no … unfortunately. It remained the same as before.
On the other hand, I can satisfy my followers, especially with the articles I previously made behind the paywall, and now it’s open.
Thanks all!
Publications That I Created (Behind the Paywall) — Follow This
In Medium, that’s how long you must ensure your readers don’t wander away.
Captivating your audience within the first 30 seconds is crucial, but retaining their attention beyond this point truly sets apart successful content.
Writers who master this art not only see increased readership but also build a loyal following and finally get their articles monetised.
This article dives into the experiences and strategies of top Medium writers, offering insights into how you can enhance your reader engagement significantly beyond those critical first 30 seconds.
Understanding the Medium Audience
Know Your Readers:
Medium is a unique melting pot of readers, ranging from casual browsers to industry experts.
This diversity demands a clear understanding of who your target audience is.
Are they looking for quick insights, in-depth analysis, or personal stories? Tailoring your content to meet the expectations of your chosen audience segment is critical.
For instance, tech enthusiasts might appreciate detailed tutorials, while lifestyle readers prefer personal narratives and relatable experiences.
Niche Matters:
Focusing on a specific niche helps create targeted content and build a dedicated reader base.
Writers who consistently deliver content in a particular domain establish themselves as thought leaders, attracting interested readers.
Crafting a Compelling Headline
First Impressions Count:
Your headline is the first and possibly the only chance to grab a reader’s attention.
A compelling headline acts like a magnet, pulling the reader into the rest of your article.
It should be intriguing, transparent, and reflective of the content.
Examples of Effective Headlines:
Consider headlines that pose a question offer a solution, or create intrigue.
For example, “How I Tripled My Medium Readership in a Month” or “The Untold Secret of Successful Entrepreneurs” are headlines that instantly pique interest.
They promise value and insight, compelling the reader to delve deeper into the article.
The Power of a Strong Opening
Setting the Stage:
After a captivating headline, your opening lines are crucial in securing the reader’s interest.
The opening should provide a glimpse of what the reader can expect, setting the tone and premise of the article.
It’s your chance to promise the reader that the content ahead is worth their time.
Engagement from the Start:
Start with a fascinating fact, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling story.
For instance, an article about productivity might begin with, “Last year, I discovered a productivity hack that transformed my life…”
This approach not only intrigues the reader but also establishes a personal connection.
Content Structuring for Engagement
Organize for Readability:
Online readers often scan content.
Hence, structuring your article with subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs makes it more digestible.
Each section should ideally stand independently yet seamlessly connect with the rest of the content.
Balance Depth with Readability:
While providing valuable and in-depth content is essential, keeping the reader engaged is equally crucial.
Break complex ideas into understandable chunks. Use analogies, examples, and stories to explain complicated concepts.
This not only aids in comprehension but also keeps the reader interested in the subject matter.
Incorporating Visuals and Media
Enhance with Visuals:
In a text-heavy platform like Medium, visuals can be fresh air for the reader.
Including relevant images, videos, or infographics can break the monotony of text, providing a visual rest while enhancing the understanding of the content.
An article on ‘The Future of Renewable Energy’ could be enriched with infographics showing statistical trends, making the data more accessible and engaging.
Visual Storytelling:
Remember, every visual should add value and complement your narrative.
A well-placed image or chart can communicate more effectively than paragraphs of text.
This not only aids in retaining the reader’s attention but also makes your article more shareable.
Interactive and Relatable Writing Style
Conversational Tone:
One of the hallmarks of successful Medium writers is their ability to write as if conversing with the reader.
This style makes the content more relatable and engaging.
A personal, conversational tone, like sharing stories with a friend, can make complex topics more approachable and less intimidating.
Encourage Reader Interaction:
Pose questions, invite opinions, or encourage readers to share their experiences.
This interaction makes the reader feel more involved and increases their chances of staying engaged with your content.
For example, concluding a section with “Have you experienced something similar? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!” can prompt active participation from readers.
Consistency and Timing of Posts
Regular Posting:
Consistency is vital on Medium. Regularly publishing content keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. It shows commitment and helps in building a reliable presence on the platform. Whether weekly, bi-weekly, or daily, find a rhythm that works for you and stick to it.
Optimal Publishing Times:
Timing can significantly impact the visibility and reach of your posts.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, many successful Medium writers suggest publishing during weekdays, particularly in the mornings when readers are most active.
Experiment with different times and analyze your post engagement to find the sweet spot for your audience.
Mastering the art of engaging readers beyond the first 30 seconds on Medium is a blend of understanding your audience, crafting compelling headlines and openings, structuring content for readability, incorporating visuals, and maintaining a relatable writing style.
Consistency in posting and strategic timing are also crucial elements in this mix.
However, remember that every audience is unique. What works for one writer might not work for another.
The key is experimenting, learning from your analytics, and continuously adapting your strategy.
By applying these insights from top Medium writers, you’re well on your way to increasing your readership and making a lasting impact on your audience.
High Views on Free Articles: Articles without a paywall, particularly those published in the “IoT World” publication, tend to attract more views. This is attributed to their public accessibility and broader reach.
Articles that resonate with the broader Medium writing community, especially those offering experiences and tips on improving reach, earnings, and engagement, are more likely to be monetized effectively.
This article best shows how you want to get excellent traction and earnings:
Join me on Buy Me a Coffee and buy me a coffee (or two). Your support fuels my creativity, and we’ll continue this incredible adventure together! Just click here:https://buymeacoffee.com/mazlan.
Today (January 11, 2024), I set the custom domain on Medium.
When I set up my personal Blog (Mazlan Abbas — http://mazlanabbas.com), I bought the domain name and hosted it on the WordPress site.
I started to blog a couple of years back. Topics that covered my personal and career life, entrepreneurship, thought leadership, and many more.
In the case of Medium, I started much earlier (July 2016). However, I am less active in the early days.
However, I decided to join the Medium Partner at the end of Sept. 2023, and that’s when I became more active.
There are three main reasons why I migrated my Domain (http://mazlanabbas.com) to be hosted at Medium:
I don’t think I can handle multiple blogs. It’s too much for me to handle. Furthermore, the contents of my blog are the same as those of Medium.
WordPress has a mobile app called “Jetpack,” which makes it easier to view our stats and engage with other WordPress users. However, I don’t get much engagement with the other bloggers there. Not sure what happened, but I failed to connect with them. Unlike WordPress, the community at Medium is so much closer and helpful in leaving comments and encouragement.
It’s not easy to build a Blog using WordPress. There are so many tools to use. However, Medium is so “clean’ and easy to use. No hassle or frills. It’s purely for writers. I can write much easier at Medium using desktop and mobile app versions.
There are many more reasons that I might be able to share later, which most of the users have claimed — for example, the Domain Authority (DA) of Medium is much higher and thus makes our articles higher in Google search. I had to see and experience this before I could comment further.
Another reason would be that WordPress has so many Plug-ins, which some must purchase while others are free. Thus, maintaining the theme and plug-ins can be tiring and costly after a while.
About Author:
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Dr. Mazlan Abbas 