I’m not sure they’ll pick someone like Tim. He’s already got a high profile and profitability. I think they’re looking for a new superstar. It’s going to be more than the writing because they will want to use this person to promote the platform.

My guess is that, given the current political and cultural climate, white men are at a disadvantage, followed by old people and those who use avatars or pen names. I’m betting they’re looking for someone between 25 and 30 who is good-looking and has an interesting back story. They also probably want someone who writes in their most profitable target areas. In other words, not me.

They are going to want to check this person out thoroughly before they make them their poster child, so their online history will be scrutinized. Background check? Check. If you have anything out there that will unleash the thought police, forget it. The winner will have to be a good match for the Medium brand and its objectives, too. This isn’t a lottery, it’s a more of a beauty pageant.